Back in July when I was in Orlando for work, I spent one night at the Hard Rock Hotel on Universal’s property and visited both parks. I already posted about Universal Studios, and it’s time for me to post about Islands of Adventure, specifically Harry potter (you can read abut the read of Islands of Adventure here).
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is in the back of the Islands of Adventure park. I got there super early before it got crowded and took a bunch of photos. my husband is a huge Harry Potter fan so I watched all the movies with him right before I left so I would understand everything. Even for a non-superfan, it was really neat to see all the detail that went into this section of the park. I really enjoyed myself!
The first thing I did was walk to Hogwart’s and get in line for the Forbidden Journey ride. It was a VERY cool ride, very well done and a lot of fun. I rode single rider and had no wait, so I hopped back in line and midway through the second time…I got very nauseated. I closed my eyes for the rest of the ride hoping I could make it until it was over. Luckily I was ok, but my stomach was upset for the rest of the day. So, if you get motion sickness on rides, keep that in mind for this one. Apparently my stomach could handle once but not twice. Such a shame because now I am scared to ride it.
So, I went back out onto the “street” to go in some shops and take some pictures.
I decided it was high time to try a frozen butterbeer, and oh my goodness it did NOT disappoint. You MUST try this if you visit!
I hung around, drank my butterbeer, and took photos just enjoying the scenery. I bought some grapes from a cart on the “street” and then noticed it was getting VERY crowded so I high tailed it out of there.
The above ride is:
I came back a little later and some of the crowd had died down. I walked through the restaurant the Three Broomsticks and took some photos.
Then I noticed a gathering at the stage. The choir was performing!
Followed by some fun and games.
Everyone was so in character and did a great job.
If Harry Potter merchandise is what you are after, you will not be disappointed. So. much. to. choose. from. They have everything from clothing to stuffed animals to candy and movie replicas.
I had a great time exploring and can’t wait to go back and bring my husband! These photos just scratch the surface, there is so much more to see and do.
QOTD: Are you a Harry Potter fan? Favorite book or movie? Have you been to this park?
I would love to book your Universal vacation or tickets for you! Email heather@travelwiththemagic.com for a free quote. I can book for you at NO extra cost added to your vacation.
I was there in June and July and can’t wait to go back again. It is so much fun!
WWoHP is my favorite!!! I have been twice and will be going next year when they open up the new section of it!!
I really want to go there one day. Just skip Disney for a day. My favorite book is Prisoner of Azkaban and I love what they did with the movie adaptation.
I LOVED THE FROZEN BUTTERBEER!!! I crave it still. I can’t wait to go back in Feb again! They did a great job with the park and I look forward to seeing what the new expansion will be like!
I would LOVE to get to go there! All my trips to Orlando since it opened has been for RunDisney, so I haven’t been able to get there 🙁 It looks like such a fun time!
OMGOSH
you KNOW my misfit family would love it there, too.
I’ve been dying to go there … even more so now. It. Looks. Awesome … clearly I’m a huge book and movie fan 🙂
I am a HUGE HP fan! Both of my dogs have HP middle names (Dumbledore and Bellatrix), and I have the Deathly Hallows tattooed on my wrist. I’m planning on running the Disney World marathon in 2015, so hopefully I’ll be able to sneak a day and go to the WWoHP! I need to!
I want to go there so bad!!! I would be in heaven!!! I MUST try a Butterbeer!!!! On the bucket list!!!
I’ve never seen the movies, but this looks like a way cool area! Love the detail!
We go there SO often, that’s why we have an annual pass! I can’t wait to go back soon – especially for Grinchmas!
I’m a huuuge HP fan, but I’ll probably be shamed because I’ve only seen the movies. My wife has ready every book (multiple times) so I would rely on her to fill me in on details I didn’t quite understand or were missed in the movies! LOL
We were able to visit HP World when we were in FL in 2011 and it was perfection. We had to wait an hour to get IN that section of the park and then another hour in line for the ride in the castle (not sure which one that was). I was told “it’s just a simulator ride”, which I’m OK on, but I felt it was more like a roller coaster for sure! When I saw the seats hanging from the rail and nothing under your feet I freaked and started crying and the lady asked my wife if I’d be OK to ride. HAHAHA
Great recap! My husband is also a huge Harry Potter fan and I never was until I met him. We went to Disney World and Universal’s Island of Adventure a few years ago and loved WWoHP! They did a great job and I can’t wait to see the expansion!
We had debated going there but opted for Disney Parks. Next time for sure!
I’ve never read Harry Potter and have only seen one movie, but my best friend is a HUGE HP fan, so when he came to visit me in FL we went to WWOHP. It was AWESOME, even for someone who had no idea what was going on. We each had TWO frozen butter beers….SO good!
I am a HUGE fan and went for the first time last October. I thought it was amazing! I loved every detail. I was so excited my 9 year old daughter was totally embarrassed to be seen with her giddy mother, haha. We rode the Forbidden Journey 5 times I think. I took the advice they give on Mission Space and kept my head back and eyes forward :), seemed to work.
You go on the coolest adventures.
That looks like a blast!!! It’s now on my bucket list!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog
and was curious what all is required to get set up?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% sure.
Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you