The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Is Magical For Fans Of All Ages
I remember my mom telling me there was a book about a boy wizard that was full of adventure, magic, and excitement. She insisted that I read it and typical of most people whose my mother insisted upon things, it immediately went on my—I’ll look into it later—list. I soon regretted ignoring her advice. Always listen to your mother.
Three books in I finally decided to check out the series my librarian-mother told me about, and I was hooked. The books were captivating and full of imagination. J.K. Rowling’s stories about the boy-who-lived were full of exciting thrills and fantastical tales. Soon I too was fully immersed into the wizarding world.
Now that I have kids of my own, they share the same love for the stories that their grandma insisted I read so long ago. This month it came full circle as we all visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
Straight from the gate at Universal Studios Florida we headed to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, and when we saw a real life Knight Bus we knew we were in the right place. But it was behind the walls where the real literal magic happened.
As we turned the corner we immediately found ourselves in a living breathing Diagon Alley. The cobblestone streets, the magical shop windows, it was hard to decide where to look first, but our eyes were quickly drawn up to the fire-breathing dragon that sat atop Gringotts bank.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts attraction is not only an incredible ride but it’s also an experience. Outside you can interact with the goblins and even buy bank notes to use within Universal Orlando Resort.
The kids and their grandma marveled at the working windows of Diagon Alley, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes joke shop, and even a walkable Knockturn Alley. Meanwhile I enjoyed one of many, many butterbeers. And that was just one park! Soon we were on our way to see the what other magical surprises were awaiting us beyond King’s Cross Station.
Without giving all the secrets away, guests with Park-to-Park admission tickets can ride the Hogwarts Express to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade, located over at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Making the journey by train was a dream come true. Even in 80-degree heat, seeing the snow capped rooftops made my little Slytherin kid want to grab a wand and don a House scarf.
Exploring the village under the looming Hogwarts castle, we passed the rows of sweets at Honeydukes and watched young wizards shop for wands at Ollivanders. My mom even got into the Hogwarts spirit and bought her very first piece of Ravenclaw apparel after being sorted into the House on Pottermore. Universal outdid themselves bringing to life the tiniest details from the books and the movies.
Watching my mom and her grandkids enjoy the real life stories come to life that they adore so much was the best part of our adventure at Universal Orlando Resort. Our family trip was proof that fans of all ages will love the immersive Wizarding World experience. The kids and my mom left with an even bigger love of Harry Potter, and I left full of butterbeer.
Disclosure: Universal Studios Orlando Resort provided tickets for Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with no additional compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
