Last February, we had the opportunity to spend a long weekend in Orlando, Florida and because we are huge Harry Potter fans, we knew we had to set aside a day to explore Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was EVERYTHING! Chase had to spend a week in Orlando for a work convention and when he asked if I wanted to fly down at the end of it to visit Universal Studios and Disney World, I responded with "HECK YES!!!" So we planned it all out and made sure one stop would be at Harry Potter World. The first Harry Potter book came out when Chase was 11 and I was 12 so we grew up with Harry. Literally. To say we were excited to spend a day inside Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, and at Diagon Alley was an understatement! We were rendered speechless at the sight of it. We spent the first part of the day at Hogsmeade and after lunch we rode the Hogwarts express to Diagon Alley, where we stayed until the park closed! Both parks were extremely crowded... I mean, it's to be expected! But watching all the little Harrys and Hermiones running around with their wands and robes was just so cool. We adored HP and to see the younger generation continue to love it just as much, was ... magical! We match... we know! It was not planned. So there are specific wands you can buy at Ollivanders that allow you to cast spells on interactive objects around the world. Of course we had to get one! This was a really cool aspect to the park. -Harry Potter World added this to Hogsmeade after they finished Diagon Alley so for anyone who went before that, here's your excuse to go again! ;) Hogsmeade: We got butterbeer even though it was 30 degrees that morning and our hands were frozen stiff around the cup. We got fitted for wands at Ollivanders , we shopped for chocolate frogs at Honey Dukes, we walked through Hogwarts to embark on the forbidden journey (we actually did all the rides but the forbidden journey was the complete experience!), and we dined at the Three Broomsticks. Then we took the express to London. Diagon Alley was impressive to say the least. We actually felt like we were going back-to-school shopping for Hogwarts. It was exciting, beautiful, and the rides, both at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, were just awesome. Walking through Gringotts was entertaining and because of the detail and craftsmanship Universal puts into their parks, it felt like we were in the books/movies. Everything just came to life! Job well done, Universal! We can't wait for the Hollywood Studios to finish theirs so we can have an excuse to visit the new HPW in California! Have you visited Harry Potter World in Orlando? What did you think?
Also, we mentioned that during this trip, we spent time at Disney World... A "part two" of Orlando, Florida and all of our travel details are to come, so be looking for that! Until Next Time, Your Muggle Friends, C + D
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