I am sure that many of us adore the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling. It’s amazing to realize that I have been able to read the books became published, experiencing the magic before the movies had been created. I am pretty sure that the Harry Potter series was the first book that truly made me cry, reading all the trials and tribulations that our beloved character experienced throughout the series. I can even remember working at Borders for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The experience was amazing, and you could feel the excitement from everyone waiting and wanting to read the newest book in the series. My co-workers and I even dressed up for the occasion; I spent my evening as Professor Mcgonagall. There is something so special about this magical series that I certainly cherish as a reader. You wanted to become part of that world, and you cannot deny that you have wanted to get that letter from Hogwarts inviting you to attend school.
Nowadays our children will see the movies first before they read it. The movies are equally loved, however, there is nothing like the actual books. I still get many in my library wanting to read the series and it makes my heart melt when they get so excited to finally read the books for themselves. Nevertheless, the movies brought our beloved stories to life, allowing readers to dive in more into the Harry Potter world. That is why I am beyond happy that Universal has brought this enchanting world to life at their parks. I can remember going the first time when the Wizarding World opened back in 2010. There were so many different emotions as you first walked through Hogsmead. You didn’t feel like you were walking through an amusement park (besides of course the roller coaster but minor detail). Heck, you didn’t even feel like you were in Florida anymore with the snow capped rooftops and the eccentric buildings that were essential to the look and feel of Harry Potter. You hear the musical score from the movies as you are perusing through the village, making Harry Potter lovers hearts skip a beat almost because of so much excitement. But then you come upon Hogwarts. Not only is it a superb attraction, you can’t help but be in awe of this magical place being brought to life right before your eyes. Universal Studios didn’t skip a beat when it came to the details. You have something to look at in every corner and you just become enveloped in Harry Potter’s world.
The Harry Potter expansion opened in 2014, and I have been dying to see Diagon Alley since they announced it. I finally got to visit there this past weekend and I was not disappointed at all. Anthony and our friends decided to stay at the parks so that we could get in an hour early into Hogsmead. If you are looking to visit the parks and Harry Potter is your main attraction to see, I highly recommend this! We were able to ride Hogwarts and then were were able to immediately hop on the Hogwarts Express to visit Diagon Alley as they opened. I believe I skipped along the pathway to get on the Hogwarts express. I have heard from so many people about the whole experience, and to be able to finally do it myself made me feel like a kid again.
As I watched the train engine pull into the station, I was almost breathless. As an adult you know it’s a ride, and that it’s all simulated for us to enjoy, but you just couldn’t help but be in awe of the whole experience. The train ride is very quick (and comfortable I should add) and drops you back off at Kings Cross Station. I have been to the real Kings Cross station, so I got fairly emotional through the whole experience. It was as if I was back in London all over again. I knew what it felt like to be at the real place, and it was just amazing how Universal was able to create it.
Now the real Kings Cross Station in my mind was very modern, with brick wall accents, so the station that Universal Created honestly made me feel like we were back in Earls Court. They even had a musician playing the violin as guests exited the station. You are then brought out to a London City street with a secret passage way into Diagon Alley. When you turn the corner, you emerge yourself into the most amazing experience, especially if you are a lover of the series. As Hagrid said to Harry Potter, “Welcome (Harry), to Diagon Alley”.
I am still in amazement at how beautiful they made Diagon Alley. Not one detail was left out in creating this fantasy area. You were able to walk around into everything that you have read and or seen on the big screen. I honestly never wanted to leave. We were able to eat at the Leaky Cauldron, enjoying traditional English meals while drinking delicious Butter Beer, shop within the stores and watch the wand choose his owner, and we even took a stroll down Knockturn Alley where dark magic lurked in every corner. I was just completely in awe of everything. Yes, I personally shed a few tears because I was so wonderfully amazed at everything.
Now, as I said before, getting there early had its perks. We were able to experience Diagon Alley with less of a crowd and we were able to walk on Escape from Gringotts. This is a definite must for those who love rides! Very high tech, very detailed, much much fun!
I swear we were walking on the set of the movie, watching all the Goblins continuing about their work as you are walking through the line. Just hands down an amazing attraction to experience.
I am very blessed to be able to go and experience the parks. Anthony and I decided to purchase the annual pass so that we can go visit again during the year. I have been enjoying Universal more and more lately. I don’t know if its because I am an adult and enjoy more of the rides, or just the experiences lately have been much better than my experiences at Disney within the last few years. From staying at the new Cabana Resort, to experiencing the parks, this past weekend was so enjoyed. It was a blast being able to go with our friends and create some amazing memories together. If you are a lover of all things Harry Potter, the Wizarding World is a must!
A Muggle Venturing into the Wizarding World I am sure that many of us adore the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling. It's amazing to realize that I have been able to read the books became published, experiencing the magic before the movies had been created.
