What's the Deal with Harry Potter?
Growing up, Harry Potter was one of my favorite movie series. I tried my best to read the books, but I ended up skipping books 2 and 3. I was borrowing books from the school library, but we had to read according to our Lexile level. I was too advanced by the time I wanted to read those books, and I didn't make the time to read them after that.
Harry Potter is a big deal because it is the best-selling book series of all time. This seven-book series was published between 1997-2007, and the eight-movie series was released between 2001-2011.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's (or Sorcerer's) Stone
1997 book and 2001 movie
Where the magic begins! A scruffy kid living under the stairs finds out he's actually a wizard—and not just any wizard, but The Boy Who Lived. Cue the owls, floating candles, and a three-headed dog guarding a mysterious stone. The moment Harry steps into Hogwarts, our world changes forever.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
1998 book and 2002 movie
Year two, and Hogwarts has gone full horror movie—voices in the walls, petrified students, and something scaly slithering through the plumbing. But with loyalty, laughter, and a phoenix, Harry proves that courage and friendship can conquer even ancient curses.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
1999 book and 2004 movie
A dark prisoner escapes, a mysterious map appears, and time itself becomes a little bendy. This one's all about secrets, found family, and learning that monsters aren't always who they seem to be. (Also: the best on-screen entrance for a hippogriff. Ever.)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
2000 book and 2005 movie
Hogwarts hosts a deadly magic tournament—and somehow, Harry's name flies out of the goblet. Dragons, mermaids, and a graveyard showdown later, the series takes its first dark turn. Growing up suddenly feels a lot more dangerous… and a lot more real.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
2003 book and 2007 movie
Harry's tired, traumatized, and so done with being ignored. The Ministry of Magic is in denial, Voldemort is recruiting, and Umbridge is giving pink a bad name. But rebellion brews as Harry forms Dumbledore's Army—because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is teach others to fight back.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
2005 book and 2009 movie
It's a year of potions, romance, and dark discoveries. Between snogging, secret spells, and a mysterious old textbook, Harry and Dumbledore dig into Voldemort's past—uncovering the key to his immortality. Just don't get too comfortable because this one breaks hearts.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
2007 book, 2010 Part 1 movie, and 2011 Part 2 movie
No school, no safety nets—just three friends, a handful of Horcruxes, and a showdown that will decide the fate of the wizarding world. Epic, emotional, and full of courage, this is where the magic—and the meaning—come full circle.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
2016 play by JK Rowling
Fast-forward 19 years. The kids are grown, the next generation is at Hogwarts, and history has a way of repeating itself (with time-turners, naturally involved). It's a story about legacy, love, and learning that even heroes—and their children—are still works in progress.
Let Me Introduce Myself
Hi, I'm Megan McFadden! Since 2019, I've been the playful spirit behind Mischievous Monsters, a vegan lifestyle blog where I make plant-based living fun and accessible, from a vegan biking guide to tips for hosting inclusive holiday meals.
My travels have taken me around the world: singing in Carnegie Hall in New York City, performing in the London and Rome New Year's Day parades, and honing my Spanish skills in Cuba, Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico.
Previous Vegan Travel Guides
Megan McFadden
Megan McFadden
Megan McFadden
Megan McFadden
Megan McFadden
I design trips that are vegan-friendly, enjoyable, and affordable, welcoming travelers who are vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, or flexitarian. There are also meal options for adult family members, friends, and fellow travelers who don't follow a particular diet.
Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or with family, my goal is to make every journey deliciously kind and unforgettable.
10 Reasons Why You Should Go on This Spellbinding Veganventure
Okay, I'll admit it. This post is absolutely a little sales pitch. But not the boring kind! I'm not about to cast the Imperius Curse on you or whisper "Accio vacation funds" in your ear. I think this trip is too magical not to share.
By the time you've seen what we'll explore, taste, and experience together, I have a feeling you might want to grab your wand (and your reusable water bottle) and join the veganventure.
1. See Hogwarts Castle Come to Life
Experience the awe of standing before Alnwick Castle, the filming location that inspired generations of magic lovers. From its soaring towers to the rolling green hills beyond, it's pure magic brought to life.
2. Ride the Real Hogwarts Express
All aboard the Jacobite Steam Train! This iconic route—featured as the Hogwarts Express—winds through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Sit back, sip something warm, and feel like you're on your way to your very first day at Hogwarts.
3. Go Behind the Scenes at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Walk through the Great Hall, wander Diagon Alley, and peek at the intricate props, costumes, and creature effects that brought the wizarding world to life. It's where movie magic meets authentic craftsmanship—and where nostalgia meets wonder.
4. Watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on London's West End
Be swept away as the next chapter of the story unfolds live on stage. Stunning effects, heart-tugging storytelling, and an unforgettable performance will make you fall in love with Harry Potter all over again.
5. Celebrate 25 Years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the film that started it all. What better way to celebrate than by journeying through the places that inspired its creation and watching the story come alive right before your eyes?
6. Follow in JK Rowling's Footsteps
Wander through the cobbled streets and cozy cafés of Edinburgh, where Rowling wrote her early drafts. Trace her creative journey—from quiet corners and steaming cups of coffee to the birth of a literary phenomenon.
7. Explore the UK's Vibrant Vegan Food Scene
From elegant plant-based fine dining in London to hearty vegan pub fare in Edinburgh, this trip serves up some of the best of British vegan cuisine. Every meal celebrates compassion, creativity, and local flavor—a true feast for food-loving adventurers.
8. Discover Hidden Bookstores and Literary Gems
Step into centuries-old bookstores and charming literary nooks that feel straight out of Diagon Alley. Lose yourself among spellbinding shelves, secret staircases, and stories waiting to be uncovered.
9. Learn How to Be a Real Wizard in a Muggle World
Explore the real-world sites that inspired myths, legends, and magical tales. Through castles, universities, and historic landmarks, you'll uncover how imagination and history intertwine—proof that magic has always been hiding in plain sight.
10. Revisit the Entire Harry Potter Saga
Your pre-trip homework should be simple enough. Reread the entire Harry Potter book series. Then, during the trip, we'll spend most of our nights together dining and watching Harry Potter movies at the hotel. Every scene will feel even more special when you're standing where it all began.
What Are You Waiting For?
Grab your wand (and your appetite) and join me for The Ultimate Harry Potter Film & Food Experience—a spellbinding journey through the United Kingdom celebrating 25 years of wizarding wonder on the big screen and the best in plant-based cuisine.
Adventure, magic, and mouthwatering vegan meals await. All that's missing is you.
If you would rather go on this trip another time, I would be happy to work with you to book this veganventure on your behalf. Please send me some details about your trip vision, and I'll be glad to provide you with a complimentary trip quote. If you like what you see, I would be happy to help you make this trip a reality.
Until next time, keep your wand handy, your snacks vegan, and your curiosity ready for a veganventure. See you on Platform 9¾. I'll be the one with the vegan chocolate frogs and pumpkin juice.
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Megan McFadden
Megan McFadden
Megan McFadden
Megan McFadden
Megan McFadden
Megan McFadden