36(ish) Hours at Universal Studios

Before making our way to my grandparents, we spent a couple nights at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It had the most picture-esque backdrops! 

Upon arriving in Hogsmeade, the castle towered above the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Showing my Rho Gamma love in front of Hogwarts' castle! Too bad the sun is too bright to see my throw...

Having early access to the Wizarding World gave us the opportunity to finally go into Ollivanders and Lee was chosen to have a wand specially picked for her.

Before getting on the train to "London" we walked around Hogsmeade a bit more.

The Hogwarts Express was way cool. The special effects they used made it actually seem you were in magical presence. 

I was in awe of how amazing Diagon Alley had turned out. The Gringotts ride was beyond thrilling and definitely became one of my favorites.

The attention to detail throughout Diagon Alley was impressive. Everything from the layout of the street, the buildings, and the signs felt authentically Harry Potter. 

Gringotts was quite the experience, completed with goblins and all.

The chandeliers in this place were breath-taking. There were about 4 or 5 of these if I remember correctly, all equally beautiful.

A trip to the Wizarding World calls for some Butterbeer. I probably drank three of these a day. #sorrynotsorry

Even the entry way to the Alley was perfect. "Wayfaring Wizards Welcomed."

Outside Diagon Alley was a London layout, and LeeAnn had so much fun being the diva she is inside the telephone booths.

My family is obsessed with Despicable Me and the minions, so a visit to the minion ride was a must as well!

Honestly, such a silly ride.

Couldn't leave without getting a picture with a minion!

Lee loved the truffula trees in Seuss Landing and spent forever posing with them all. 

I figured that since I am having some complete Florida withdrawals that now would be prime time to recap my (not so) recent trip to Universal Studios from June!

Have you been there? What's your favorite part? (Mine's obviously the Wizarding World)

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LMJ