It's been a while since I have been to Florida in the summer months, almost ten years. Although Florida is, obviously, warm all year around, I forgot just how hot it is in the summer months. When I made my third trip to Florida this year, it was a little bit of a reality check. Yes, I knew it would be warm and I tried to mentally prepare, but you can only do that so much haha. Nonetheless, it was a wonderful trip and it was quite eventful. I did have a few sessions scheduled while I was visiting Orlando, but those got rescheduled until my next trip in October. So, I made the most of my few days there! I visited Daytona Beach (Ponce Inlet), Universal Studios (of course I went to Harry Potter world, duh!), and Disney Springs.


I have said it once and I will continue to say it, Daytona Beach is my favorite Beach in the world. There's just something about it! I don't know if it's the nostalgic feeling of driving your car onto the actual beach or the way the sand is compact and flat? It's just a gem of a beach, in my opinion. This was a family trip down to Florida and in my family, that includes pets. Brayden, my Shih Tzu, and Gretchen, my German Shepherd, made the trip down with us to Florida. Daytona Beach doesn't allow pets but if you drive five to ten minutes down the road, you will find the private beach of Ponce Inlet. It is everything that Daytona Beach is + they allow dogs. So, a daydream basically. After spending the day there, I had the WORST burn + ultimately, the worst tan lines on my legs.

A German Shepherd dog lounges on white bedding, looking directly at the camera.

Gretchen! Uh, look at her little fancy paws!

A beachside photo with turquoise waters and a shadow cast on white sand.

Beach hair, don't care. My hair was a mess the entire trip but it was 95 degrees (literally) and I could not be bothered to fix it.

Crystal clear turquoise waters meet white sandy beach under bright blue skies.

Ironically enough, the last time I was at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventures was that same last summer that I visited Florida about ten years ago. Luckily, this was the end of May. The summer ten years ago was in August. So, uh, very hot haha. Random fact: I'm heat sensitive and can become dehydrated super, super easily. I have to drink multiple bottles of water before I go out in the sun/while I'm in the sun or I will faint. That almost happened the last time I was at Universal Studios. This time, I was prepared. Plus, the heat wasn't quite as intense.


We made it to Universal Studios fairly early. We headed straight to Harry Potter World. That was the one game plan. We wanted to A) ride Escape From Gringotts, B) Have a butterbeer, C) see Knockturn Alley.

A dragon statue perched atop a building in The Wizarding World theme park against a cloudy sky.
Gothic architectural details of the Wizarding World including curved windows and decorative elements.
Vibrant orange storefront of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes shop in the Wizarding World theme park.
A Wizarding World branded beverage in a white disposable cup on a wooden table.

I tried the frozen butterbeer and I want another, ASAP!

Shelves stocked with Harry Potter themed merchandise and butterbeer bottles in Universal gift shop.
Retail display of Harry Potter themed merchandise and Knockturn Alley sign in dim lighting.
Atmospheric lighting fixtures and shelving displays in a Harry Potter themed retail space.