The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Trip Report 2010

    This trip report was taken before there was even a rumor about an expansion. I visited the Wizarding World, almost 2 months after it opened! Never again!!!
    I wanted to do a trip report from when the first part opened so if people are going to the new expansion, they kind of know what to expect.

   We walked towards Harry Potter and the first thing we saw was a huge line. You can see the heads of people in the picture below. We were told that this was for the Forbidden Journey ride inside Hogwarts. Of course, we all got in line. There is a single rider line, but we decided to wait as a family first for our first time riding it.


    Front of Hogwarts! Here is where you can split into the single rider line. First, you have to put all of your things in a locker. No exceptions! Everything must be put inside a locker or else when you get to the front, you will be sent back. Now, to avoid the huge line outside, you can go through the gift shop and into the locker bay. Once you come out of the locker bay, you can get into the single rider or regular line. We found out that we could get away with this and it cut the line in half! You didn't hear that from me though! ;)




     The first stop in your line journey is the greenhouse. This picture only shows the ramp portion of the line. There are a couple of zig-zags in the back that you have to go through before you get inside the castle.


     This ride is so worth the wait! It is nothing like you have ever been before because it is the first ride of it's kind. You really feel like you are in the movies. It blends seamlessly between movie screens and a dark-ride filled with scenery and props. There are some intense moments that may scare younger children, I screamed the first time! ;-) Overall, if you are a fan of the whole Harry Potter universe you will love it!



     We had to go back later in the day for Hogsmeade.  It was at capacity before noon! Once we finally did get over there, the lines were crazy! Lines for gift shops!! I waited 30 minutes to get inside one of them!



      Hogwarts Express back in 2010. This will all be changing soon!


      Next, we have some crowd pictures. This is outside of Honeydukes. It was packed and you could barely move, but the whole ambiance made you feel like you were in the movies.


       Outside of the Three Broomsticks. I don't remember what time of day this was but for the new expansion expect these types of crowds, it may even be a little worse!


       Somewhere in this mass of people is the line for Butterbeer. I know I waiting quite a long time for Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice. Both are amazing but I like Butterbeer frozen better.



        Me: With the massive crowds in the back!


       I have a bunch more detailed pictures, but for this report I really wanted to focus on the crowds.
Going into the trip knowing that the crowds will be like this, if not worse, at the new area will help the trip. When i went back in 2012, I had no problem waiting in the lines because I knew what I experienced the first time around. It made the trip a little better because the lines seemed so much shorter even if I had to wait more than 30 minutes.

To anyone that might want to brave the opening day or months of the new expansion, good luck and have fun!

Supernatural Season One: Top Episodes

If you have read our blog you may have noticed I write a lot of lists.  I am a list freak whether it's a shopping list, a to do list, or a list of top (insert subject here).  Due to my love of both lists and Supernatural I give to you my list of top five episodes from season one of the show.  Keep in mind that this is my opinion and you may agree or disagree.  If you do so let me know in the comments.  I'm always up to hear your thoughts.
I am going to include the episode name, number and a very, very brief summary for each episode plus my reasons for its ranking.  Here we go...

1: Pilot (1x01
Summary: Not much to say here. Started the show and introduced our wonderful lead characters Dean and Sam.
Why its #1: It started it all with both action and the typical dosage of Supernatural humor.  We got an insight into the supernatural world and it started some major plot lines like any good pilot should.

2: Home (1x9)
Summary: Sam and Dean return to their old house in Lawrence to help a family now living in the house.
Why #2: I love all the heart in this one. The boys have to go back to the home they left and their mother died in all those years ago.  In addition there's is the wonderful psychic Missouri whom we meet and puts Dean in check.  I wish she would have appeared again in the series.d

3: Devils Trap (1x22)
Summary: The finale episode of season one.  The boys learn that their father, John, has been captured and recruit friend Bobby for help.  After exorcising demon Meg, they learn where he is and track him down.  There they also find the yellow eyed demon.
Why #3:  First off, they finally find John again. Yay.  Secondly, the episodes brings Meg's storyline to an end. I was happy to see her go.   This is the first time that we meet the awesomeness that is Bobby Singer.  I love Bobby and am glad the character stuck around.  In addition, the cliff hanger to this episode is very good.  Do they live or not?  It kept me coming back for season 2.

4: Phantom Traveler (1x04)
Summary: Our heroes face a demon who crashes an air plane and then goes after each survivor from the crash one by one.
Why its #4:  I'm going to be honest I'm not 100% sure why I love this episode as much as I do.  I just always find it entertaining.  I like the fact that we learn about Dean's fear of flying, as well as that humming Metallica calms him down.  This is also the first time a demon is featured in the show and that the boys actually dress the part and use suits when they go to check out the scene.

5: Scarecrow (1x11)
Summary: The boys get into an argument and seperate for the first time since the pilot.  Sam heads to look for John and meets fellow traveler Meg. While Dean heads to a small town where couples have been disappearing.
Why #5:  "I hope your apple is freakin' worth it".  If you have yet to notice, Dean is my favorite and I love his great quotes.  This is another one where I'm not 100% sure why I love it.  Maybe its the drama: the boys fight and split up, later to be reunited and make up?  This episode also sets up Meg's storyline.  At first she seems like a nice girl, until the last scene.

Well, that is all for my list.  Once again, this is my opinion.  If you have any further thoughts let me know in the comments.  Not going to lie, coming up with just five was hard.  The first 2 were easy choices but the remaining three were tough to choose.  I hope to do season 2 soon as well as the remaining seasons.  I'm hoping season 3 will be easier since its shorter :).  Again, if you have thoughts regarding the other seasons and suggestions let me know.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Man Crush Monday: Andrew Scott

(Some Sherlock season 3 spoilers)




I, like probably most people, didn't discover Andrew Scott until I watched Sherlock. I still have not seen anything else that he is in, but I have some of his stuff on my Netflix queue.

The minute I saw who the villain of Sherlock was, he was instantly my favorite. I have always loved the bad guys but Andrew Scott brings a different feel and intensity to his portrayal of Moriarty that just makes me love him more. He breathes so much life into this character that you forget that he is an actor. I have never seen someone portray a character so well. Andrew really is in tune to just how crazy Moriarty is. It doesn't look forced on screen, it just seems natural. Which in itself makes you kind of wonder about Andrew Scott ;-).

The end of Season 3 was an absolute shock to me. I mean did anyone on that roof actually stay dead? Of course, I was happy that Sherlock turned out to be alive, but the thought of Moriarty being alive makes me just a little bit more excited! I really hope that this show is just the start to his popularity. I would love to see him in more villainous roles.

Well, here's to season 4 of Sherlock and hopes of way more Andrew Scott!

What We Know About the Wizarding World of HP So Far.

If you are a Harry Potter fan you are probably well aware of the Diagon Alley expansion to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida.  Some of you lucky ducks have also probably been there unlike me (one day).

Today news came out about currency in the expansion as well as confirmation of another Ollivanders Wands being added to Diagon Alley and some other cool news.  Here is the information we know about the expansion as well as some rumors.

First off, everyone wants to know when Diagon Alley will officially open.  Although there is no official opening date, you can start booking vacation packages to enter Diagon Alley on June 29th.

Gringotts Bank: The expansion will feature a currency exchange where you can meet a Gringotts goblin and trade in you real life currency for the wizarding worlds knuts, sickles, and galleons.  The flagship ride will also be a coaster called "Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts"

Live Shows: Diagon Alley will feature not one, but two live shows for visitors.  The first being retelling's  of two stories from Beedle the Bard; "The Tale of the Three Brothers" which was heavily features in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as well as " The Fountain of Fare Fortune.  The second show will be a musical performance from Celestina Warbeck who many fans know as Mrs. Weasley's favorite singer.  The performance will feature never before heard songs from Ms. Warbeck.

Ollivanders: The will be a second Ollivanders location in Diagon Alley. The location in Hogsmeade will still open as well.

The Knight Bus: Visitors will get to visit the Knight bus and interact with not only the driver, but the shrunken heads as well.

The Leaky Cauldron:  You can finally visit the Leaky Cauldron and partake in typical English fare as well as some wizarding creations.  The menu will consist of things such as bangers and mash, fish and chips, butterbeer, Fishy Green Ale as well as much, much, more.

Hogwarts Express: Guests will be able to hop on the Hogwarts Express to go between the two parks.  You will have to purchase tickets to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to enter.

Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor: Just like in the books you too can have some of Florean's ice cream. Although none of it sounds like your typical scoop.  Fortescue's will feature flavors such as Earl Grey and Lavender, Stick Toffee Pudding, and Strawberry and Peanut Butter.  All sound interesting to say the least.

Knockturn Alley: I have heard of rumors about Knockturn Alley but I personally have not seen any confirmations about it existing.  I think it will probably show up given how much detail Universal seems to be putting into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and I'm sure it will be just as amazing as the rest.

That is all the information I know for now.  If you have any other interesting news regard the Wizarding World, let me know. I would be happy to include it.  If anyone is also lucky enough to go to either park let me know as well.  I personally would love to go sometime in the future.

One of the goblins at the Gringotts currency exhchange

New Sherlock Content on Netflix!

On Monday, Netflix finally started streaming Season 3 of Sherlock.
They also included 3 bonus content episodes and a newly updated documentary- Unlocking Sherlock.

If you are as obsessed as I am, you would have already watched season 3 when it debuted in the UK. I scoured Tumblr to find links to all of the episodes! ;-) Being a Tumblr user, I knew that it would be spoiled for me eventually so I cheated!

As of today, I have watched the 3 bonus content episodes.

1.) Sherlock Uncovered: The Return
~ This dives into the very first episode of season 3. It is all about the theories behind Sherlock's survival of the fall. It also goes into a bit more detail how Benedict and Martin were cast.

2.) Sherlock Uncovered: The Women
~ Brief interviews with some of the strong female characters. The ladies show their true passions for their characters.

3.) Sherlock Uncovered: The Villains
~ My personal favorite! How the actors feel about playing these notorious villains.

Each of these is only 25 minutes long and they all leave you wanting more! I always find these behind the scene sorts of things so interesting. It is nice to see how the actors feel about their roles.

I highly recommend each of these little behind the scenes shows. I'm sure the full-length documentary will be just as exciting when I get some time to watch it!

Man Crush Monday: Tom Hiddleston

Now I will be the first to admit that I have an unhealthy obsession with Tom Hiddleston. When I first saw him in Thor, I didn't really give him much thought because I was kind of of in love with Chris Hemsworth. Well fast forward to The Avengers and I was hooked.
Below is my absolute favorite gif of him. I've always had a thing for bad boys ;-)

What makes Tom nerdy is the role of Loki in Thor, The Avengers and Thor: The Dark World. 

His acting abilities bring so much to this character. I  really don't think Marvel expected this character to be so loved, but whoever cast Tom should get a medal!

I could go on and on about this man, but I won't bore you with my obsession. I really hope that Tom is given more chances to show his acting skills in the Marvel Universe, but I really just want to see him do well in all aspects of his career. His newest movie, Crimson Peak seems promising but we do not have many details on it as it just wrapped filming. Unfortunately for me, it is a horror film so I will not be watching it.

I look forward to other roles that Tom will be in though. I think that he will have a very promising career even without Marvel. 

Etsy: the place for fans to shop

If you haven't found or checked out Etsy.com yet, I highly recommend it.  There is so much good stuff on there.  All is unique and a lot of it is handmade.  I especially like it because there is a whole bunch of one of a kind stuff made by fans for fans.  It is a nerdy paradise.  Here a couple of my current favorite items and shops.


First off there is the shop KohlisKreations.  There is not a whole lot in the shop but I like each piece.  My favorite is probably the Supernatural bracelet shown here.  It has a car charm as well as a charm representing Dean's necklace. Overall very cool if you are a fan of the show.   There is also a Sherlock bracelet as well as a second Supernatural one.  I even think the Dr. Who and Ballerina bracelets look good, and I'm not even a Dr. Who fan.




Next up is a more recently discovered shop called Mazikeen Studios Again they have a lot of fandom inspired jewelry.  There is the typical Dr. Who, Sherlock, and Supernatural but they also have some Hannibal, Firefly, and Game of Thrones merchandise.  My personal favorites that I am tempted to buy are the Room 221 B necklace and the Firefly key ring and the Firefly Bracelet.  Hmm which to buy first..decisions decisions.





I'm going to be honest, I will probably never be able to afford this next item.  However, they are still pretty fabulous.  I am a fan of Pantone as well as Marvel comics.  This unites the two and it totally works.  Take a look at these kick a#% prints.  I love each one incredibly.  You can find them here

The next item we have is something that is truly functional.  At least it would be for me because I am always wearing a sweatshirt.   Here you can find these sweet hoodies featuring Harry Potter.  The front is the Deathly Hallows symbol alongside "always"  while the back has all of the books listed.  It is just simple and nerdy at the same time.  It would be great if they came in other color choices though.

Last but not least, there is this epic book shelf.  This is another one that I will probably never buy or afford.  It does look great though and would look nice on my wall.  It is Batman symbol shaped.  This particular one is from The Dark Knight.  They also have a more classic looking Bat Symbol, one from Arkham Asylum as well as some Iron Man fixtures.  All look superbly made.  This Dark Knight one is my favorite. Check out the shop at Fiction Furniture.

That it all I have for you today.  Hope you enjoyed our adventure into Etsy.com.  If you have any other items or shops to recommend let me know in the comics.  I would love to hear about them.