My return visit to Universal Studios...

I had another excuse to visit Universal Studios during a work trip last fall and while I always feel guilty having so much fun without the family - the butter beer helps me swallow that guilt! Ha! 

This time around I went with my boss and we used our visit as a "work" trip as our equipment is actually used on some of the attractions at Universal - including the Hogwarts Express! What!? How cool is that!? 

Of course mostly we just enjoyed the rides, the food, the butter beer, and the Harry Potter of it all. 

It was an awesome day which led into a great conference week that ended with a fun night at Top Golf with some of my colleagues and customers - work trips can be mundane - this one was not. 

Kids - I promise the next time I go to Universal you'll get to come with me! Pinky swear. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Traveling for work isn't always glamorous- there are airline delays, bed bugs, less than ideal locations, and of course you're enjoying all of these things while being away from your family. However sometimes there are work trips that you look forward to for two years because it means you get to finally go to Universal Studios to experience "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!" 

I went with two colleagues, neither of whom have ever read the books or seen the movies, but they were kind enough to play along and on the plus side it meant I had to do a lot of explaining - which simply added to the experience of feeling like I was immersed in Harry Potter everything! Not to mention they played the soundtrack everywhere you went. Bonus! 

I'm certain I didn't stop grinning all day. Everything was so realistic and detail oriented. We walked through Diagon Alley, drank Butter Beer (it's not really beer, didn't know that, but now realize it would have been weird for 11 year olds to be drinking alcohol - suppose I always just figured that was how they rolled over in the UK) went to Gringotts, rode the Hogwarts Express, strolled through Hogsmeade and best of all we got to go to Hogwarts! Fan Girl mode was in full effect! 

I can't wait to go back sometime when Andy and Adam can come along - I know they'd love it - especially my little Harry Potter! :)