Katching Up with Katie: Harry Potter and All Things Universal

We had the best time in Ocala, Flordia! Even though we were there for the Sudden Impulse Charity Horse Show at the World Equestrian Center, we somehow found our way into the magical world of Harry Potter at the Universal Studios Resort too. Because that’s just what we do.

Why Ocala?

We rolled into Ocala for the horse show — and it's a stunning spot for equestrians. The World Equestrian Center is massive, gorgeous, and has some of the best food stops. Shoutout to Ralph's and Miss Tilly's. But with my horse Denver sidelined due to a last-minute abscess (ugh), I wasn't showing this time around. So while I missed being in the arena, we filled the time with filming, eating, and a surprise trip to Universal!

Horse Shows & Versatility Goals

Even though I didn't ride, we got a ton of filming done. We covered Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, and even snagged a demonstration of the brand-new English Versatility class. Y'all, this class is AMAZING. It's like an equestrian mashup — walk, trot, canter, hand gallop, poles, transitions... the works. It's great for horses that are aging out of jumping or just need more variety in their training. I was low-key jealous watching it and already have my eyes on Whezzy for next time. Maybe even Denver, once he's ready to go English!

We're also putting together an educational video series about showing — including a hilarious (and kinda useful) "Dos and Don'ts at Horse Shows." Yes, acting was involved. No, I will not be winning an Oscar.

Wand Fights & Butterbeer: Our Day at Universal

Let's talk about Universal Studios Resort. Y'all already know I'm a Harry Potter nerd, so this was a dream come true. Diagon Alley? Hogsmeade? Wand shopping? YES PLEASE.

We spent an entire day nerding out with wands — I got Hermione's, and I swear it's the prettiest. Leaves down the handle, classy, elegant, just like her. Jonathan, bless his heart, came back with Voldemort's wand. VOLDEMORT'S. He said it "looked like an antler," and honestly, that tracks.

The wand experience inside the shop was straight-up magical. I thought we'd all get chosen for the skit, but nope — just one lucky kid with a cape. I pretended not to be crushed.

We tried the frozen butterbeer (a must!) — super sweet, very foamy, and definitely brain-freeze-inducing. And don't even get me started on the rides. I went full kid mode. The Harry Potter simulation was incredible, and yes, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

Wizard Chess & Wild Imagination

By the end of the day, we had chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and — no joke — wizard's chess. We've been playing a ton of chess lately, so this set was coming home with us no matter what. Sadly, it doesn't move by itself (how cool would that be if it worked with our wands?!), but it's still a vibe.

And yes, we absolutely cast spells on each other the whole time. Accio chess board, Imperio Jonathan into grabbing snacks... We were deep into the wizard world.

Lessons, Laughs & Looking Ahead

Every trip has its unexpected twists — like Jonathan getting stuck golfing with youth-sized clubs because they didn't have left-handed ones. He still got called "the big guy," which made our whole day. But the golf course made it right — free round for four next time! We'll bring our own clubs and skip the chaos.

This trip may not have gone exactly how I imagined, but it reminded me that sometimes the best memories are made when you roll with it. From Harry Potter adventures at Universal Studios Resort to cheering on horses at WEC, it was a whirlwind in the best way.