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Wizarding World of Harry Potter

July 14, 2014 || Leave a Comment

In December 2011, my family and I visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during a Christmas trip to Florida. My dad as well as my sister and I are HUGE Harry Potter fans, so we were beyond excited to see this amazing new attraction. Tickets may seem a bit pricey, but if you love Harry Potter like we do, it is worth it.

I was honestly pretty worried that it wouldn’t live up to my very high expectations, but I am happy to say that it exceeded almost all of them!

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In honour of the opening of Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express, here are my highlights and disappointments from the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Hogsmeade

This is embarrassing, but I am such a diehard fan that I teared up as soon as I walked into Hogsmeade. Seeing the wizarding village “in real life” is an indescribable experience!

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2. The Forbidden Journey

BEST PART OF THE DAY. The Forbidden Journey ride was mindblowing, and even better the second time we went on. I still don’t understand how it works, but it must be by magic!

3. Shopping

It’s so much fun to be able to buy ‘real’ wizarding gear! Including all the snacks I bought at Honeydukes, I bought a replica of Hermione’s wand (we didn’t take the tour of Ollivanders) and the Ravenclaw shirt I’m wearing in this picture.

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4. Wait Times

We were surprised it wasn’t busier when we were there! We went on the Forbidden Journey as soon as we got there to avoid a long wait, but it wouldn’t even have mattered. Of course, it is a theme park so there were crowds, but nothing too bad.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

1. Not going on Dragon Challenge

I still regret not going on the Dragon Challenge ride, but I hadn’t yet conquered my fear of upside down roller coasters! My dad and sister went on and absolutely loved it, and I’m kicking myself for skipping out! Next time;)

2. Prices

As expected, souvenirs from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are exorbitantly overpriced. You have to pick and choose what’s worth your budget, so choose wisely! I don’t regret any of my purchases.

3. Butterbeer

I was very excited to try Butterbeer, and I was quite disappointed! I drank the whole cup, but it wasn’t as good as I thought! The frozen variety was better than the normal option, but I feel like they could have made this better!

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As you can see, most of my ‘disappointments’ barely even count. I hope to visit Diagon Alley and take the Hogwarts Express sometime soon, but for now these memories are enough to tide me over!

**Note: My dad took all of these pictures! Thanks dad!

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Filed Under: North America, USA

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About Me!

I started travelling solo in university, and at 24 I've been to six continents and 57 countries.

Now I'm managing a travel agency and constantly planning my next trips.

I'm Bethany - come follow my misadventures around the world!

Next trips:
April 2020 Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand
June 2020 Peru
November 2020 Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay

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