Harry Potter

Hogwarts

We are big fans of Harry Potter in our house! We have read all the books, listened to the audiobooks and have seen all the movies ...so of course we would plan a day to Universal Studios to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  I live in Central Florida, so it didn't require serious planning, just a synchronizing of schedules.  We decided to wait until mid afternoon to go, in hopes that visitors who had been there all the day would be heading home. We tried to pick a cooler day, but there is no such thing in a Florida summer!

Before going, we knew exactly what we wanted to do in the park.  Riding the Forbidden Journey was top on the list.  When we got to the castle to get in line, we were informed the ride was broken and they could not predict when it would re-open. Not a promising start.

Enjoying a glass of butterbeer

Taking it in stride, we decided to see the sites of Hogsmeade.We shared a glass of butterbeer. You could get it regular or frozen.  We went with frozen.  It is similar to a slushy served with a topping of foamy cream.  It has an unusual taste, almost like butterscotch and it was refreshing, but not really delicious.  We visited HoneyDukes sweet shop and Zonkos.  They were selling cauldron cupcakes - cute idea, but I didn't taste one.

Cauldron Cakes

Being here felt like we had walked into the movie. They did a great job replicating all the details of  Hogwarts and Hogsmeade:  snow covered roofs,  large stone buildings, cobblestone streets, familiar shops, Hogwarts Express...

Standing in front of the Hogwart's Express

We did not make it into Olivander's, the Owlery or Ride of the Hippogriff due to long lines.  We did venture into Hogsmeade Pub so I could try the HogsHead Brew made especially for the World of Harry Potter. It was very similar to Killians Red.

Determined not to leave until I rode the Forbidden Journey, we visited the rest of the park with hope that the ride would be repaired before the park closed.  We weren't the only ones with this idea.  Once the ride was operating again, we waited in line for 2 hours.  It was an awesome ride and we had a lot of time for family bonding as we snaked through the endless roped paths.

Despite the heat and crowds I am glad I got to experience a place I had only visited in books or movies.  Even if it is make believe.

Trying on silly hats in Zonkos

Are you a fan of Harry Potter?  Do you have any favorite characters?