Wizarding Magic at Universal Orlando + some tips (picture-heavy)

And so....the Orlando adventure continues (first part here) with Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure. These two parks were overwhelming for me because of one thing...the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Just to clarify for those who haven't been to Universal... the Wizarding World is divided into these two parks: Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogwards/Hogsdmeade at Islands of Adventure (each having their own awesome rides). We ended up going back to Diagon Alley twice (riding the Escape from Gringotts twice!) which just tells you how much we all loved it.

As a Potterhead, that was probably the closest thing to heaven. No joke.

As for my kids and husband, well...you'll see in the pics below....

(FYI:My middle son has always been obsessed with Jurassic Park...nuff said.)

Universal Studios

Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Diagon Alley

Butterbeer!

Springfield

Islands Of Adventure

Ollivanders

One of the things you can see while waiting for the Forbidden Journey ride

Back at Universal Studios (last full day in Orlando)

Goodbye, Universal....huhuhu

Eating at Florida Mall 

Our hotel was right beside the Disney Boardwalk so we would walk there at night after dinner when we're not too tired.

We could see the fireworks from Disney Hollywood Studios every night.

Short vlogs:

Below are some of the things I recommend to bring if you're going. I did a lot of research before we went, and here are the most useful items we used on the trip:

1) The most obvious ones: suncreen, hats, comfortable walking shoes that can get wet (ie.strap sandals), extra shirt
Because the Florida sun is BRUTAL, you will walk a hundred miles, and you will get wet in some rides

2) Filtered water bottles (ie. Brita)
Because the water from the water fountains tastes kinda weird (for me anyhoo)

3) Ponchos
Because it will rain at least once a day, especially if you go in August

4) Frommer's Easyguide to Disney World, Universal and Orlando
Buy the latest issue of this book before going. I used this to plan our trip, from what to FastPass to where to eat. This book is pretty bang on.
PS I also used this site for ideas on what to bring.

5) Portable battery power charger for your phone
Because you will use your phone A LOT (MDX app, Universal app, taking pics, posting on FB or Twitter), and you don't want to run out of battery juice right before that magic moment

6) Uber app on your phone
Our hotel was within DisneyWorld so we basically took the free shuttles and water taxis within DisneyWorld itself but anytime we had to leave the compound, we Ubered it. Saved us a lot on transportation expenses, and we were lucky enough that all our Uber drivers were awesome.

This Orlando trip was truly such an amazing experience, you guys! It was the best vacation ever, so much so that I'm still finding it hard to come back to reality even after all these days have passed. I recommend everyone should go and visit DisneyWorld and Universal at least once in their lifetime. You will not regret it!