It begins with a wand: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort
Vibrant
Like falling into the Pensieve and seeing a memory fill the space around you in vibrant colors and solid shapes, Universal Orlando Resort pulled the Wizarding World of Harry Potter out of J.K. Rowling’s words and into existence in our reality. For any Potter fan, the two Universal theme parks in Florida and the Hogwarts Express train that connects them are permanently inked on a bucket list. I am just such a person and now have the distinction of being a Florida resident which has allowed me the time and access I needed to truly explore. To say it’s been a dream come true just isn’t good enough.
Look with your inner eye
My last trip to Universal was my most relaxed. For theme park enthusiasts limited by time and funds, there is a pressure put on a day at the park that practically charges the air around them. Perhaps you know what I mean? It is important to see everything and do everything in one trip, which is impossible. When you’ve spent more than a few days at Universal, this compression dissipates and eyes are opened to details previously unseen. This was my experience and the reason my husband and son, Liam, and I wandered around Diagon Alley and around a dark corner to Knockturn Alley for hours a few weeks ago. I’m not sure we’ve ever had so much magical fun as we did that day.
Since 382 BC
Our adventure began in Ollivanders, makers of fine wands since 382 BC. An unremarkable side entrance where only a handful of people are admitted at a time drew our interest (so many of the Wizarding World’s joys are only visible to those who pay attention). We were taken by a shop keeper to a back room where a bearded wizard explained wand-choosing (the wand chooses the wizard or witch, of course) and our son was chosen to try one out. Try he did and blew papers off the shelf and caused more such chaos until a subtle otherworldly spotlight shone on him signifying he had found his wand. High on magic, we bounced out to the main stop floor and I began my hunt for “the one.”
Spell practice
With a wand in hand practicing “swish and flick,” I was a ten-year-old girl deep inside her favorite book. It’s a lovely feeling and you should absolutely try it. Liam and I searched for the small (quite small and easy to overlook, so be careful) gold plaques laid in the cobblestones around us. Our wands came with parchment-style maps reminiscent of the Marauder’s Map showing us the location of each, but we only used them when necessary (spastic treasure hunts are more fun). Taking turns, we stood on the medallion, pointed a wand and repeated the spell written indicated while performing the movement elegantly specified. It’s not easy! A handy witch was nearby to help with advice like “keep the movement tight,” and I eventually improved. Liam was a natural. We expect his owl to come any day now.
Mmmmmmm… Butterbeer
We lunched at the Leaky Cauldron, where else? The menu, like everything in this fantasy-come-true was overseen by my idol herself, Joanne Rowling, and inspired by the books. There you’ll find the best fish and chips served in this country (the best in the world are in The George in London), Butterbeer (love that butterscotchy froth) and Butterbeer potted cream (my favorite dessert, period). Now I’ve made myself hungry. Hint: don’t let a long line bother you; the queue management is top-notch. You’ll get the same memorable experience at the Three Broomsticks in Universal’s Islands of Adventure as well.
Up in the air
The rides are what Universal Orlando Resort is known for and they don’t disappoint either. Escape from Gringott’s is half movie immersion and half roller coaster with many actors reprising their roles. In my favorite, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the broomstick ride is straight from the dreams of my childhood nights and will even leave you a little dizzy. Next explore Hogwarts from dungeons to Dumbledore’s whirring office. Finally, turn back on your way out to the real world to take it all in, cementing it in your memory until next time.
It begins with a wand
There’s more to do in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter than meets the Muggle eye and it begins with a wand and keen observation. Enjoy.
