Perk of the Job: Dinner in Diagon Alley

As annoying/stressful as my job gets, I fully admit that it has some amazing points. Like, the perks.

About a month ago, I received a package in the mail....

I was hoping for some sort of sneak peak of the expansion of Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought up the lengths they went to for their invitation and party.

Friday was the big day! Usually, myself and my coworker D get invited to these things (I'm promotions and he is sales, associated with the account). D's wife couldn't come, so he said I could invite another person! Score!!

My cousin Heidi and my coworker/friend M got to make a Girls' Night of it!!

 

We were directed to Hogsmeade (the original world in Islands of Adventure) where we were to ride the Hogwart's Express to King's Cross. As soon as we got to the new train station, I was like a 5 year old on Christmas morning.....

The roughly 3 minute train ride was magical! You actually do go into a cabin like they have in the films.....

According to the itinerary, we were to have a cocktail party in London from 7:30p until roughly 8:30p. What we didn't expect were servers as soon as we exited King's Cross Station holding appetizers and various drinks to enjoy. Um, hello, open bar!!

 

The London exterior is phenomenal. Just so cool to look at!!!

 

Around 8:45pm, they introduced the President of Universal Entertainment (can't remember his name) who spoke to us a little about "the project" as well as thanking us for the support of the years. He then introduced three actors from the films.... Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid). We were on the other side of the podium, so we could only see their heads, but it was still super exciting.

Finally, we were let into Diagon Alley. Other than a few pictures below, it was too dark to get good shots, but it is just phenomenal. After a while, you forget the world outside and think you are actually walking through the films.

They had the menu from The Leaky Cauldron set up in stations around the courtyard. My personal favorites were the salmon and the bacon-wrapped scallops. 

They had actors walking around, interacting with everyone! Those people did not break character, at all.

Of course they had a dessert buffet that featured the restaurant selections, as well as pastries from the ice cream shop. We decided it was our duty to sample them all.........

 

For the record, the Sticky Toffee Pudding and the Guinness Cake won, by a landslide.

We enjoyed some more free drinks. Again, open bar. Walked around and stopped in the ice cream shop. The have Butterbeer Ice Cream.... I wasn't a fan and much prefer the frozen Butterbeer. The 'Earl Grey and Lavendar' ice cream? Do it!!!!

Our last stop was Gringott's Bank for the ride! First of all, it is surreal when you walk into the bank lobby. I almost expected the dragon to come up out of the floor. The ride was a ton of fun! I still think the ride in Hogwart's Castle is my favorite, but this was pretty great.

Eventually, the evening was over and we headed home. I *know* I'll visit again once the land officially opens up (and the crowds die down). Somehow, though, I doubt anything will live up to my first experience in Diagon Alley.

10 on Tuesday

Hi all! I hope you had a glorious 4th of July weekend! Mine was great.... I have lots of fun stuff from the weekend to share, but it might have to wait. We still have family in town, so blogging (or, more like organizing my thoughts and pictures into a post to blog) isn't as high on my radar.

Still, I do have a few thoughts.... Ten, in fact.

1) So, a couple weeks ago, a coworker was complaining about how hot it is outside during remotes. (Imagine that.... Hot outside during the summer in Florida.) She wanted management to buy portable A/C units to take to remotes. Yep. After it was shot down in a meeting, my boss goes, "Hey, Jess. I've been thinking about an ongoing problem we've been having and may have found a solution. Tell me what you think."

He proceeded to plop the following onto my desk....

I almost peed myself, laughing.

2) Speaking of peeing myself, I watched 'Identity Thief' for the first time last night. Hysterical.

 

3)  I'm *LOVING* this season's 'So You Think You Can Dance'...... Already, I'm completely invested in most of the dancers. I only have about two people that I wouldn't be sad to see leave.

This was my favorite dance last week. Just so much fun!

4) Have you been watching 'Big Brother'? My, my, have those houseguests worked everyone into a tizzy.... and, it's only Week TWO.

Personally, I can't stand Aaryn or Jeremy. Can't wait until they are gone.

Here's the thing..... year after year, there are 'politically incorrect' things said in the house. This year, however, has made national news. I think this is for a couple reasons....... first, the houseguests (unknowingly since they have been in sequester) are saying this at a time when racial tensions are at a high between the Paula Deen debacle and the Zimmerman/Martin trial. Second, most of the time when racists/homophobic/anti-religion comments are made, they are made out of complete ignorance or are made during/following a fight. Not that saying things like that are EVER appropriate, but it's usually an ignorance or heat of the moment situation. These people are saying these things in general conversation about the NICEST people in the house. I mean, Helen has to be one of the sweetest people I've ever seen on that show besides Jordan.

Anyway, some of the houseguests are in for a seriously rude awakening when they exit.

5) I'm on the Recovery Week of Insanity. Such a nice workout. When Shaun T says not to push it, I almost want to kiss my TV screen.

6) I was invited to a sneak peak Media Party for the opening of the new Transformers ride at Universal. Heidi was my Plus One and we had so much fun. They had a Dessert Bar..... we may or may not have sampled everything on it.

 Also, the guy that is the voice of Optimus Prime stopped in during the cocktail party portion of the evening. Looks nothing like I imagined, lol......

7) A (not so nice) coworker faced a very difficult situation in the past 24 hours. My heart really does break for the pain she is feeling. At the same time, I'm a little bit fearful for what is to come. Honestly, she is the type of person that would take this situation and let it make her even harder..... even more bitter. I'm praying that God softens her heart. That she is able to see a message.... some sort of good.... in this and it will change her for the better.

I know you don't know the person or situation, but if you could add her to your prayers, I would appreciate it. 

8) A couple days ago, I randomly started quoting conversations from 'Pitch Perfect' until my family was in stitches. I love that movie and the conversations in it, lol.

9) Um, so Pinkberry is shutting down in Tampa and Orlando. I'm devastated. Not cool, Pinkberry. Not cool.

10) Yesterday, I had to call up Disney to have some information updated to my annual pass. The girl on the phone was delightful. At the end of the call, she wished me "A Magical Day" and it kind of made me happy inside.

Happy Fall Ya'll!!!!!

So, I know that Fall started a week ago, however, in the Sunshine State it just started feeling like Fall, today.

YAY for October!!!!!!

A few weeks ago, the incredibly creative Katie put together a Fall Bucket List.

Source: katieballa.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

 

 

 

Slight aside......

 

Have I ever mentioned that I'm super envious of creative people?

 

I am.

 

Katie is one of those creative people.

 

I am creative in the sense that I can think of an idea. I am crafty in the sense that I can execute an idea. However, I am not able to do both at the same time. I can think of an idea, but not execute it OR I can execute someone else's idea.

 

Hence, I'm jealous of those who can think of a great idea AND bring it to life.

 

End aside.

 

I love Fall. However, Fall is my busiest time of year. I tend to get so caught up in work that my favorite season passes me by.

 

The idea of a list where I get to check off different things..... where I make an effort to take advantage of the fun things you can do in Fall..... is right up my alley.

 

In Florida, we don't have a typical Fall. We have no colorful falling leaves. We have no apple trees. But, we have other fun things to do which I put on my own personal list......

 

* eat pumpkin pancakes

* girls' night out

* corn maze

* Halloween Horror Nights 21

* trip to Savannah, GA

* decorate cupcakes with Lydia

* attend a football game

* bake a pie

* walk outdoors a lot (since it's not so gross outside)

* EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

* caramel apples

* pick/carve a pumpkin

* "Black Friday" shopping

 

Nice Fall, huh?

 

Already I've achieved GNO, HHN, and the Corn Maze (and I don't have a single picture from any of them..... *sigh*). I'll most likely be doing HHN and the maze, again, before the month is over (note to self - bring camera).

 

Here's hoping I'll lots of fun stuff to post about throughout the next two months, while I work through my little list!

 

Have a great weekend, everyone!!

Even the Adults Need a Day to Play...

The last full day Heidi, Mike, and the kids were here, the big kids decided to go play. I took the day off, Trevor skipped school, and we went to Universal.

First on the list!!!!

Heidi didn't get to ride any of the adult rides when she was there, so we rode them all. Mike and I, however, were riding buddies. Heidi and Trevor both felt sick to their stomachs, so we rode and rode. We rode the "Dragon Challenge" five times in a row, among other things.

Once we'd done everything we wanted at Islands of Adventure, we left to eat lunch before walking over to the Studios. We settled on Hard Rock Cafe.

We spent a couple hours over at the Studios before deciding to call it a day. I spent so much time being a carefree kid, that I didn't really take that many pictures, lol. We really had so much fun!!!

I did manage to get one shot of all of us. I *love* this picture and have it blown up, on my office wall.

My mom had kept the kids entertained all day. We met up with them, went out to dinner, and then hung out for the rest of the night.

Sadly, the next morning, they left for home :(

I really, really miss them and wish they could move down here.

Heidi In Florida - Universal Studios

Despite my two long St Jude days, we had major plans for Saturday, February 26th. We were all heading out to Universal Orlando.

Anthony and I waiting for ET............ Can you see how tired I was, lol???

Yeah, super tired.

Noah and I

We managed to fit quite a bit into the day. The kids LOVED the Woody Woodpecker area with the water slide. Lydia kept saying, "I not scared. I not scared...... No, no, I scared. I scared."

We ate, we killed aliens on MIB, we got candy, and then we went on Jaws.

And, we traumatized Bella and Lydia.

Poor Bella was holding onto Heidi and I for dear life. At one point, Jaws came out of the water right by Noah. She screamed "NOAH!!!!"............ This exact scenario happened about ten years ago when we took Trevor on the ride and Jaws almost ate me. He was also traumatized.

Then there was Lydia. Terrified. She had this look of horror on her face and kept repeating to herself the entire time, "It's ok, it's ok, it's ok, it's ok, it's ok."

It was awful and hysterical, at the same time.

After a couple more rides, it was Mardi Gras parade time.

Strike a pose, Bells.

Clearly, she got over the whole Jaws incident.

Bella-Boo and a made-up Jess.

I have NO idea what Lydia is doing in this picture, but I love it, lol.

Bella and I were bead catchers........ We kind of rocked at it.

Thanksgiving Weekend: Holidays at Universal

Over Thanksgiving, Trevor's other sister and her husband stayed with us, from Buffalo. Megan is Mike's daughter from his first marriage............ we had a lot of fun with Megan and Bryan.

Since they were in town, we decided to make some fun happen. After stuffing ourselves with food, shopping ourselves silly on Black Friday, and crying over a Gator loss, we hopped in the car and headed to Orlando.

LOL...... Lydia hiked up her dress to try to get her seat belt.

Bryan and Megan don't catch very many waves in Buffalo.

Trevor and Megan in front of Mike's favorite car.

Traditional Universal shot...........

Lydia has NO clue who The Simpsons are, but she didn't care..... she still wanted to hug, kiss, and high-five, lol.

Cheeseball!!

Jeff and Lydia looking at the ducks.

Funny story alert:

So, Lydia sees this Frosty the Snowman and goes crazy for it. We asked the couple that had won it from playing games if we could take some pictures of her with it. (to be continued).....

..... Did you catch that? Yep, we ended up with Frosty, lol. About ten minutes after the Frosty photo op, the couple found us. They were flying back home and didn't really want to take it on a plane. They asked if we drove here and then gave Frosty to Lydia, to keep. Who says you can't get stuff with your good looks, lol?

The mandatory shark picture.....

"Dooby Doo!!!!!"

Lydia may not have known who The Simpsons are, but she looooovvvvveeesssss Dora. Not quite as much as Elmo and the Gang, but she does love her some Dora........

After we were done with Universal Studios, we walked over to Islands of Adventure.

Lydia and "Trebor"

She wasn't quite sure of Spiderman (awesome ride, btw).....

Lydia and Lauren

This picture accurately depicts Bryan's feelings on our paparazzi tendencies, lol.

The main event for us was Harry Potter land. No one but me had seen it, so everyone had a lot of fun trying everything out! The ride..... amazing!!!

We all obviously thought she was focusing on the castle, lol.

My first Butterbeer!!!!!........ Yum!!