Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios

The Three Broomsticks restaurant was a welcome respite. The sight of a well-stocked bar in the dark interior of the building seemed a refuge, if only for a short time. The weather had been unseasonably cold in Florida, of late, with temps dipping into the low 50’s. In the past week, it had only reached 70 degrees once. 

Enjoying Butter Beer at the Leaky Cauldron!

Of course, I wasn’t prepared for cold weather, having packed only shorts, tees, swim trunks, and flip flops. (In my mind, “vacation” is always me lying around on a beach in the blinding hot sun...on white sand...with a drink...or two.) There is also the possibility, of course, that I only pack lightly as an excuse to purchase new stuff—the Gryffindor sweat shirt that “I have to buy because it’s cold,” for example. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios

The three of us sat down in a round booth made from dark wood, tucked in a corner. We took off our masks, eager for the chance to breathe fresher air, and get warm. When I was able to have a better look at the restaurant, I could then appreciate the details—open space, fireplaces, chandeliers, tapestries, antlers—all full of old-world, rustic appeal. I finally started to feel cozy. 

My wife placed an order through her phone and, after a while, a server brought trays of food. We ate a meal of grilled chicken quarters, corn on the cob, barbecue spare ribs, pumpkin soup, and potato wedges. Did you know you could order butter beer served hot? It’s a wonderfully rich, soothing drink. So, we drank more butter beer—as fellow travelers had suggested—with shots of cinnamon whiskey added. It was all well and comforting. It was a good time. 

The Three Broomsticks 

We left Broomsticks and walked about town. Addison, our 10-year-old, practiced waving her interactive wand at the various storefronts in Hogsmeade. She made a small snowman skate about on top of a decorated cake at Madam Puddifoot’s, a measuring tape extend and retract at Gladrags Wizardwear, and she made a flower bloom in the window of Dogweed and Deathcap. She had a blast, even in the cold wind. 

Window shopping in Hogsmeade!

We headed toward another attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The queue winds throughout various levels of Hogwarts Castle. It was sure to be amazing inside...and a lot warmer.  

Enjoying Butter Beer, Universal Studios