Cue the snickers. I know what you're thinking (Harry Potter nerds). I never thought I'd be one to stand in line for three hours to enter the park and then stand in line (again) for hours in order to visit Honeyduke's, Hogwarts, and ride three rides, but it was completely worth it.
The kiddos enjoyed visiting places they'd read about and seen in the movies. It seems that the set designers for the movies had a hand in the creation of the park, so many spots were true to the movie. As a whole, the park upheld the integrity of the books.
One could have an experience to match Harry's the first time he entered Ollivander's with wind, light and all.
Bop chose her wand while Littlest and Log allowed wands to choose them!
We stopped by the owlery and mailed letters to family.
Littlest cued up to board the Hogwart's Express!
Butterbeer was sold in two varieties: frozen and regular and both were spectacular. In fact, we cued up several times for refills.
When riding the Flight of the Hippogriff (Littlest's favorite ride), we bowed to Buckbeak and flew over a recreation of Hagrid's cabin. Fang was to be heard barking inside.
One can find every store in the books in the recreated Hogsmeade village. At the candy shop, we purchased chocolate frogs (complete with cards), Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans (true to name; the vomit flavored one could be used in place of ipecac), and chocolate cauldrons. We ate at the Three Broomsticks, drank Butterbeer at the Hog's Head Tavern, looked at the Nimbus 2000, perused books like "The Book of Monster's" and walked through the joke shop. The kiddos relished every minute of our time in Hogsmeade. When riding the Dragon Challenge, one walks past the Goblet of Fire, the Weasley's flying car, and a few dragon's eggs. Performers, like members of the Triwizard teams of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, gave shows throughout the park.
The Hogwarts Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is hands down the best ride I've ever ridden. I won't give anything away, but that one ride alone is worth visiting the park for. While walking through the castle in the queue, one sees the Potion's classroom, Dumbledore's office, the Gryffindor Common Room and much much more (and it's only the queue!). The ride may be a bit much for children (despite the height allowance). Log, when exiting the ride, didn't blink for some time, and when he did, a single tear slid down his cheek.
Our trip to Universal was most enjoyable and I'd highly recommend it for those traveling to Orlando fan or not.
No comments:
Post a Comment