Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter @UniversalORL

 

Fans of Harry Potter will not be disappointed when they visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter located at Universal Orlando. Thanks to Beth at rolemommy.com who wasn’t able to go, I had to opportunity to tour the newest Orlando theme park, the Wizarding World of Harry  Potter.

As a true fan of the books and the movies, walking into Potterland was truly an amazing experience. The designers of the park have made an exact replica of what you see in the movies. I was truly impressed by the authenticity of the park and as my daughter asked, “Are Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson going to be in the park?” Sadly I said no, they have lives remember, they can’t live in a park all the time.  Although, I do wonder if they will eventually have Madame Tussaud replicas of them at some point.

My daughter and I wandered through the park shopping at Hogsmeade, sampling chocolate frogs at Honeydukes, experienced the magic at Ollivander’s wand shop, ate at the Three Broomsticks restaurant where the Shepherds’ Pie and Fish and Chips were just yummy and not at all like theme park food.  Of course, our favorite treat was the frozen butter beer. Yes, the chefs at Wizarding World of Harry Potter have invented butter beer.  I recommend the frozen butter vs. regular which I can still taste now, it was that good and I am not of fan of root beer or crème soda.

The most spectacular feature of the park is Hogswarts Castle. It truly takes your breath away at how realistic it is. You really feel as though you have stepped into  Harry Potter’s world. What is incredible about Hogwarts Castle is that  it is visible from several vantage points throughout the entire Islands of Adventure park. We spent a lot of time taking photos with the castle as a backdrop or pointing it out from several rides we went on.

Hogwarts Castle may look realistic on the outside but one of the most exhilarating rides you will experience is contained within the castle: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The ride takes you on a journey as you travel via the Floo Network, soaring over Hogwarts, dodging dragon attacks, whomping willows, death eaters and  getting pulled into a Quidditch match. Arrive early for this ride as it has the longest line and is the most popular.  Long lines at amusement parks do not make me happy but I have to commend the park designers in that as you “wait” in line, you are actually winding your way through Hogwarts Castle like the main characters.  There is so much to look at as you wind your way to the ride.  There are talking pictures, a holographic Professor Dumbledore  explaining  the rules and Ron, Hermione and Harry pop up to invite you personally on the Forbidden Journey.

And then there is the ride. My daughter loved it as any seven year old would and so much that she rode it twice. Personally, I definitely loved it for all the bells and whistles but my tum tum took a beating on the ride but don’t let that stop you. It is a must experience.

There are two other rides, Dragon Challenge  and Flight of the Hippogriff . Visitors can brave a Hungarian Horntail or Chinese Fireball on dueling roller coasters onf the Dragon Challenge and I mean challenge. At a couple of points during the ride, the two coasters turn upside down and interlock with each other. Scary. The Flight of Hippogriff is a little more sedate of a roller coaster.

As if the rides were not enough, one of our favorite experiences was going to Ollivander’s Wand Shop. The Shop instantly brings you to that moment in the movie when Harry picks out his wand. My daughter, of course had to have a wand and ended up choosing Hermione’s wand. There are special wands based on birthday or character inspired wands.

Of course, don’t miss out on visiting Honeydukes for every imaginable sweet under  the sun and Zonko’s for magical toys.

All in all, the park is really worth visiting for all Harry Potter fans and even if you are not. The only thing missing was the stars of the movies, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

Two tips for you if you are planning to visit the park.

1. Arrive when the park opens and if you can do it, stay at a Orlando Universal Resort (Hard Rock Resort, Royal Pacific or Hotel Portofino) which entitles you to arrive an hour before the park opens
2. Head straight to Forbidden Journey ride first as it has the longest line.

Don’t miss out, visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter located at Universal Orlando to experience  Harry Potter’s world including Hogwarts Castle, Honeydukes, Olivander’s Wand Store and more.

Disclosure: The trip was sponsored by Universal Orlando Resort and Loews to view the new Harry Potter theme park and the Orlando Loews properties. NYC Single Mom was not compensated for this post.