I realize that many of you come to my blog for my outfit posts. I never intended my blog to turn into a vintage fashion blog. Vintage fashion was a large part of it of course, but I also wanted to share other vintage things, like housewares, furniture, cars, and even locations. It slowly turned more into fashion because that is what was easy, and what I mostly did when in Portland, with a geeky con thrown in every so often. When I announced our move to California a little over a year ago, I mentioned that some things would be changing for the blog, and I would be sharing more unique places with you, making this blog less about fashion, and more about adventures. Today highlights this change greatly. Today isn’t really about anything vintage. And it’s about something that perhaps isn’t your cup of tea at all, and that’s fine. You are more than welcome to skip this entry. Because today, we’re entering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Since its massive success at Universal Studios Orlando, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has finally arrived at the original Universal Studios in Hollywood. And I have been eagerly awaiting its arrival! While the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not slated to “officially open” until April 7th, Universal has been soft opening the new area for a few weeks now, but between my brother’s visit and our week in Palm Springs I was unable to visit until this last week and I was overjoyed!

So, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, get ready for a pretty picture heavy post!

I am firmly part of the “Harry Potter generation”. Harry Potter was introduced to me by my 6th grade homeroom teacher, Ms. Rupp, who read the first book to us, and since then I was hooked. I attended midnight book releases, midnight movie screenings, re-read the books multiple times, and of course often wondered what house I belonged to, along with millions of other fans. When author J.K. Rowling created Pottermore, those wondering finally had an answer, and I was happily placed into Ravenclaw. I purchased my Ravenclaw robes during a prior visit to Universal (as Universal doesn’t mind Guests wearing Harry Potter robes, and in fact seems to encourage it, by selling robes, ties and other garments and accessories), but I was still missing my wand! So Olivander’s was our first stop! While Pottermore also provided a wand quiz, with endless possibilities, my wand was not available, but I soon found another one that was a beauty.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter fully immerses Guests in the town of Hogsmeade, with shops, restaurants, and experiences taken directly from the page and screen, and Hogwarts Castle looming in the distance. Guests also enjoy two attractions, both of which were actually available during our visit. We only rode one though, but it was thrilling!

To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. I couldn’t stop looking at everything. We enjoyed lunch at the Three Broomsticks, complete with Butterbeer, and before the day was out, I got myself a chocolate frog, with its appropriate wizard trading card!

We in fact had so much fun Patrick and I purchased annual passes to Universal, discovering it was cheaper to buy the lowest level of annual pass than to return again on another day with a single day ticket. So, here is to more visits to Hogwarts in my future! Along with other unique Universal Studio offerings!