Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Discovering the Magic

I was in Orlando a couple weeks ago for a professional conference, but we all know where "all work and no play" leads...



So I worked up a little magic and found myself transported to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!



Me, Jess, and our brother grew up with these books. See our 2011 post here for the full story. 



I couldn't pass up the opportunity to check out J.K. Rowling's magical world come to life. Of course, I brought my favorite furry travel buddy along for the ride. 




Through the cobblestone streets and old English alleyways, I was spellbound by every turn around every corner. 





I think this might be my favorite theme park experience yet, and guess what? A new park is opening up right in my own Southern California neighborhood next month!



You can be sure my sister, brother, and I will be first in line for tickets. 



Are you a Harry Potter fan? If you haven't yet discovered the magic, I do hope you will. 



"Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, 
our most inexhaustible source of magic." 
(Prof. Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)

~ Nel ~

22 comments:

a writing place said...

Oh what a wonderful time, you must have had!!!! I'd love to visit there! :-)

Tessa

R's Rue said...

So fun

Susie said...

Glad your bear went along. :):) Looks like you had fun. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

How nice to have a break from work and enjoy yourself. I have never read the Harry Potter books, much to my daughter and grandson's dismay. When we are in Orlando we always find ourselves visiting Mouse town. I can see why a Potter fan would enjoy going to Universal. ♥

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Delightful post and I see you too envision the dreamy beauty seen first in our imaginations and captured through the lens.
xoxo,
Vera

Merlesworld said...

And a new book coming out, I loved the stories but didn't know there was a theme park.
Merle.................

Lowcarb team member said...

Oh Nel, what a wonderful visit and I was so pleased to see your Bear too!

Can you believe it was 2011 when you put your earlier post up about Harry Potter - the years go by so quickly.

Keep well and keep having fun

All the best Jan

Red Rose Alley said...

Your brother looked at this and said it was really realistic and magical, and the Southern Cal one will be great!

Let us know when the park opens, Nel. Hello Teddy hehehehe.

~mom

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh how fun Nel - I can hardly wait for it to open. Thanks for the great pictures.
Mary

Emma Connolly said...

Oh my goodness, it looks amazing! My little girl would love to go here! Big trip for us though... Very long flight.

LoveT. said...

Wow, stunning Photos! Magic <3

lovely Greetings from Vienna!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I have never been to Orlando to see this! My, what a great experience outside of the pages of the book! Enjoy your day, Nel! Anita

La Petite Gallery said...

This looks like such a magical time. The buildings are fantastic. yvonne

Darla said...

You got my attention with the dragon. What a magical place it must be. Will have to watch for the park opening in CA. I'm sure many family members will want to go.

Carla from The River said...

Fun! Looks like a great place. It is so fun to have our books come to life. :-)
Carla

Celestina Marie said...

This has got to be incredible to visit. Your photos are outstanding. Thanks for sharing your time in Orlando.
Have a wonderful weekend. xo

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Hi Nel,
Simply magical! I can't wait for the opening at Universal.. I know Miss B will be one of the first in line.. She has told me she plans on getting a season ticket. I read all the Potter books to her when she was a child..

Thanks so much for the great post.. It looks like you had a wonderful time. i love that you bring your furry companion along with you on your travels..
blessings,
Penny

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

So exciting to have this in your own backyard! I have just found 3 volumes of the Harry Potter series at a garage sale - can't wait to dig in. My kids were grown by the time the books came out, so we missed out, but it's never too late to believe in magic! Love the photos! xx Karen

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Nel,

What a magical visit you must have had!
Yes, I enjoy Harry Potter too:)
xo
Jemma

Things and Thoughts said...

I'm keen on stories of magic! Happy Potter appeals so much to me. How lucky you was Nel!I would like so much to visit a theme park like this, we have none in Europe I think.Enjoy a glorious weekend girls, here it's carnaval time!
Olympia

Rue said...

It's one of the best thing Disney has done in awhile. I can't wait until they bring it to this side of the country :)

rue

Chronicles of Dolliedaydream said...

Nel - I would love to go! In fact we have been thinking about starting to save to take Luca in a couple of years. I did however manage to go to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London in December to see 'Hogwarts in the Snow'. Such a treat as we are massive Potter Heads! Keri x