The Universal Studios parks in Orlando have always been at the cutting edge of providing family entertainment with brilliant theme park experiences. The latest and greatest, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, has been open to the eager hordes of Harry hyper-fans since June 2010, and the crowds have veritably flocked through its gates as if a Dementor were on their collective heels.
The park is now an essential stop on any Florida Holiday itinerary, so if you’re planning a trip to the Wizarding World in 2011, here are our absolute must-dos:
Wander
Image from insidethemagic
It is such a joy to simply wander aimlessly down the winding alleyways and into the nooks and crannies of the park. Not only are the buildings very faithful in their depiction of the Harry Potter architectural style, but the sheer range and depth of the visual references to the books which have been woven into the fabric of the park naturally command your attention.
From the statues to the individual signs at the restrooms, there is always something new and exciting for the eagle-eyed Potter fan to pick up on, so allow yourself the time to simply stroll happily through the park without rushing.
Whizz By
Image from Пероша
This is less of an active choice and more of a necessity, as you won’t be able to help yourself from whizzing by on the Dragon Challenge rollercoaster. You can choose one of two completely unique rollercoaster experiences which weave around each other. Pick either the flaming Chinese Fireball or the Hungarian Horntail, as the two dragons whirl and chase each other into the sky.
Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from taking both of them out for a spin, one after the other, if chasing the dragon once just isn’t enough.
Image from Пероша
Watch a Wand Pick You!
Image from insidethemagic
In a completely unique experience, the Wandkeeper at Ollivander’s can actually help a wand choose you as its new master. For the greatest tool to help you cast spells both small and spectacular, look no further than Ollivander’s.
Wager
Image from Feuilllu
Stake your taste buds in a game of flavour roulette in the famous Honeydukes sweet shop by picking up a bag of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. The variety of wicked and wonderful taste sensations will test the nerve of every aspiring witch or wizard.
Wassail
Image from popculturegeek
After a hard day’s wizarding, where you’ve shopped for the very latest in wands, broomsticks, robes and spell textbooks, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of Butterbeer to quench your thirst. Get right into the spirit of the intrepid young wizards and witches who sneak out of Hogwarts now and then for a sip of the tasty beverage.
The Three Broomsticks tavern and the Hog’s Head pub can cater for any tastes in a style fitting to the magical atmosphere that lingers in the air.
Image from popculturegeek
For a remarkably well-rendered interactive video experience which shows what the park has to offer, check the park’s main website.
Top image from popculturegeek.com
