Forbidden

I haven't done any B&W shots of the Wizarding World yet. And since the color version of this wasn't quite working for some reason, I decided to go monochrome here.

Hogwarts Castle
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Hogwarts Castle: A Troll's View

A view from under the bridge at Hogwarts.

It was quite a nice challenge to come up with something interesting while under this bridge. You don't get great views of the castle, so you're forced to think out the box a little.

Hogwart's Castle
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Public Conveniences

Believe it or not, this is the one shot I desparately wanted to nail...... and I have no idea why. I guess it's just something about the theming of the 'Public Conveniences' that just grabbed me. But I also think it's one of the seldom things in the Wizarding World that I could find where I could play with the dof some; and still have the shot mainly be composed of just one subject, per se. I've tackled this during every visit here; but I guess it took me finally using my Sigma 30mm at f/2.8 to get the look I was going for.

Oh, and one cool thing about these bathrooms, is that they have Moaning Myrtle in there (just her voice). Gotta love that attention to detail.

Public Conveniences (Restrooms)
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Which Wand Will Choose You, Mr. Weasley???

Finally got a chance to check out Ollivanders. The line for this is usually quite long; but I guess I caught it at a good moment. And to tell ya, this was quite impressive. There definitely isn't much space in here (to keep with the authenticity of the "actual" wizarding world), but it really does help to keep this scene intimate. So I'd say it works out.

And yes, some crazy woman in line actually said this kid "must be a Weasley" to his face. He didn't like it though. Neither did his parents.

Ollivanders
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Walking "Around" Hogsmeade

... Ha Ha!!!!!! I'll be here all week, folks!!!!

Hogsmeade
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Closing In On The Journey

A close-up of some of the details on Hogwarts Castle.

Headed to the Wizarding World tomorrow. Not sure if I'll be back another time before my pass runs out in a couple of months. Also not sure when I'll have another Annual Pass for Universal. My daughter is too young for most of the attractions. And my wife is pretty indifferent about the parks. And as much as the Harry Potter geek in me likes the new area, there's really not a whole lot to do, or anything that I NEED to keep coming back for. I will miss the Butterbeer though. Mmmm..... Frothy Goodness!!!

Hogwarts Castle
Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Hogsmeade Goes To Sleep

Besides the few stragglers that were taking pictures near the front, I was the last person to be walked (yes, by security/management) from Hogwarts to the exit here. :)


Hogsmeade Village
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Dogweed And Deathcap: Exotic Plants & Flowers

.... Would you expect them to sell anything else?!?!?

One of the various stores that are 'closed' to guests.

Dogweed And Deathcap
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Which Wand Will Choose You???

Some of the window details at Ollivanders Wand Shop.

During operating hours, guests can purchase various wands that are similar to the ones depicted in the movie. So you can get the same wand that Harry or Hermione uses; unless the Death Eater side of you wants a Draco or Voldemort wand. (there is more of a selection than just those though)

I just recently found out that people who are picked to be in the Ollivanders show (that constantly runs throughout the day) get a wand that is 'unique' to the them. The outside of the wand doesn't look like any of the ones that the characters use. And the "inside" has a core that is partial to the individual the wand chooses. ;)

Ollivanders
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Late Night Sweet Tooth

Butterbeer and Homemade Sweets.... What Could Be Better?!?!?!

One of the great things about the Wizarding World is that it has a nice natural feel to the area at night. You don't feel like you're in some spectacular tourist attraction. It really feels like a small magical village.

This was my first night outing with my Sigma 30mm. And I was really impressed with how it handled. It was perfect for just running around the area to get shots of the different window scenes.

Honeydukes
Hogsmeade Village
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

"Sherbet Lemon"

Looking up to the wonderous details in Dumbledore's office.

Dumbledore's Office
Hogwart's Castle
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Be True To Your School

This coaster was re-themed in honor of the Triwizard Tournament event. The entrance is flanked by the House Flags of Hogwarts.

Dragon Challenge
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Lumos

There was practically a full moon this night (the official full moon was the next night), so I was trying to capture that nice round sphere. Kinda glad it turned out different though. ;)

The Three Broomsticks
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

Dumbledore's Office: The Pensieve

HP Fun 101: Get tipsy and try to stick your face in the Pensieve. At least that's what I witnessed people trying to do.

Dumbledore's Office
Hogwart's Castle

The Office of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

Dumbledore's Office
Hogwart's Castle

Hogwarts Castle: Wall of Talking Portraits

This was in the tour line, but I believe that the main line has its own room like this. It's pretty cool to see some of the portraits move and interact; just like in the movies. Even better that those portraits maintain their canvas look throughout everything.

Talking Portraits
Hogwarts Castle

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

On this night, there was a special Annual Passholders event. There was a Free poster for everyone.... a special pin/lanyard set was on sale.... and of course, all of the attractions were open. I really took advantage of having my tripod on me this night too...... I actually was able to use it inside of Hogwarts. Even better that there was hardly anyone in there. Gotta love special events. ;)

First Years This Way, Please!!!

The Wizarding World has such a great atmosphere at night. You totally get the feeling that you're strolling through a little town that's 'going to sleep'. And best of all, Hogwarts is just beautifully lit.

Return To Hogwarts

Triwizard Spirit Rally: Durmstrang Institute

Triwizard Spirit Rally: Beauxbatons Academy

This is one of the 2 live outdoor shows that happen all throughout the day.

Hogsmeade Village

Dragon Challenge

A re-themed version Dueling Dragons. This is a great coaster; but there's never been a constantly long line for it. At least that what it seems to me.

The Three Broomsticks

..... Fine Eating Establishment

What's The Password???

Details on the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room. There isn't an actual room to enter though. But the Fat Lady is there talking to people.

Dumbledore's Office... Take 1

I really wanted to take this head-on, but the people in the normal line were constantly taking pics from that position (the tour line was actually closer to this than the other line). So luckily, there were two openings on the side to view this from.

No Turning Back.... Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

During this visit, I finally got to take a tour of Hogwarts castle. Previously, I've only gone on the ride inside by using the 'Single Rider Line'. This bypasses most of the rooms and details; with guests only getting a chance to see the final room, before boarding the ride.

It was on this visit, that I discovered that there was a line solely dedicated to people that just wanted to walk the castle, but not wait for the ride. Now, you don't get to see EVERYTHING; but you do get to see all of the main rooms (i think), and a lot of the other amazing details of Hogwarts. But as a bonus, you do get to see a room of talking portraits that others completely bypass.

And as much of a Disney fan as I am; to me personally, there's no queue on Disney property to compete with this. The complete ambience is absolutely amazing!!!!!! The level of detail, mixed with some great technology, is just a sight to behold. But who knows, maybe it's just the Harry Potter geek in me too. ;)

Ollivanders Wand Shop

... Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 B.C.

This is actually one of the longest lines (or slowest) in the Wizarding World area. There's a wand choosing ceremony that goes on inside, but not many people can fit in at one time. So it'll probably be a while before I can actually check it out.

Entranced By A Veela

I wish I would've fully caught the wink she threw me. They play their parts very well. ;)

Beauxbatons Academy
Triwizard Spirit Rally

Strange Magic

This young witch lost her wand. But she is still trying to conjure up a little bit of magic. ;)

A View Inside Scrivenshaft's

... The Finest Parchments, Inks & Quills

Gotta love detail like this.

Two Movie Worlds Brought To Life

For me, these were 2 franchises that when I saw them in the theaters, I terribly wanted them to be real. No amusement park "real".... REAL REAL.

I think it would've been great if the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was closer to the size of Jurassic Park's area; or at least had the sense of scale that you're you entering into a completely different world. i.e.... not knowing what could be lurking around the corner. With the Harry Potter attraction, when you enter, you're pretty much just 'there'. You don't have to roam around to take in almost everything there is to see. I know it's about entering all of the shops and buildings to really live the adventure. But it's nice to walk around, and be like "ooh, I wonder what's gonna be coming up now???".

And just to reiterate, I'm not a Disney person hating on Universal. I've had a Universal annual pass in the past; and I am a HUGE Harry Potter geek. And I love the job they did on the area.

Welcome To The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

During this particular visit, I did not get to see what I heard was an AMAZING queue line. I took advantage of the Single Rider line, and basically just walked onto the ride. I did get to see one room with moving portraits. And that was very cool for the 2.34 seconds I took to pass through there.

And due to Universal's policy of not allowing anything on your person; during the ride, my camera remained in the locker. I'm seriously considering to brave the line one day, just to take pictures, and not actually ride the ride.

Forbidden Journey

Hogwarts Castle isn't just sitting there to look pretty. It actually houses the new ride for the Harry Potter attraction.

To describe the ride some, it's an arm system that moves along a track. You move through various scenes and effects related to the movie; with occasional stops at screens that simulate flying around Hogwarts, around the Quidditch pitch, and other locations of the wizarding world.

VERY cool ride, btw!!!! :)

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogwarts Castle
Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL

This Way To Hogwarts

It's great to see that Universal finally has a cool castle to call its own. :)

Potages Cauldrons

One of the great aspects of the Wizarding World, is the amount of detail that helps to give a 'slice of life' feeling to the area. There are many storefront windows with magical elements. You can even peer into shops to see various items "For Sale" (all for just visual pleasure, of course).

Have You Seen This Wizard?

….. I’m sure he’s not hard to miss.

Approach With Extreme Caution
Do Not Attempt To Use Magic Against This Man!
[Sweet Treats Will Suffice ;) ]

Any information leading to the arrest of this man shall be duly rewarded
Notify immediately by owl the Ministry of Magic – Witch Watchers Dept.

.... I am so going to burn.


Note: In case my attempt at humor has failed.... This "poster" is a mock-up of the Sirius Black wanted poster from the Prisoner of Azkaban. It even features Sirius holding his prisoner number, and looking as manic as can be..... exactly like in the film.. with movement and all !!!!!! But since the glare was so intense, it just happened to show another "wizard".