Ever since I was a tiny little girl, I have been obsessed with the magical world of Harry Potter. I'm sure many people have, but I'm serious when I say it's been a giant part of my life for twelve years now. And of course, like any other uber-fan, I'd longed to go to Hogwarts, and to be able to experience the world for myself.
So, when Universal Studios announced that they would be opening a theme park in Orlando that promised just that – total immersion into the world of Harry Potter – I simply HAD to go experience it for myself.
Luckily enough for me, I got my chance about six months after the park opened. My family had a trip to Florida planned, and I was presented with tickets to the park as my seventeeth birthday present – eleven years after I'd first fallen in love with the books.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
We made our way by plane – Allegiant Airlines from Grand Rapids, MI to Orlando, FL to be exact – the first week in March 2011. We spent an entire week in Florida, doing various things, and visiting various people, as part of my family used to live there (me included!) and part of it still does.
The wednesday of that week was the day we went to Universal. I was beside myself with excitement. When we got to the entrance of the Wizarding World, I felt like I could hardly catch my breath. Here I was, walking into places that came directly off the pages that had defined my childhood and adolescence.
As we passed each shop, and it became more and more difficult for me to hold in my child-like squeals of glee, a profound though struck me. I felt so at home. These were the places where I'd made myself so comfortable within the pages of my childhood fantasies, and now they'd been brought to life with real bricks and mortar. It made the magic seem all that more real to me.
When I got my first glimpse of Hogwarts, the place I'd been secretly wishing, hoping, and praying to go to since the age of six, I'm not ashamed to admit, I teared up. To many people, it may seem as if I were overracting – it's only a book, only a make-believe land, why get so emotional about it? Well, that's perfectly fine for them to think, they're entitled to their own opinion, I suppose. But this book series, and these characters at times have felt more real to me than the people I knew in the realm of reality. J.K. Rowling's books have helped me through numerous things, as trivial as puberty and as deep and encompassing as death. Maybe it is silly, maybe they are only words on a page. But never in my life, since I'd become enchanted with the first book, had I ever thought that. And as long as I'm living, I'm sure I never will.
I had my first taste of impossibly sweet butterbeer, picked out a wand at Ollivander's, and ate lunch at the Three Broomsticks. Afterwards, I toured the castle, and took in a show by the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. I shopped at Honeyduke's and Zonko's, and got to see things such as Hermione's Yule Ball gown, which I have coveted since Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was released in cinemas.
For anyone who is a fan of the series, you will know how momentous these things are. The entire day, I felt a sense of child-like wonder and awe not matched before or since. I truly, really felt as if I were finally living out the reality I'd wished for in my mind for over a decade. Every minute detail, down to the trimmed shrubbery, the false storefronts with moving magical pieces, and the glittering, plastic snow that adorned the rooftops in the eighty degree Florida heat screamed authenticity. I truly felt transported to the pages of that magical storybook.
I highly reccomend this park to any fan of the book series, and even anyone who isn't. I went with my father, who really knows nothing of the series save for whatever he'd picked up during a decade of my ramblings about it. Even he said at the end of the day that it was one of the neatest things he'd seen, and he would go again (which immediately started my inquries about next year's trip).
Be prepared to spend a lot of money, though. The souvenirs are awesome, but most of them don't come cheap. I spent the better part of $150 on trinkets and, admittedly, toys for myself. Granted, I didn't necessarily have to do so, but I'd been saving for two months so I could go on a spending spree in Dervish and Bange's.
All in all, it was one of the best experiences in my young life thus far, and I simply cannot wait until I am able to go again. I will always cherish the feeling of happiness and serenity I'd had while there, and I long for the time when I can feel that much at home again.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Childhood Dreams Revisited”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Your thoughtful tips—like timing your visit for fewer crowds and savoring the local seafood—add so much value for planning a perfect summer getaway. Thanks for sharing such a beautifully curated list—I’m definitely adding these towns to my travel list!
This enthusiastic blog provides a huge list of 51 varied and exciting summer vacation ideas for families, offering options from theme parks to national parks both near and far.
Absolutely love the insights you’ve shared in this blog!
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.
wow
Great read! I really appreciated the insights you shared—especially the way you broke things down in a clear and relatable way. Looking forward to more content like this. Keep up the great work!
Traveling to Aruba promises an unforgettable escape. From white-sand beaches to clear turquoise waters, this Caribbean gem invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!
Thanks very nice blog!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the site is very good.
This article was very informative thank you!
For the people that are planning to go to Aruba, I would also suggest this website: https://canitravel.net/countries/aruba . I used it last month when I went to Aruba and it always had up-to-date travel restrictions. I hope this helps 🙂
Nice post!
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
for the post. I will definitely comeback.
This is such helpful information! Traveling with minors can get complicated, and having all the required documents ready makes the process so much smoother. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!
Great blog! I really enjoyed reading it. The way you explained everything in such simple and clear words made it easy to follow. Sometimes blogs can get too technical or confusing, but this one was straight to the point and very helpful.
I got good info from your blog
Keep working ,great job!
I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.
There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.
It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.
If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
The article is full of information , thanks for such a good knowledge.
This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!
Great article! I completely agree with your points.
Keep up the good work
Excellent post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Thanks!
Hi, yes this post is genuinely nice and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.
Excellent post! I found your analysis both engaging and informative. Well done.
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to search out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!
Thank you for such praise, I am glad I could present the material in a way that made you want to see and experience St. Augustine’s Black history for yourself.
Of course, this beach town has lots more to offer but if you are willing to walk the lanes and dig a little bit, the history of the first Blacks and how much they contributed to protecting the colony is fascinating.
Hope you get there and enjoy your trip.
Your trip sounds absolutely incredible! Lisbon is truly a magical city, and your experience during the EuroCup must have made it even more special. If anyone reading this is planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour to explore the city’s rich history, charming streets, and hidden gems with a local guide. You can check out this great option: https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon. It’s a fantastic way to get an insider’s perspective on the city!
It’s iin reality a great and helpful piece oof info.
I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing
Great content for cruise lovers !! One of the most advantage of cruising is you do not have to pick your luggages every day , and every day you discover a new country. Although one day is not enough to see everything it gives an idea about a country ! With my experience since 2007, 99,9% of my guest said that Kusadasi/Turkey is their favorite port among all the other ports. Because we have a lot of options for every traveler. The most popular places , if your ship is docking at Kusadasi, is Ephesus ancient city which is only 25 min. drive away. Ephesus was the 4th largest ancient city of the world in 2 c AD.Most of the ruins are reconstructed and gives an idea about Roman’ glorious times. If you ever visit Ephesus, I suggest you to see Terrace Houses , where the rich were living and houses are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes from 3rd c AD.If you want to add a spiritual break , thats House of Virgin Mary is there. It is believed that she was taken by St. John the apostle to there.Another place you must see Ephesus Museum.. Forget all that boring museums you have seen . While guiding , I explain the most interesting artifacts , including original staue of Artemis. BTW. did you know that one of seven wonders of ancient world was located there? Well… not so much left , but it is still worth to be seen. If you ever visit Kusadasi,and want to have private tour, please feel free to contact with me ! I am very happy to answer your questions and customize your trip to Ephesus. Please visit my website,not only for Ephesus trip but also to get an idea about my beloved country Turkey/Turkiye. You can see different types of tours that I organize. Archaeological , culinary or lets customize your tour to Turkey together!! luxurytoursofturkey.com/