Anseth Family Adventures: Harry Potter and the Wand of Goo

On Thursday August 9th, Kari, Grace and I flew to Orlando to visit Universal Studios and more importantly the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Ashley was at her friends lake cabin for the weekend and Katie was hanging out with her college friends.

We arrived in Orlando late on Thursday night and by the time we were settled at the Hard Rock Hotel it was after midnight. The only interesting thing about the day was the mirror in our room showed the heights of various Rock and Roll stars on the border of our mirror. Turns out Justin Timberlake and I are the same height. Just another indication that we would be best friends if we ever met.

After a solid nights sleep we were up and ready to go on August 10th. It was just a short walk from the hotel to the park enterance. Warm but not to humid especially for Orlando in August.

At the entrance to the Park. Who is the amazing photographer that captured this image.

Let’s go see what this is all about.

After we figured out the tickets and purchased some $9 lanyards we were off to Diagon Alley.

Outside Diagon Alley, Grace is trying to transport herself into the Ministry of Magic using the phone. Do you know what the number is?

From here we walked into Diagon Alley. It is amazing how they crafted it so that it does look like you are actually waking through the wall.

Once in Diagon Alley it was amazing. Sure the set up and attention to detail is out of this world but the amazing part was watching Grace. Rarely as a parent to you get to see your child’s imagination and their reality meet. The first 2-3 hours in Harry Potter world were incredibly rewarding because of the sheer joy Grace has seeing this imaginary world. It was great that both Kari and I could be there to share it with her.

Kari and Gracie in Diagon Alley.

After a quick look around we stopped at Ollivander’s wand shop where a wand choices a wizard. I can’t include the video so you will have to settle for some still images

The moment a wand chooses a wizard

We of course purchased this interactive wand so that Grace could cast spells around Harry Potter world.

From Ollivander’s we traveled to Gringotts Goblin bank for an interactive ride.

Grace at Gringotts

The goblins balancing the books.

You need to wear your safety googles to explore the vaults at Gringotts

We survived Gringotts

Grace trying to drive Hagrid’s motorcycle. I had to hold on for dear life as you can tell

Outside Gringotts, time for an iced Butterbeer

From here we wanted to head to Hogwarts Castle. The question was how do we get there.

We thought about taking the Night Bus but it was too noisy and crowded.

We finally found Platform 9 3/4. From there we knew we could take the Hogwarts Express

At Platform 9 3/4. Kari has no idea why we are taking this picture. Thank goodness Grace has read the books twice

At Hogwarts.

For here we journeyed up to the castle for an interactive ride with Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Outside the Hogwarts Castle

Grace in the dark with the Sorting Hat

We survived the castle!

Kari and Grace with Hogwarts in the back

What a day!! Let’s hit my signature move Dad and get out of here.

After a hard day of witchcraft sometimes the only thing you need are some Voodoo doughnuts

After doughnuts we rested and then went to dinner at the resort. The food was mostly forgettable but the shakes were amazing.

Grace took this thing down. This may negatively impact bedtime.

After dinner we wrapped up the night with miniature golf.

One of these 2 may cheat a mini golf in order to win. You will have to decide who looks more guilty.

We finally went to bed. I think Kari and I needed the rest more than Gracie.

On Saturday, August 11th we got up a little earlier. Staying on the resort let us get into the park an hour before the general public. We had a hearty breakfast at the 3 broomstick. From there Gracie practiced her magic casting around Diagon Alley.