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10 Things Not to Miss at Wizarding World of Harry Potter with kids

There was only one other attraction that rivaled my kids level of excitement to a Disney park visit and that was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Florida.  They’ve seen all the movies and my daughter has been to a few Harry Potter summer camps.  Even though they’re huge fans, they were what I call the the borderline ages (6 & 9)  – not big enough to go on all the rides and not old enough to fully comprehend everything here.

Wizarding world of Harry potter Hogwart's castle image

Our first visit to this wonderful park was last January after a 7-day cruise. Considering the notorious lines for the rides, we decided to do the 2-day pass. So, what made this place so (dare I say it) magical?   It was the setting, the atmosphere and the sights and sounds of being transported into the movie set or the pretend world of Harry Potter.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade sign

Even the distinctive movie soundtrack can be heard over the loudspeakers.  The details were extraordinary and incredible as we walked through the crowded street of Hogsmeade.  The looming Hogwarts castle seemed so real we all gasped in awe when we first saw it up close.

Hogwarts castle image

Some people were dressed in costumes and the amazed looks on their faces once they saw the castle up close were priceless.   If Universal can capture those expressions, it would be enough of a marketing campaign (not that its popularity is fading or anything).  So, what are the Ten Must-Dos or Don’t Miss things at this magnificient park?  In no particular order of preference…

Wizarding world of Harry potter hogsmeade street

1. Drink Butter Beer.  I admit this was one of the things we all looked forward to doing – tasting butter beer.  Butter beer, for those not familiar with it, was what the young wizards and witches fancied.  This seems to be what piques a lot of people’s curiosity and one of the first questions after our trip.  Did you try the butter beer?  Of course, we did.  Quite a few times, actually, it would make our dentists worry.  Needless to say, we were all on a sugar high during the visit.

Butter beer at Wizarding world of harry potter

We all loved the frozen one we got at Hog’s Head Pub where that hog’s head below snorted and came to life while we were there.  The cold ones we got at the carts, while refreshing, was just not as good and seemed a bit more carbonated.  We recommend getting the souvenir glass which you can refill for a few extra dollars along with Pumpkin Juice.  So, what did butter beer taste like?  It was a combination of a butterscotch and caramel.  The frozen ones were like sundaes.  Yes, they were sweet but so worth it.

Borg's Butter beer

2. Postcard postmarked. One souvenir we usually get is to have the kids send postcards home to themselves wherever we go.  As it turned out, you can have your park postcards stamped with a Hogsmeade Owl Post postmark.  There’s a person standing outside the wand shop whose job is to do this for visitors.  They sell special Harry Potter stamps too.  As an alternative, you can get two 29 cent stamps for $1 at the trading post store machine.

Hosmeade rooftop image

3. Visit Ollivanders Wand store. You can bet this was a popular store since specialty wand stores don’t exist outside this magical world.  There is a wand ceremony that occurs inside the store. Both times we tried to go, the lines were just too long. They let a few people in at a time and choose one person to get the wand (from what I’ve read usually a child).  We couldn’t justify staying in line for almost an hour and be cramped in there to do this little ceremony.

ollivanders wand shop

Shelves of boxed wands lined two walls. Kids can get their favorite character’s wands or choose one based on their birthday month. My biggest gripe here was the size of this store. It was just so small and cramped to fit all these visitors. It felt suffocating at times in there. Add a few kids testing and waving those wands around can result to some accidents.

Wizarding world of Harry potter wands

It seemed like we were there for hours. That’s what happens when you offer quite a few choices to indecisive kids who get overwhelmed. In the end, we took Hermione and Harry Potter wands home for $30 each.  The novelty has worn off after a few months and those wands are now in its boxes under their beds.

4. Ride Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey. The imposing Hogwart’s castle seen from almost anywhere in the park houses this ride. The line wasn’t very long when we got there around 4PM with a less than 20 minute wait on a Sunday.  Surprisingly, our line moved a whole lot quicker than expected.  We saw the 1 hr 20 minute wait at 10 AM the following day.  So, maybe this is the ride that everyone goes to first.  It may be a good idea to hold it off at the end of the day for a shorter line as we experienced.

Wizarding world of Harry potter hogwarts's castle image

The downside was not being able to fully enjoy all the movie recreations.  Like the talking and moving paintings on the walls or hear the full premise of the story the holograms of the three main characters were trying to tell us.  It was quite overwhelming to see all the details that it may be worth coming here and walking slowly or just let people pass you on the line while you try to see and admire it all.

Wizarding world of Harry potter Forbidden Journey ride

We were a little nervous taking our kids on this ride.  The park did a great job with emulating the actions of going through the castle on a broomstick.  It was like stepping into the movie but with a sensory overload.  We were turned upside down and shook every which way and on most occasions, in the dark.  Intense was an understatement to describe this ride.  Luckily, the kids weren’t traumatized or had nightmares.  I’m glad they inherited my husband’s adventurous attitude towards rollercoasters and exhilarating rides.  I was dizzy after getting off from this ride. I’m just getting too old for such high octane action.  I’m also not afraid to admit that I had my eyes closed on some parts of it.

Wizarding world of Harry potter Dumbledore office

5. Pose at Hogwarts Express. One can’t miss the train that transported Harry and his friends to magical Hogwarts.  It looked very realistic appearing as though it was coming out from the station. There was usually a conductor there to pose with and chat.  We posed with Mr. Conductor who was very friendly and with an English accent.  Though, I’m not sure how real the accent was but it was a wonderful photo op.

Wizarding world of Harry potter hogwarts express
Wizarding world of Harry potter Honeydukes shop

6. Satisfy the sweet tooth. For most of us who love chocolates, a visit to Honeydukes Sweet Shop is almost mandatory. This isn’t your typical candy store though. Walking in, the intoxicating smell of chocolate and candy and all the colorful treats lining walls and shelves were enough to make one’s mouth water.  Of course, we were here for awhile too.  How can one resist treats like chocolate frogs, acid pops and peppermint toads? 

7. Go to Flight of the Hippogrif. This was the only family-friendly ride for those with kids under 48 inches. The premise was that you will be embarking on a test flight over the Forbidden Forest.  It was perfect for families whose members like old fashioned roller coasters.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Flight of the Hippogriff

Though it seemed short, it was a fun ride of dips and turns that didn’t leave us feeling dizzy or nauseated. While waiting in line, you can check out Hagrid’s hut perched to the side.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter hagrid's hut

8. Admire the details. Even though the streets can get very crowded, try to stay to the sides and look up, look down and look around this magical place.  The snow covered rooftops house more than the stores and restaurants.  Walk slowly and stop at the interesting window displays. There are little surprises in store such as moving instruments among other things.

Hogsmeade storefront

9. Do the Dragon Challenge. For the tweens, teens and adults who have that sense of adventure and daredevil spirit, this is their ride.  It was a high, wild and scary looking rollercoaster of dueling dragons.  My daughter didn’t reach the height requirement of 54 inches and she’s the only one who would take this challenge with my husband.  Honestly, just looking at it made my stomach queasy with its height and loops.

Wizarding world of Harry potter Dragon Challenge

10. Visit the stores. What’s a Harry Potter world without the magic stores? Dervish & Banges sold magic supplies and wizarding equipment for the wizards in training.  Stores like Zonkos Jokes (novelty items), Flitch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, the Owl Post (look up to see the adorable owls) were worth visiting.  Just be aware of the overpriced merchandise here.

Wizarding world of Harry potter Hogsmeade novelty store

Thoughts and Tips:

  • Child swap area. At the Forbidden Journey ride, there is a child swap area if you have a child or children who cannot/will not go on the ride.  There was a little room right by the boarding area with benches and a TV showing a Harry Potter movie (of course) and with a diaper changing area.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Child swap area

  • Locker Storage.  All of us were going on the ride but ended up bypassing parts of the line and were directed to the entrance to stay in the child swap area. The reason? My husband’s oversized backpack that couldn’t fit into the lockers.  Everyone must store purses and bags into complimentary lockers for the duration of the ride.
  • Bring your own stamps. If you don’t want to spend more on the Harry Potter special stamps or buy the 50 cent postcard stamps they charge, then bring your own 29 cent ones and save.
Wizarding world of Harry potter snowman

  • Be Aware. If you’re not a fan(in case, you’re getting dragged in or just curious), at least watch one of the six movies. Really! It will be a good point of reference and the kids should at least be able to recognize one the major characters. The rides and everything inside the castle will mean a whole lot more.  I was trying to explain it to a friend (without geeking out too much) who had only watched half of the first movie and she looked at me with an almost blank expression.  So, go watch it before going.  I almost wished I had watched a couple of the movies again as a refresher.
  • Go to the bathroom. It is eerily creepy with Moaning Myrtle in there.
  • Wear the costumes.  If the kids have their Harry Potter or other character Halloween costume, wear it.  There were plenty of people dressed up in the crowd that blended in with the staff.
  • Hang out at Three Broomsticks restaurant.  We didn’t get the chance to eat here since we had a dining plan for Islands of Adventure but have read rave reviews about it.  They had a great patio area for those who want some place to snack.
Wizarding world of Harry potter hogsmeade sign

Visiting Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a dream come true for my daughter.   My husband and I loved it but found the overcrowding on the streets and stores to be a bit off-putting.  Despite all that, we all had a marvelous time.  It really is an attraction that must be visited by any Harry Potter fan.  We’re looking forward to our version of the park coming to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2015.

 *Have you visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?  Which was your favorite part?

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Wizarding World of Harry Potter

12 thoughts on “10 Things Not to Miss at Wizarding World of Harry Potter with kids”

  1. Oh man, this is one of my must-visit places! I was so excited to find out that it’s opening in Japan’s Universal Studios in 2014!

    Thanks for this awesome glimpse into Harry Potter’s world! Now I can’t wait to see it for myself!

    1. How cool for you to be able to go to Japan to visit this, Nina. I didn’t even know there was a Universal in Japan =) You are going to have such a blast!

  2. I absolutely loved this park, although I’m with you in that I wish they’d made it at least twice the size. The crowds could get a little insane at times, and once during our visit they actually closed the Wizarding World to new people until the crowds thinned out a little. Hopefully they left some room for expansion in the future. Plus, then they could install at least another 20 Butterbeer carts. I’d be willing to sample them all.

    1. That is crazy on how they had to close it down and limit people. I hope the one here in Hollywood will be a bit bigger too. We’re with you on sampling butter beer.

  3. It looks so fun! We’d love to go as soon as our kids are old enough to fully appreciate the Harry Potter series and the thrill rides. Butter beer is high on my list. I love the photo where there is snow on the roofs. It took me a second to realize it must be fake because it’s in Florida.

    1. It was such a wonderful place to visit. It is a good idea for the kids to have some sense as to who Harry Potter is before visiting. Islands of Adventure though has some other great attractions like Seussland.

  4. How fun! I’ll definitely have to wait a few years for my children to fully enjoy the experience but it’s on our list of top 5 places to take them in the next 5 years.

    1. Thanks for stopping by Danielle! By then, you don’t have to travel all the way to Florida. I’m hoping they’ll make the Hollywood one a bit bigger with a couple of added features.

  5. We loved the Wizarding World of Harry Potter although I agree that it gets far too crowded. The Forbidden Journey was too intense for me as well – I don’t think I could tell you what was actually happening on that ride because I had my eyes closed so much of the time! Katie and my husband also discovered on their first trip to WWOHP that there is little wait if you go in the single rider line so for anyone who doesn’t care if they ride with their friends/family then this is a good option to cut down wait time. I know this sounds completely sacrilegious BUT we don’t like the butterbeer – we don’t drink carbonated drinks and it was just too sweet and too bubbly for any of us.

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