Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Resort Orlando
It is always best to get to the parks just as they open to avoid long queues and from the minute you enter Universal, ‘fun’ is the feeling of the day every day.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is broken up into the two theme parks. Universal Studios has Diagon Alley and Kings Crossing Station which you can take to visit Hogwarts and Hogsmeade Village in Islands of Adventure theme park.
On my 2010 holiday to Orlando, I had the joy of experiencing Universal’s first part of the Harry Potter world. Islands of Adventure introduced Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction in Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft along with a recreation of Hogsmeade. It was every Harry Potter fan’s dream come true to visit and experience the magical world.
In September 2015 I was blown away by Universal’s second part of its Harry Potter land. Hidden behind a London themed street in Universal Studios, you will be amazed by what they have created; Diagon Alley in all its glory is alive and very much real and “muggles” like us can experience the wizarding world for ourselves.
Ollivander’s Wand Shop - where the wand chooses its owner by setting off a thunderstorm inside the shop, Gringotts bank with its fire spitting dragon upon its roof guarding all valuables, wizards and witches in full robes casting spells making it rain with their wands and casting all sorts of magical spells, Harry Potter fans of all ages were having a blast. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is the new 3D rollercoaster and one of the top attractions in the whole park.
The Leaky Cauldron served up a delicious lunch and later we got to try the famous “Butter Beers” which we loved. We made our way to Kings Cross station to the famous 9 ¾ platform where we vanished through the wall to board our train to Hogwarts. We felt safe along our journey from the spine chilling dementors kiss thanks to Ron and Herminie and soon we were in Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade has the Three Broomsticks for nice food and Honeydukes sweet shop is a must, the ‘fizzing whizzbees’ are definitely worth a try.
The Duelling Dragons in Hogsmeade is a rollercoaster that throws you straight into a Triwizard Tournament. It is certainly not for the faint hearted. You truly feel every bit of Harry’s plight on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride in Hogwarts Castle. For those of us who like the less terrifying thrill rides, the Flight of the Hippogriff is ideal as Hagrid teaches young children to fly on a Hippogriff and this suits all the family.
For any self-proclaimed Harry Potter fan, this visit is a must and what Universal theme parks have brought to life is amazing and will very much live up to all your expectations. Muggles everywhere will love their Harry Potter adventure.