harry potter

The 10 Rides Your Family MUST Try at Universal Orlando Resort

March 29, 2017 by Kathryn 37 Comments

My first visit to Universal Orlando Resort two years ago was a little like discovering a magical portal to another world. I hadn’t really known much about the park, so the rides, attractions and restaurants were all completely new to me, and I loved every one of them. After visiting, I shared my 7 Must-Try Unique Experiences at Universal Orlando Resort.

And this year, I had the chance to introduce my boys to the fun of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the first time too! So a few weeks ago, my husband, his parents, the boys and I packed up a few snacks and got ready to spend a day of fun and excitement at the two parks that comprise Universal Orlando Resort. Wondering what rides you won’t want to miss? These were our family’s top 10 picks!

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

1) The Incredible Hulk

Our family loves roller coasters, and The Incredible Hulk is definitely a new favourite for all of us! Unlike a classic coaster with a slow climb followed by a speedy ride down, The Incredible Hulk launches the cars out at top speed right off the bat! Zackary was so excited to try this roller coaster for the first time and was grinning ear to ear when he stepped off at the end. He loved the speed, thrills and spins of the bright green coaster, and insisted on riding multiple times.

2) The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

This ride was one of the first 4D attractions at Islands of Adventure and personally, it’s still one of my favourites. I knew my boys would love it just as much and expected Benjamin especially to be a big fan. I wasn’t disappointed. From avoiding the heat of the flames shot by villains to feeling the spray of water when splashing into a lake, travelling with Spider-Man was nonstop excitement and the boys couldn’t get enough of it. [Read more…]

Everyone Should Try These 7 Unique Experiences at Universal Orlando Resort

February 17, 2015 by Kathryn 37 Comments

While there is plenty to do in Orlando, Florida, there are a few destinations that are special favourites with visitors and one of those is Universal Orlando Resort. Movie fans are sure to fall in love with the parks immediately, and the rides will put smiles on the faces of any thrill-seeker.

If you’re heading to the park and looking for things to do at Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, these are seven experiences you won’t want to miss.

Riding a Broomstick on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

This ride is the main attraction when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. Waiting in line is a highlight in itself, as visitors are able to wind through Hogwarts Castle and experience the magic of the movie brought to life. Even the famous talking pictures are there!

But it’s at the end of the ride that the fun really starts. Riders soar through the air on a broomstick with Harry and his friends in a combination of real sets, animatronics and wrap-around projection screens that had me convinced I’d actually been flying.

Having a Duff at Moe’s Tavern in Springfield

There are a few fun-filled rides in Springfield that are well worth visiting, but for me the true highlight of this area was simply walking down the streets of Springfield itself.

And of course, no visit to the Simpsons’ hometown would be complete without stopping at Moe’s Tavern for a Duff or a world famous Flaming Moe. The authenticity of the bar is sure to bring back memories of all those favourite episodes of The Simpsons. [Read more…]

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack-Review

November 19, 2011 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is now available on Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack and I was recently given the chance to review the stunning conclusion of this series for myself. I was thrilled to be able to witness the culmination of a story that has spent ten years on the big screen. Here’s a brief synopsis of the film:

harry potter and the deathly hallows part 2 box art

In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

The final installment in Harry Potter’s story was exciting, heart wrenching and satisfying. While it wasn’t nearly as absorbing as the book (and what movie is?) it was incredibly entertaining and I was so glad to see that the director had really taken the time to tell the full story of Harry’s final confrontation with Voldemort.

Fans of the series will notice a few differences between the book and the movie, but fortunately the entertainment value is retained throughout the film. My husband has never read the Harry Potter books, so I asked him for his interpretation of the film to see if the movie really explained the plot to someone that didn’t know the full story beforehand. He said that he had followed the action perfectly and was just as thrilled and surprised as I had been when he witnessed Harry’s final story.

This movie is the end of a saga that has spanned a decade and encompassed an entire generation. It is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan and has action and excitement enough to satisfy new viewers too.

Buy It: 11.11.11 on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack with Ultra Violet Digital Copy or Download to Own http://bit.ly/p9a1eO!

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Holiday Gift Guide-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack-Giveaway

November 14, 2011 by Kathryn 93 Comments

Holiday Gift for Teenagers

harry potter and the deathly hallows part 2 box art

It’s finally here! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II is available now on Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack and nobody could be more excited than me to see the exciting conclusion of this epic series. I’ll have a review to post in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, here’s a brief synopsis of the film:

This release would make a great gift for any follower of the Harry Potter series or of fantasy movies in general. I was so happy when I learned that this fabulous book was spread out over two movies for the finale; there really was far too much action to fit into one film. And if Part I was any indicator, the conclusion of Harry Potter’s adventures is going to be unforgettable! Buy It 11.11.11 on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack with Ultra Violet Digital Copy or Download to Own http://bit.ly/p9a1eO and give your favourite Harry Potter fan a very merry Christmas!

ARV: $35.99

[Read more…]