This January, I traveled to the Universal Resort in Orlando. As an avid Harry Potter fan, I was very excited to experience all the parks had to offer during a four-day period. These are my Top 10 things you must do when you visit Harry Potter World.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – That ride is the best ride in the Universal Orlando Resort. I really liked that it is a mixture of techniques and puppets, which makes it so real. In the waiting area, it’s like you are inside of Hogwarts with so many details.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure au parc Universal Islands of Adventure. Photo courtesy of Elisfkc/Wikimedia Commons. - Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – With many creatures from the books, it is good for fans from the Harry Potter books. It is also a really good roller coaster, because the speed changes, you are going backwards and there is a drop. When I rode it for the second time, I sat in the front and it was so much fun, but mostly because I already knew what was going to happen.
The Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾ in Universal Studios Florida. Photo courtesy of HarshLight/Wikimedia Commons. - Hogwarts Express – As a connection between the park, it is definitely worth a visit for Harry Potter fans. Especially the way from platform nine and three quarters is really good, because it includes scenes from the films.
Signage on Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. Photo courtesy of Harshlight/Flickr. - Ollivander’s Experience – During this show, you’re watching a child, who is chosen by a wand. It really feels like you’re in the first movie.
The Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts performing “The Tale of the Three Brothers” from “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” in Carkitt Market at Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. Photo courtesy of Harshlight/flickr. - “The Tales of Beedle the Bard“ – This show is especially for fans, who read “The Tales of Beedle the Bard,” because it brings the tale of the three brothers to life with puppets and masks.
The next best stops…
- Spells – The spells are distributed throughout both parks of Harry Potter World. But it only works with the wand you can buy in the parks, and it is sometimes very difficult to activate the spells. That makes it more exciting when it works, however.
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – This is a really good ride with amazing 3D techniques. The waiting area is amazing with the cobalt puppets.
- Eat at the Three Broomsticks – If you want to eat something in the Harry Potter World, I would recommend the Three Broomsticks. It was the best food from what I experienced.
- Watch the Triwizard Spirit Rally and the Frog Choir – These two shows are really entertaining.
- Just look around and visit the shops – One of the best things about Harry Potter World is that there are so many details. In every shop and ride there are so many things you can discover. You will always find something you didn’t see before.
