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