Accio warm Butterbeer!

I consider myself a pretty big Harry Potter fan. I saw the first movie when it came out in the theater, then I started to read the books that same night. I read all the books that were released at the time before the second movie came out. No, that's not why our son's name is Harry. His full name is actually Harrison, and I'm still unsure as to when I am going to introduce him to the films. We know he will get nicknamed Harry Potter at some point in his life, so we won't be pushing it on him too hard. Hopefully he will embrace it on his own.

When the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was first announced, to say I was elated would be a tremendous understatement. I was one of those guys who would go into Islands of Adventure more than a few times a week to take the same photo of a half built building. It may only have just a slight difference from the photo before it, but I needed that photo! I was also one of the people who wanted to get one of the first peeks of the area, so #PotterWatch was part of my daily routine. Luckily, I was able to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey before it opened to the public. Team Members were given a preview but had to enter through a back entrance and weren't allowed to enter Hogsmeade. When we finally were able to  come in on a soft open preview, I almost cried like a baby. All I knew of the area was what I've been taking photos of and filming from outside of construction walls. I stayed away from any other kind of spoilers prior to entering the area myself(can't say the same thing about Diagon Alley). When Lauren and I walked in for the first time, I felt like I had already been there. It was so familiar and so awe inspiring, it felt like the most real dream I've ever had. But I always wanted more. 

More movie references.

More attractions.

More ROOM.

We are finally getting our wish! Since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding to Universal Studios Florida, it's going to help free up space in the existing area at the same time! This weekend, Universal Orlando decided to commemorate all of this with a "Celebration of Harry Potter". January 24-26 UO will be hosting a series of small events within both parks themed to the Potter books and film series. Everything listed below is included with normal park admission! It's just recommended that you have a multi-day park to park ticket. There will be a "Harry Potter Expo" opened all three days of the event in Soundstage 33. So far, the only day I've been able to go was Friday. Hope to maybe go the last day to get a peek inside the expo ourselves. Check out On The Go in MCO's recent Facebook posts for reviews and photos of some of the events that took place on Friday, including details of the expo.

Other events will be going on Saturday and Sunday both at UO and IOA in the Toon Lagoon Amphtheater. The expo runs until 7pm each day with the last activity starting at 3:30pm. These events include:

• My Life on the Harry Potter Set: Talen Q&A
• Go Behind the Scened of Pottermore.com
• Dueling Demonstration & Wand Combat Masterclass with Paul Harris
• Bringing the Harry Potter Films to the Theme Parks- set and prop design
• Graphic Design for the Harry Potter Films with MinaLima

Universal also posted on their official Facebook, that lucky early entry guests were allowed to sample warm Butterbeer. WARM BUTTERBEER. That's how it's served in the books so I am very interested to taste it myself. It's unclear if it will be offered to everyday guests any time soon. I personally had an idea that maybe they'd keep the cold Butterbeer in Hogsmeade, and make the warm version a Diagon Alley exclusive, But what do I know?

They also installed two "peek windows" in the construction wall in front of the London facade. I am unsure if these will remain after this weekend. During one of my peeks today, the highlight of what I saw was a bunch of workers eating lunch on a bench. The buildings do look pretty awesome and I can't wait for the walls to come down. There is also a terrible seagull situation in that area that needs to be addressed. My poor wife is scared to death of birds and it's been a challenge to get her to come with me in the area. I also heard a couple people say that Universal copied Disney by installing peek windows. Like they invented the wheel or something. How's the Lefou's Brew by the way? 

(sips Butterbeer)

Mikey
*All photos and videos posted were taken by Mikey unless otherwise noted