Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Harry Potter World!

So, if you know me, you know I'm kind of a huge Harry Potter nerd. If you know my mom, you know she falls into the same category.

DSC_3394

Ever since Universal Studios announced they were creating a Harry Potter World earlier in the year, my mom has been telling me that we're going to go. She kept her word this weekend and the two of us headed down to Orlando for a girls weekend of Potter and Butterbeer. (One of the awesome perks of Delta letting even non-dependent kids fly free!)

Although I got in late Friday because of weird flights (the downside of previously noted perk) we still managed to get up and head to the park just a bit after they opened on Saturday morning.

DSC_3503

Now, the original plan was that going in the fall, in a weekend so close to Thanksgiving would lead to fewer crowds. Yes, that was the original plan. Ha! I can't imagine what this place was like when it opened. It was FULL! We didn't get to see everything because some of the shops had an hour wait just to get inside! BOO!

Oh well, we still managed to enjoy ourselves and soak up all the fun magical details.

The park is set up as the village of Hogsmeade leading up to the Hogwarts Castle.

You are greeted as you walk in by a steaming Hogwarts Express.

DSC_3408

IMG_0604

DSC_3515

DSC_3399

DSC_3483
As you can see, we weren't the only ones here! This place was HUGELY popular.

As you wander through the streets of Hogsmeade, we were delighted to find all our favorite stores, complete with details straight out of the books. I loved the whimsical crooked chimneys and the shop windows displayed everything from extendable ears and puking pastilles to self stirring cauldrons.

DSC_3410

DSC_3479
Inside Zonko's.

DSC_3482

DSC_3474
"Please do not walk on the walls."

DSC_3426

DSC_3413

DSC_3416
The Three Broomsticks, where we stopped for lunch and butterbeer.

DSC_3458
For future reference, at least in the US, butterbeer is like a really rich cream soda.

DSC_3493
We also had Pumpkin Juice, which is kind of like drinking a pumpkin pie, quite yummy!

DSC_3456

DSC_3470
Inside Honeydukes Sweets Shop.

DSC_3468

DSC_3469
I brought home a box of these for Alex to try. Watching someone eat Every Flavour Beans, may be the most entertaining thing ever. :-)

DSC_3463

DSC_3454
One of the places we couldn't get in due to the long lines.

DSC_3450
We also didn't get in Ollivanders, however, the Universal crew got confused here, as the wand shop is in Diagon Alley not Hogsmeade!

DSC_3418

From Hogsmeade you approach the castle, which really is quite awesome.

DSC_3431

DSC_3520

DSC_3508

There is a ride inside the castle or you can just do a tour, we did both and thoroughly enjoyed it. They did a really great job inside, though it was a little dark for photos and I didn't have a good flash.

DSC_3433
The paintings spoke and followed you as you walked by.

DSC_3440
The desk in Dumbledores office.

IMG_0599
The office with gross point and shoot camera flash.

DSC_3447
Bulletin Board in the hall. The picture moved like the Daily Prophet!

The ride in the castle was sort of a combo of motion ride, roller coaster-ish, disney magic ride. It almost actually felt like you were flying on a broomstick around the castle and through the quidditch field. (Side note: one of my co-workers actually spent this weekend at the quidditch world cup, yes, there is one in real life, who would have thought??) The ride was filled with dementors and dragons, and all sorts of fun magic things and left you quite breathless by the end of it! Fun times for sure!

Overall I'd have to say the park did a great job, getting most all the details right and it was great fun to bring the book to life. The only con I would give it is that it's too small! There were so many things they could have added and so many directions they could have taken it, I think we both got to the end and were like, "that's it?" What was there was excellent, but I wish there was more to see. The wizarding world is by far the most popular area of the park, so it seems a little silly they cut things short! Perhaps they have plans for the future to expand?

DSC_3498

DSC_3532

IMG_0600crop

Thanks mom for a super great time!

No comments: