Fall break family travel took us to Orlando and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Wizarding World is just one “Island” or area of the Universal Studios Islands of Adventure Park. You pay no extra fee to enter this amazing area. Our guide book suggested getting there an hour to 90 minutes before the park opens. We actually made it right before opening and the race was on. Every other “island” or area we had to walk through to get to the Harry Potter area was deserted.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is located inside Hogwarts Castle.
Rides
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Ride Type: Simulator/Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: 48″
Our Rating: A+
We immediately got in line to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey which is the ride inside Hogwarts Castle. Can I just say the castle is amazing. As you walk through the queue you see many items from the movies including the greenhouse, the Mirror of Erised, the house point containers, the sorting hat, the portrait of the fat lady, Dumbledore’s office, the Dark Arts classroom and much more. Holograms of Dumbledore, Harry, Ron and Hermoine speak to you. Finally, you board the ride. It is a continually moving ride so you have to step onto a moving belt and step quickly to your seat. Buckle yourself and get ready for one of the best rides I’ve ever rode. Normally, I’m an old school ride enthusiast — huge coasters, traditional rides, etc. This was amazing, however. It combined a continually moving car of four passengers seated side by side (there are dividers between each individual seat to make the experience very personal – you don’t see the other riders) with forward and backward tilting motion and video which gave the feeling of falling down a chimney after Hermoine blows flue powder your way; flying with Ron and Harry; playing quidditch and much more. You’ll even see a few animatronic creatures on your journey. Be aware, however, this ride is not for people with motion sickness issues. My husband didn’t fare well. He didn’t get sick, but he did not like the feeling. He did say it was a cool ride none-the-less. A woman who rode at the same time as us did worse. She said she even closed her eyes and still felt bad. My 9-year-old son and I rode it 4-5 times!
Helpful Hint: You will be required to put your belongings in a locker before riding this ride. The lockers are free for a short time — long enough to ride the ride. We suggest using the lockers near the Dragon Challenge ride. By doing so, you can get in the no locker line and get moving a little quicker. We never waited more than 20 minutes to ride this ride. The wait is not bad either as you are continually moving and there are so many cool things to look at while you wait.
Buckbeak guards the Flight of the Hippogriff.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Ride Type: Junior Coaster
Height Requirement: 36”
Our Rating: A
This is a very tame coaster based on the third book/movie in which Hagrid the Care of Magical Creatures teacher introduces the students to a new creature — the hippogriff — part eagle part horse. Take your time as you go through the line as there are many cool things to see including Hagrid’s hut and much more. Be sure to bow to the hippogriff as you climb the first hill. You’ll also get a good look at the castle as you reach the top. You then go through a series of mildly thrilling swoops and dips before returning to the station. We rode this one several times.
Helpful Hint: Be sure to come back to this one at the end of the day. We got off and immediately went through the line again without having to wait but a few minutes.
Choose either the Hungarian Horntail or the Chinese Fireball when boarding the Dragon Challenge.
Dragon Challenge
Ride Type: Inverted Steel Coaster
Height Requirement: 54”
Our Rating: A+
This is an immense inverted steel roller coaster — actually two coasters that race each other. It is based on the TriWizard Tournament in The Goblet of Fire in which the contestants had to battle a dragon. The two coasters, er dragons, travel along separate but closely intertwined tracks that diverge and then converge to a thrilling effect. As you go through the line you’ll see banners, the Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia (from 2nd book/movie), and then the Champions tent with the Goblet of Fire and then the TriWizard Cup itself. You then choose either the Hungarian Horntail or the Chinese Fireball. This is an inverted steel coaster which means the cars hang from a track over your head and your feet will dangle. If you wear flip flops or slip on shoes, I suggest removing them. Ask if you can leave them to the side. I looped mine through my belt. Some girls in line gave them to their boyfriends to put in their pockets. The two coasters share the same lift to the top of the first drop and then the Chinese Fireball peals of to the left as the Hungarian Horntail takes off to the right. The “dragons” meet again at three precise moments — at one point they are heading straight for one another and then the part at the last moment. My son and I loved this one but just rode it once.
Helpful Hint: You will be required to stow your belongings in the provided lockers which a free for a short time (at least the duration of the line/ride). If you are like my husband and do not like to go upside down, you can get a get view of this ride near the exit. Look to the left as you face the entrance then follow the exit a short way up and you’ll find a viewing area behind a high metal fence. Dragon Challenge is the only ride with a “re-ride” door. If the wait is less than 15 minutes, ride attendants will open this door and let you get back.
Our little guy trying out his wand from Ollivander's Wand Shop.
Attractions
Ollivander’s Wand Shop
Type: Small Show
Our rating: A
Although it doesn’t even appear on the park map, look for the mysteriously levitating wand in the window of this Hogsmeade storefront with the words “maker of fine wands since 382 B.C.” You’ll also more than likely notice a very long line. We had to wait a long time for this one — longer than the rides. I’d say it was close to an hour wait — but it was worth it especially if you have a young Potter fan. About 20-25 guests will be invited into Ollivander’s Wand Shop at one time for the 5 minute show. It’s like being dropped onto the set of The Sorcerer’s Stone with towering shelves stocked with dusty boxes. Mr. Ollivander welcomes you and selects a lucky customer to test out wands like Harry did in the first movie. I had my son and another child in line get in the front hoping that one would be picked. Mr. Ollivander opted for an older kid this time, however. Initially I got my knickers in a twist as I thought the girl told the wand maker she was born in 1985 — 25 years old! My husband told me she said 1995 and I felt much better that she was still technically a kid. A friend of mine was there the same week and both of her children were picked. I suppose if you wanted to wait more than once you could keep trying to get your kid picked.
Well, I digress. Back to the topic at hand. After the child is picked from the group, Mr. Ollivander will offer him/her a wand. The first and second time it’s wrong and things fall off shelves, flowers wilt, etc. The third times a charm they say and in this case there’s a swirl of light and wind straight out of the movie. Next everyone is herded into the real shop — the Owl Post store. There you can buy either a replica of the characters’ wands or one especially for you based on your birthday. We bought one for our son that was really cool. It had the shape of a snake with a skeleton on it. Wands are $30.
Food & Drink
Butterbeer is delicious and can only be found in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Butterbeer: Ahhhhhhhhh! I can’t really think of anything more to say about this sweet, crisp and refreshing “brew.” It’s a vanilla shortbread cookie flavored soda — kind of like cream soda. It is topped off with a thick head of butterscotch non-dairy whipped topping. It is served either cold or frozen (slushy). We vote simply cold, but to each his own. Why not give both a try? Currently a disposable cup runs $3 for cold and $4 for frozen. A 16-ounce souvenir cup runs $10-$11 and can be refilled for the disposable price. Butterbeer is non-alcoholic. You can purchase Butterbeer at the kiosk in the center of Hogsmeade or inside the Hog’s Head Pub or Three Broomsticks Restaurant. In fact if you’d just like a sample, you can get one in the Three Broomsticks for $2.
Pumpkin Juice: If you are a fan of pumpkin, give this pulpy, pumpkin pie spiced beverage a try. If not, I’d recommend sticking with Butterbeer. Apparently, Pumpkin Juice is an acquired taste and some say it is better at room temperature. Currently Pumpkin Juice runs $6.
The Three Broomsticks
Type: Counter Service/Sit Down
Price Range: Entrees run $8-$14
You line up one of the cashiers to place your order. The menus are animated a la The Daily Prophet wizarding newspaper. After picking up your food at the next counter you will be directed to an empty table by a staff member. Menu items include authentic British fare such as Shepherd’s Pie, Cornish Pasties and Fish & Chips. American fare such as rotisserie smoked chicken, ribs and corn on the cob is also available. In the mornings, breakfast is available for $15. You choose either British – black pudding, grilled tomato and baked beans; or American – scrambled eggs, bacon and potatoes.
Helpful Hint: If it’s not too hot, grab a table out back for a view of the lagoon.
The Hogs Head Pub serves an array of European brews in addition to 'virgin' Butterbeer.
Hog’s Head Pub
Type: Pub
Price Range: Brews ave. $6.50
In addition to virgin Butterbeer, the Hog’s Head boasts a fine array of Eurpean brews on tap including Guinness, Bass, Stella Artois, Newcastle, Boddingtons and Strongbow. Bud Light is also available. The featured brew is ‘Hog’s Head Brew” a hoppy dark-amber Scottish ale brewed exclusively for the park. The Firewhiskey that is on display is not drinkable.
Helpful Hint: Slide the barkeep a tip to see the actual hog’s head (mounted behind the bar) come snorting to life.
Shopping
Zonko’s Joke Shop stocks Fanged Flyer toothy frisbees, Comb-a-Chameleon color-changing hairbrushes, Screaming YoYos and Sneakoscope spinning tops (all around $10) in addition to retro items like chattering teeth and tin-toy robots. Pygmy Puffs ($20) are hot sellers. Be sure to look up the Extendable Ears that dangle from the ceiling near the cash registers.
Honeydukes Sweetshop is connected to Zonko’s so you can stroll from one shop to the other. Here you will find Chocolate Frogs which at $10 was a little pricey in my opinion. Of course, there is Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans ($10) with tastes including Ketchup, Black Pepper and Mashed Potatoes. Don’t forget one of Harry’s favorites – sugary treacle fudge.
Don't stick your fingers in the Monster Book's cage - it just might bite!
Dervish and Banges specializes in wizarding school supplies including neckties ($30), and class robes ($100) to Quidditch Bludgers and Golden Snitches. If it’s a broom you are after, you can take home a Firebolt or a Nimbus 2000 for $250-$300. Be sure to take a look at the Monster Book snoozing in its cage.
Owl Post is a small annex of Dervish and Banges that serves as the exit for Ollivander’s wand shop, so it can be crowded. Here you can purchase a wand for $30 – either a reproduction of your favorite character’s wand or pick one of 13 original designs based on a 13-symbol zodiac. We purchased one of these for our son. Simply give the clerk the birthdate and they’ll get you the corresponding wand. Our son loves his — especially the skull that is on it. Don’t miss the holographic howlers screaming at passersby from the window.
Filch’s Emporium of Consfiscated Goods is located at the exit of the Forbidden Journey ride. Here you’ll find copies of the Quibbler, Whammy Rockets and bottles of Skele-gro. While these props are not for sale, everything else is including Marauders Maps ($70 in a wood and glass case), Sorting Hat puppets ($30) and reproduction Death Eater masks ($100). You can also pick up t-shirts here. Of course, this is where you can view and purchase your souvenir photo from the Forbidden Journey ride ($20+).
Snap a pic in front of the Hogwarts Express.
Other Things to See
There are no formally scheduled shows in the Wizarding World. Nor are there actors portraying Harry or any other character. However, there are a number of interactive elements worth seeing. Several times a day, you can catch one or two performances across from the friendly snowman. There is no published schedule and no set show times. Performances usually occur a couple of times each hour, so hang around and see what come up.
The Hogwarts Express: Get your picture taken with the conductor. He’s full of information about the attraction and all things Harry Potter.
The Frog Choir: Briefly seen in The Prisoner of Azkaban, the Frog Choir is an a cappella choir consisting of four Hogwarts students and two bass-singing ‘toads’ – puppets actually. The group performs versions of songs from Potter scores including Hedwig’s Theme and Something Wicked This Way Comes.
The Triwizard Spirit Rally: The visiting students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang show off their school pride. First the lovely French ladies show off their ribbon dancing talent. Then the Russian boys dislay their martial arts skills. Be ready to take photos as everyone poses as the end.
The Owlery: This is a pleasant shaded area beneath a rustic bell tower. Animatronic owls roost in the rafters, depositing (ew!) realistic droppings on the beams below. I must admit this did not appeal to us, so we skipped it; but to each his own.
Necessities
Restrooms: I can’t think of anywhere else that the restrooms are actually an attraction in and of themselves. Located across from Ollivander’s, you’ll find the restrooms and — who else but Moaning Myrtle. You won’t actually see her, but you will hear her moan and sigh.
ATM: Of course, the goblin-run Gringotts has an ATM branch near the back patio.
For more information and ticket prices, visit universalorlando.com.
