The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is broken into three areas -- there is a small slice of London, England (complete with Kings Cross Station and Platform 9 3/4s), then there are the shops of Diagon Alley (including Gringott's and the Leaky Cauldron), and just off of Diagon Alley you'll find the perpetually dark twists and turns of Knockturn Alley. If … [Read more...]
Why You Want to Buy a Wand When Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando
If you are wondering "Is buying a wand worth it?", "Do I need a wand to visit Harry Potter world?" or "Do I want to buy a wand before visiting the Wizarding World at Universal?" I've got answers for you (briefly; yes, maybe, and no -- buy your wand at the park!) If you are spending the day wandering around Diagon Alley at Universal Studios or in Hogsmeade within Islands … [Read more...]
LAST CHANCE TO SEE: Magical Surprises in the Dragon Challenge Queue at Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando
One of the very cool things that I missed on our first trip to Universal Orlando was the queue for the Dragon Challenge. I want to tell you guys about this amazing space in detail for two reasons. First, because I think it is an often overlooked ride and one that any Harry Potter fan would LOVE the experience of walking through. Secondly, this ride is scheduled to close for … [Read more...]
Nigel and the Knight Bus, a Magical Moment inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This is one of my daughters' most cherished memories of our visit to Universal Studios Florida. One rainy evening we stopped by to check out the Knight Bus and the conductor, a friendly chap named Nigel, chatted us up. The Knight Bus is a full sized triple decker bus sitting in the streets of London. just outside of Diagon Alley. It, of course, looks exactly like the … [Read more...]
Volcano Bay, Theming Behind Universal Orlando’s New Water THEME Park
I want to tell you about Volcano Bay. It's the new water park area that just opened up at Universal Orlando, and it looks pretty darn awesome (even to someone like myself who doesn't normally care for water parks). Actually, today I am out there somewhere exploring Volcano Bay, checking out the new water rides, and chilling in a cabana, but a little less than a year ago I … [Read more...]
Sneak a Peek at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Gift Shop, at Universal City Walk Orlando
From the moment I set eyes on the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, I knew I had to eat there. We stepped into Universal's City Walk area, and there was this giant whimsical factory-like building sitting there across the waterway, just begging to be explored. That first afternoon I convinced my family to walk over the bridge and take a look at … [Read more...]
A Look Inside Ollivanders Interactive Wand Show, Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter
One of the many magical moments to be experienced within Universal Orlando's magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a visit to Ollivanders Wand Shop where "the wand chooses the wizard". The wand choosing show is a close up, intimate, and fun, interactive experience for Harry Potter fans of all ages. If you're wondering how to get picked for a wand at Universal, what the … [Read more...]
Camp Jurassic Kid’s Playspace, One of the Hidden Gems of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure
Camp Jurassic is a kids' playspace within the larger Jurassic Park section of Universal's Islands of Adventure. It would be easy to overlook, and in my mind, that's a mistake because this highly themed area is a ton of fun to explore. Camp Jurassic is off the main path. You head through an archway, over a bridge and past the line up for the Pteranodon Riders, to get to … [Read more...]
Why You NEED to Eat at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Universal City Walk Orlando
When my family talks about returning to Universal Orlando one of the first things that always comes up is heading back to Toothsome's. From the moment I set eyes on Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen I just knew I had to eat there. Before leaving for our trip to Orlando I had read online that there was a new steampunk + chocolate themed restaurant … [Read more...]