Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL is beyond majestic. Even if you aren’t a die hard Harry Potter fan, the atmosphere and the scenery is breathtaking. The buildings and layout are so realistic, you will truly feel like you are walking into the Harry Potter movies.
The various props throughout the entire Wizarding World area are exactly what you would expect to see in Hogsmeade. The Hogwarts Express greets you at the entrance, leading you into the magic world of Harry Potter. There are plenty of photo opportunities for the family as well.
As you walk through Hogsmeade memories of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third film in the series will come into mind when you experience the Honeydukes Sweetshop. Located between Zonko’s and the Three Broomsticks enjoy shopping for delicious treats such as Candyfloss, Pepper Imps and Sugar Quills. Fill a bag with the unique-tasting Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans – from the pleasant Pear, Marshmallow and Watermelon flavors, to the unexpected Fish, Pepper and Sausage.
Collect all four exclusive wizard cards when you purchase the delectable Chocolate Frogs just like Harry Potter did along his journey riding the Hogwarts Express.
After your venture through Hogsmeade as you head towards Hogwarts Castle to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you’ll pass two other attractions.
When embarking on Dragon Challenge you may choose between the Hungarian Horntail and the Chinese Fireball dragons, one of two dueling roller coasters. The “dragons” twist, loop and narrowly miss each other in this epic adventure. The Dragon Challenge was inspired by the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth film in the series.
Flight of the Hippogriff is a whimsical roller coaster that is family-friendly. As you pass Hagrid’s hut, he’ll instruct you on how to properly approach a Hippogriff. Once the lesson is complete, you climb into a wicker Hippogriff to go on a training flight! Even my eight year old loved it!
Don’t forget to stop for the show along the way. As the excitement builds for the Triwizard Tournament you’ll witness Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students lead a Triwizard Spirit Rally.
Now for the highlight of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogwarts Castle. Entering the Hogwarts Castle you will literally be amazed. I’m not quite sure one trip through the castle would possibly allow you to see every detail. As you walk through the line to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey you will be mesmerized by all the interactive decor. With every new glimpse you are thrown right back into the movies of Harry walking the halls of Hogwarts. The presence makes you feel as if you are inside the movie.
Hogwarts Castle features talking portraits, including the four Hogwarts founders as shown in the movies. As you enter Dumbledore’s office, the Headmaster welcomes you and invites you to hear a lecture about the history of the school. As you continue in line Harry, Ron and Hermione talk to you in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Of course as you continue on your journey, you’ll also be greeted by the Sorting Hat before loading into your seat for the Forbidden Journey.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling new attraction that uses cutting-edge technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced. You begin by soaring over Hogwarts, barely escaping a dragon attack, get pulled into a Quidditch match while Harry speaks directly to you while he is flying upon his broom with you. This ride isn’t just an interactive 3D ride, it’s full on 4D with surprises around every corner. It’s a great mix of film clips and props while you twist and turn in your seat to give you the full effect of flying on a broomstick yourself. I’ve never experienced a ride quite like it!
Kick up your feet for a rest at Hog’s Head Pub and drink a nice glass of Butterbeer. {A frothy drink, reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch}
It’s the perfect time of the year to start planning your summer family vacations. If your family enjoys the Harry Potter books and/or films, I highly recommend visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You literally can not capture this true Harry Potter experience anywhere else. Once you walk past those gates you are entering Harry’s world and walking in his foot steps.
My family only had half a day to enjoy the fun and it was not nearly enough. On our next trip we will allow for no time constraints. This post only highlights the basics of what you can experience inside Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there is much more to explore!
Full Disclosure: My family was invited out to Universal Studios on complimentary tickets to have the full Harry Potter experience. I was not compensated for this post, all opinions are 100% mine.
Want to know what a teenage Harry Potter fan thinks? Read T’s review of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.