Alohomora! I’ve been in Harry Potter withdrawal mode, ever since my trip to Orlando, Florida last week, as part of my travels aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship Gem. Upon my return from the cruise, I re-watched all of the movies, and have decided to next read all of the books again! Thank goodness J.K. Rowling keeps us Muggles apprised of the happenings in the wizarding world, even though she is no longer writing books, like reminding us of James S. Potter’s first day at Hogwarts and introducing us to a whole new part of the story with the trilogy of films in the works relating to the book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which was a book featured in the original Harry Potter series.
For all of you lucky ducks, you still have the opportunity to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and experience it for the first time. And even more lucky for you, I have a few key secrets to share so you are in the know!
Introduction to the Parks
- Butterbeer: It’s available in both parts, and quite often the lines are much longer at Hogsmeade than they are at Diagon Alley, so you are probably better off grabbing some at the latter location. There are three different kinds: (i) Slushy; (ii) Cold; and (iii) Hot. If you happen to purchase the cold option, as you are drinking it, it will keep refoaming, so that there is always foam in your cup!
- Chocolate Frogs: These are also available at various stores in both parts, such as Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley and Honeydukes Sweetshop in Hogsmeade. I chose to eat mine while riding the Hogwarts Express, just like the story! 😉
- Ollivander’s Wand Shop: The shop exists at both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley (unlike the story). A little secret about the shop is that you have the ability to meet Ollivander himself! Instead of entering the Wand Shop immediately, enter an unassuming open door next to it, where you will see a bouncer of sorts standing outside. Walk through the door and you will enter another part of the shop. Follow instructions and wait in the gorgeous waiting room, full of wands of different kinds, until called in to a back part of the shop. You will walk through a dimly lit hallway and enter Ollivander’s private room! One person in the room will have the opportunity to interact with Ollivander and have a wand choose you! Once you are done with this experience, you will enter the actual shop through a back entrance.
- Wands: If you can afford it, buy one with a gold sticker (about $45) on the box rather than the plain stickers. They will allow you to “cast” spells at various locations in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Look for gold medallions on the floor throughout the two lands for instruction about which spell to cast and where. You will have the opportunity to make it rain, turn lights turn on, etc.!
- Peak Season: On days when the park is busiest (i.e. between Christmas and New Year), access to Hogsmeade is more limited. If the park reaches maximum capacity, Universal will put up barricades and you will have to come back at a designated time later in the day to visit.
Hogsmeade
Hogsmeade is the more well known of the parks, since it contains the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hogwarts contains my favorite ride of all of the rides of the two parts (3 rides total in Hogsmeade and 1 ride in Diagon Alley), Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This ride is a simulation ride which takes you all over the castle, as you are strapped into a “magical bench” and your feet dangle in the air. The line for the ride is an experience also, and walks you through the castle, which is complete with moving pictures, a speech from Dumbledore and the sorting hat.
Tip: The closer to closing you get, the less the line will be for the ride. I went on the ride within the last 5 minutes of the park being open, and didn’t have to wait in line at all. The line for the ride is quite often an hour long otherwise.
Also in Hogsmeade you will find the famed Three Broomsticks, which serves traditional English cuisine, such as fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, as well as Butterbeer. The Hog’s Head Pub connected to it also serves various real beer and Butterbeer. Another exciting aspect of Hogsmeade is the Owlery, home to the various post owls of the wizarding world, and the neighboring Owl Post, where you can send mail stamped with a Hogsmeade postmark to your favorites!
Tip: Enter the restroom in Hogsmeade to hear a certain moaning female ghost from the books/movies!
The other rides in Hogsmeade are:
- Dragon Challenge: A proper roller coaster with loops and high-speed. You can choose between riding on the Chinese Fireball or the Hungarian Horntail, each of which is totally different!
- Flight of the Hippogriff: A low-intensity ride for small children.
Diagon Alley
If you choose to enter the Wizarding World through Universal Studios Florida, true to the story, the way to Diagon Alley is through the city of London, located as a separate town in Universal Studios Florida. You will know you are there by the giant replica of Kings Cross Station. The station is where you will catch the train to head over to and/or arrive from Hogsmeade. If you are facing the station, on the right of it, you will see a row of stores and then some houses. Just between the stores and the houses is the entrance to Diagon Alley.
Before you head on in, take a look at the row of houses. They should look familiar to you as they are the houses of Grimmauld Place. Pause for a moment at the Blacks’ house at #12, and you will see the infamous Kreacher peeking out of a window. Another Harry Potter item to explore before heading on in to Diagon Alley is the purple Knight Bus, parked right across from the entrance. 4-5 times a day the bus driver will come outside for meets and greets. If you decide to go up and talk to him, you will get to interact with the shrunken heads as well! Finally, before heading on through to the Alley, look for a red telephone booth, which contains a phone number for the Ministry of Magic. Unfortunately, you don’t get access to the Ministry grounds directly, but you do get to speak to the Ministry!
Estou muito interessado!