Just beyond the entrance of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, awaits the magical, spellbinding Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
This mesmerizing section of Islands of Adventure transports you into the world of Harry Potter. It’s as if you used Hermione’s Time-Turner and stepped back in time!
Since this new land can be overwhelming, and you want to get the most out of your adventure, I have compiled 3 Must Do’s for the Harry Potter fan!
1. Try a Taste of Butterbeer!
Butterbeer is that mysterious beverage that gets house-elves in trouble! It is a non-alcoholic potion that has a magical taste: somewhere between cream soda and butterscotch! It can be served either cold or frozen as slush.
You can find this flavorsome drink at The Three Broomsticks restaurant or at the Street Cart close to the entrance! This stop a definite must do: Butterbeer can’t be found anywhere else! But, be careful, it’s easy to fall under the influence of this mysterious brew!
2. Stop and Shop
Honeydukes
Honeydukes is a must stop for travelers because of its devilishly good treats!
Everyone is looking for the popular Every Flavor Beans! You can find them here: fill up a bag of your very favorite Flavor Bean or buy the collector box with an assortment!
And don’t forget your Chocolate Frogs! Each box contains a delicious solid, milk chocolate frog with a special collectors card inside!
Ollivanders
Ollivanders has been making wands since before 328 B.C. This small, dusty shop does have a waiting line, but it is worth it to see a Wand choose its Wizard! And don’t forget to buy your own Wand as you leave!
This mystifying, little shop will be moving to Diagon Alley in the new Harry Potter expansion. It is a must see now in its original location!
Dervish and Banges
Stop into Dervish and Banges for all your wizarding supplies! You will find your Hogwarts school uniforms and your Quidditch equipment here!
This is the best place for all your wearable souvenirs and trinkets!
3. Test Your Nerves
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This state of the art ride gives you a thrill of a lifetime!
As you walk through the gates of Hogwarts and into its corridors, you are entertained with the many symbols found throughout the books!
You will find your memories are tantalized by the Phoenix, the Sorting Hat and Dumbledore’s Pensieve! These moments in Hogwart’s History prepare you for the amazing ride over the castle grounds and into some daring adventures with Harry and friends!
If you are unsure about this ride, you can sit in a sample seat just outside the castle. You must be 48” tall to ride, and it is a motion-packed ride. My family loved it, and would ride it over and over. However, if you are prone to motion sickness, be prepared to sit this one out.
Dragon Challenge
The Dragon Challenge is a fast, action packed, twist and turn roller coaster. You have to use your skill and courage found at the Triwizard Tournament to ride these dragons! Choose a Hungarian Horntail or a Chinese Fireball as your dragon of choice. Each ride is different, and you will want to experience both! You must be 54” to ride, and your love of roller coasters a must!
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must for all Potter fans! Old fans will be amazed at the job Universal did in recreating this enchanting world; and new fans will leave bewitched!
There is so much more to see at Universal Studios and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! And with the new expansion opening this Summer, you will not want to miss out!
Contact me for more information on planning your wand-erful vacation!
I remember the Dueling Dragons from before Wizarding World. I had no idea it had been incorporated into the Wizarding World! Look forward to going back and seeing it all!
Caleb and I love going to Harry Potter… Sylvia did a great job of planning our vacation so that we could hit Disney and Universal. My son and I geeked it out that trip… Star Tours one day and next day having our wand pick us!