I wanted to share my experience with you about my visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. Ever since this park opened, I have wanted to go. I knew it would be crowded at this time of the year due to it being Spring Break for several school systems. On 3/30, two friends and I decided to make a trip to experience “Harry’s world”. Yes I did feel bad that I was going to visit someone else other than Mickey Mouse.
I have not been to Universal Studios since Island of Adventures was being built. We parked in valet, which was very convenient, and made our way to the Port of Entry. We traveled through several areas until we came to the moment I was waiting for…walking into Hogsmeade. I quickly began taking pictures of Hogwart Express and the area. My priority was to find Butterbeer and how could I not miss it. There were two “barrels” near both entrances of the area where you could get Butterbeer. The lines remained long at both. My group discovered Hog Head served Butterbeer as well as alcoholic beverages. The line in here was not as long. I tried frozen Butterbeer in the souvenir mug when we first arrived and the regular version later in the day. I would say I enjoyed the frozen version better. It was sweet but not as sweet as the regular version.
I toured the shops such as Honeydukes, the candy store, and tried Every Flavour Beans. Out of the ones I tried, I tasted a terrible one that reminded me of pepper. Zonko’s is attached which gave me a chance to check it out as well. The shops were very busy. I did not see the wand choosing show at Ollivanders due to the line being long as well. I purchased post cards at the CVS near me and had them stamped with the Hogmeade postmark. You can mail post cards and letters from here. However, you must provide your own stamps. Stamps are available to purchase that are themed to the Wizarding World.
I only rode one attraction, which was Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. All I can say was I was blown away. The time of waiting passed by quickly due to us attempting to take in every detail of the queue. We walked through Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, and listened to the Sorting Hat. I will not give away the ride in order for other muggles to be surprised.
Would I return to Wizarding World of Harry Potter..YES!! Would I still feel as if I was betraying Mickey Mouse..PROBABLY!! I enjoyed myself and it was especially memorable to spend it with friends who were experiencing it for the first time as well.
If you would like to know more about Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and/or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, request a quote at Destinations in Florida . Diz Thru Brown Eyes has an affiliate partnership with this travel agency. So do not hesitate to contact them with your travel needs.
Thanks for all the information and photos Elantrice. I love HP almost as much as Mickey and hope to visit it someday. Your post will tide me over for awhile 🙂 Glad you had a good time,
Suz
Thanks Suz! I look forward to going back. Stay tuned for more pictures!!