“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” -J.K. Rowling
In October 2015, we traveled to Orlando, Florida to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios and the Islands of Adventure.
We decided to get the park hopper pass because it was the best deal for our trip and allowed us to visit both parks. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans across the two with Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade and Hogwarts in the Islands of Adventure. Since this was the main focus of our trip, it was imperative we do everything, and I mean everything, Harry Potter related. Ride all the rides! See all the shows! Cast all the spells! Eat all the food! Okay, maybe not eat all the food, but you get the idea.
Here are a few suggestions on what to do to make the most of your time exploring the world of Harry Potter:
Ride the Hogwarts Express!
You will have to have the park hopper pass in order to ride the train between parks, but you will need to have one anyway if you want to see everything. While on the train you’ll get to experience a ride through the Scottish countryside along with a visit from dementors. The scenery in the windows changes depending on the way you are going, so make sure to ride both ways. Also, you of course get to board by entering through Platform 9 and 3/4 so be sure to have a friend video you as you disappear!
Journey through Hogwarts and Gringotts and see a multitude of magical creatures on the park’s big rides. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you through Hogwarts on an adventure with your favorite characters. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a wild ride through the bank’s endless vaults. And don’t forget to take to the skies with Flight of the Hippogriff and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. When we were there, the Dragon Challenge was in the park instead of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike. I (Courtney) do not like rollercoasters, but I was determined to do absolutely everything Harry Potter related, so I accepted the challenge and rode it!
See the magical shows!
You’ll find performances such as the a capella Frog Choir, the musical stylings of Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, and a puppet show rendition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. At night, you can also see the dementors taking over Hogwarts with Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle or a magical light show with The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle. And that’s not even all of them!
For even more fun activities, visit the Gringotts Money Exchange to get your HP currency, check out the Knight Bus and talk to the shrunken head, and pick up a wand at Ollivanders. If you get an interactive wand, you can use it around the park to cast spells. (For real, we did this.) They also have a wand choosing ceremony every so often where one lucky audience member gets fitted to their perfect wand. Also, most of the people using wands while we were there were kids, but don’t let that dissuade you from getting one and making the most of your trip. You deserve to do everything!
Eat so much food!
If you’re hungry, stop into the Hog’s Head or The Three Broomsticks for lunch. Have fish and chips, a whole chicken, or shepherd’s pie. Oh, and don’t forget the butterbeer! They have hot, iced, and slushie type butterbeer depending on what you are interested in or what temperature it is. For dessert, check out Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. There are so many interesting flavors to try, so we went every day we were at the park! And, if you’re just in the market for drinks, stop into The Fountain of Fair Fortune.
Do some shopping!
Have you ever wanted to visit all of those magical stores from Harry’s universe? Well, now is your chance.
For all of your prankster needs, check out Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. Need Quidditch gear? Quality Quidditch Supplies has what you need. Or, for those feeling a bit dangerous, head into Knockturn Alley to Borgin and Burkes.
But don’t forget to grab a few Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans or Fizzing Whizzbees at Honeydukes. The Chocolate Frogs were delicious!
Plan your trip to Universal Orlando today!
Our McTravels 