We have shared so much of our trip to Florida already, so be sure to check out all of the fun things we did while we were there for ideas for your family when you visit. One of our favorite stops was Universal Orlando Resort.
Inside Universal Orlando Resort in the Universal Studio’s and Universals Islands of Adventure is one of the most amazing places I have been to with my kids – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! We were able to have a lot of fun there over the few days we were there, so we want to share everything we learned with you and show you why it is one place you need to put on your list to visit soon!
What we love most about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort –
It is like you are stepping right into the movie. The shops, the details, the magic, the workers – it is hard to take it all in. The smell in Honey Dukes is incredible – and such a fun store to go into. So many different treats, many authentic to the movie, will have you filling a bag full in no time. The Leaky Cauldron™ in Diagon Alley and the Three Broomsticks™ in Hogsmeade are both amazing restaurants that will transport you to the movie. You will truly feel like you are immersed in the magic. The details are incredible and my kids were able to find things they remember from the books and movies, and then talk about things and then find them as we looked around. We loved it!
The train station, train ride and going into platform 9 3/4 was SO FUN!! We did this several times, and each time it was just as magical and exciting. Take time to enjoy it all and capture all of the moments in pictures and videos. You and your family will love reliving these moments over and over again.
Amazing things you have to try
Between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade you can easily kill a whole day if not more. There is so much to do that you will have a hard time experiencing it all. There are several amazing rides like Flight of the Hippogriff™, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Hogwarts Express Train Ride, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™. We rode each of these multiple times and we still could have ridden them much more. They are so fun (except for the spiders….).
There is something is every shop that will have you stopping and exploring. You can do the Wand Choosing Ceremony at Ollivanders, take pictures with the Knight Bus and even exchange money at Gringotts for banknotes (which are good for purchases within Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade). Take in the shows that are in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. And we can’t forget about Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley. This shop is so much fun and you can even participate in the Pygmy Puff naming ceremony!
Before you enter Diagon Alley, you will be able to take pictures with the Knight Bus, make a phone call in the red Telephone Booth, and see 13 Grimmauld Place. Kreacher will make a surprise appearance (I think about every 30 seconds or every minute) so be sure to look for him in the window. The details that they have added are just breathtaking and really transport you to a whole other world.
Take everything in and while you are walking around enjoying it all, do it with a frozen Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice or Ice cream. These are available at special places throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
On my recent trip to Orlando with my family, we were able to be part of the Family Forward Conference. It took place at the Universal Orlando Resort so we were able to do special events and things that we normally would not have. One of those special events was spending a few hours in the park after it closed enjoying Diagon Alley and the Jimmy Fallon Ride. My kids’ favorite part of this was being able to ride on Gringotts about 10 times in a row with a minimal wait and drinking all of the Frozen Butterbeer they wanted.
I hope your trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter inside Universal Orlando is as magical as ours was. Feel free to ask any questions and I will do my best to answer them or find the answers for you (I have an inside source) 😉
Spending time at Universal Orlando is one of our best family memories. Can’t wait to go back.