Get Magically Lost in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
A few years ago, my friend Jo and I were invited to our friend’s wedding in Orlando. Brie and her husband are huge fans of Disney and Harry Potter, and Orlando is the ultimate playground for the young and young-at-heart.
It was the start to summer and it was hot, humid and very crowded. Jo and I knew that the lines for the simulation ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey would be incredibly long. That’s why that was the very first thing we ran to when the park opened. It was a brilliant move because we only waited 15 minutes! You start by walking into Hogwarts Castle where you’ll see various props for the movie and be greeted by a hologram of Harry, Hermoine and Ron.
Best. Simulation. Ride. Ever.
I’m not an adrenaline junkie so I’m not about to report on crazy 90 degree drop roller coaster rides. I love rides that make you think you’re going 120 mph while being chased by dementors. This ride starts with all of us sitting on individual seats that are lined side by side. You go from room to room with huge screens showing the cast of Harry Potter interacting with you. You’re flying with Harry over the Quidditch field and around the castle. You actually feel your stomach dropping and the wind in your hair. It’s amazing what technology can do to trick your mind! Jo spent the ride screaming while I was giggling. We must have sounded like 12 year old girls at a One Direction concert.
Our strategy of starting the day with the ride was spot on. When we got out, the line was massive and the wait was two hours at the end of the line! By the way, we went back again about 30 minutes before the park closed. The wait was back to 15 minutes.
After the ride, we slowly got to absorb and enjoy the rest of the Wizarding World. We truly felt like we were transported to that world. The buildings were on point, they even had a real train representing Hogwarts Express. Music from the movies was playing throughout the park and I think that really added to the atmosphere. The only dose of reality was from the 90 degree heat and the throngs of tourists, but after a while, you don’t even notice any of that anymore.
We did walk to the other parts of Universal Orlando and all I thought was, “why can’t Wizarding World be bigger? Why do they still have Waterworld?!” We basically pointed out all the sections of Universal Studios they can demolish to make Harry Potter’s world much bigger. Our wish came true! Last summer, they expanded the world to include Diagon Alley and a mini London, and created more rides and attractions. If it were up to me (and probably other Harry Potter fans), the entire Universal Studios would be Wizarding World and nothing else!
One day I will be back to enjoy the much bigger Wizarding World. Until then, I shall revel in my magical memories of a near perfect day.
Tips:
Drink: Frosty ice-blended butterbeer may not be as authentic but it tastes much better than the non-iced one. Its flavor is similar to that of a caramel Frappuccino and it was perfect for a hot day. We overheard a 10 year old girl stressing out over the fact that it’s “beer.” It would have been more delicious (and fun) if there had been alcohol in it!
Eat: Maybe I was euphoric and starving, but I found the food at the Three Broomsticks to be really delicious! I had the grilled chicken, roasted potatoes and corn, and ate every morsel.
Ride: Remember to go to the most popular ride first when the park opens, and again right before it closes. You don’t want to stand in line for two hours in the 90 degree heat!
If theme parks aren’t your thing but you still want to experience Harry Potter’s world, you can visit the film locations in the UK. If Orlando is a little out of the way for you, they are building a Wizarding World in the Universal Studios in Los Angeles. If you’re based in Asia, there’s one in Osaka, Japan! Even though the books and movies have ended, we can still relive the magic over and over again.