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Tips for Taking on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Many guests do not realize that Disney and Universal are competitor park systems!

If you would like to experience all things Harry Potter---then the 2 parks of Universal and Islands of Adventure are MUST visit locations!

How to take on the World of Harry Potter -
Just a SNEAK Peek!

When working with an On the Road Travel, this is just the beginning of the advice you will get in regard to how to explore the Wizarding Worlds!

For my family---it is a big deal to turn 11---WHY?

Well, that is when the letter to Hogwarts arrives ---with the invitation for a Mom/daughter (1 on 1--when you turn 11) trip that occurs! My sister has also incorporated the tradition---

Here is a simple list of to do’s for 1 full day at the 2 parks at Universal Orlando---that we use as the basis of our trip(s).

1. Universal Park - Arrive 30+ minutes EARLY --- Early hour admissions DO exist for onsite guests that stay at Universal (We can assist you with where to stay onsite at Universal, too)

2. Enjoy the London Waterfront and then enter Diagon Alley to rush to ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal

3. Ollivanders Wand Shop - Go to the show for wand choosing (audience participant chosen)

4. Diagon Alley - Explore and cast spells with new INTERACTIVE wands

5. Leaky Cauldron - Lunch spot

6. Diagon Alley - Explore the shops, visit Knockturn Alley

7. Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour - snack treat

8. Go to King’s Cross Station and ride the Hogwarts Express – Enter King's Cross Station and walk straight through a solid brick wall onto Platform 9 ¾™---TO Scotland at Islands of Adventure Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at Hogsmeade

9. Flight of the Hippogriff ride, view Hagrid’s Hut

10. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride (Even if you are NOT brave enough for this ride---WALK through the ride queue/line---SO much to see, the line is INSIDE the castle!

11. Have a butterbeer and wander around Hogsmeade – Cast spells with interactive wands NOTE: IF your wand breaks---they will refurbish your wand at Ollivanders…just inquire. FREE of cost in our experience!

12. Early dinner, Three Broomsticks

13. Go to Hogsmeade Station to ride The Hogwarts Express---BACK to King’s Cross Station at Universal

14. View the Knight Bus – get photos with the driver

15. Dial MAGIC from a red phone booth

Universal’s Diagon Alley
Visit the shops: Quality Quidditch Supplies, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, Ollivander’s Wand Shop, Shutterbutton’s Photo Studio and Gringotts Money Exchange
Entertainment: The Tales of Beedle the Bard and The Singing Sorceress, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.

Islands of Adventure’s Hogsmeade
Visit the shops: Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods and Honeydukes
Entertainment: Enjoy the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally.

Note:
Universal Parks Systems = Express passes are for a fee OR free when staying as a guest at CERTAIN Universal hotels

Photos below---2 of our 3 daughters have gotten their letter to Hogwarts, when they turned 11 and got to go on the 1 on 1 trip.



To start planning your trip to the Wizarding World, contact your On The Road Travel Agent! You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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