What could be better than a trip down to college but stopping in Florida? That’s exactly what I did. However, I had no idea that my Mom had planned on taking me to…

HARRY POTTER WORLD. 

Now, in my childhood, I was the BIGGEST Harry Potter fan in the state. I don’t doubt it. I knew every fact, every inch and and crevice of the books. Read them over 30 times each, watched each movie, did absolutely everything related to Harry Potter what have you. When my mom told me she was taking me there, I burst into tears. 

Arriving at the park, I didn’t know what to expect, since the last time I saw this part of the park, it was under construction. Let’s just say, even before I walked into the park, I was sobbing uncontrollably. I’ve only seen these details in books. Seeing them in real life? Made me incredibly nostalgic and overwhelmed with happiness. I cried almost the entire time I was there. 

First, we went to Hogwarts to see what the ride was about. I was unsure. One of the workers, I think he was higher up, came over to us and asked if we were riding. My mom wasn’t, so the guy offered to give me an exclusive tour and to cut the line. I was shocked! It was such a nice gesture and the ride? Suffice it to say I screamed the whole time, but it was a blast. 

I went on the Hippogriff rollar coaster, which was short but awesome. We then went to the Three Broomsticks and they messed up our order so I ended up with two frozen butterbeers! One of them was free! And they both were delicious. :-) 

I went to Honeydukes, buying delicious fizzing wizbees, bertie botts every flavor beans, and a chocolate frog. (I got Godric Gryffindor, as pictured. I was so excited.) I went into Zonkos and played around with the toys, and bought a ‘wizard’ shirt. 

Next was Ollivander’s wands. I didn’t know how this part worked, but we waited in line for a while. Once we were inside, it looked exactly like the movie. I was beaming. I then see Ollivander looking at me strange. “What’s your name, miss?” I was stunned. He picked me for the demonstration, and all in all, I got my own custom wand! I even went through a couple, bursting flowers into flames and making drawers go crazy…the last wand, I got the Sorcerer’s Stone treatment, with the wind and light and music. It was insane! 

I bought myself a Gryffindor robe and wore it around afterwards and everyone thought I was Harry Potter. (Even with the red hair??) 

This was definitely the best day of my life.