A Fond Farewell... ✨🌎🔑✨

I've got some sad news to share today.  

For starters, it's the two year anniversary of the day we lost my Nana, so it's a sad day to begin with.  And since today is also the 4th of the month, I figure it's appropriate to post this news today.  After much deliberation back and forth (at least 100 times), I've decided to resign from being a travel agent with Key to the World Travel.

It certainly wasn't an easy decision.  I've been with the company for over a decade... ever since they first hired me back on October 4th of 2013.  That was just over a year after Eliot and I got married.  We had moved up to Maine for his new job and I was still trying to figure out what my next steps were.  I'd started blogging that May, but I still wasn't working at a "real job" quite yet.  So becoming a travel agent who could plan Disney vacations for people just seemed like the next logical step at the time!

And I've absolutely loved it. ✨💙💛🌎🔑🌍💛💙✨ 

It has been really hard to let go... especially when this job has meant so much to me for such a long time.  I've been pretty involved over the years too.  

Through the years there have been so many highlights and magical memories... many of which I've written about on here.  (Search "Key to the World" and you'll see all of them.)  And there's probably a few things that I haven't written about.  Like how a few times, I was a "guest professor" and I wrote a few blog posts when we were using "Theme Park Professor" for our agency.  

Eliot and I have also made tons of mouse ears for my co-workers.  One of the highlights was definitely designing special mouse ears with our company logo.  It was also a huge honor when Jeff asked me to make some for KeyCon at Disneyland.

And KeyCons... those are extra special to me.  I've written a bunch about those through the years, so I won't get into it too much.  But I will say that they were my favorite part of being an agent with Key to the World Travel.  Having the opportunity to gather together to meet each other in person, learn and network was an invaluable experience. 

Finally... the friends are what I'll miss the most.  Honestly, the people are the reason that I held on for as long as I did.  And that is what made it so hard to finalize this decision.

On the last day of 2024, I made it official with the owners of the company as I sent them my official resignation.  It wasn't easy to write, but I was very happy with the final letter.  Eliot and I have a lot going on right at the moment, and at the end of the day, I just don't have the time and energy to put into it that I used to.

Jeff and Heather have been wonderful to work for.  I've been so amazed watching the incredible growth of the company over the past 10+ years.  We went from only a few of us when I first joined, to hundreds.  We have a bunch of agents who are mentors, some who help with training, as well as some in charge of niches like inclusion, groups or destination weddings.  It's really impressive and I'm so proud that our company cares enough to make sure we're all getting the education we need to succeed in the industry.

In my letter, I made sure to tell them that if things change and I ever decide to get back into travel, I know who my first call will be.

Thank you again to Heather, Jeff and my entire KTTW family for making the past 11+ years with the company so wonderful.  It really did become a family to me.  °o°

✨💙💛🌎🔑🌍💛💙✨ 

Top 10 Favorite Parts of Being a Travel Planner

Today is my 9th anniversary with Key to the World Travel!!!

I can't believe it's already been nine years since I joined Key to the World.  I remember back in the beginning when there were less than 50 of us in our little KTTW Family Facebook group.  My how times have changed!  Now, there are over 450 of us!

In honor of my anniversary, I thought that I would do a special edition of my Top 10 today.  There are so many wonderful things about being a travel planner, especially with my company.  So today, I'm going to tell you about some of those things!

My Top 10 Favorite Parts of Being a Travel Planner

10.) We Like to Help People- It's fun to work with a bunch of people who are just like you.  We like to help other people and will pretty much bend over backwards to do it!

9.) We Like to Learn- I love to learn new things.  It's awesome to work and be friends with so many other people who also like to learn... whether it's about new places, destinations, resorts, opportunities, sales techniques, or more. 

8.) Plan Magic for Others- Who wouldn't want to help make other peoples' vacation dreams come true?  Being able to help plan trips for others is a gift that I cherish.

7.) We Care- I love working with people who genuinely care for their clients.  I think that's a rare thing in a world where so many people are only out for themselves.

6.) We Love To Travel- It's great to be able to surround yourself with people who love the same things as you.  I've always loved traveling and exploring new places.  These people speak my language.  Plus, it's awesome to learn about other places I might never think of going when I hear about them from my travel planner friends!

5.) KeyCon- I can't even tell you how amazing KeyCon is.  I absolutely love it.  I've been blessed to be able to attend five of them in person.  I haven't been able to go to the past few events, but I cherish all of the time that I've spent at them.

4.) We Are Supportive of Each Other- Even while I haven't been able to attend our KeyCon conferences the past few years, my KTTW friends remain the most supportive people that I know.  Whenever I post online, it's always them filling the comments and liking my posts.  It doesn't matter if it's personal or something about our businesses, these people are in my corner and I love them for it!

3.) We Have Fun- I can't even begin to tell you how much fun that I have with all of my KTTW friends.  We've shared so moments where I laugh so hard that I've cried.  We all like to have fun and none of us seem to take ourselves too seriously.  We have themed dance parties, gather to share stories over drinks, and play in theme parks.  We also do an annual Socks and Sweets exchange every holiday season.

2.) Friendships- I never imagined that I'd meet so many complete strangers and feel so close to them... then I went to my first KeyCon in 2014.  And the rest is history!

1.) We Love Disney- As someone who obviously is a huge fan of Disney, it's nice to have a bunch of friends who just "get it".  They all feel the same feels when they walk into the park.  We're all known to cry at the fireworks.  We look at Walt Disney as an icon.  I love having friendly, supportive people in my life who completely understand that part of me and don't make me feel like I'm weird for it.  We all love the mouse!

I'm so proud to say that I've worked with Key to the World Travel for nine years.  The owners, Heather and Jeff, are wonderful people, who I am happy to work for and glad to also count as friends.  My fellow travel planners are some of the most kind, fun, supporting and hardworking people that I know.  They all really feel like family.

Happy 9th KTTW Anniversary to Me!  May I have many more Key-versaries!!!  °o°

Back from WDW and DCL

Hello friends!  I am back from my nine day trip to Walt Disney World and aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship!!!  I had a wonderful time but it is really good to be home!

I've actually been home since Monday afternoon, but the past few days have passed in a blur.  Eliot and I both did an all-nighter Sunday to Monday.  (Once he picked me up from the airport Monday, we both crashed and took a 5 hour nap as soon as we got home.)  The rest of this week has been a mix of sleeping, napping, catching up on Etsy messages, getting back into the groove with working on ears, and trying to get back into the swing of everyday life in the Cady household.  I've also been feeling a bit under the weather while fighting a head cold, so that hasn't helped matters.

But, I had such a wonderful time on my trip that I had to write something up about it.  I'll dive into it more over the next few weeks but for now some of the highlights included:

- My solo days at Walt Disney World before and after the trip- I had four solo Walt Disney World days- two before and two after my Disney Cruise.  These have become something that I really enjoy.  Instead of being lonely, I'm really able to soak in the magic.  I had a good time wandering through the parks a leisurely pace.

- Rooming with Stephanie- I had so much fun visiting with and catching up with my Key to the World travel agent friend Stephanie!  We laughed so hard together!

- KeyCon Conference, seeing friends and meeting new ones- I learned so much at our annual travel agent conference!  I always get really inspired at our conferences.  It was great to see all of my Key to the World friends and to make new ones!  When we get together it's like a huge family reunion.  We have so much fun together!

- Halloween on the High Seas Disney Cruise- The Disney Cruise was the highlight of my nine day trip.  The service was impeccable as always.  We had a lot more time to explore the ship this trip since it was a 4 night instead of a 3 night.  We watched a movie in the theater, two Broadway style shows, and enjoyed the Halloween decor.

- Castaway Cay- We were actually the first guests allowed to disembark on Castaway Cay after Hurricane Dorian tore through the Bahamas a few weeks ago.  The cast members and crew worked extra hard to make the island ready for us.  While it was clear that there were damages, the island looked like it was in pretty decent shape considering the severity of the storm.  We enjoyed our time at Serenity Bay- the part for adults only.  The water was still crystal clear and it was beautiful and sunny.

- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party- Stephanie and I went to the Halloween Party last Friday together.  We got a ton of candy, went on our favorite rides, watched the parade and saw the fireworks.  I also went a second time the last night of my trip so I could go on my favorite Magic Kingdom rides one more time.  I got a little bit of candy in between rides.  I also took a few Photopass photos.  I ended the night with front row seats to the parade after I enjoyed the fireworks one more time.

The only downside of my trip was that my cell phone was a casualty.  (It needs to be completely restored.)  It broke when I tried to update it so I could get the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to download and my phone crashed when I did it.  I couldn't use the cellular service on the ship anyways, but it really stunk to not have my own phone to take pictures or to use when I got back to Walt Disney World.  

Thankfully, I have an old phone (not a smart phone) that Eliot was able to charge and send to me along with a charger.  It was waiting for me at my resort when we got back to WDW.  Stephanie also let me use her phone to call Eliot and my Mom before and after the cruise and to take a few photos of my ears on the ship.  Hopefully, I can get my phone fixed soon so I'll be back up and running!  At least now I have my computer!

As you can see, I had a great time!  This trip makes me so excited to go back down to Walt Disney World with Eliot's family in November and my family in December.  I'm also really looking forward to our Christmas Disney Cruises in December!  °o°

Sail Away

Today, I set sail on my second Disney Cruise adventure!  

The last time I cruised with Mickey was three years ago for SeaCon 2016.  Now, I'm doing it all over again- minus Eliot and my family.  This time, I'm rooming with my friend Stephanie!  I'm excited to see her as well as all of my other travel agent friends!  It's also been a while since I had a girl's trip so I'm looking forward to that!  Stephanie and I have already made plans to hit the spa and I can't wait to check it out!

Photo Source

I'm really excited to learn at our conference and to explore the Disney Dream cruise ship again.  I plan to soak in all of the knowledge and Disney Cruise magic that I can.  

Like the last time, I'll be completely off the grid during our cruise.  I'm planning to keep my phone in airplane mode, but I'll keep it on me so I can take photos and videos.  I will let you know how it went as soon as I can!!!  I'm sure I'll have a ton of photos, videos and stories to share!  But for now, it's time to sail away!!!  °o°

40 Days of Dreaming...

Time is flying by.  Suddenly, it's the last day of July and we're heading into August!  

The school supplies are on display at all of our local stores.  Kids here in Maine will be going back in just a few weeks.  Labor Day will be here before we know it!  It feels like summer is passing by so quickly!  Thankfully, we still have a lot of fun in store.  Eliot and I have a few more summer plans for August.  But even when the calendar flips to September, my fun in the sun won't quite be over.

It literally dawned on me a few days ago how close I am to my four night Disney Cruise in September.  (I'm not sure that I've even mentioned it on here yet!)  I'm headed to my 5th KeyCon travel agent conference with Key to the World Travel.  I missed the 2018 conference, but I couldn't say no when I found out this year's conference was taking place on the Disney Dream!  I had so much fun when we did this back in 2016!

Even though it's creeping up on me, I'm definitely looking forward to the cruise.  I'm also planning to go to Walt Disney World a few days before and after the trip.  My friend Stephanie, who I'm rooming with on the ship, is also going to stay with me to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party the night we get back from the cruise!

I'm sure it'll be a blast and it gives me another thing to look forward to.  Right now, it's been pretty hot and miserable the past few days.  I haven't been doing well with the heat and humidity this summer.  (This morning, it was 70 degrees and 94% humidity by 7:00 am.)  I've gotta say... thinking about that cool, light and airy ocean breeze while relaxing in the crystal clear ocean at Disney's private island Castaway Cay with all of my travel agent friends is the best kind of daydream.

The countdown is on- only 40 days until I set sail on my next adventure!  °o°

6 Months Until I Cruise with Mickey

Today, I'm back with some good news!  It randomly occurred to me yesterday that I have exactly six months until my next cruise with Mickey Mouse!!!  I'm still feeling under the weather, but this definitely cheered me up quite a bit!

I've mentioned that Eliot and I were planning to take a Christmas cruise in December of last year, and that we pushed it off to this year.  That's still the plan; and those cruises are booked.  What I didn't tell you was that this September I'm going to another KeyCon (aka, SeaCon) event with my travel company Key to the World Travel.

My first (and so far only) cruise was for SeaCon back in the fall of 2016.  Eliot, my parents, my Nana and my brother Jeremy all joined me and we had the time of our lives.  Every time I'm having a bad day, I close my eyes and picture myself sitting in my beach chair on Castaway Cay with the turquoise waters and tropical fish at my feet.  I am SO excited to be going back!  It really is paradise.

This year, SeaCon 2 is a 4-night Bahamas cruise instead of a three night!  We'll be back on the Disney Dream, which I've decided is my official Disney Cruise ship since that's the one we're booked on this December too!  

I'm also excited that it'll be a Halloween on the High Seas Cruise!  I love seeing the ship all decorated for Halloween!  This year, I'll get to see it decorated for both Halloween and Christmas and my heart is so happy!!!

It won't be all fun though.  We will be learning things as it's still a conference.  (This is my kinda conference!)  We'll be in meetings for a portion of two of the days.  I always learn so much at these sessions!  We're also going to have a reception and I think we're doing fish extender gifts again too!  I'm so excited!

The part I'm most looking forward to is seeing my KTTW friends!  I wasn't able to go to KeyCon this past fall and it's the first time I've missed it since they started having conferences.  I can't wait to see everyone!  I'm also excited to hang out with my cruise roommate, and good friend, Stephanie!  I haven't seen her since we went to KeyCon at Disneyland in December of 2017, so it'll be good to catch up!

Ahh... this totally made my day.  The countdown to SeaCon 2 is on!!!  °o°

Disneyland Tomorrow!

December 1st is a very important day Pascal!  Tomorrow afternoon, my brother Jeremy and I board our plane and start our Disneyland adventure!  I'm so excited!

While the main reason for our trip is for KeyCon 2017, my annual travel agent conference with Key to the World Travel, I can't help but be super excited to show Jeremy around Disneyland.  He's never been before, and I'm basically falling over myself with excitement and anticipation of showing him around.  I'm so excited, that earlier this week, I made a list... and it just keeps growing.  Plus, I'll probably think of more things to add to it once we get out there.

So, instead of a bucket list for myself, I've made one for this trip of things to show Jeremy or stories to tell him about Disneyland.  I won't bore you with the whole list (which is more than twice this long), but here are a few things I plan to do:

World of Color
New Fantasmic
Mickey and the Magical Map
Frozen Musical
Indiana Jones Ride
Radiator Springs
Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay
It's a Small World Christmas Overlay
Walt's Candle
Club 33
Meet Oswald
Little Man of Disneyland
Toontown
Goofy's Kitchen
Disneyland Candy Canes

What are your must do's when you visit Disneyland and California Adventure?  Am I forgetting anything?  What should we do first?  I'm thinking a castle photo... 

We're staying at the Disneyland Hotel, so we'll be close to all of the magic!  Therefore, this trip shouldn't be as much of a whirlwind as Eliot's and my Walt Disney World trip a few days ago was.  I'm hoping to post on social media more often, stay tuned!!!  °o°

Surprise!

Hi friends!  It's been way too long, I know.  I'm still struggling to balance work, Happily Ever Hatter and "adulting" and it's gotten crazier than it was before.  Eliot and I have reached heights that I never thought Happily Ever Hatter would reach... and it's all been a bit overwhelming.  I'll tell you more about that soon... 

However, today I'm finally taking a few minutes to let you all know that we're having another Coast to Coast adventure!  Well, Eliot's half way done with his... he went to visit his family at Disneyland during the Avengers Half Marathon Weekend last weekend, but I'm just starting mine!  I can't believe it's taken me so long to tell you... 

Eliot and I will be at Walt Disney World from November 16th to the 22nd to celebrate my 33rd birthday!  I've always wanted to go to Disney for my birthday, so this is a dream come true for me.  I couldn't be more excited!  While we're there, it'll also be Dapper Day, we have tickets to two Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party events, the Christmas decorations will be up and I'll be there on my actual birthday.  Ahh!!!

Then, we get home, have Thanksgiving, visit with family, make A LOT of ears, and on Friday December 1st, my brother Jeremy and I are jetting off to Disneyland until December 10th!  I don't think I told you, but KeyCon 2017 is at Disneyland!!!  They wanted us to see all of the holiday decorations and I could not be more excited!

So, in the next few weeks, I'll be at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, for the holiday season, seeing all of the decorations, parades, special shows and fireworks, and just soaking in the magic of the season.  I can't wait!!!

I grew up learning that hard work pays off... this is our payoff.  It's been an entire year coming... but we've busted our butts and earned this one.  Time to celebrate!!!  °o°

WDW Tomorrow!!!

I can't believe I leave for Walt Disney World (and for our cruise) tomorrow!!!  I'm so excited, but I've still got so much to do!!!  Ahhh!!!  Catch me if you can!!!  But, as crazy as it's been the past few weeks, I know it'll be worth it.  I'm looking forward to a week and a half away from my everyday routine.  I'm also really excited to see all of my fellow travel agent friends again!  And to meet some new friends!!!

If you see Eliot and me at Disney, please feel free come say hello!  We'd love to meet fellow Disney fans!  I promise we don't bite!  (Unless you are a candy apple.  Then, I make no promises!)  However, if I'm with my travel agent group, I probably won't be be able to say hi... I think we'll only be in the parks touring as a group on Thursday, but I'm not 100% sure.  Otherwise, I'd love to meet you!

As always, you can virtually follow along with the fun from the comfort of your own home.  If you aren't already, follow My Disney Life on Facebook for pictures, posts and updates.  I'm also on Instagram as @MyDisneyLifeBlog if you want to follow the photo fun there!  In the past, I tend to be more active on Instagram during our Disney trips.  I like to post photos "live" from the parks.  Don't have an Instagram account?  If you follow this link, you should be able to see all of my photos online!

During our Disneyland trip, I was able to live broadcast on my Facebook account.  If you are following me on Facebook, you might be in for a few treats!  You should get an alert when I'm live.  If you can't tune in to the live feed, you should be able to watch the videos at your own convenience if you go to my page.  Hopefully, this will allow more people to see my videos!

However, with all that being said, I will be offline during our cruise.  I will be sure to post photos and videos afterwards though!  There are data plans available, but I've decided to go cold turkey for the 2.5 days so I can get the full cruise relaxation experience!

Stay tuned for lots of Disney photo and video spam... See ya real soon friends!  °o°

SeaCon 2016 Announcement

It's time for another fun announcement!!!  I mentioned it during my KeyCon 2015 post, but now I'm ready to make it official!  I'm attending KeyCon 2016, aka SeaCon 2016, and Eliot and I are going on our first Disney Cruise this fall!

We're sailing on the Disney Dream for a three night Bahama cruise.  We'll be stopping at both Castaway Cay and Nassau.  I'm so excited for the cruise and to explore Castaway Cay.  After years of dreaming, it's finally happening!!!  We were originally planning to go on the Dream for our honeymoon, but when our vacation dates weren't lining up with the cruise schedule, we opted to go to Walt Disney World instead.

I'm so excited to experience another Disney first with Eliot!  Not only that, but I'm also going to experience it with my family and my Key to the World friends!  We're having an "at sea" portion of the conference as well as a land portion (at WDW) for those who can't go on the cruise.  It's going to be a blast.  I can't wait to see everyone again!!!

And just like that, another Disney countdown begins.  Only 182 days to go... °o°

Mini Keycon- Maine Edition

I'm am so grateful that my love of Disney has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people.  Disney really is magical.  Not only that, but tonight was another example of how blessed I am to be a part of the greatest family of travel agents.

I just got back from having dinner, aka "Mini KeyCon", with my friends Carrie and Shauna.  I'm lucky to live close to a few of the other Key to the World travel agents from Maine.  Both these ladies aren't too far from me, and we've been trying to meet up to get dinner for a few months now.  Tonight was finally the night!

My face still hurts from laughing.  We reminisced about our KeyCon 2015 antics: from Slytherin group selfies to Universal ride adventures.  We talked about our next KeyCon conference coming up this fall.  Of course, we had to talk a little Disney!!!

We also exchanged a few fun things.  Carrie was awesome and offered to grab some goodies for Shauna and me from the RunDisney marathon weekend expo!  She got me the light blue RunDisney shirt I'd been hunting for.  She got Shauna the Ariel New Balance sneakers.  They're stunning!  (Mental note: Add to wishlist.)  She also grabbed us a stack of Walt Disney World maps!  

Meanwhile, Shauna raided our local craft store a few weeks ago and adopted/rescued a few plush Olafs from the clearance bin.  She brought some for Carrie and me.  They lined up to watch us eat dinner before we took them home.  I'm up next for the goodie exchange!  I'm planning to grab us all Disneyland maps when I'm out there!  Maybe I can find a few other fun Disneyland things!

It was a fantastic evening.  I'm so glad we got to catch up with each other.  We're already talking about meeting up again this summer.  I think mini KeyCon part two in Old Orchard Beach while eating fried dough is an idea we all can get behind.  °o°

Gifts From My KTTW "Mom"

I've mentioned that my Key to the World travel agent friends are the best.  They really are.  From always being some of the first of my friends to like and comment on my Facebook posts, to sending me special birthday wishes, to laughing and joking in our private group page, to messaging me just to say hi.  They're my extended family.  We might not see each other often, however, it's like they're always close by.

Another example- receiving gifts from my friend and Key to the World "Mom".  Wanda was the first KTTW member I met at KeyCon 2014.  She met me in the lobby at Pop Century, and we became fast friends.  At some point during the trip, she dubbed herself my "KTTW Mom" and it's stuck ever since.  (Pictured on the left below.)

Recently, Wanda went to Walt Disney World during the Christmas celebrations.  I asked her if she could get me a shirt I really liked when the Disney Store website was out of my size.  She sought out the shirt, let me know she found it and sent it to me upon her return home.  When I asked Wanda how much I owed her, she said I owe her nothing and that it's a Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Congrats on Your New House shirt.  She made my day with her generous gift and the shirt is absolutely stunning.

The other day, Wanda and I were talking online and she was busy making Christmas cookies.  She hinted that she might send a few to us, but I didn't want her to feel like she had to send us anything.  Sure enough, a few days later we received a box in the mail!  Wanda sent Eliot and me a box full of homemade Christmas cookies and treats!

The treats are delicious and I'm trying to behave myself by not eating them all in one sitting.  (So far so good!)  It means so much knowing that Wanda made them all by hand.  Homemade treats are made with extra pixie dust and love!  I'm blessed to have such a wonderful Key To The World Mom looking out for me!

Thank you Wanda!  You truly are the best!  And I owe you big time!!!  °o°

Results- Universal 2015 Trip Bucket List

As I mentioned the other day, Universal and KeyCon 2015 were awesome!  I had an amazing time with Eliot and my Key to the World family.  Not only did we have a great time, but I also accomplished most of my trip bucket list goals!  This is the closest I've ever become to completing a full list!  Here are the results: 

Melissa's Universal 2015 Trip Bucket List:

⚡️ Learn More About Universal Resort

I learned so much about Universal Resort this trip!  My Key to the World group stayed on site at the Hard Rock Hotel (which was awesome).  We had an entire presentation on Universal at our KeyCon meeting.  Our group also toured the other Universal Resort Hotels.  While on our tour, we saw one of the few Minion themed suites!  I loved seeing the other hotels and now I want to stay at all of them!  Finally, I used my three day tickets to explore Universal and Islands of Adventure!

⚡️ Meet New KTTW Travel Agent Friends

I met a lot of new friends!  It was great to spend time with my KTTW friends from last year, but I also enjoyed meeting new agents this year!  I finally got the chance to meet a few of my fellow Mainers!  I also had a great time getting to know Team Slytherin.

⚡️ See the Dragon Breathe Fire in Diagon Alley

This is so cool!  I had to wait quite a few minutes the first time I went to Diagon Alley, but it was totally worth it!  I learned that the dragon growls before it shoots fire so you can get your camera prepared if you're really quick.  It's totally worth seeing in person!

⚡️ Ride the Hogwarts Express

I had so much fun on the Hogwarts Express.  It takes you back and forth between Universal and Islands of Adventure.  The train compartments have "windows" to look out.  Each way you experience a different ride.  It's definitely my favorite ride there.  

⚡️ Go to the Hard Rock Hotel Pool Bar

Eliot and I finally got to a pool bar.  Sunday night after seeing the Blue Man Group, a bunch of us returned to the hotel and went to the pool bar for drinks.  We had a great time talking and laughing before shutting the place down.

⚡️ Go to Ollivander's Wand Shop

I did go into Ollivander's Wand Shop to buy a wand.  However, I still haven't seen the "show" where a wand chooses a wizard.  I'd really like to see that next time!

⚡️ Get Butterbeer in Souvenir Cup

I finally got my butterbeer in a souvenir cup.  In fact, Eliot got a frozen one in the other style of cup so now I have two cups!  I'm looking forward to enjoying many at home butterbeers in my new cups!

⚡️ Wear my new Happily Ever Hatter Harry Potter IllusionEars

I wore my Harry Potter IllusionEars during our park touring day.  Team Slytherin loved them and we had them in a few pictures before it started to rain.  I couldn't wear my ears with my poncho (without choking myself) so I didn't get to wear them as much as I wanted.  But I did wear them when Eliot and I went back into the park after KeyCon.  I got a lot of compliments from Harry Potter fans and Universal employees.

⚡️ Try Butterbeer Ice Cream
Butterbeer ice cream is delicious!  I really enjoyed my butterbeer ice cream and I'm looking forward to enjoying many more in the future!

⚡️ See Kreacher at 12 Grimmauld Place

I saw Kreacher in the window at 12 Grimmauld Place.  I insisted we go look for him during our park touring day so Team Slytherin camped out and got our cameras ready!

⚡️ Exchange Money at Gringotts Bank

Eliot and I exchanged money to get $10 worth of wizarding money.  The bill is really cool and you can use it at any location in the Universal parks.  I'm definitely getting another one the next time we go!  I think I'm going to frame it or put it in my scrapbook!

⚡️ Dial 62442 (MAGIC) in the phone booth outside King’s Cross

While on our park touring day, I jumped into the phone booth with the rest of Team Slytherin and dialed MAGIC.  The recording told me that the Ministry of Magic was unavailable and the visitor entrance was closed.  It was pretty cool.  I don't think many people know about this trick so I made sure to spread the word.

⚡️ Explore City Walk

I can definitely check this off the list.  I've never spent much time in City Walk before this trip.  Now, I've been to the Blue Man Group, Margaritaville, Antojitos, Cowfish, Vivo, Menchies, and taken the water taxis to and from City Walk.

⚡️ Get a Margarita at Margaritaville

This was the first thing off my bucket list!  Once Eliot and I got settled at the Hard Rock Hotel, we met a few of my Key to the World friends at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville for a light dinner and drinks.

⚡️ Mail a postcard from the Hogsmeade Owlry

I mailed a new Diagon Alley dragon postcard to myself and one to my best friend Katie while Eliot went to ride Dueling Dragons.  Unfortunately, I forgot my stamps at home and that Universal makes you buy an entire sheet of them instead of selling them individually.  I'll make sure to remember next time!  But it was totally worth it to get the Hogsmeade postal stamp!  Maybe next time I'll write them with a quill instead of a pen!

⚡️ See Knockturn Alley

I explored Knockturn Alley with a few KTTW friends while the rest of the group was going on Escape from Gringotts.  It was dark and creepy and definitely felt like I pictured it from the books.  After a few minutes of exploring, I found the Vanishing Cabinet (complete with sounds of tweeting birds) inside of Borgin and Burkes.

⚡️ Order Ice Cream at Florean Fortescues 

Not only did I get butterbeer ice cream, but I also ventured to try a few other flavors from the menu.  The chocolate chili was good, but the after kick didn't sit so well with my sore throat.  However, the chocolate raspberry was perfection.

⚡️ Get an Interactive Wand

I bought my interactive wand on our last day when Eliot and I went back into the parks after KeyCon.  It's probably a good thing, because it was so much fun that it would have completely distracted us from touring the parks!  It was so much fun to "do" magic.  I can't wait to bring my wand back with me the next time we go to Universal!

⚡️ Explore the Wizarding Shops of Diagon Alley

I did get to explore the shops in Diagon Alley.  I really enjoyed Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.  It's so much fun.  The quidditch store was pretty cool.  I spent a lot of time in Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, the store outside of Gringotts, while friends were on the ride.  The Gringotts money exchange was really cool.  I enjoyed asking the head Goblin questions.  I also explored the Magical Menagerie.  I didn't realize they made so many plushes of things from the movies!  And as mentioned before, I also went to Borgin and Burkes, Florean Fortescues and Olivanders.

⚡️ Get a picture with the Minions
This was the only thing on the list that we didn't accomplish.  Apparently, there isn't an area to meet the Minion characters at the park.  I heard you might be able to at a character breakfast, but we didn't have time for that this trip.  However, if there was something that I couldn't do this trip, this would have been my top choice anyways.

We also had a few experiences I wasn't expecting:

⚡️ Eat at Both Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks in One Day
During our park touring day, we had breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron.  Then, later in the day, we had lunch at the Three Broomsticks.  This was a lot of fun.  It definitely made the Harry Potter experience feel more complete.

⚡️ Celestina Warbeck
We didn't have a great view, but Eliot and I did catch a glimpse of Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees while we were enjoying our butterbeer.

⚡️ Tale of the Three Brothers
Eliot and I did see the Tale of the Three Brothers from a closer vantage point.  I'd heard this was a must see if you were able to.  The puppets and props were really cool.  I really enjoyed the show and thought it was a great way to tell the tale.

⚡️ Picture with the Knight Bus Conductor and the Shrunken Head
I knew I could get a picture with the Knight Bus but I didn't realize the conductor and the shrunken head would be there for a photo op as well.  Simon the conductor was very nice and it was a lot of fun to interact with him and the shrunken head!

⚡️ Try on Robes at Madame Malkins
During our park touring day, those of us from Team Slytherin who didn't want to go on the Escape from Gringotts found ourselves exploring the shops in Diagon Alley.  I suggested we go take a photo in Slytherin wizard robes and the next thing we knew, one of the ladies at Madame Malkins was helping us into robes.  She was in perfectly in character and it was a fun experience.  I'm saving my Galleons up so I can buy some robes the next time I visit!

⚡️ Menchies Frozen Yogurt
This probably sounds ridiculous to most of you, but I think it's worth mentioning!  I didn't realize a place like Menchies existed; we don't have them in Maine.  After our group split up on park touring day, I went to Menchies with my friend Ryan and we got frozen yogurt.  I got the cake batter and it was delicious!!!  I'm already trying to figure out the closest store to Maine.  Must get more yummy!

As you can see from our bucket list, Eliot and I had a fantastic time at the Universal Resort.  In fact, we're already planning to add a day at Universal to our trip next fall.  I'd really love to go back to the Harry Potter sections and spend more time playing around with my interactive wand and pretending I'm a wizard! ⚡️o-o⚡️