Islands of Adventure

Hogsmeade Village

We decided to surprise the kids and take them to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of adventure. Jess has been working and travelling a lot, so we ended up going literally, on a "random Tuesday." Although it was not quite random enough and we were there with a bazillion other people!
On Monday night, we told the kids that we were going to Orlando to buy Daddy some work clothes. We didn't leave until 6pm, so I thought we might get questioned a little more. About half way there, Summer spoke up and said she thought we ought to get a hotel so we wouldn't have to drive back so late. Jess just told her, "okay, that's a great idea." An idea that was part of the plan all along! The kids asked us the next morning if they were going to miss school. Jess said they did miss their school at home, but that we were going to find a school in Orlando for them to go to. Immediatley, they all got shy and nervous and said they didn't like that idea. Jess just said that we would stop by and check it out and if they didn't like it, we could just go shopping. They all agreed to this and we set out to the park. As we pulled in to the parking area T Jay wondered why you had to pay to park at this school and that their school colors must be blue and yellow, because that's what all of the workers were wearing. Jess and I slyly smiled from the front seat. We finally told them as we were walking to the park that Hogwarts was the school we were taking them to. Cheers, excitement and relief came from Summer and T Jay. The younger two joined in on the celebration because that's what they do!

Wands at the ready as we made our way though Hogwarts.

Waiting for Jess to buy our Butter beers. He stood in line for 20-30 minutes for those drinks. Summer was not impressed with the amount of time that took. It was really good, though. Cream Soda like with some kind of cream on top. Yummy!


We moved on to the Dr. Seuss area which was surpisingly empty compared to Harry Potter. The kids had fun watching these storybook characters.

Matthew thought it was hilarious that Thing 2 was sitting in the stroller with him.

Green eggs and ham anyone?

This was the last ride that Jess took T. Jay and Summer on. Matthew was too short to ride, but he was told that he wasn't allowed to ride because he ran away from Jess. Is it cruel to do that. T Jay kept correcting me, "No Mom, he's just not tall enough." He was not getting my drift! They came off of this ride looking like they fell out at some point!

This was an extremely fun family day. Yesterday Matthew asked me if we could go back again the next day. He could not fathom why I said no.