Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Inside Harry Potter Los Angeles

 Yesterday we were in for a big surprise. Being the day after the Oscars and a Monday all was on the quieter side at Universal Studios Hollywood. They are busy getting ready for the grand opening of Harry Potter on April 7. SURPRISE!!! They were testing things out and we were able to see and experience the whole thing first class!!!

Ahh! Snow and Hogwarts only thirty minutes from home!

Many of the great shops were open too.

Honeyduke's Sweets Shop was a fun experience with novel treats like Pumpkin Juice.

We received a grand welcome to the star attraction, Hogwarts, featuring Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

I don't believe we will ever see a sight like this again. These winding walkways are made for long lines and big crowds. We were able to walk all the way in. Amazing!!!

And there they are! Harry, Ronald, and Hermione! The ride was awesome!

Then it was onto the roller coaster at Hagrid's Hut.

We were thoroughly entertained by this frog chorus as they sang, danced, and then posed with us. What a treat!

Being the "foodie" that I am it was nice to meet Executive Chef Anthony at the brand new Three Broomsticks Tavern.

The comfort food menu is very appealing and reasonably priced.

We chose the Lemon Roasted Herb Chicken with corn on the cob and roasted potatoes. Yummy!

Checkout the view from our table!

What an exciting day! One of my favorite things about Universal is the music. The beautiful instrumental musical score from the Harry Potter movies is perfectly played throughout the attraction making you feel as if you are really there. This is going to be a huge draw. How thankful we are that we got to see it all up close and personal before the throngs arrive. WOW! WOW! WOW!

Tricks & Treats at Universal Studios

It was a perfect day to visit one of our favorite places UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. This shot was taken on top of the mountain just before you take the long escalator down to the studio tour tram. The views are spectacular! In the foreground you can see the lot where countless movies are filmed. Just behind it is Warner Brothers.

It looks like the new Harry Potter attraction is well on it's way. Can't wait!!!

 

Since Halloween is approaching there were lots of photo ops throughout the park.

 

 

A must have treat in the Simpson area. This giant vanilla cone was swirled with chocolate and perfect for sharing.

 

 

So happy to have this world class attraction only 30 minutes from home. I especially love all of the movie soundtracks that are played throughout. What a treat!