I admit I found it hard to summarize the immersive experience offered by Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s important to me not to ruin the experience that first time visitors and fans have in this incredibly themed land.
This is a generalized description of the magic all wizards, witches and any muggles among us can expect when they step inside the story of the boy who lived. It’s the world we all want to be a part of in our deepest desires as fans. I imagine that is what some of us would see in the mirror of Erised.
Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a land brought to life by magic. Simply and accurately stated. Many of us fans read through every book, more than once, and watched our imaginations unfold on the big screen in the movies. Who among us hasn’t wondered what life would be like if we were a witch or wizard following in the same path as the chosen one?
Before we get started, I encourage you to check out Unveiling the Magic: The Best of Universal Studios Vacations for even more great reasons to choose Universal as your next vacation destination.
The Wand Chooses the Wizard
The wonders are limitless. They are as personal as the number of wands available at Ollivander’s Wand Shop. After all, the wand chooses the wizard. Would a wand choose us to perform our greatest spells? If so, what would the core of my wand hold?
If you find your way to Diagon Alley or even to Hogsmeade Village you can find out! The shelves of possibilities line the insides of two versions of Ollivander’s shop at The Wizarding World. Witches and Wizards visiting may be chosen by Ollivander himself to take part in the wand choosing ceremony inside both locations.
Performing Magic at Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter
With your wand in hand, you can then set out to perform your magic throughout both sides of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Along the recreated paths and alleyways of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village, witches and wizards can perform spells and watch magic come to life before their eyes. Bet you didn’t know you really had it in you.
Diagon Alley at The Wizarding World
In Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, witches and wizards will find all they need to have a successful year at Hogwarts. The shops lining the main alley hold books, quills, magical creatures as well as all the apparel you will need to support your house or favorite quidditch team. You can shop at Fred and George’s Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes even.
Are you a little shady? Do you feel the draw of the darkness at times? Tucked just off the corner of Diagon alley you can find the entrance to Knockturn Alley. This is where you will find Borgin and Burkes Antiques shop. Maybe you need a vanishing cabinet. I don’t judge.
During the holiday season at Universal Orlando, both sides of the Wizarding World really come to life! However, it’s Diagon Alley where the details truly shines with decorations inspired by each witch and wizarding shop.
Gringotts Bank at Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The pinnacle of Diagon Alley is of course Gringotts Bank complete with a fire breathing dragon looming over the streets above the shoppers.
The façade of Gringotts at Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter is remarkable! What’s inside is even more impressive. The goblins seem to be plucked straight off the set of the movies. The inside of the bank is unmistakable and flawless. The animatronic goblins counting their coins at their desks are both realistic and terrifying.
The Train to Hogwarts at Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter
With your letter to Hogwarts’s school of witchcraft and wizardry in hand (in Universal’s case, a park-to-park ticket) you will make your way through King’s Cross Station where you will slip through the pillar on platform 9 ¾! Wait for it! That’s right, the Hogwarts’s Express will pull loudly into the station, stream, and all.
As you board, you are seated in compartments the same ones that Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat inside on their journey to school. Along the way, you will experience the outside landscape complete with Dementors as well as a visit from the trio themselves. Hermione sounds a little off (despite the amazing job of recreating our beloved world by the Universal team, it is difficult to not feel a twinge of disappointment in that moment).
Hogsmeade Village at Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter
When you arrive off the train at Hogsmeade Village inside Islands of Adventure park it might just take your breath away! It is perfect! It will hit you right in the emotions. The snow-capped cottage shops- a little crooked and quaint- line the path filled with excitement and curiosity.
You can shop at Honeydukes Sweet Shop loaded with chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott’s every flavored bean, and many more sweet treats. Have a Butter beer- there are 3 versions, Iced, Frozen and Hot- they are available all over the land.
In addition, the Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head Tavern is where you can enjoy a classic British meal and Ale. Maybe get the kids a pumpkin juice.
photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
Hogwarts’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The castle stands tall above the landscape at the top of the cobblestone path of Hogsmeade Village. There are few fictional icons that might have an emotional impact like seeing the Hogwarts School in person. If you are a fan, you know what I’m saying.
Not only can you see the castle, but you can go INTO the castle and experience the hallways, classrooms, sounds, smells and moving portraits of this amazing recreation. You can finally feel as if you are the one entering the school for the first time waiting to be sorted into your house.
I would like to think I have adequately described the experience of visiting Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, as a fan of the books first, the movies and now the land, I know I’m just scraping the surface. I haven’t even touched on the thrill rides, all the food, the entertainment, or the extensive merchandise for a witch or wizard. Perhaps you’re a muggle. That’s OK too.
It’s a challenge to capture the amount of detail and theming that brings this land to life. I can only urge fans to visit and experience Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter for themselves.
If you are interested in a vacation that includes magic, reach out to DizN Vacations. Thier expert wizardry and experience can provide you with the trip of your dreams. You can also submit a free no obligation quote request to start your travel planning.
Please continue to read my blogs and visit my website for tips, tools, and travel planning on your next vacation to Universal Studios. Comment below with any questions or with your favorite Wizarding World experience to share.
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