The New Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter is incredible. I'm sure you could have guessed that with how Hogsmeade turned out in Islands of Adventure. Universal has researched every detail perfectly to not only get the fans approval, but also J.K. herself. Yeah, they've done their work, and it's paid off. The rides, the shops, the interactive wand experiences–it's all as it should be, making you feel like you've been transported into Diagon Alley. (That might sound cliche, but that's just how it is). 

You'll probably just scroll through this to the pictures, but I thought make a list of what you'll encounter below:  

Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

Potions everywhere.

The Knight bus complete with Stan Shunpike.

Hedwig and Harry's trunks at King's Cross station.
Platform 9 3/4 (you actually disappear into the wall as you enter).
My baby trying to eat Butterbeer ice cream, which was way too good to share with her.
The queue line for the Escape from Gringotts ride with plenty of glaring goblins.

My favorite parts that I wish I could show you: 

Knockturn Alley. My Nikon died right then. But guys, it was freaky and amazing.
The whole ride Escape from Gringotts. It's everything you want it to be, and pardon the cliche again, makes you feel like you are really there.
The train. It was different going each way from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley with magic happening on the windows outside as well as the compartment inside the train.

Enjoy the pictures and the surprise videos at the end!

Comic Con Week. That's a Wrap!

Last week was absolutely crazy! It started out with my cat eating rat poison, getting pulled over while running errands, planning and preparing for a baby blessing event, and signing and speaking at Comic Con. It's safe to say that by the end of the week I was exhausted. But even with the madness of it all, I got to meet incredible writers, artists, and fans at Comic Con and speak about subjects that I love. 

I'm sorry if I missed you! Everything right now is a balancing act, but I had a great time on panels talking about writing, Disney sidekicks, Disney villains, Harry Potter, and The Muppets. Yes, The Muppets--that was such a zany, fun, and energetic panel. I could not stop smiling. I think my favorite part was when these colorful aliens above came shuffling down the aisle mid-panel. Afterwards we took a picture together and I'm guessing my arm was pretty tasty!

I have loved being a part of Salt Lake Comic Con, and I'm so appreciative of all the hard work that goes into planning. It's  incredible to be able to experience such talent and join together to celebrate some of our favorite things.

Here's till next year!  

What were some of your favorite parts of Salt Lake Comic Con? 

(P.S. My Cat is okay! He's a happy kitty and is completely better now).

Salt Lake Comic Con 2014

Salt Lake Comic Con is this week! I am so excited to be a panelist and discuss writing, Disney villains and sidekicks, and Harry Potter. If you're there, come check out these fun panels!

Thursday September 4, 7:00 pm
Disney Silent Sidekicks
Room 251A

Friday September 5, 5:00 pm
Muppets
Room 255B

Saturday September 6, 2:00 pm
Your Own Visit to Hogwarts: Real- World Potter Magic in Florida and England
Room 255F

Saturday September 6, 6:00 pm
My Favorite Disney Princess Villain
Room 251A

SaltlakeComicCon.com

Salt Lake Comic Con FanX

Pictures from Comic Con Part 2! Please note that I am super pregnant and did my best to make it all the way around the whole expo. 

Even pregnant people can feel small next to Hagrid. This was one of my favorite costumes there. 

Iron Man. How do they make these costumes?!

Middle-earth battles happening mid expo. 

My view from the Disney panel where Cruella De Vil posed perfectly right before the panel started. 

I had to search everywhere, but I finally found the mermaids! Biggest compliment ever: they said I had mermaid hair. 

And red coat (Allison?) from Pretty Little Liars! She was absolutely terrifying and I had to keep checking over my shoulder after bumping into her. Beware of red coat!

Until next time Salt Lake Comic Con! 

Book tour in California

Last week I got to spend time in California. Traveling, for me, is like a breath of fresh air. It gives me new inspiration, motivation, and a sense of adventure. Traveling helps me become a better writer. 

On this adventure we got to visit several Barnes & Noble so I could sign copies of The Siren's Secret. First we started at the Studio City Barnes & Noble near Hollywood. 

Next we stopped by the Grove Barnes & Noble. So many books. Seriously though, look at all those levels! If you stop by this store, keep an eye out for The Siren's on the "What Teens Are Reading Now" table. 

After that, we got to see Conan live. A fun experience, but a little strange. All sets look so much smaller in real life. Somehow I always forget that and I'm surprised every time.

Next we stopped by the Calabases Barnes & Noble to sign more copies of The Siren's Secret.

That night we went to eat dinner and stumbled into the Pacific Rim premiere. I hate to be one of those people who just jumps in line because there's a crowd of people, but it was fun to see everyone freaking out as the actors came by. I promise I did not become that crazy fan, well at least not then. That moment came the next day. 

Pretty Little Liars anyone? THIS IS ALISON'S HOUSE! This is when I turned into one of those weirdo fans who can't breathe because they're so excited. This is on The Warner Brother's Studio lot, and I felt like a kid in a candy store. Pretty Little Liars and Harry Potter stuff everywhere! 

This is the barn where Alison first disappears. Spoooooky. 

The Friend's set was really fun. They kept everything at Central Perk just the same as it looked on the last episode. 

There's Ellen's parking spot! Oh boy, see now I sound like one of the crazy fans again. Who takes pictures of people's parking spots? 

Harry, you can't drive through here! 

The Howler from Mrs. Weasley, shrieking and all. 

Can you name which three characters these wardrobes belong to? 

After all the fun in Los Angeles, we headed to San Diego to sign more books, visit family, and stop in Old Town. One of the coolest places in Old Town is called the Mormon Battalion Historic Site. If you've never been before, I would definitely recommend it! 

The San Diego Barnes & Noble. I spy, with my little eye, a siren on a shelf up high...

Jumping for joy--and not caring how silly I look. I love California. 

San Diego waves crashing, and only SEVEN jellyfish stings. 

Last stop on the way home was the St. George Barnes & Noble. If you're from any of these areas, you'll find signed copies of The Siren's Secret along with bookmarks inside. Thanks for letting me share my adventures!