The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade

By: Anna TrosperFebruary 20, 2018The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are two themed areas in Universal Orlando based on J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series. Universal Orlando has out done themselves on this one. You feel like you have stepped right into one of the books! The detail is unreal and the interaction makes you a part of this magical world, not just a passerby.The themed worlds include attractions, restaurants, and shops themed around a replica of Hogwarts Castle nestled inside Hogsmeade Village and the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley. The two worlds are connected by the Hogwarts Express. This train ride must be experienced both ways because each offers a different adventure. Today let’s chat about Hogsmeade. Photos of Hogsmeade should remove any doubt you might have of whether Universal Orlando has succeeded in recreating the detailed world from the Harry Potter books and films. Here you will find Ollivanders. This is the shop where the wand chooses you. The line can be a little long to get into the store but is well worth the wait for any Potter fan. Also in Hogsmeade you will find the Forbidden journey. This is the 3D ride inside Hogwarts Castle. Yes I said inside! The queue for this ride takes you on a journey all its own. At the start you are informed that Muggles are being let into the castle to attend a lecture. The Headmaster, Dumbledore, extends all the muggles a warm welcome. Harry, Ron and Hermione also make a small appearance. You will see the Sorting Hat and talking paintings along the way. If you pay close attention there is a story being told. The ride itself is amazing! Muggles must be 48 inches tall to ride the Forbidden Journey, but if you are under that you can still walk through the castle.If you get hungry while you are visiting Hogsmeade head straight to The Three Broomsticks Inn. This is Hogsmeades most famous restaurant and the detailing inside is right out of the movie!You can choose from a wide variety of traditional English meals. Main Courses include Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, Rotisserie Smoked Chicken, Rib Platter and Turkey Leg. If you have a family of four, or are really hungry, they have the Great Feast Platter. This will feed four and includes:* Fresh Garden Salad* Rotisserie Smoked Chicken* Ribs* Corn-on-the-cob* Roasted Potatoes* Mixed VegetablesThere are so many shops to see you can spend the whole day just shopping! Gladrags Wizardwear sells robes and uniforms. You can stop by the Owl Post and mail a postcard to a friend and have it certified with the Hogsmeade postmark! Looking for a chocolate Frog? Then head into Honeydukes.One thing you cannot miss! You have to stop in the bathrooms; even if you don’t have to go. Guess who is hanging out in there? Yes, Moaning Myrtle! She can be heard speaking to guests in the Hogsmeade washrooms.If you have an interactive wand and map you can go to various locations like shop windows and say the designated spell to activate magical special effects. We had the opportunity to do this and the kids did not want to stop!You can spend the whole day here if you don’t watch your time. So if you are going to Universal Orlando to see the Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter make sure you plan a few days to spend in the parks. You will need a Park to Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express between the two worlds: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.There is so much more to The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter that I can’t get it all in! So if you are planning or thinking about a trip to Universal Orlando, I would love to be your personal travel planner to ensure you have a great trip. You can contact me at annat@wishesfamilytravel.com or visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/atrosper.wft. I look forward to helping you plan a magical vacation!