Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Harry Potter NY VR Experience Review

Entertainment


MBE partnered with Harry Potter NY for this story

New Attraction Arrives Via Broomstick to New York


I didn't have to ask twice. My two millennial sons Rafi and Jacob, both Manhattan residents and dedicated Potterheads since the first book, jumped at Warner Bros. hosted opportunity to represent MBE at the press preview of both VR adventures offered by Harry Potter New York Virtual Reality Experiences. The two different experiences, Wizards Take Flight and Chaos at Hogwarts (each requiring advance ticket purchases), open to the public on Thursday, July 15 at the Harry Potter NY store, 350 Broadway in the Flatiron District of New York City.


New York City Manhattan Skyline Aerial
Photo by Ashley Winkler
 

Behind the Scenes at Harry Potter NY VR Experiences 


Since they got a sneak peek and tried this out, Rafi and Jacob have been talking about how cool this new multi-media VR presentation is. Keep reading to learn in-depth about what the experience is actually like, what they enjoyed most, and what Harry Potter enthusiasts can look forward to as you immerse yourselves in this all-new exciting world of high tech wizardry. 


Harry Potter NY Store Free Photo Booth Opps
Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas

So let's get on with it: Here, in my guys' own words as told to their Mom, are their unique impressions of the Harry Potter NY VR Experiences. Join them now for a virtual insider's guided tour through their stories and photos.


Rafi Elspas, The Engineer - The Nuts and Bolts of the VR Gear


Big brother Rafi works as a computer engineer for a multinational aerospace company, so he is equally enthralled with technology hardware, gadgets, and computer coding. He's also a serious Harry Potter fan which he recently proved by joining in a Harry Potter movie marathon to rewatch all eight movies with some friends.


Raphael Elspas Harry Potter NY Store Firebolt Movie Prop
Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas


Wizards Take Flight - Flying on a Broom Above Hogwarts

"During this experience you are seated the whole time, but feel as if you're flying on a broom inside Harry Potter's fantasy world," Rafi explains. "Starting in the equipment room -- which has the vibe of a locker room -- a helpful VR team member will outfit you with hand sensors and goggles to allow you to see in VR; there are also props of what you'd expect Hogwarts students to wear when flying during Quidditch. Once you're all geeked out with gear, staff will show you how to use the buttons and controls.

"After you know what to do, you move to the VR experience room where there's a trial run to practice and get the feel of taking off and flying on your broom. Then you're all set to explore via a fantastical VR experience. Over about 15 minutes, your small group of participants will have the sensation of soaring above Hogwarts and around and about in a few more scenes. No spoilers but what I will tell you is that you'll encounter some special effects, and a familiar character or two who engage with you. You'll also have opportunities to point your wand and cast a spell or two."


Raphael Elspas Jacob Elspas Harry Potter NY VR Experience
Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas


Chaos at Hogwarts - Walking around the Castle

"The preparation for this VR experience is similar to Wizards," Rafi says. "First the staff, dressed in character, assists with putting on your equipment such as feet/hand straps and a laptop size computer backpack; they'll also show you how to operate all the gadgetry. What's different is rather than riding on a broom and flying, in Chaos at Hogwarts you have the ability to stand and are free to walk around, while exploring the VR castle.

"There's also a wand you wave, saying a magic word to cast a spell to cause a certain effect. Sensory special effects, like water, are also part of the journey. Running about 15 minutes, this experience creates the illusion you're walking around Hogwarts, experiencing sensations like climbing stairs, entering/exiting rooms, and more. Walking around seems like you are moving over greater distances, when in reality the actual physical space is around 20x20 squarefeet, give or take. The thing I liked best was that there are alternative endings, depending on whether you succeed at different tasks, both having to do with a dragon."

Jacob Elspas, the Computer Coder - How to Maximize Your Experience


Jacob, just one year Rafi's junior and the youngest of triplets, is a coder for one of the world's largest companies. He not only is fascinated by pop culture and virtual reality experiences in general, he loves to read (especially the genre fantasy) and you'll rarely see him without a book in hand. He's also extremely knowledgeable about Harry Potter  trivia as he has read all J.K. Rowling's books (and seen all the movies) in the series multiple times. 


Jacob Elspas Potterhead at Harry Potter NY Store
Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas



Come to think of it, Jacob knows a whole lot more about the wizarding world of Harry Potter than I do. He was immensely helpful in educating me while writing this review about characters and details, especially when it comes to magic spells and what they do, like Alohamora (to unlock doors), Reducto (to cause an explosion), and Incendio (to set things on fire), to name a few.

"I can't tell you which ones, " Jacob alludes, "but trust me, you will be excited to become immersed in your favorite parts from various Harry Potter films whichever VR experience you choose. From gearing up and receiving instructions through the end of the actual experience, total time was just a half hour, but this was such a full and thrilling adventure it seemed longer. 

"Both experience versions were truly interactive: Not only are you enabled to see and do your own tasks within the VR world, you also have the ability to see, touch and assist with other members in your group, creating a sense of comraderie. Those who I think will appreciate this the most are teens and adults who are already fairly familiar with Harry Potter. 


Harry Potter NY VR Photo Opps Hagrid ButterBeer
Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas


"While I enjoyed both experiences, I think I preferred Chaos at Hogwarts slightly more since there seemed to be more things going on and different scenes to visit. Pre-opening tickets have been selling quickly, so this is likely to be very popular event for months to come, so if you have your heart set on a certain date, it's probably a good idea to reserve your tickets now.

"If this is your first time here's great tip to enjoy the overall Harry Potter vibes even more," Jacob adds. "Before and after your VR experience be sure to allow extra time to check out the new Harry Potter NY store which opened in June. As you can see from the assortment of images in this post, there is an immense comprehensive collection of Harry Potter-themed merchandise to shop. Lots of fun Instagram photo opps to take advantage of, too, so make sure you bring along your fully-charged smartphone to snap pictures and memories like we did."  

More About Harry Potter NY VR Experiences

When you reserve and buy your timed tickets for this experience, you will have the option to choose between  two very different, but equally exciting Harry Potter VR adventures: Wizards Take Flight and Chaos at Hogwarts. From start to finish, including putting on and removing the gear, each of the two experiences lasts approximately 30 minutes. 

Admission is $34 per person per experience and you are only permitted to reserve one option in advance at a time. Minimum height for guests is 48-inches tall; kids must be at least 10 years old, plus all participants under 13 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Photography is permitted in the store but is not allowed when during the actual Harry Potter VR experiences. Timed tickets for the new VR experiences are available now, to purchase and for date availability check the Harry Potter Store NY site.

NOTE: Tickets for bookings from August 16 to September 15, 2021 will be released soon - Check the Harry Potter NY website for details.

Monday, July 12, 2021

Free Kids Summer Learning Activities Nationwide

Parenting

How to Discover Fun & Learning for Kids and Youth


This week is National Summer Learning Week from July 12 to July 16, led by National Summer Learning Association (NSLA). Research has shown that the summer months when school is out is an ideal time for kids to continue indoor and outdoor learning in fun ways, as well as to explore new hobbies and activities. Thanks to historic recent federal and state funding -- inspired by the impact COVID-19 has had on the nation's children -- free and low-cost summer enrichment learning opportunities now abound and are more accessible than ever to more boys and girls regardless of economic status.


Boys Learn by Exploring Forest in Summer
Photo Credit: Greg Rosenke


Free National Guide to Local Activities


For happenings in cities and towns across America, check out NSLA's new FREE Discover Summer Family Guide which you can download and print out. Also, be sure to visit the non-profit's Discover Summer learning site where you can search by the city where you're located for fun and learning summer activities and programs going on near you right now. Visit NSLA's official Summer Learning site for even more resources and ideas to inspire today's kids, plus follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, to keep up on the latest news.


Girl sitting on grass with binoculars watching nature
Photo Credit: Kiana Bosman


Closing The Achievement & Opportunity Gap for Kids


The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) is a national, non-profit organization whole mission is to convince, connect, and equip program providers, education leaders, families, and communities to deliver high-quality summer learning opportunities to U.S. children and youth to help close the achievement and opportunity gap and support healthy development. 

The National Education Association (NEA) has joined NSLA, stepping up to the plate to help educators, families, and community members to take full advantage of all the stimulating kids programming that's out there this season. Learn more, watch this video featuring NEA President Becky S. Pringle.


Young Girl Watering Plants While Learning Botany
Photo Credit: Jonathan Borba

More About National Summer Learning Week


Annual National Summer Learning Week (this year taking place July 12-16, 2021) is an NSLA joint program supported by New York Life Foundation, iHeart Radio, Clearn Channel Outdoor, and Discovery Education. NSLA program partners include National Recreation & Park Association, Urban Libraries Council, the YMCA, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America. 
 

Monday, June 21, 2021

Boho Women's Styles Amazon Prime Deals

 Style


This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

Amazon Prime Day Fashionista Deals

Amazon Prime Days celebrate the official first days of summer. With warmer days ahead I could not be more excited to share my favorite Boho summer accessories and women's wear Amazon Prime Day bargain discoveries. Remember: these great buys are only available today and tomorrow, June 21 and June 22, 2021, so make shopping a priority. Order something for yourself, friend, or family member now, because these deals will be gone before you know it.


Boho Womens Summer Fashion Accessories Dress Hat


I'm all about the Boho hippie look, so like-minded readers are going to want to check out the summer women styles I've curated for this story. For starters, I'm crushing on this gorgeous Woven Rattan Round Shoulder Bag. Handmade by Vietnamese artisans, this is so stylish, versatile and practical, perfect for work, play and travel this summer. Rather have a roomy bigger handbag (I know I can use one of these)? This Handwoven Seagrass Round Beach Bag is also a great option. Either way, these are so affordable, you'll definitely want to snag one or both of these styles for your own summer accessory stash. 


Wouldn't this YESNO women's casual Bohemian floral swing maxi summer dress (available in a variety of prints in women's sizes ranging from extra small to 5X large) go beautifully with either of those straw bags? 100% cotton (pictured in the prettiest pink floral) with spaghetti straps and tiered ruffle styling, this hand wash in cold water dress is ideal to wear at home, to the beach, summer garden parties, or wherever your travels take you in the hotter days ahead. I can't wait till the one I ordered arrives so I can start wearing this!



For feminine summer tops, this Happy Sailed Chiffon Baby Doll flowy blouse in a flowy dotted swiss fabric is my #1 choice. Available in pink (as pictured), white and many other colors in sizes small to XX-Large. Just imagine. This would look so cute with jeans or shorts as well as layered with a tank top or camisole underneath and paired with the lovely summer skirt in white pictured below. 




This SheIn White Cutout Scalloped Hem A-Line Skate Skirt in white is a perfect match for that baby doll top, don't you think? From extra small to XX-Large, this also comes in black and other colors you'll love. 




Boho Tassle Drop Pierced Earrings in oh so many hues. Time to accessorize! Buy these and you'll get the eight pairs of cotton tassle earrings pictured for less than $2 a pair to mix and match to add a pop of color to just about any summer casual or dressy outfit. I already own these and wear them all the time.



Last but not least, summer calls for a new pair of sandals like these Tupenty Flower Lace-trimmed Strap Flat Sandals, right? Many other boho-inspired sandal styles in a range of women's shoe sizes are available in this collection in different colors and in an assortment of platform and heel heights.



DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation at no extra cost to you  for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.