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!



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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

Complete Guide to Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney's new Bahamian island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a pristine, secluded paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. The cruise port is located on the island of Eleuthera (pronounced uh-loo-tr-uh) at it's southern tip, amidst a nature preserve called Lighthouse Point. Far from any towns, Lookout Cay feels like a tropical oasis that is separated from the outside world by mangrove forests. The landscaping is gorgeous with flowers like plumerias, and tall swaying palm trees. Whether you want to just kick back and relax or go for a thrilling banana boat ride, this port has something for everyone. There are family friendly areas as well as those reserved specifically for adults. Expert Tip: If you want a view of the island from your stateroom, be sure to book a starboard (right) side stateroom. Disney Magic docked at Lookout Cay After disembarking your Disney Cruise ship, you'll cross the pier to the island on foot. (It looks longer in

The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel Review

I love staying at the Disneyland Hotel so when I got the opportunity to stay at the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel during opening weekend, I couldn’t pass it up. Because it was opening weekend, we were greeted in the entrance way of the lobby with balloons and many photo opportunities. When we arrived, there was a mural of the Haunted Mansion. I love how the seats in the main lobby were designed like the teacups in the parks. You can check in using the Disneyland app, drop your bags with bell services and head into the parks or use the amenities why you wait until your room is ready. When your room is ready, the resort will send you a text and you can use the Disneyland app on your mobile device to unlock the room. We dropped off our bags and went straight to the parks. We received a text around 1PM that our room was ready. In the new Discovery Tower (the Villas), you'll find that the lobby is very spacious with many places to sit while you read or wait for your family. Th