Wherein We Fly ACROSS THE UNIVERSE to HOGSMEADE

Okay, I’m just gonna admit up front…this blog post is just an excuse to gush about TWO GLORIOUS THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:

1.) I finally got to devour Beth Revis’ sparkling debut, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE…

Cheers!

2.) And I finally got to imbibe copious amounts of Butterbeer at Universal Orlando’s WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER.

People waiting in line for a taste of Butterbeer, AKA Frothy, Scrumptious Elixir of Delirium

Naturally, my photo-journalistic account of said pilgrimage may be lacking in quality and objectivity, but you hafta admit you’re feeling a Gringott’s level of trollish jealousy just looking at these pics, right?

Yeah, I thought so.

On our flight, Amber began reading AtU. Elder and Amy's story hooked her right away.

Staying at THE HARD ROCK HOTEL was worth it. Steps away from the Park.

Our first night, of course we had to take in the sights at THE HARD ROCK CAFE and the hotel. We were total diva poseurs…

Amber, Brit, Me, and Caron

By the time my head hit Hard Rock’s luxe feather pillows, I had not only fallen in love with Orlando’s WIZARDING WORLD, but I’d also fallen head over heels for AtU’s male lead, Elder. I digress, but…this Hard Rock photo of Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill reminds me of Elder. Both guys are sweet, smoking hot, slightly damaged front men. Never mind that Caleb rocks a rhythm guitar and Elder leads an intergalactic expedition.  Pfff…why quibble over minor differences? Contact with either of them equals a mind altering experience.

Is this bolted to the wall? Lemme just tuck Caleb into my suitcase...

On our last day in the park, we hit the pavement and explored every corner of Hogsmeade. Lemme say, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and Universal’s Harry Potter park have something else in common. Revis’ book and HP park are expertly crafted, lovingly designed to entertain.

Turning the last page of AtU felt a bit like leaving Hogwarts for the last time. I’d been enchanted, transported to another world–one I was heartbroken to leave! I can’t wait to return to Orlando and I can’t wait for Revis’ next book!

One last pic before we leave...

In short, I highly recommend enjoying a Beth Revis book with a side of Gryffindor.

Hungry for more? Try this recipe for Hogsmeade Butterbeer. It’s about as close as you can get to the real thing!

Binge!