Universal Orlando is the place where movies and thrill rides collide. And the Harry Potter mashup is truly magical. I went there last week with my parents and younger sister.
We experienced authentic re-creations of Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Express, Hogsmeade, and of course, Hogwarts Castle. The train takes you between the two villages of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, just like in the story.
My favorite ride was the escape from Gringott’s Wizarding bank – an exquisite 3D cinematic roller coaster ride. The boys did this one while the girls shopped☺️
The crowd was enthusiastic, and diverse in nationality. Many people wore their house robes or other costumes. I was glad I wore blue, as I remembered I am probably a Ravenclaw.
Embracing my Hogwarts House I returned from the trip with renewed curiosity. I am reading several new books, including The collected works of Edgar Allen Poe and The Artist’s Way. I am also reading here again, which is a good sign.
Have you ever been to Universal Orlando? Or a similar theme park. What was your favorite ride or activity?
E.F.🦉
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Artists way. I need to return to that well. 💜 what a fun trip. We haven’t done Disney, but I’m getting to enjoy Potter again with my children.
I am new to Artists Way – Just Day 2 of Morning Pages. I might post about that book soon… I had never seen so many Potterheads in one place before lol. That’s fun!👍📖
I’ve been to Universal Hollywood and Disney in LA as well as EuroDisney. Fun memories. I’ll publish my report in my Slovene blog. Looks like a fun fantasy place. Really movie authentic!
Where’s the last pictures from?
I forget there is one in California too lol Would love to hear about that trip, and EuroDisney. The last pic is of the Portofino Bay hotel we stayed at. It’s One of the 9 themed hotels on-site. My Parents are traveling to the real Portofino this spring. My Dad loves Italy, has been there ~20 times.
P.S. Welcome back!
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I’m also Ravenclaw, or at least I was when I took the Pottermore test. Someday I have to go to Universal! Sounds like a magical experience. And I do love to experience films. 😉
🦅👏🏻 I’ll bet Ravenclaw has the highest representation among bloggers🤔 Universal was true to its name; I was impressed.
Went to Epcot Center when it first opened many years ago, and it really was a two-day type of activity. Lots of great exhibits and rides to enjoy. The Hogwarts experience at Universal looks and sounds like great fun. I actually didn’t start watching any of the Harry Potter films until after Deathly Hallows came out, but I have enjoyed “catching up” and spending time with Harry and his friends since.🙂
Thanks for the great comment. I didn’t even know about Epcot Center, (This was our first visit to Orlando). That look and sounds fantastic!.. Glad you caught up on Harry Potter. I, like so many people, could not escape the series even if I wanted to – I was the same age as Harry and his friends every year along the journey, growing up. Friends and I were always reading and going to the movies.
Wow, sounds like an amazing trip to Hogwarts! The escape from Gringott’s Wizarding bank ride sounds thrilling. Glad you had a magical time with your family! 🧙♂️✨
I went to Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto a couple of times as a kid, and — once — to Disney World in Orlando, Fl., which was a pretty good time even though my father had to go there with us. There was something dour and forbidding about my dad, like a Scottish burgher, which tended to ruin things for the rest of us. Still, he had the keys to the car and the secret knowledge of how to get to the Epcot Center.
Sounds like you had a great time.
I don’t think I’ll ever go, myself. I worked in the industry for over 30 years, and the thrill is gone. LOLOL! However…..
Ohhh I’m jealous! Wish I could go there right now to escape Minnesota Winter 😀 I’ve been there a couple of times and I LOVE the Harry Potter experience, the Hogwarts recreations are amazing and I enjoyed the Diagon Alley ride + another one I can’t remember the name of. Did you go to Disney World as well while in FL? I LOVE the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge.
So neat to hear from someone else who’s been to Harry Potter at Universal! I have never been to Disney World. But when I do I will DeF visit that Star Wars ride!👍
You will love Rise of the Resistance!! I wish I could ride it more than once a day but they don’t allow that with their registration system 😕
I know the feeling now, like those videos where someone tosses their cat onto the bed and it runs right back to do it again!😄
The rooftop fire-breathing dragon is very cool! I kind of want one for our house now, but it’s probably against code …
Probs under the restricted category of “Fire Hazard”🐲🔥😁