Feeling the Magic in Hogsmeade

I bought my son the first two Harry Potter books over a decade ago. He set them aside and took months to start reading them, but when he did…there was no turning back! He immediately started telling me I needed to read the books. I was busy so I didn’t get around to starting the first book until he was on the third book. I was hooked instantly though and in no time I was ready to read the newly released 4th book. Eric was also reading it though, so I had to wait until he was sleeping at night so I could sneak it out of his room and read it.

When the movies were released we had a new way to experience the magic of Harry Potter. We watched them all over and over again. My younger children were introduced to the books and movies too, so we could all share our love of the Harry Potter series. I was sad when it all came to an end, but my excitement returned when I learned about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida. I visited it for the first time three years ago and I have loved the place ever since. I am so impressed with the attention to detail in the park. They have really tried to give visitors the read Hogsmeade experience. You can shop at the candy store and get a magic wand at Ollivanders. My kids chose some wands that are replicas of some beloved characters in the movies, but they could also give their birthdates to the store clerk and find out which wand would be for them.

My absolute favourite part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the ride: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This is my favourite ride of all time. It is not the most thrilling or intense ride I have ever been on, although it is both of those things, but it puts the rider right in the middle of Hogwart’s and many of the incredible adventures that Harry and his friends were on. You find yourself in the middle of a Quidditch match and dodging the swinging branches of the Whomping Willow. It is the best experience for a Potterhead like myself!

Have you been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? What is your favourite part?