The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Daytona Beach, Florida

When we decided to visit my daughter in Daytona Beach, I thought it would be a good idea to finally visit

The entrance to Hogsmeade

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

If you've read This post, you know it took me awhile to become a fan. I've read the first 4 books already, but I wished I had gotten a chance to read the rest of the series before our visit. It really wasn't necessary.

When we walked beneath this archway into Hogsmeade, my eyes filled with tears. I can't explain my emotions. It felt like we were magically transported into the pages of a book.

Our first stop?

Honey Dukes

Chocolate Frog

Since Sunday was the hottest day so far (94 degrees) in the Orlando area, I waited until we left the park before purchasing this chocolate treat. Surprisingly, the box did not crush in my luggage. I still haven't opened it, so I don't know if the chocolate is still in the shape of a frog or just a chocolate blob.

Of course, we had to get in line for a frozen butterbeer. Why didn't I take a photo of this? The continuous brain freezes I experienced must have had something to do with it!

Across from Honey Dukes, we spotted the train platform.

We wandered through the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade, gazing at the snow-covered roofs and crooked chimneys. My daughter and I squeeeeed the whole time!

Three Broomsticks

Across the street, what did I see? 

Ollivander's Wand Shop

Of course, I made my family stand on line to watch the demonstration. My daughter had already witnessed this last year, but I would not be swayed by her comments about it being cute but possibly not worth the time. Heck, the wait was only 20 minutes! I would be the judge of worth...

We piled into the small shop and I stood in the front row, trying to make myself look shorter and younger. It didn't work. Austin, a young boy, of about 12 years old, who could have passed for a member of the Weasley Family, was chosen. I couldn't be upset. The young man was so excited, he giggled like a school girl. Of course, it was corny and predictable, but it was adorable.

The group was led into Dervish and Banges, where assistants eagerly helped me find the wand that would choose me. The oak wand with the snake and skeleton was perfect for my birth month, but it was meant for someone else. Across the room, a 12-1/4" wand made from ash with the core being a hair from the tail of a unicorn, called out to me.

My wand--just like Cedric Diggory's.

Hogwarts Castle was by far the highlight of my visit. What an impressive sight!

Hogwarts Castle

In a way, I was disappointed there were no crowds to slow my progress through the rooms. Almost every corner and nook held an interesting prop. The ride was awesome, even though it left me a bit queasy.

While Amanda went on to the Flight of The Hippogriff, hubby and I sat on a bench--acting old. But I did get a great photo of the Beauxbaton students.

Can you imagine writing a series of novels, made into films, and then having your imagined world come to life, where millions of people visit every year? John and I spent a good deal of time people-watching. I marveled at the diversity of languages we heard. Yet, in any language, they all knew Harry Potter.

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Harry Potter (Book Thoughts)

I know. You're thinking, "She's a little late with this one."

I must confess, back in 1997, when my daughter, Amanda, came home with "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone," I smiled and nodded at her. She finished the book in one weekend. When she told me I should read it, I told her I'd get around to it.

When "Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets" was released, Amanda HAD to have it. Of course, I bought it for her. I like to invest money in books whenever I can.

Amanda and her friends became obsessed with Harry Potter and everything about the magical world. They went to bookstores and waited on long lines for the midnight releases. They argued over which 'house' was the best, and about how cool it would be if Hogwarts was real. Amanda has read each Harry Potter book multiple times. Whenever a new book or movie came out, she would re-read the entire series, timing it perfectly for the new release.

At first, I thought it was all cute but honestly, after a while, the whole Harry Potter thing annoyed me. Don't ask me, "Why?" I don't know. Maybe I was envious. I was definitely impressed with JK Rowling's ability to capture millions of people around the world, but I just didn't want to read the books. I'm the type of person who never gives in to hype. I usually wait until the dust settles before sneaking in the back door and investigating what the craze is all about. You guessed it--I still haven't read any of the Twilight books or seen any of the movies. I'll get around to it, though.

In my defense, I saw the first five movies when they came out. OK, I'm lying. I waited until they were released on DVD. Did I love the movies? Absolutely! But I still hadn't read one word of the first book. I used the excuse that the movie would ruin my view of the book.

Amanda came home from the Marine Corps in December. Along with tons of stuff she had accumulated and somehow stored in her barracks room for the past four years, she also brought home three large boxes of books. Inside one of those boxes, was the complete boxed set of Harry Potter.

I finally gave in to her pleas and picked up the first book. I told myself reading the story would be great research for my children's writing education. I read it in two nights. I finished the second book two nights later and the third book took me only four nights. Now, I'm hooked. Heck, I even tweeted about 'Pottermore.'

So, what are my thoughts on what I've read? Well, I'm probably wrong about this. What do I know? JK Rowling has sold so many books, she couldn't write them fast enough for her fans. But, I'm going to be honest here and say I noticed some passive voice in the first three books and JK uses 'had had' a few times, which I find difficult to read. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being overly critical. I just noticed those few things. Did they take anything away from my Harry Potter experience? No, not at all. In fact, I can't explain it but, these little quirks made me feel more comfortable. I realized this amazing storyteller who has captured millions of children and adults around the world is actually a real person.

Now, fourteen years later, the last Harry Potter movie is coming soon to theatres. Amanda is already timing her series re-reading to coincide with the movie's release. She will probably attend the midnight show and I plan on going with her, with a much better understanding of the wizarding world, wishing I could attend Hogwarts.