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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter from a Newbies View #DiagonAlley

Disclosure: We were treated to a media event that included a 2-night stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort and a day at Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. We were asked to share our honest opinions in a post in return.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter from a Newbies View

Diagon Alley Collage

Confession: Up to the day of this trip to Universal Studios I had never read a single Harry Potter book.  Not only had I never read any of the books, but I had never seen any of the movies.

I have, however, bought every single Harry Potter book, movie, action figure, and other promotional toys for my children.  My oldest son has even dressed up as Harry Potter for Halloween. For years Ethan ate, slept, and drank Harry Potter.  If there was ever a person who would be able to give an expert opinion as to the validity of  Universal Studios The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, it would be my son.  So when I asked him what he thought as we walked onto Diagon Alley and got our very first glimpse, what did he say?

“Wow, it feels like I just walked into the movie!”

diagon alley

From that moment on we were on our own adventure in a time filled with wizards, spells, magic, and fun. We started our journey at Diagon Alley then boarded Hogwart’s Express to continue our adventure  to Universal’s Islands of Adventure® to explore the  iconic Hogwarts™ castle and Hogsmeade™ village.  It was an experience no one will ever forget.

family

Upon arrival the family (yes, Zippy is part of our family) did a group selfie!

Once we hit the streets of London we were mesmerized by the huge dragon on top of Gringotts™ bank and we immediately went to experience the  multi-dimensional new thrill ride.  Since we were on a VIP tour we got on the ride pretty quickly and it was as amazing and true to life as I have ever seen.  I’ve since seen 3 of the Harry Potter movies and I swear Universal Studios Diagon Alley is more real than you could think possible.

The video is of the line as we waited to go on the ride so you can only imagine what Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott’s ride was like once you got there! Once we made it through the goblin-run bank we got to experience a page out of the book or a scene from the movie on “the groundbreaking, multi-dimensional thrill ride that puts you right in the middle of the action as you navigate your way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults – encountering Harry, Ron, and Hermione along the way!”

hogwarts

When our journey brought us to Hogwart’s Express I was expecting nothing more than monorail experience to the other park, but the genius of the designers made the trip so much more.  Not only did we get a sneak peek into Harry and his friends running around on the train, but we got to watch the magnificent scenery of London and the British countryside out the window. It was nothing less than spectacular and I got to sit for a bit and relax while being entertained, bonus!

butterbeer Collage

Did I mention we got to dine at the Leaky Cauldron™?  Since hubby was in control of most of the photos we got a lot of pictures featuring the great beer choices you find in the area and even the delicious Butterbeer you wont want to miss out on from Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and kiosks throughout the park, but do to lighting we didn’t get photos of our delicious bangers and mash or cottage pies. However, I can personally recommend the Scotch eggs – they were delish!

shrunk heads

Be sure to visit Ollivanders™  because you will wan to pick up a wand or two for the kids so they can stay busy discovering the hidden magical experiences throughout Diagon Alley while you shop in some of the stores featured throughout.  Ollivanders™ is one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops and although there are many wands to choose from the story goes that the wand chooses the wizard!  My boys had a blast with their wands as I found the coolest finds in the stores from shrunken heads to everything else practitioners of the Dark Arts would need all located down the gloomy Knockturn Alley.

Whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not, this is something you do not want to miss when you come to Florida!  I know we plan on going back and discovering even more wizarding things.  Even if you are not a Harry Potter newbie there is something new to experience every time you visit…

Comments

  1. Hooray, I FINALLY have a real family to call my own. I LOVE you guys.

  2. Mary Ambrosino says

    Looks like everyone had a good time.

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