A Wizarding Weekend: What I Learned on Our Last Adventure

Hey Chaos Planners! I am SO excited for this post because it is pure magic (and maybe a little mayhem)! As you all know, this blog is dedicated to the crazy, chaotic, beautiful adventure of being a mom, entrepreneur, and all-around whirlwind. This time, though, the chaos took a delightful detour into the world of Harry Potter, courtesy of an incredible vacation rental in Orlando!

Now, let’s get real. My boys, Jack (2), Mateo (6), Matthew (8), Jasper (8) and MJ (10) are obsessed with Harry Potter. We’re talking book-devouring (MJ has read the ENTIRE series), movie-marathoning, wand-wielding, cloak-wearing fanatics. So, when I stumbled upon The Wizard’s Welcome by Great Escape Villas (seriously, go check out the pictures), my jaw hit the floor. It wasn’t just themed, folks, it was immersive. We’re talking moving props, hidden passages, a sleeping train car, even a sorting hat!

 

First Impressions

Walking in for the first time was like stepping straight into Hogwarts. Wide eyes, dropped jaws – it was pure magic. Jack, bless his two-year-old heart, toddled around pointing at everything with a gleeful “Looka dat!” while the older boys practically exploded with excitement. MJ and his bestie, Wiktor, spent hours playing in the game room, Jasper and Matthew spent hours exploring every nook and cranny, squealing with delight every time they found a hidden detail (trust me, there were A LOT!). And all the while Papi and I watched in amusement, completely swept up in the magic ourselves.

 

Days of Fun

Now, let’s be honest, with six little wizards running around, relaxation wasn’t exactly on the agenda. But that’s where the beauty of home truly shone. The ChampionsGate community surrounding the house was fantastic. We spent an entire day swimming in the pools, whizzing down the water slides, and just enjoying the sunshine (a Florida vacation must!). There were restaurants galore for those nights when everyone was too tired to cook, and the space itself felt safe and secure – a haven for the little ones to run wild.

But the real magic happened inside the house. We had family dinners that turned into epic British-accented discussions. Movie nights were even more impactful surrounded by themed décor while watching the big screen while INSIDE the car from the Harry Potter movie. The house, with a full-blown replica of Diagon Alley, truly brought all our senses into play, creating a weekend of unforgettable memories.

 

Sad Goodbyes

Leaving on Sunday morning was bittersweet (okay, maybe mostly for the boys!), but there was one more magical stop planned – Universal Studios! It was the perfect way to extend the Harry Potter fun and experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter firsthand (Butterbeer, anyone?). Seeing the boys’ faces light up as they walked through Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley was pure joy.

But even as we tucked the boys into bed Sunday night, even Universal couldn’t compete with the Wizard’s Welcome mansion. It is now days later, and they are STILL talking about every little detail that the amazing owner, Christine, thought of when designing the house. And of course, they are now asking to install our own candy cart in their bedroom hallway!

 

But Most of All, I’ve Learned…

So, what did this mompreneur learn from this whirlwind adventure? A whole lot, actually! Now I’ll be honest, when planning travel for a family of 7, I usually try to be as cost-conscious as possible. Find the best last-minute hotel deal, find discount park tickets, and overall try to stick to some sort of budget.

BUT… investing in this home paid off in so many ways! In the coming weeks I can’t wait to dive into the space, the activities, the distraction, and even the RELAXATION that renting a theme home added to our weekend getaway!

Let’s be honest, this trip wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!). It was a chance to create lasting memories, to disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle, and to simply be a family. The Wizard’s Welcome provided the perfect setting for all of that, a testament to the power of themed spaces to truly captivate the imagination.

But Wait, Is There More?

Are you interested in visiting and seeing this amazing property for yourself? Or maybe one of the other magical mansions by Great Escapes Villas? Well, the MV Squad can’t wait to go back, and it’s unanimous, the boys want to bring their friends!

Comment “I love Chaos!” below if you’d like to go on a weekend getaway with this crazy group of boys and one lucky reader will be chosen to come along with us on our next mansion get away!

Oh and, if I can put my blog research skills to good use, and get some time with the mansion owner, Christine, I’m already crafting future post ideas that will also delve into the story behind The Wizard’s Welcome, exploring how she created this incredible space inspired by her own daughter’s love for all things Harry Potter. We’ll crack open the practical side of things too, discussing why themed rentals are becoming so popular and why investing in a spacious mansion versus a cramped hotel room can truly make a family vacation magical while still being cost effective.

And until then, happy adventuring my fellow chaos planners!