In J.K. Rowling’s world-famous novels, Harry Potter grew up with his aunt, uncle and cousin Dudley in the village of Little Whinging in Surrey, completely unaware that he was in actual fact a famous wizard. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando is however about as far from 4 Privet Drive as you can get. The two equally spectacular, magical and utterly immersive lands of Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida) and Hogsmeade (Universal’s Islands of Adventure) inside the Universal Orlando Resort, are sure to make any Harry Potter fan’s dreams come true. Hold onto your sorting hats, this is a little preview of what to expect once you step off the Hogwarts Express…
Let a Wand Choose You at Ollivanders
The first thing that any budding witch or wizard needs is a wand. At the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando, you can follow in the footsteps of your favourite Hogwarts students and select one at Ollivanders: there’s a store in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade (or you could always pre-order one for your arrival). Along with replica character wands, the interactive wands for sale can actually cast spells to conjure up extra special experiences during your visit, so do pick one up if you want the real wizarding world experience!
Bust Out of Gringotts Bank
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando, is a land where nothing is done by halves and one of the most popular rides is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in Diagon Alley. Protected by a fire-breathing dragon, you’ll encounter delightfully grisly animatronic goblins in the grand marble entrance hall of Gringotts Bank before your rollercoaster ride will continue on a journey through the vaults and creepy underground caverns in the depths of the bank. The experience is enhanced by 3D projection screens immersing you in the sequence from Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 where Harry, Ron and Hermione break into the vaults to try and retrieve one of Voldemort’s horcruxes.
Put Your Taste Buds under a Spell At Honeydukes Sweet Shop
You’ll feel all your worldy cares melt away as you enter Honeydukes in Hogsmeade. Inside, you’ll find the magical sweets and snacks you’ve read about and always wanted to try, including Acid Pops, Cauldron Cakes, Exploding Bonbons and, of course, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. Just be prepared for an assortment of flavours – including dirt!
Explore the Wonders of Hogwarts at Harry Potter, Orlando
We don’t know about you, but we’re still waiting for our letter to arrive by owl post, informing us that we’re due to start at Hogwarts in the New Year. In the meantime, the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride is as close as we’ll get to the real thing. It’s a magical adventure where you’ll discover the corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As dusk falls the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show is truly illuminating.
The Boring Muggle Bit
Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are two separate parks within Universal Orlando Resort, so it’s best to buy a park-to-park ticket. You can travel between the two on a full-scale replica of the Hogwarts Express. Since there’s so much to see, (and sadly you don’t have a broomstick) you’ll want to book as much time as you can, particularly if you’re taking the kids.
The best Orlando resorts such as CLC Regal Oaks will know all the insider information such as when to arrive to avoid queues and the best ways of getting to the theme park itself, so be sure to ask the friendly CLC World staff at the reception desk for some top tips.
This is a contributed post
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