Skip to main content

Photo Tour: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Part 1


Hello wizards, witches and muggles!  Today let's take a little photo journey through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

First, as any new Hogwarts student would do, let's head to Diagon Alley located in Universal Studios Florida for some school supplies and to explore.  The Knight Bus and Grimmauld Place indicate that you might be getting warmer.  Upon a closer inspection between a book store and a record shop, you see a sign that looks old to the unassuming passerby, but indicates that the Leaky Cauldron is on the other side.


Upon entering through the secret courtyard, you are greeted with fun stores of all colors and magical mystery.  Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes is hard to miss with their larger than life mascot tipping his hat to you.  Here you will also find Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions and Shutterbutton's Studio among other shops.  When you look overhead, you might just catch a glimpse of a fire-breathing dragon guarding Gringotts Wizarding Bank, which is considered "the safest place in the world for anything you want to keep safe".

Tip: Shutterbutton's is where you will need to go if you book the Exclusive Harry Potter Package that includes magical photos for your Universal Orlando vacation.





Diagon Alley is also home to Ollivanders wand shop where young and young at heart witches and wizards can choose their wand (or if they are lucky, the wand will choose them!).  They sell interactive wands here that you can use throughout the land to make magic as you explore.


After you get your fill of shopping and exploring you come to the end of the street where Gringotts looms overhead.  Upon entering Gringotts, home of the attraction Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, you will see gorgeous chandeliers and goblins attending to their regular tasks of the bank.


After your adventure through the bank, you head back outside for various entertainment acts exclusive to the Wizarding World.  Take a breather and enjoy the show for a bit!


Don't forget to grab a butterbeer (or two!) on your journey for a refreshing treat.  This comes in cold or frozen at numerous locations, and if you are traveling during winter, you can also try the elusive hot butterbeer (this agent's personal favorite!)

Refreshment in hand, it's time to keep exploring and taking in all the incredible details that have been put into this area.  If you're feeling brave, you can also head into Knockturn Alley for some more sinister merchandise. 





If you've worked up an appetite, The Leaky Cauldron is a great place to stop for a meal.  They serve British classics like Fish and Chips in a fast-casual setting.  You'll order at the counter and they will then seat you and bring the food to your table.



Once you've gotten your fill of Diagon Alley, hop aboard the Hogwarts Express with your Park to Park Ticket to be transported to Hogsmeade Village.  See more on Hogsmeade Village in Part 2 of this photo tour, coming soon!



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Universal's Volcano Bay Private Cabana Review

On a recent training in Universal Orlando Resort, the agents rented a private cabana for the day at Universal's Volcano Bay. There are multiple locations around the park along with the option to have an upper or lower level, all of which reflect in various pricing. We received an email the day before informing her of where to check-in the next morning. While we were personally escorted to the cabana shortly after check in, the line at the check in location is the same as those getting towels, meaning it was not short. As expressed by an additional guest checking into a different cabana, we would have greatly appreciated a separate line, since this caused our group about a half hour wait. We're all adults and made great use of our time getting some fun pictures before the park was filled with guests, but this is important to be aware of if you are traveling with children.  We had an upper level Cabana which came with a splendid view! We arrived to a welcome basket of various fr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cruising with a Baby: A Complete Guide

You took a baby on a cruise!? Yep, and I'd do it again knowing what I know now. So, say goodbye to months of research - Everything you need to know is here!! One of the biggest challenges of traveling with a baby is planning what you need to bring. I wanted to share what worked for us, and hopefully help others who are planning their cruise! Remember, babies can only cruise after their 6-month birthday on sailings from the U.S. If you are going transatlantic, or have more than three days out at sea, they must be 12 months old by the first day of your cruise. Pre-Cruise   We flew to the cruise port, and I couldn’t bring all the food and snacks I needed, so I placed an Instacart order for pick up near the port. I chose Publix in Cocoa Beach which is a few miles from Port Canaveral. I placed the order a few days before we left home, and set the pickup time to 11:00 a.m. I ordered formula, a box of diapers, swim diapers, bottle brush, dish soap, baby food, and baby snacks. I also broug...
Post a Comment
Read more

Makahiki Character Breakfast at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

We had the pleasure of dining at Aulani's Makahiki breakfast and it was a delightful, delicious experience! Makahiki is a restaurant at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i. The Aulani Resort is recognizably Disney as soon as you pull into the property. Its well-manicured gardens, water features, and stunning lobby look like a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World.  As off-site guests to Aulani, (we stayed in Waikiki, but that's another blog) I have some helpful tips for visiting the resort, whether it be for the restaurants, the beach, or both! Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands is open daily and reservations can be made 30 days in advance. I made my reservation on the Aulani website. There were a few times to choose from. I chose the earliest available that day, which was 8:30 a.m., because we had jetlag from the trip. A friendly Cast Member called me a few days before the reservation to confirm it with me. You can, however, find earlier times on other d...
1 comment
Read more