My boyfriend and I are huge fans of the Harry Potter series, so every trip to Universal includes lots of wizard magic. Let's just say we spend 80% of the time in the Wizarding World........We admit it.... We're Potterheads.
The Wizarding World of Harry potter is so fun because you don't have to know all about the movies to enjoy it, it's very fun for Muggles, Witches, and Wizards alike! After my most recent trip to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, I wanted to share my love for Harry Potter, and more importantly, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and all of the fun thing it has to offer!
King's Cross Station
This London facade is more than just a pretty backdrop. Scan your park-to-park pass and you're on the next Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade! Not until you pass through Platform 9 3/4, of course! I love taking the Hogwarts Express because it's an easy way to switch from park to park, you can ride it to and from either park, and it's actually a ride! I'm not gonna spoil all of the details about how magical it is, so you'll just have to go see it yourself ( ;
Gringott's
Escape From Gringott's is my FAVORITE ride in the Wizarding World (not gonna spill the beans on that one for you either), but I love visiting the goblin inside of the Currency Exchange! You can ask him questions, purchase trinkets, and......the best part.....exchange muggle money for WIZARD DOLLARS! And, Wizard Dollars can be used to pay for items in the Wizarding World! I kept mine as a souvenir, maybe I'll use it to buy a Butterbeer next trip.
Honeydukes
All of your pastel dreams will come true in this whimsical candy shop. I love taking photos inside of the store, their are so many cute photo-ops to not pass up! But more importantly, the candy is what we're there for. Wizarding candy comes in all forms, but my favorite way to snack while waiting in lines is with a goodie bag from the Self-Serve bar! My favorites are the Strawberry Banana Sour Ropes, Fizzy Wizzies, and Pineapple Cubes, but they feature many more types like infamous Bertie Bott's Every-Flavor Jelly Beans!
Hogsmeade
Hogsmeade holds a special place in my heart because it was the first land of the Wizarding World installment! The snowy tops of Hogsmeade add magical flair, but so do the singing frogs, and the magical windows (you're gonna want to bring your interactive wands for this). I personally like the attractions in Hogsmeade more, The Dragon Challenge is my absolute favorite!! (Ride the blue dragon for loops, and red for speed).
Butterbeer, duh! (and Butterbeer Ice Cream)
I am convinced that Butterbeer was created by the Gods, and don't even get me started on the Ice Cream! The frothy marshmallow goodness, the smooth butterscotch flavor, UGH I'm craving one just thinking about it!!!! I have tried recreating it, and I am convinced it just can't be done. So until I can buy Butterbeer in large quantities, I'll be visiting Universal, over and over again, because let's be honest, we go for the Butterbeer.
The Fire-breathing Dragon (in Diagon Alley)
The fire-breathing Dragon atop Gringotts Bank is an icon is Diagon Alley. The dragon spits fire apprximately every 15 minutes after roaring, Which you can hear from anywhere in Diagon Alley. Get your cameras ready!
The architecture
I love to sit on a corner of Diagon Alley in the middle of the day, with a Butterbeer in hand, just looking at all the details in the buildings and architecture, I see something new every time!
If you haven't visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I bet you do now! I hope you all get to visit this magical world real soon!
Happy blogging, Muggles, Wizards, and Witches alike!