Tuesday, November 25, 2014

My First Visit To Hogsmeade & Diagon Alley!

Last Tuesday Florida had a single day of truly cold weather - we're talking, like, fifty degrees! - so John and I dropped everything and finally - FINALLY - went to Universal.

John's been to Hogsmeade once before, but embarrassingly enough I'd never been to either of the new Harry Potter areas. I've watched tons of walk-through videos online, clicked through every slideshow, listened to the stage shows, read all the ride reviews, drooled over the merchandise and menus, and generally fangirled over every detail. Yet, somehow, I never got the courage to go. I just didn't want to spend all that money to get in when I knew I couldn't go on any rides! So, I put it off.

Now that I'm working on overcoming my agoraphobia, though, I decided It Was Time. And to take the pressure off, John and I bought season passes - which were only $50 more than a 2-park day pass, anyway - so I won't feel so bad skipping the rides for now. 

We started with Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, and as we walked towards the Hogwarts Express, with the castle looming so beautifully on the horizon, I realized to my horror that I was so stinking happy I was actually going to cry. ("NoooOOOooo!!") Yep. I'm THAT PERSON now, you guys. I'd built up this visit in my head so much that I was completely overwhelmed, and all I could do was stagger around wide-eyed and sniffling. Gah.

John and I both brought heavy cameras, but they hung around our necks, forgotten, for most of the day. There was just too much. I couldn't take it all in!

As luck would have it the park was practically deserted - at least by Universal standards - so I was able to stagger and sniffle in relative ease. We walked the castle queue - quickly, because urrrg enclosed spaces - and then wandered up and down the street, gawking. Lunch at the Three Broomsticks (rather lackluster, but the Pear cider was nice), a quick Frog Choir concert, and then we were off to Diagon Alley.

I'm not ready for the train yet, so we had to take the looooong way 'round. That means walking all the way out of Islands, over to Universal, and then to the very back of the park. Good exercise.

Diagon Alley was even more of a rush, since Universal really cranked the detail and atmosphere there up to 11. And I thought there was a lot to see in Hogsmeade! WOW.

I finally remembered I had a camera, though, since I think it's park policy that you HAVE to take a picture of the dragon:


We wandered, we shopped, we ate sea salt caramel ice cream (SO GOOD), John went on Gringotts (a 5 minute wait, if you can believe it!), and we stood in the street and giggled & clapped like little kids over the booming roar of the fire-breathing dragon. Late in the day we even went to Ollivanders, where we had an almost private show, with only 4 of us in the audience! (And I was so captivated I didn't even mind being "trapped" in the show room for those few minutes.)

Time zipped by, and since the park closed at 6 we ended with dinner at the Leaky Cauldron, which was WAY better than lunch. (Try the Toad-in-a-Hole. Trust me.) I also had my first official Butter Beer! It tasted like the homemade version some friends made once, but the cream was much thicker; positively buttery. And yes, GOOD. (I heard they're offering hot butter beer now! Next time, I'm totally trying that.)

After dinner we spent our last few minutes watching the dragon:




And clapping for his final roar:


Then we dashed around taking a few more photos in the growing dark. It's so lovely there with all the lights on; it's a shame the park wasn't open later. Most of my pics were terrible, but here are a few that turned out:





And my favorite:
 

This statue is amazing, and just as I got down on one knee for the photo the end-of-night fireworks started, bathing the whole street in red light. Next time I'd love to bring a tripod, for better focus - oooh, and maybe try some HDR? I can see spending ALL the time here, just taking pictures.

But as wonderful as the day was, the best part was this: for the first time in maybe two years, I went on a ride. And better yet, I didn't panic. Sure, it was just The Cat in the Hat, and sure, I experienced real, honest-to-goodness terror getting into that ridiculous little car - but I did it.

I almost didn't, to be honest. I got up to the loading dock and totally choked. But as I hesitated, thinking I couldn't do this, thinking I'd just try again next time, I had another, louder thought. I thought about how proud you guys would be of me. I thought about how proud *I* would be to tell you I did it. And then, dangit, I CLIMBED INTO THAT SILLY SEUSS CAR.



Ok, maybe my victories are kind of ridiculous. But at least they're mine.

And next time, I promise more pictures!

194 comments:

  1. As a lifelong lover of Seussical anything, your last section made me massively grin. What a beautifully appropriate vehicle! Decked-out goofiness that actually holds a message of great importance.
    YOU RIDE THAT FRICKIN' HATTED CAT.
    YOU RODE IT. YEAAAAAH!!
    dagnabit, you got me teary. i'm so proud for you.

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  2. YAY YOU GOT ON A RIDE YOU WENT ON A RIDE THAT IS *AWESOME* YAAAAAAAAAAY! *throws glitter*

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  3. Baby steps! Good for you for pushing yourself and recognizing where you CAN talk yourself through. The photos are awesome!

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  4. It's not ridiculous at all! It's fantastic and I'm so proud! I got goosebumps!

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  5. You rode a ride! That's awesome! I'm so proud of you Jen. :) Big ole ^5 to ya!

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  6. that dragon is like whoa. so perfect!

    and you? YOU ROCK! thrilled for you and your victory. just like eating an elephant, one bite at a time. congratulations!

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  7. Well done! And now -I'm- that person. Is it suddenly dusty in here? *sniff*

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  8. I took my husband to Hogsmeade back in March but Diagon Alley wasn't open yet. He's a Harry Potter fan but I think I got a bigger kick out of it than he did! I want to go back and see Diagon Alley now.

    Also, reading about you going on the Dr. Seuss ride made ME tear up. You go, girl!

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  9. Um, I may have teared up a little when you said you went in the ride. I'm so happy for you! One day, one experience at a time :)

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  10. YAYYYYYYYY That's fantastic!!! One step at a time :) I can't wait until you're able to go on the ride inside of Hogwarts, because that is literally the best ride I have ever been on!

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  11. I haven't been able to go yet and I live in Lakeland (finances). Thank you SO much for sharing, they're good pics and I couldn't be happier for you that you conquered that fear and rode that ride. First one in two years! WootWoot! You are DOING IT!

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  12. I would have cried too! I can understand the fear of enclosed spaces. I took a car ride in the backseat of a Camaro (I'm rather tall and large) and held it together until I got out. Then the crying. Never again.

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  13. I am so excited for you! Baby steps are tiny victories! In a year, two, three you will be amazed how far you have come! So, so, so Proud for you!

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  14. AND I AM PROUD OF YOU. <3 Way to go, Jen!

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  15. Wow! Congratulations! I'm jealous. When we go to Disney World we can never talk ourselves into giving up a day to go to Universal since we come from so far away. Maybe someday...

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  16. that's so great! Congratulations!

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  17. Yeap, you're right, COMPLETELY PROUD OF YOU!!!! We take our victories large and small, because they are ours. Good job! :-)

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  18. I am so proud of you! This is a BIG victory on your way to doing anything you want. And I cried when I first saw the original Harry Potter area too (which I just mistyped as Happy Potter).

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  19. You need to warn us when we'll need tissues. Dangit. I'm all blotchy here at work now! Way to go getting on that ride! May many more rides come! I haven't seen Diagon Alley yet either and I'm terribly jealous.
    King Azaz's advisors would say: Congratulations! Felicitations! Hail! Good Going! Well Done!

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  20. It got really dusty in here when I read the end of this. That's super awesome and like everyone else, I'm proud of you. You help me be strong sometimes when I'm not sure I can be, and for that I'm also very grateful to you. You're an inspiration :)

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  21. So happy you got on the ride!!!!!!! To be able to recognize the things that upset you and be able to tackle them head on is one of the bravest things I can imagine. Here's to many more successes!

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  22. Wahooo you did it! Go Jen go!

    I'm absolutely positive that if I ever get to visit Harry Potter world I will cry like a fool. And I'm sure others have, too!

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  23. YOU GOT ON A RIIIIIDE!!! I'm SOOOOOO happy for you!!! AWESOME!!

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  24. Yay!! So proud of you, Jen! I'm all teary-eyed here *sniff* Glad you had such a great day. This one goes to 11!

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  25. And we are! We really, really, REALLY are!!!

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  26. That's brilliant Jen - well done you! >insert happy Kermit flailing icon<


    and i really envy you that dragon....
    xx

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  27. Yaaay for you! All of the Kermit Flails !

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  28. Did you hear that?!?! That was me giving you the old skool Arsenio Hall fist-pump-in-the-air *whoop* *whoop* *whoop*!!!! Small steps build into bigger steps! I'm glad you had such a wonderful day. I haven't been to Universal yet, but I am so looking forward to it.

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  29. From the moment I read "and scored a major - if completely ridiculous - victory." I KNEW you had gotten on a ride. WAY TO GO!!! That is awesome, and a very major step...kudos to you. Every victory, no matter how small you may think it is, is a GIANT victory for US ALL. You are an amazing person to share your fears with us, here's to 2 rides next time...we are all very proud of you!

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  30. 1) PRIDE! we haz it for you. keep up the good work
    2) I'm jealous that you are always going to the Orlando attractions. That is my dream. for reals.
    3) if my dream ever comes true, I'll get a chance to meet you again (I was at the Houston book signing)

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  31. Also, I would not deem your victory ridiculous. Victories are not measured by what was overcome, but what it took to overcome it.

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    1. Good GOD Beth, how you DO ROCK. And YES Jen, I second this entirely (Countless hordes of Vikings roaring in agreement, all up and down the fjords)

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  32. That's AMAZING news!! We (I feel like I can speak for the masses on this one) are so incredibly proud of you and of your accomplishment! Thrilled you got to enjoy the wonders of HP world. We only got to see the first half on our trip last year. Now that the new section is up and running another trip is needed!

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  33. Way to go, Jen! And gorgeous pics, too!

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  34. This. Looks. AWESOME.

    My older daughter wants to go to "Harry Potter world" for her 10th birthday next summer, and dagnabit, we're REALLY going to try to make it happen! We saved for 18 months, but we FINALLY went to Disney World last October, so maybe (even if we won't make it FOR her birthday!) we can pull it off.

    And those pictures and descriptions just made me want to go even more!

    Also.. WAY TO GO! That's seriously an amazing accomplishment! It's weird to be so proud of someone I don't *actually* know, but I am! I may have even teared up a bit.

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  35. You go girl! I'm glad you had such a wonderful time!!!

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  36. wow to all of it!!! the pictures, the descriptions but most of all in the small steps you take each day. you are an inspiration to many for sure.

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  37. I'm all teary for you, Jen. What a victory!!

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  38. Well done you! Small steps are still steps, and I think this was kind of a huge one for you x

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  39. I thought i was the only one that got teary eyed at your victory but we are all here with you, rooting you on and maybe our own confidence is growing with you to take our own baby steps!!

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  40. ::Epic high fives slightly resembling a Kermit flail followed by the biggest of hugs::
    So proud!!

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  41. Teary-eyed here, too, in a nearly-deserted coffee shop. Good for you! All victories should be celebrated, no matter how small...and this was HUGE! Congratulations!

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  42. Toad-in-a-hole - on behalf of all your UK readers, LOLs! Maybe it's not a thing in the US but toad-in-the-hole with mashed potato and gravy is a mid-week dinner classic here - assuming it's sausages cooked in yorkshire pudding? If so, we as a nation concur - yum, I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't like it!

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  43. Jen, you inspire me every day to fight my own anxiety issues that have plagued me for my entire adult life. Kudos to you for taking the first of many steps to overcome the agoraphobia! Yay!

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  45. I'm a relatively new reader of EPBOT, but I have to say that I'm so happy for you that you're taking steps to be able to enjoy stuff like this! I was also surprised that I started crying when I saw the Hogwarts castle when we went to Universal a few years ago. It's funny how stuff like that just hits you when you don't expect it. I'm so glad that you were able to have fun and experience something so cool!

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  46. Your victories are absolutely not ridiculous! I am super freaking proud man! And I had the gif of the Kermit the frog happy flail going on in my head when I read that you went on a ride. :) Those pics are freaking epic. I love the First dragon shot you did. I want to go to Universal and Disney in the next five years that is my goal :)

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  47. Tearing up over here...way to go, Jen!

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  48. Today (ok, last Tuesday-same diff!), Cat in the Hat; tomorrow (yeah, yeah, you know what I mean), Christmas cruise! I am so thrilled for you! & yes, proud of you as well! Way to go, Jen! :)

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  49. As someone who doesn't say much, but has been following for awhile, I could not be happier for you! Every little step is a big thing. Way to go girl! You remember you have people cheering for you!

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  50. This is a wonderful post. I am really REALLY proud of you!!! :-)

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  51. Hooray! YOU DID IT! Sounds amazing there, I'm surprised it closes that early there must be so much to see.

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  52. Dammit Jen, that last comment made the room very dusty all of a sudden. Of course we're proud of you, and currently very, VERY jealous because I would love to go to universal, but I can cope with having been to the warner bros studios over here for my Harry Potter dose. For now....

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  53. Congratulations Jen! yay! How wonderful! You are awesome!

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  54. So so proud of you for going on a ride! That is crazy awesome! I'm so happy for you. And the pictures were amazing. I'm coming down to FL for my xmas holidays and instead of spending all my time at Disney like usual, I booked a day earlier to go and see the new Diagon Alley. I can not wait! Your post just made me more excited. :)

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  55. Victory! This made me tear up a little -- hoping to make it to Universal soon so living vicariously through you!

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  56. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. Even just going to the park was great, but the Seuss ride was really something! :) Also, you definitely need to do some HDR shots next time.

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  57. Way to go Jen! I totally believe in taking the victories that come. Sometimes, I'm proud of myself that I did laundry in the day. I try to take it, and run with it!

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  58. MAZEL TOV!!! That is so awesome! Hooray Jen!! *hugs from near DC* I have some anxiety issues too, though with me it's more volume and people than closed spaces, so I understand a little of where you're coming from.

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  59. Amazing job! Never ever diminish even the smallest of victories because it is a victory. I'm not super active here but I read every post and I'm so proud of this accomplishment.

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  60. You go, girl! Super happy for you :)
    -J

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  61. Way to go, Jen! Congratulations. Looking forward to hearing more about your new steps and new experiences.

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  62. We all define what success looks like for us as individuals. Congrats on your minor-ly major victory!

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  63. The cat in the hat is excited about that!
    Go Jen!

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  64. Jen you are awesome! You inspire me and so many other readers not to let anxiety control our lives and keep us from what we love. And you got to go to Universal!

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  65. Congratulations on doing the Cat in the Hat ride! That is an awesome accomplishment!

    I'm glad that you enjoyed your visits to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, too. :)

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  66. Wow! I'm really impressed and properly choked up with pride. Keep up the good work!

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  67. Your victories are NOT ridiculous! All victories are amazing, and you have to have the small ones to have big ones!! Congratulations!

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  68. First of all, I'm glad to know adults cry at the sight of Diagon Alley. Before it was even open to the public, I told everyone that if I ever make it there in person, I'm just going to stand in the street sobbing.
    Secondly, I was thrilled through the whole post! So glad you finally made it to see TWWoHP! But THEN you said this, "... I had another, louder thought. I thought about how proud you guys would be of me. I thought about how proud *I* would be to tell you I did it. And then, dangit, I CLIMBED INTO THAT SILLY SEUSS CAR.". Jen. I am so. so. proud of you. I cried. You made me cry out of happiness for you. It's weird trying to explain how thrilled I am about your day long victory over agoraphobia. Getting in that car is huge. STAYING in the car is enormous. Wow.
    And finally, I hope to hear about your victorious ride on the Hogwarts Express in the coming weeks.

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  69. Cheers, Jen. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

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  70. Small victories are still victories (as someone with social anxiety, I know this well). So proud of you, Jen! And so jealous you got to go. I haven't been since they added Diagon Alley. *sigh* One day.

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  71. Go Jen! You rock, and I'm so proud of you! I'm taking my first trip to Orlando EVER in January. You've made me so excitedly giddy to check out Diagon Alley. I can't wait!! *hop hop hop*

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  72. Your victory is not ridiculous and you should be ridiculously proud of yourself--Go Jen!

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  73. This post made me ridiculously happy on so many levels! I think it's awesome that you got on a ride - congratulations! That's a huge victory! I'm inspired by your photos - I can't wait for you to post more, especially some HDR shots. And I love hearing about both areas of the WWoHP. Thank you for brightening my day!

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  74. I've been following your blogs for so long that I sometimes feel like we're old friends. (You're like a favorite fictional book character except that you're REAL!) So I was positively giddy for you when I read this post, lol! Be proud of your victories and know that you've got a lot of people cheering you on from the sidelines!

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  75. First: congrats on your visit AND your ride! Second: I want to visit diagon alley sooooo bad now. Thanks for the rundown.

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  76. Amy from WilliamsburgNovember 25, 2014 at 7:22 PM

    Oh my goodness, oh my goodness - YOU DID IT! So stinkin awesome that you went on a ride, its a big step for you and I know you must have been positively giddy when you were done. Congratulations on your accomplishment and thank you for sharing with the rest of us. We love your blogs and we love you!

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  77. Yay! So happy for you!
    I have to get back now that Diagon Alley is open, and I'll happily admit I cried a little with happiness when I walked into Hogsmeade for the first time...

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  78. Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!!!!!!!
    Jen, I am so incredibly happy for you!!

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  79. So glad you got to go, and for the mild weather, and the small crowds, and the small-to-large victories. [throwing imaginary confetti] Wonderful. Just wonderful.

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  80. Way to go! I will admit to getting terry-eyed seeing the previews for Diagon Alley. Can't wait to see it in person!

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    1. "Teary-eyed" dang autocorrect, who puts towels in their eyes?

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  81. No victory is ridiculous!! We are so so proud of you! Seriously, I had a few little tears at the part about the ride! Heck, I was proud when you said you went into Ollivanders! Great job- keep up the good work!

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  82. Looooooooooooong time reader, first time poster- YOU GO GIRL!!!!! So. PROUD. :D

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  83. Congratulations on getting out there! Your pics are really beautiful.

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  84. You are right, your victories are ridiculous...ly awesome! Proud of you! I too started tearing up reading about you going on the ride!!

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  85. I'm proud of you and so grateful that you have shared this journey
    with us.
    Congrats on getting on the ride.

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  86. http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/tina-and-amy.gif

    Woot! Victory! (All victories are good victories!)

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  87. Though I've only met you once at a book signing, I've been following Epbot since the very beginning (this is the ONLY blog I read faithfully these days!), and I think of you (and John) as friends. As your friend, I'm over-the-moon ecstatic for you! Every step forward, however "ridiculous", is still a step forward. I wish you all the best in taming your anxieties, as you will benefit greatly from being able to see the world, and the world will benefit even more for getting to see you!

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  88. Wow, great progress! I'm so jealous you got to go to Diagon Alley. I've been to Hogsmeade, but it was the first year it opened. Have you ever listened to Thrilling Adventure Hour? You thinking about how proud your readers would be makes me think of Captain Laserbeam using "memory...of...Adventurekateers..." to give him the final push he needs to defeat the bad guy. ;)

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  89. Wow, awesome photos! But you buried the best part! I am so awesomely thrilled and excited for you, and I love that part of what helped you get over your fear was how proud you would be to tell all of us how you got over your fear.

    Thank you for being so open and honest about your journey with us, for sharing your fears and pain. In no way are my own anxieties on par with what you or so many others here experience, but I so appreciate reading what others experience and knowing that I'm not alone and I'm not crazy for feeling what I do.

    So YAY! Happy Thanksgiving Jen, from one Jen to another, and I am so happy for you for making yet another step on your road toward conquering your agoraphobia! :) <3

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  90. Congrats Jen, so proud of you! Now excuse me while I go and find whoever is chopping onions in my house.

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  91. OK A) I am incredibly proud of you - there are no small victories, that was a very brave step :)
    B) I'm incredibly jealous of you - one day I WILL make it to Harry Potter World (at least I can pacify myself with the studio tour over here which is amazing but alas has no rides (except when you can 'ride' a broomstick, does that count?))
    C) I appreciate any and all photos (WOW THAT DRAGON) but can completely understand how you get distracted by the real thing since I do the same thing all the time!
    D) Toad-in-the-hole is indeed delicious, unfortunately I have the one Yorkshire bred mother in the country who isn't fond of yorkshire pudding and so we don't have it very much. SOB

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  92. Wow. How much I want to go there. Please more pictures next time. Your victories aren't ridiculous. They are great. Do you hear me cheering you on from Germany?
    I'm posting some achievement stickers on the Epbot Facebook page. You earn everyone of them.

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  93. Congrats, Jen! A step is a step no matter how small it seems!

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  94. Way to go Jen! Here are some geeky fireworks for you. :-)

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  95. OH YES WE LOVE THAT DRAGON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WILL IT COME AND BURN UP YOUR PILLOW IN YOUR SLEEP AND BLOW FIRE UP YOUR ARSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! POINT MADE YOU GOT 1 ON YOUR TAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

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  96. Reading this was the perfect way to start my day. I'm sitting here grinning at my computer screen because I'm so happy for your successes! Go Jen! :D

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  97. You are simply awesome!

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  98. I AM proud of you!!! Keep it up, you're doing amazingly!! Great photos, too! ;D

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  99. Sounds like you had a great day. Well done on winning.
    We're heading to HP in a couple of weeks. Your description and photos have surged my own excitement from a 10 to a 15.

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  100. Not a ridiculous victory at ALL!! You silly girl. *g* Is it weird that I'm totally proud of you? Given that you are a stranger and I am mostly a lurker? (although you DID feature my kid in her steampunk duds on Saturday steam once. Highlight of my internet life!!) Don't underestimate how much we are connected to you - in a totally non-stalker way *shifty eyes* - and how we are all rooting for you to kick your agoraphobia right in the bahookie! Nice job, missus.

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  101. Congratulations :) I'm so impressed I'm now welling up at my desk! My colleagues *may* think I'm a bit weird... ps: the Harry Potter studio tour in London is awesome too - the model of Hogwarts is phenomenal!

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  102. What a blessing to live so near the park and be such a big fan! I'm on the west coast so that would be a major trip and expense for me. So glad you got to go, Jen! And yes, I am proud of you and I'm glad YOU are proud of YOU. Thanks for sharing that, and we look forward to more pictures (that place looks totally amazeballs!!!)
    Maureen S

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  103. SO MUCH PROUDNESS!!!

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  104. We have a daughter (stepdaughter for me) for whom every tiny step of development that everyone considers normal is a huge freaking leap for her. One of the things I've come to love and embrace is that everyone gets to define their normal and change it whenever they like. You did amazing - spending the whole day, going on the ride, and challenging yourself to do what was the impossible before. In my family, that means cake!

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  105. Like a lot of others here, I am a sap, and so proud of you! (I have tears. One tear. It's very cinematic.) Fist Pump for Jen!!!! Keep taking those steps to freedom, Girl!

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  106. I don't usually comment (for anything) but am chipping in with a huge HOORAY!

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  107. I'm so happy for you to be able to enjoy your day and even go on a ride! As a mom of a son with some special needs, I know sometimes what seems like the smallest victory can be the most important. And now that you have season passes, I hope to see lots of pictures.

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  108. So proud of you, Jen! It is intimidating and painful to face our fears, and it's amazing that you have found the courage to fight your agoraphobia. I hope your journey through it is rewarding and relieving. I will cheer for you each step of the way.

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  109. A victory no matter how small or large, IS STILL A VICTORY!!!!!
    Congrats to you!!!!!!

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  110. So proud of you and I don't even know you! This site and Cake Wrecks give me endless chuckles, ideas and inspiration. My wish for you is to have the ability for the world to be your oyster, in person. It's actually a selfish wish as I know you will share your experiences with us all.

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  111. "Ok, maybe my victories are kind of ridiculous. But at least they're mine." :-D Oh YES, they ARE! Happy Thanksgiving, Jen. And John. And menagerie. Just think of what the "tomorrows" may bring!

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  112. A victory no matter its size is still a victory. GOOD FOR YOU! Harry Potter world looks amazing

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  113. I am so proud of you and your victory of the day! You, madam, never cease to amaze me!

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  114. A couple friends and I went down to Florida a few years ago, specifically to go to Harry Potter World. (We're geeks like that.) I'm glad you finally got to experience it, because the detail was amazing! And the butterbeer was quite delicious, though we only got iced because it was summer. Also, way to go, getting on that ride! :)

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  115. Yay for you, going on a ride! Like Bob Wiley tells Dr. Leo Marvin, "baby steps get on the bus...baby steps go down the aisle...baby steps..."

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    1. LOVE "What about Bob?"
      One of my favorite Bill Murray characters

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  116. That place looks amazing!!! I may fly to Florida and spend a few weeks in Universal and Disneyworld. It's so awesome that you get to go so much and still enjoy it. So many people lose their luster after a few visits.

    It's so fun to watch you conquer your inner fears! As soon as I read "I went on a ride. And better yet, I didn't panic!" I fist pumped and said, "YES! GO JEN!"
    **Then I had to look around to make sure no one saw me congratulate the computer screen.

    WOOHOO!! --Piper P from Washington State

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  117. Hooray!!
    Love from a loyal reader

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  118. Good for you!! I'm so proud of you

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  119. Yay!! Great job, Jen! I'm so happy for you that you took the risk and did it!

    I was so inspired that I told myself, "If Jen can take a risk, so can you!" and I sent off the email to the professional organizer/housecleaner and admitted that I need some serious help getting the house in shape. I have serious anxiety about it, and I'm constantly afraid of having people come over, and I just feel stuck and anxious and overwhelmed by it, but I've been afraid of asking some stranger to come and help me fix it. After all, I'm a grown woman, so shouldn't I be able to handle this on my own? But I can't, so today after reading this post, I just quickly wrote the email to the organizer/cleaner and sent it before I could second guess myself. Now hopefully I won't panic and delete any reply I get and I'll follow through with it...

    Thanks for being an inspiration!

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  120. That made me all teary-eyed. I'm a lurker and have never commented but I just had to say congratulations! So happy for you!

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  121. THAT IS SO AWESOME! So happy you went on the ride :) You give me encouragement to try things that scare me :)

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  122. NOT ridiculous. An important step and we are thrilled for you.
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  123. Woohoo! Go Jen go!

    Those last few pictures of the dragon are GORGEOUS. And I love the mermaid statue too!

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  124. Your victories are not ridiculous. They are steps in the right direction. They are BIG to you. And that's what's important.

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  125. A victory is a victory, no matter the size. Good for you! I think it helps that you know what the issue is now. I know when I finally figured out my problem was real, honest-to-goodness anxiety and not just a personal "weirdness," it really helped, and I've been able to tackle things a little better since. Hooray for taking steps in the right direction! You savour that victory, because you earned it!

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  126. Woohoo!!!! So proud of you!!!!

    When we went to Hogsmeade, it was pouring down rain. But the butterbeer was delicious, and the Three Broomsticks makes some mighty tasty fish 'n chips. Diagon Alley wasn't open yet, unfortunately.

    If we make it to Orlando again, I'll have to let you know so we can hook up. Mini-Mal and Mini-Kaylee are getting so big now!

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  127. Thanks for the beautiful pictures! And it's most certainly NOT a ridiculous victory! Any victory you can call your own, big or small, is one to cherish and one to be proud of. If we don't celebrate the baby steps, what are we fighting for? Besides, every little victory is one more step towards the bigger ones. A hearty congratulations to you! I can't wait to hear about your next special little victory! Much love to you and John! ��

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  128. Jen, I am so happy for you. Congratulations and may there be many more proud moments to come!

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  129. Congratulations!! You did it!

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  130. I'm proud of you for facing your fears! and loving your photography too!

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  131. Oh, Jen, how lucky you are! I am so envious that you got to visit HP land. Someday I too will find the courage to get in the car, drive 800ish miles, and experience the wonder that is Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Secretly, I dream of running into James and/or Oliver Phelps.

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  132. I am so proud of you Jen, and so happy for you that you took that step.

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  133. Well done! So proud of you for getting on the ride ^_^

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  134. I'm so excited for your victory on the ride (no matter how silly the Seuss car).

    Just wanted to share my own little victory - my little brother came into town for Thanksgiving this week, and knowing last night would be my only chance to see him, I had to go out with a group much larger than my comfort zone. I even managed to enjoy the party (!), other than one five minute quiet break in a bathroom.

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  135. that victory is SO FAR from ridiculous I can't even tell you. Yay for you. Yay for realizing a dream and letting yourself do it your way.

    Yay!!! I hope there's another "cold" day soon so you can go back and feel yourself getting stronger and stronger.

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  136. Long time lurker, first time commenting here. Firstly, wanted to say how brilliant this news is - very pleased for you!

    Although it's Disney rather than Universal, I read this article on The Toast about sadness and/at Disneyland and although it's not really similar to what you experience through anxiety I thought it might be of real interest. You were certainly the first person I thought of as I read it anyway.

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  137. Khalysta from VersaillesNovember 27, 2014 at 4:18 PM

    I am so proud of you !
    Overcoming your agoraphobia like this. Now you will be able to enjoy places in real, instead of by proxy.
    Take it step by step and bravo again

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  138. Aww, Jen, I totally teared up reading about the Cat in the Hat ride victory! Of course we are so stinking proud of you!!

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  139. Jen,

    Yes! So very happy for you!

    Maureen

    P.S. It was great to see you in Pittsburg!

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  140. So happy to hear of your success! As a fellow Floridian, I can't imagine not being able to experience all of the wonderful rides and attractions we have here in Orlando. So happy to hear that you're beginning to be able to take part again.

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  141. Bravo! Good for you :)

    And omg, I want to go there so badly. It looks awesome!

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  142. You're right! We ARE proud of you! Go Jen!

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  143. I've followed this blog from day one. I'm so happy for you!
    I too have to work towards some goals in small steps or baby bites as I call them. Reading your blog and the kind comments left helps.

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  144. Jen - You go, girl. You GO, GIRL!!!!

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  145. SO PROUD of you, lady! I sometimes get "that feeling" too - and it's such a powerful lift when you DO something everyone else does without a thought, much less a second thought. Wonderful, isn't it? "Well, I did *that*, and it wasn't so bad after all.... Maybe next time it won't be so hard!" Bless you, Jen - and John(THoJ), too for being such a good and faithful support.

    Merry-from-Annie's-Book-Stop/Sharon, Ma

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  146. So proud of you!! And excited to see more pictures next time :)

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  147. Congratulations! It's very inspiring to see you claiming your life and exercising your power. You are just the kind of woman I like my girls to have as a role model...

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  148. You are amazing! Thank you for sharing.

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  149. Go Jen! That was quite some feat going on that ride. You really should be proud of yourself. I know how proud I felt going up to speak to some frends of my mom, and how I couldn't brag to anybody afterwards because I felt that no one would understand.

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  150. well done Jen! that's an amazing achievement. As a fellow anxiety sufferer you are inspiring me to get out there and try some things! looks amazing, maybe one day i'll get to see it but for now living in Australia prevents me so i'll just have to live vicariously through you :)

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  151. you go girl! I am so happy for you & proud too.

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  152. You go girl! That is an amazing accomplishment.

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  153. We went this summer to both parks and, like you, I cried. My family thought I was nuts, but I didn't care. I loved every stinkin' minute I was there.

    Congrats on your victories! Proud of you!

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  154. Way to go Jen! Very happy for you!

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  155. Each time you get on the ride, and any other anxiety-inducing activity, the next time will be easier. I am delighted to hear you rode the ride, and am rooting for the next brave step you take. Signed, A Fellow Anxietiac.

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  156. Go you, Jen! I'm completely proud of you!

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  157. Love ya, Jen. That is all :)

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  158. Way to conquer that silly old cat!

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  159. I hope you enjoyed your time with The Cat in the Hat. (I always loved the TV show with Martin Short - I named our mini-minivan, "The Thingamajigger," since we're always seeming to "Go go go, on an adventure!" in it.) I'm so happy that you are sharing your struggles with us - your victories like this one feel like our victories, too. It's a little hard for some to understand, but the feeling of triumph I had recently - when I finally received a proper medical (specifically, psychiatric) diagnosis for what's up with me - felt like getting my Hogwarts letter after all these years! (BTW, I turned 42 this year, and had wanted to do something special for this birthday; but Life, the Universe, and Everything got in my way, hehehe.) So it was a really special treat to finally get this diagnosis which explained SO MUCH about my life; it's like my magic didn't present until now, and finally Hogwarts has added an Adult Education Department. I wish it truly were that much FUN dealing with the things we do, but the point of view sure doesn't hurt. Carry on, my friend, carry on. (Probably needless to say, I love what you're doing with your Harry Potter tree.) We love you in a non-anxiety-producing sort of way!

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  160. Way to and thank you for sharing your pictures. It is on my dream list to go there one day so I live through the pictures.

    Monique

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  161. I am SO far behind in reading my favorite blogs - but WOOHOO!!!!!! I've been following you for such a long time (seriously, I think I started reading Cake Wrecks when it was less than a month old!), and that's SO AWESOME that you got on the ride! I'm so proud of you! (says the stranger on the Internet...)

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  162. I kinda choked up when I read that you went on a ride ... I'm so happy for you! YAAAAAAAAY!

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