Published January 7, 2023 · Updated September 26, 2026
When a Little Dream Finally Came True
Starting over in a new country often means putting personal dreams aside while we focus on responsibilities.
But every once in a while, we get to do something simply because it makes us happy.
For me, that moment came when I finally watched Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Toronto.
My Harry Potter Experience
Watching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Toronto had been a dream of mine for almost a year, but because of budget constraints, I kept putting it off for later. Finally, right after paying my last semester tuition fee, I booked my dream ticket and made my Christmas wish come true! So, there I was on one Christmasy afternoon at Dundas to watch Harry Potter characters live in Toronto!
I arrived at the theatre thirty minutes before the show, and I was mesmerized with the grandiose of CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre! It was my first time to enter a theatre in full red carpet, grand Victorian staircase, intricately designed walls, and majestic chandeliers. It is the best theatre to watch Harry Potter characters live in the city!
As soon as the show started with Harry Potter characters live on stage, I was greatly overwhelmed that tears were flowing from my full heart! I couldn’t believe I was there in a world-class theatre with world-class performance and world-class special effects! The entire show with the props which you wonder where the hell did that come from was ostentatious! T’was indeed a magical, exhilarating, and spell-binding experience! As a Disney song says, “unbelievable sights, indescribable feeling”, that’s exactly what I experienced like what I did while watching Beast and Belle dancing live on Disneyland stage! (Read my Disney story here!) From books to the big screen to the theatre, I’m an official Potterhead!!!
I haven’t taken many photos but here’s my vlog on what to expect inside the Harry Potter theatre. Click below!
For more about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Toronto and other theatrical plays, visit the official website of Mirvish here. They have a total of four theatres in the city staging other plays and musicals. Book your tickets to any play or musical that interests you now!
More Than a Magical Performance
What I remember most is the feeling of finally being there.
The red carpet, the grand staircase, the chandeliers, and the magic unfolding on stage made me feel like a child again.
But perhaps what made the afternoon even more meaningful was knowing how long I had waited for it.
For months, my life had revolved around responsibilities. That afternoon, I gave myself permission to enjoy something simply because I loved it.
Sometimes building a meaningful life means making room for the things that bring us joy—not just the things we need to accomplish.
And that little adventure reminded me that even while starting over, there could still be moments of wonder.
Discovering More of Toronto
That afternoon became one of many experiences that slowly changed how I saw Toronto.
The city wasn’t simply where I studied, worked, and paid bills anymore. It was becoming a place where I could make memories.
And not every memorable experience required an expensive ticket.
On another afternoon, I explored Old Town Toronto on foot, discovering historic streets, beautiful architecture, and little details I might otherwise have passed without noticing.
→ Read: Exploring Old Town Toronto on Foot
As I continued exploring, Toronto became my starting point for discovering more of Ontario—from waterfronts and charming towns to waterfalls and forests.
I’ve gathered some of those experiences in 20 Beautiful Places in Ontario That Could Capture Your Heart.
→ Explore: 20 Beautiful Places in Ontario That Could Capture Your Heart
Some adventures were planned. Others were unexpected.
But each gave me another reason to appreciate the life I was building.
What Brings Back Your Sense of Wonder?
Perhaps you’ve been so busy working, caring for others, or adjusting to a new chapter that you’ve forgotten what it feels like to do something simply for the joy of it.
Watching Harry Potter reminded me that life isn’t only about fulfilling responsibilities. It’s also about experiencing the moments that make us feel alive.
For a long time, I believed I had to wait until everything was in place before I could fully enjoy life. I explore this realization more deeply in When I Didn’t Care to Notice: The Years I Spent Waiting for Life to Begin.
But wonder doesn’t always require an expensive ticket or a grand adventure. Sometimes, it’s waiting in the ordinary things we overlook.
That’s why I created The Beauty Around You: A 7-Day Journey to Slow Down and Notice More.
Through seven days of gentle reflection and writing prompts, I invite you to discover the beauty and meaning already present in your everyday life.
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to begin appreciating your journey.
→ Begin Your Free 7-Day Journey
Continue Your Journey
Explore Beautiful Places — Where we go
Discover beautiful destinations, memorable experiences, and the stories behind them.
Discover Everyday Beauty — What we notice
Find inspiration to appreciate life’s little pleasures, unexpected discoveries, and ordinary moments of wonder.
Reflect on Meaningful Stories — What we learn along the way
Explore stories about starting over, rediscovering joy, and finding meaning in life’s changing seasons.