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".