The kids have been on a mission to read the entire Harry Potter series of books during lockdown which has made them even more keen to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios when we are able to travel again.
In fact, they have been watching YouTube videos of the rides and attractions on the TV.
Did you know that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios, whilst Hogsmeade is next door in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, meaning you have to purchase Universal Studio tickets for both parks, however, at Diagon Alley you are able to travel between Hogsmeade and London on the Hogwarts Express with an Explorer Ticket.
Stopping at Olivanders is a must for any young wizard, and a special interactive wand should be one of your first purchases as there are special charms in place around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that allow holders of the these wands to practice their magic in safe surroundings and on objects that have been chosen to cause no harm to fellow visitors, although a few may occasionally get wet.
We have been to Warner Bros Studio Tour a few times and always get goosebumps seeing the huge model of Hogwarts, but imagine seeing the building in real life and getting to walk down Diagon Alley to Knockturn Alley, shop in Borgin and Burkes and finally enter Gringotts bank, where a Dragon breathes fire to scare back those who come too close.
As you enter Gringotts bank you walk through the bank’s grand marble lobby and see goblins hard at work before getting on the 3D / 4D experience ride. Be aware, kids need to be over 106cm to ride.
The real appeal of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is being immersed in the story. Everything is just like it is in the film – you can drink Butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron, eat at the Three Broomsticks and choose sweets at Honeydukes.
There are other thrill rides to enjoy including the new Hagrid’s Creatures Motorbike Adventure, where you can choose to ride either on the motorbike or the sidecar and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey where you explore the castle and Forbidden Forest and come face to face with an animatronic dragon.
For the kids the Flight of the Hippogriff is more of a children’s rollercoaster, but it does give you great views of Hogwarts Castle from the sky and a view of the hippogriff Buckbeak upon liftoff.
Would you like to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?