Universal Studios

Both my mom and I are huge Harry Potter fans, so of course our trip to L. A. wouldn't be complete without a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We were so excited! It was a gorgeous day, hot and brilliantly sunny. We went early, hoping to beat the worst of the crowds.

My mom had a great time with King Julien of Madagascar (we figured my niece would really like these photos but also, my mom is clearly having the time of her life here).

And then finally, the world of our dreams awaited us! It was so very amazing to hear the music from the films and the whole magical world right there!

It was a little disappointing that there was no Hogwarts Express ride, or even a fake train to explore, but alas. It was still fun to browse Hogsmeade and the shops that were so familiar to us.

Zonko's Joke Shop

The Three Broomsticks Inn

Honeydukes (on the left)

Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop's window display

We stopped at Ollivander's of course, which was a very fun and immersive experience, where someone got chosen to find a wand (or rather, have a wand choose them)! It was too gloomy to capture photos or videos that did the experience justice, so I don't have any photos or videos of it.

But after Ollivander's, we headed for the main attraction: Hogwarts! The school of our dreams!

This was a long line, and by then it was noon and a scorcher of a day. Still, the line wound through 'The Forbidden Forest' which offered shade, and the soundtrack from the films played on speakers and made the wait bearable. My mom (of course) made friends with some people in line and chatted with them. We passed the Weasley's flying Ford Anglia as we waited too!

Slowly, the grand castle drew nearer...

Until the entrance was right before us...

Until we were inside! We hastily packed our bag into lockers and toured the castle, wending our way through the greenhouses and passing potted Mandrakes...

And then back into the castle, where we saw the House Hourglasses showing the House points, chatted with some portraits, and spoke to the Fat Lady...

We also saw the entrance to the Headmaster's Office, the Sorting Hat, and visited the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom...

Until we arrived at the Great Hall, were we strapped into our ride, a dizzying flight around the Quidditch Pitch! Thankfully, the motion sickness didn't hit me too hard.

No trip to Hogsmeade could be complete without a refreshing (if very sweet) cup of Butterbeer.

Done with the Wizarding World, we explored Springfield and other areas of Universal Studios, ending the day at a candy store.

My mom's dream cereal: all mini marshmallows.

A sculpture made entirely of jelly beans!

Next post: Griffith Observatory and bidding L. A. goodbye!

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