This week’s SATURDAY SIX takes a look at CHOCOLATE FROGS in the Wizarding World!

When the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Village opened in 2010, to say it was an immediate smash is an understatement. In many ways, it completely changed the course of Orlando theme parks for the next decade. The land’s E-Ticket attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey created a queue so immersive that – for the first time in theme history – guests wanted to spend more time in line to savor all the details. The Ollivander’s Wand Experience was a first-of-its-kind show that truly made guests bond with, to be blunt, theme park merchandise (in the form of wands). When it comes to food and beverage, it has been said by those who would know that the sales of Butterbeer alone recouped Universal’s Hogsmeade investment within six months.

But there was one more item that came with Hogsmeade’s debut that has also turned out to be a major hit with guests: Chocolate Frogs.

Chocolate Frogs come straight from the Potter movies, and were one of the first introductions that Harry Potter – and us watching as the audience – had to the “magic” of the Wizarding World. It was a whimsical take on a normal “muggle” item and turned into something memorable.

Harry was also informed that every Chocolate Frog box comes with a card featuring a famous witch or wizard. This was another brilliant take on a standard item we’ve all seen in the Real World – in this case kid’s collecting something like baseball cards – and giving it a fantastical spin. Not only did the pictures on the cards move, but they would even disappear, because “you can’t expect him to hang around all day, can you?”

Many of you have probably seen the Chocolate Frogs available in mass market stores, such as the one made by Jelly Belly. They are cheaply made and ultimately aren’t that special at all. For the Wizarding World, Universal went the other way and created a product that brings guests straight into the world of Harry Potter. The elaborately themed box seems like an actual movie prop, and the Witch and Wizard cards use lenticular pictures, giving the illusion of movement. To make them even more special, the original four cards that were randomly inserted into the boxes were based on the four founders of Hogwarts (Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin). The immediate success of Chocolate Frogs in Hogsmeade influenced the direction theme parks merchandise in the years following, directly leading us to the amazing in-world products we see at the parks today, including the Weasley twin’s Skiving Snackbox in Diagon Alley, and the Resistance MRE at Star Wars: Galaxy’s. Edge.

In the Wizarding World, Chocolate Frogs are more than just the actual snack though, so let’s take a look at what else you can see, starting with…

# 6 – Window Display at Honeydukes

One of the first things you will encounter when stepping through the gates of Hogsmeade Village is Honeydukes sweet shop. Honeydukes is the official home of Chocolate Frogs (although at this point you can buy them almost anywhere, including Universal’s on-site hotel gift shops and even at the Orlando International Airport’s Universal store). In one of the window displays is an elaborate presentation featuring Chocolate Frogs. When the popular interactive wands were introduced, this display was adjusted so that the large Chocolate Frog box in the display could be “magically” opened by guests.

The normal state of Chocolate Frog box in the window display is closed.

On the ground in front of the window is a “Revelio” spell marker. Guests using the interactive wands are encouraged to follow the spell movement (as shown on the marker) while announcing the spell.

If done correctly, the Chocolate Frog box will open to reveal a large chocolate frog!

# 5 – Ornaments

We theme park fans love our Christmas merchandise. There are stores solely dedicated to Christmas items inside several Universal and Disney theme parks, as well as one in Disney Springs. Ornaments are a big seller, and it’s easy to see why. For the most part they are small (ie: easy to travel home with), relatively inexpensive, and when put on the tree each Christmas season, give an immediate memory of the vacation you had. If you were looking for a Chocolate Frog ornament to hang on your tree, well you’re in luck because Universal has several options. First up is one that recreates the look of the large Chocolate Frog itself and the iconic front of the Chocolate Frog box.

The actual “chocolate frog” that is in a Chocolate Frog box is different than the one seen in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It is a more cartoonish version, as the realistic version that is seen in the film would be almost impossible to faithfully recreate without 95% of them having the arms and/or legs damaged inside the box. However, Universal does offer a Christmas ornament featuring a Chocolate Frog that is based on the one you see in the movies.

You can also buy ornaments based on the Witch and Wizard cards that come with each Chocolate Frog box. We mentioned that the original run of Chocolate Frogs had a card featuring one of the Four Founders of Hogwarts, but a year later a fifth card was added to the rotation featuring Albus Dumbledore. Guests can buy a Christmas ornament featuring any of these five cards, all of which use a lenticular picture to simulate movement.

# 4 – Plush

Who among us doesn’t have a favorite theme park plush, whether one or one million? Universal has a Chocolate Frog plush that would fit right into the Magical Menagerie over in Diagon Alley. Not only does it come with a recreation of the iconic Chocolate Frog box, the actual plush is scented chocolate. That’s right, Disney has their scented Lotso Bear and Universal has a scented Chocolate Frog. There’s something for every weirdo perfectly sane person out there who enjoys smelling their plush!

# 3 – Pin

Thanks to Disney’s aggressive marketing, pin collecting is a big deal to many theme park guests. Some will buy just one as a memento of their trip, while others go all in and collect every pin that relates to their favorite character or attraction. While there are seemingly thousands of Harry Potter pins available, there is only one for the Chocolate Frogs. However, the pin is pretty cool as you can “open it up” to reveal the frog inside.

# 2 – Collectible Tin

For those who really like their Chocolate Frogs and want something more substantial, there is the collectible tin available that includes a chocolate frog and five cards (the Four Founds of Hogwarts and Albus Dumbledore). Because it offers five cards at once, buying a tin at $25 could be the best bang-for-your-buck for any card collectors out there, as the regular Chocolate Card boxes cost $12 each.

# 1 –  The Witch and Wizard Cards are a DEEP DIVE into the Harry Potter Universe

“…it’s the cards you want. Each pack’s got a famous witch or wizard. I got 500 meself.” – Ron Weasley

When Chocolate Frogs made their debut in the Wizarding World with the Four Founders of Hogwarts, Universal could have stopped right there and been fine. They were already offering a unique product, and this was the only way guests could get any item featuring a Founder such as Helga Hufflepuff or Salazar Slytherin. The visualization of the Founders was introduced in the queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, as the four have a conversation with each other via their “moving paintings.” At the time, none of the Founders were featured in any of the Harry Potter films (Rowena Ravenclaw would eventually be seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II). So these cards were already special. However, Universal wasn’t done…

We mentioned above that just a year later, Universal added into the mix a card based on Albus Dumbledore. This was a nice surprise, but several years later the floodgates were about to open…

Now we have cards based on other characters that were seen in the films, such as Gilderoy Lockhart from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Garrick Ollivander (of Ollivander Wands).

Universal created a card for Hengist of Woodcraft, who founded the village of Hogsmeade.

Artemisia Lufkin, the first witch to become Minister of Magic.

Bertie Bott, the wizard behind Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans (another popular item inside the Wizarding World).

In the Harry Potter Universe, Jocunda Sykes is the first person to travel by broom across the Atlantic Ocean. Think of her as the Wizarding World’s Amelia Earhart. We are so far beyond fan service at this point it’s crazy and Universal is giving us witch and wizard cards we don’t deserve (but totally appreciate!).

Devlin Whitehorn created the Nimbus Racing Broom company. The Nimbus broom “revolutionized” the sport of Quidditch, and are featured in several of the Harry Potter films.

The latest specialty card to be released is based on Paracelsus. If you were a poor student of science like me, you’ve never heard of Paracelsus. The back of his card simply states “was a renowned sixteenth-century physician, alchemist, and surgeon.” Paracelus was born with Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (that’s a shoot, brother!) and lived during the late 15th century into early 16th century. That’s right, he’s a real human who lived in the “muggle” world.  This is next level bonkers and I AM HERE FOR IT!

On the opposite end of the “known” spectrum is this card based on Merlin. Even in the Harry Potter Universe, Merlin is referred to as most famous wizard of all time. That said, if Merlin and Paracelsus can be included in this set, it opens the door for a lot of cool possibilities in future cards.

Honorable Mention: The Actual Chocolate Frog

While the taste of the chocolate frog isn’t going to make Messrs. Hershey, Lindt, or Cadbury lose sleep any time soon, Universal definitely didn’t skimp on the product. You get a large, solid piece of chocolate that at the very least is going to keep the kids happy while they snack. For those of you that collect cards and end up getting a lot of these piece of chocolate, one thing we like to do is adding into onto desserts. For example, melting it to drizzle over Chex Mix, or shaving off some to add with pretzels and peanuts.

So there you have it: The SATURDAY SIX Looks at the Chocolate Frog! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles covering the latest from the Disney Outlet Stores. You can also follow Your Humble Author on Twitter (@derekburgan).

If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following: 

MORE Wizarding World Merchandise Straight Out of the Harry Potter Movies

6 Pieces of Disney Merchandise That Don’t Exist (but Totally Should)

6 Reasons We Love the WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER – Hogsmeade Village

Special Thanks to The Elite Brandon Glover, the bio-est of all reconstructs @bioreconstruct, The Mighty Maven of Merchandise Hedgehog’s Corner,  Captain Cruiseline Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog, my personal protege Hunter “Elvey” Underwood, the SAT SIX Fun Squad of Parkscope Joe and “the Dadalorian” Nick, hot shot Michael Carelli, charter member of the Universal Four @Nitro230, and Hermione Granger’s tutor Megan Stump for their invaluable assistance with this article. The SAT SIX is inspired each week by goofballs Aengus Mackenzie and LitemAndHyde and you Potterheads will  enjoy Meg’s other blog work over at the Central Florida Slug Club.

The post The SATURDAY SIX Explores the Magic Behind Chocolate Frogs at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Harry Potter, Saturday Six, Universal Orlando Resort

There is a new hotel at Walt Disney World!  The 16-floor, 516-room JW Marriott opened July 2020 at the Bonnet Creek Resort. The Bonnet Creek Resort is a 482-acre resort complex surrounded on three sides by Disney. Access to the resort area is via Buena Vista Drive within Walt Disney World. Yesterland.com has an article on the history of Bonnet Creek if you are interested.

JW Marriott is a luxury hotel brand within the Marriott/Sheraton hospitality company. The hotel can stand up against any Disney Deluxe hotel, but at a Disney Moderate price. Even though the hotel is virtually on Disney property, it does not have the perks of staying at a Disney hotel. The only transportation they offer is a shuttle to Disney Springs where you can transfer to other Disney destinations.

The Lobby

The lobby is sleek and modern.  There are many seating areas.

There is a lower level where transporation can be accessed.

The conference center was blocked off during my visit.

Guest Rooms

The guest rooms have all the features a deluxe luxury hotel should have. We had a standard view room with two queen beds. The lighting was excellent and the beds were comfortable.

Each surface had plugs for charging your electronics.

The bathroom is nice with a separate tub and shower. It has a spa feeling that is great for couples but may not be the best design for families since everything is in one room.

Two-Bedroom Suite

At the end of each floor, there is a two-bedroom suite. The suites have wrap-around balconies that can be seen from Interstate 4. The two-bedroom suite sleeps 7; 1 king, 2 queens, and a sofa bed. The suite on my floor was still under construction and the door was open.

Dining

The main lobby has a bar and a grab-and-go coffee bar.  Off the main lobby is Sear+Sea Woodfire Grill. This is their signature culinary steakhouse and is only open for dinner.

Unreserved Food Bazaar, a casual, European-style marketplace offers abundant options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

In the picture below, the upper balcony is outdoor seating for Sear+Sea Woodfire Grill. The lower area is poolside and is the Unreserved Beer Garden, which offers wines, local beers, and freshly baked pizzas and pretzels.

Illume was not yet open. (Picture below is from marriott.com)  “Perched on the ninth floor, this rooftop haven serves contemporary cuisine and creative cocktails in a social setting. At night, you’ll enjoy an incredible vantage point for the nearby fireworks displays.”

Outdoors

The hotel has two pools. The smaller of the two is an adult/quiet pool. Between the two pools is Pam Cove, offering poolside drinks and food. Cabanas are available.

 

Besides the pool area, there is not much to the hotel grounds. There is an adjacent expansion pad that could be a future site for another Marriott property.

Teen Club

The teen club was not open during our visit. I could see the miniature golf and rock climbing wall located on top of the parking garage out my room’s window.

Below is another picture from marriott.com.

Spa

The spa was also not open during our stay. Below is another picture from marriott.com.

COVID-19

I visited the JW Marriott within the first 10 days the hotel was open and during a pandemic. Not everything was open and there were still finishing touches that were being worked on. The JW Marriott is primarily a business hotel and convention center… not something that Orlando needs now. The occupancy rate was less than 20% during my stay. This made social distancing very easy. We never needed to share an elevator with another party, but they were prepared.

Modifications were in place due to COVID-19:

• Rooms are deep cleaned between guest visits
• No daily housekeeping
• The remote was in a bag
• Disposable cups replaced glasses and coffee cups
• Extra towels and toiletries
• PPE Welcome Kit
• Restaurant’s hours and offerings were limited

The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & SPA is a great hotel in a good location. The hotel will not be perfect for everyone. For a family of 4, a single room will feel small and only one person can use the bathroom at a time. There is no Disney theming. If the teen club and the spa are important for you, check to see if they are open before booking.

Would you want to stay at the new JW Marriott?

The post JW Marriott at Bonnet Creek Resort: A Review appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Resorts, Walt Disney World (FL), bonnet creek

Pull up a seat and order a pint of Guinness, this week Getting to Know Universal is covering Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida. Lovingly referred to as “Finn’s” by its fans, the Irish pub opened with the park in 1990 and is located across from the Revenge of the Mummy attraction.

The Experience

Situated behind the false facades of the New York Backlot section of the park, Finnegan’s is one of the park’s two sit-down restaurants. The interior, inspired by the 1978 film The Brinks Job, replicates a film set with incomplete walls where cameras would be placed. The main dining room features wood flooring, tall ceilings, white walls, and wooden sports plaques on the walls while on the bar side is covered in Guinness posters and features a room-length carved, wooden bar.

Finnegan’s is casual dining–the waiters are laid back and conversational. Bar staff are veterans of the park and know their stuff; locals are frequently found saddled up to the bar for a drink. The bar is also the only place in the park that consistently shows sporting events. On select days musicians play in the bar, adding energy to the restaurant. During Halloween Horror Nights the restaurant quickly fills up for a late lunch as guests prepare for Stay and Scream.

The Food & Drink

Finn’s serves up no-frills Irish American food; think Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips served in newspaper. Specialties include Onion and Potato Web (thin string onions and potatoes beer-battered and fried), Guinness Beef Stew, and corned beef sandwiches. On the “American” side of the menu burgers, salads, and chicken sandwiches are offered. If the wait at Leaky Cauldron is too long, make sure to roll over to Finn’s as their fish and chips are near identical. All meals come with free soda bread and apple butter. Be warned, both are addictive!

“Bar” comes first in Finn’s name so the staff behind the intricate wooden bar have a lot to live up to. Thankfully they do as many of the bartenders originate from the opening of the park in 1990. Draft selections err of the side of mass-market and include Yuengling, Bud Light, Miller Light, Blue Moon, Strongbow, Harp, Smithwick’s, and Sam Adams. Where Finn’s shines are their custom cocktails including fun Universal Orlando-themed drinks such as Twister, Shark Attack, and Earthquake. Custom mixed drinks, wine, bottled beer, and non-alcoholic drink options also are available.

The Opinion

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill serves up a family-friendly comfort food menu everyone can enjoy. The restaurant side is casual enough for kids and the bar side welcoming for adults. I usually find myself at Finn’s to order beers but if I stay for lunch I usually end up ordering the fish and chips or a salad with the chicken tenders appetizer. If you are looking for something more upscale check out Lombard’s Seafood Grille in the same park or Mythos in Islands of Adventure.

Have you eaten at Finnegan’s? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The post Getting to Know Universal – Finnegan’s Bar & Grill appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: CityWalk, Dining, Drinking, Universal Orlando Resort, finnegan’s bar & grill, finnegans, Universal Studios Florida