Yer a Wizzard Harry!

A few weeks ago when I went to Orlando, I had the chance to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The moment I walked through the turnstile at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, I was looking for "PotterLand" as I like to call it. Then, off in the distance,there it was, I could see it, Hogwarts Castle! And off I went across the park on my quest to find a pin, from PotterLand, for my board. OMG I was so excited!

Hogwarts Castle!

How awesome is that?! While I'm sure it's smaller then the real one, it's still such an amazing sight.

 The Entrance to the "PotterLand" area

 Hogsmeade rooftops, I love this picture. 

I walked and shopped while my friends rode rides. It was just so cool. All of the shops and restaurants really looked like they were out of the movies. Right down to Zonkos and Olivanders Wand Shop. There are 3 rides in the Harry Potter area. Two are roller-coasters and there is one simulated ride which is housed inside of the replica of Hogwarts Castle.

But the best part was finding this!

I waited in line, in the heat,  close to 20 minuets for ButterBeer. And OMG it was sooooo worth it. I opted for the frozen over the soda. It was so good. The best way to describe it is that it's sort of like a frozen cream soda float all blended up.
Since I have been home I have found a few recipes, some of which look pretty promising. I will definitely be making some soon!
And of course I have a shinny new pin for my board, It's the Hogwarts Crest and it's all sparkly and shinny and  bejeweled and stuff. And I love it!

Al Da` Gator

Hey there ya'll. I just wanted to introduce you guys to Al da' Gator. Isn't he the cutest thing.  Al will be my new travel buddy and will be accompanying me on all if my trips from now on. He might even go on a few vacations alone as scouting trips for me! 

Pinspiration Wed.

I have seen so many pictures of the Eiffel Tower. But this one always takes my breath away! 

I can't wait to see it in person, Someday... 

Check out my other travel Pins Here!

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there. 

Here's my Dad and I, Circa 1985. On vacation of course. Taken in Gatlinburg Tennessee. 

Trusty Old Friend!

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my Luggage? I really do. Its cute, durable, and easy to maneuver around. I got it a few years ago and when I saw it, it was pretty much love at first sight. Hot pink with dark and light pink circles and dots. It's been everywhere with me, from Tennessee to Disney World and even on my cruises.
I learned last week that I can easily cram enough stuff for 7 days in Disney into only the carry-on. As we were limited for space on the drive down to Orlando. I was able to fit all clothes, hair stuff, shoes, and everything else I needed including a small collapsible duffel bag into the carry-on with room to spare. (I needed the duffel for all the souvenir stuff I knew I was going to buy.)

It's made by Olympia, which is also Luggage America They have some beautiful pieces and AWESOME customer service.

I know about their customer service first hand. Last December when I was getting ready to pack for my cruise. I pulled all the pieces to the set out of my closet and was about to start putting things in the big suitcase when I noticed that the bottom corner was coming apart from the frame. Of course I went online and tried to see what I could do. Well I ended up contacting the company because when I purchased it I kept the paperwork and it had a 15 year warranty. 
Their customer service is the BOMB-DIGGITY! After corresponding with them just a few times the issue was resolved and I had a new bag on the way in time for me to use on my cruise. Now It wasn't a match to my set because unfortunately my particular set isn't being made anymore but it is a really good suitcase. 
Now you know my OCD cannot handle having a set that isn't a matching set so I am on the hunt for a new complete set. I'm sure it will be an Olympia, though!

THe Happiest Place on Earth.... Well Kind-of..

I spent last week in Orlando, Florida. I spent 2 days at Universal and 1 day at Disney World. 

 I finally went to Epcot and got to ride Soarin and visited the World Pavilion and got to see all the countries. Of which you know Germany was my favorite. With only a limited amount of time at Epcot I got to see everything I wanted to and managed to get the Crap scared out of me by one of the "Cast Members". You see I had walked all through the countries and was sitting on a bench enjoying a nice frozen strawberry drink thing and playing on facebook while I was waiting for my friends to meet up with me. I heard the side door of the building I was sitting next to open and didn't really pay any attention to it. Well apparently its one of the places that the Characters use to come out of. Next thing I know this person in a weird looking bear costume is in my face. I screamed like a little kid, almost lost my drink and felt like a total idiot. The people sitting on the bench opposite me thought it was just hysterical so did the "Body Guard" that was with the Character. Who the heck is Duffy anyways? 

We spent 9 - 12 at Epcot and the hopped on the Monorail and went to Magic Kingdom. 

I am sad to say that Magic Kingdom was a bust. The lines were LONG it was HOT and it RAINED most of the day. All in all we spent about 15 hours at Disney World that day. With most of it either waiting in lines or trying to stay out of the rain. At one point I was sitting in TomorrowLand waiting for that rain to stop and watched as two big puddles merged and made one HUGE puddle that was at-least 3 inches deep. 

Epcot was definitely the highlight of my day. Even with the creepy bear scaring me.

Here is my day, in pictures,  at Walt Disney World!

 Here Duckie Duckie Duckie!!

 China!

 Epcot from a distance.

 Germany, Epcot

Little train model German Village! So pretty and neat. Someday I'll see the real Wurzburg!

 Rain clouds stalking us!

 Lake Orlando, Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom.

 Who doesn't love this sight!!??

Mike and Sully! My two favorite Disney Characters!

My nail lady is awesome! I told her I wanted something fun and Mickey Mouse themed. This is what she came up with.