Harry Freakin' Potter

Orlando has many different attractions to offer tourists: Sea World, Busch Gardens, Universal, Disney, and countless others. It's a challenge to check everything off the "must see" list, whether the Orlando vacation is six days or (in my case) six months.

I didn't have a chance to see Universal when I was part of the College Program. I have wanted to go to Orlando's Universal Studios for a few years now, having only been there once as a child. Since it has been more than a decade between visits, I really can't remember anything about Universal except for the Jaws ride (and no one wants that as their only theme park memory!)

When the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, I thought it was high time, and my duty as an Orlando civilian, to pay Harry and his gang a visit.

Was it worth the wait?
Yes.

Was it everything I could have wanted and more?
Yes (though I wish there was actually room in the shops to move around let alone breathe!)

Was the butterbeer wonderfully amazing?
Ohhhh yes.

Harry Potter is the new reason to visit Universal. As soon as the park opened at 8 a.m. we bolted in the direction of Hogwarts' magical spires, along with the countless others with the same idea in mind. We visited the ride inside Hogwarts first, where the wait time jumped from 40 minutes to 80 minutes. The interior of the castle was absolutely incredible, with an attention to detail that would make J.K. Rowling smile with pride.

We attempted to walk through the Hogsmeade shops, but between the frowning cast members and swarms of tour groups with color coded shirts, the shops were stifling and overcrowded at best. Despite this, it was still a magical experience to feel transported to Hogwarts. I would recommend going straight to the Harry Potter castle ride first, followed by the Flight of the Hippogriff, and topped off with a glass of Butterbeer while strolling the shops. If there is sweltering heat (as we experienced) or rain, don't expect to find shelter inside.

If you have a chance, grab an ice-cold Butterbeer, climb aboard Platform Nine and Three Quarters and pay a visit to Harry Freakin' Potter!