There's no doubt about it, the new Harry Potter World at Universal Studios, Florida (opened in June 2010) is totally fascinating. It is like stepping out of reality right into the flicks themselves. Nonetheless, for all its wonders, it does have a few shortfalls.
By far, the best attraction at Harry Potter World is the Hogwarts Castle ride which almost literally puts you in the movies. You will actually feel like you are flying, you will encounter dementors, dragons, and zip in and out of the Quiddich field. You even get to ride through the structure of the Quidditch field just like when Harry was chased in the movie.
Because it's the very best attraction, it also has the longest line. In fact, I actually break the line into five sections. Starting with the line closest to the actual ride, the 5 sections are (1) the line contained in the castle, (2) the "Greenhouse" rat maze, (3) the uncovered rat maze, (4) the line to the Castle gate, and (5) the really long outside line.
There are also long lines to get into most of the retailers in Harry Potter World as well as for the Butter Beer tanker in the middle of the street.
On the bright side, however, there are completely legitimate methods to get around most of these lines too. The line contained in the Hogwarts Castle, on the other hand, actually moves too fast!
Sounds loopy, I know, however there is stuff to see the whole length of the inner-castle maze. There are 3-D looking holograms of Professor Dumbledore, Harry, Ron, & Hermione. The paintings on the walls talk, the characters move around, and they look real. You will see the mirror that reveals you what you want most. The "fat lady" in the painting that lets students within the Gryffindor chambers actually moves around and talks to you.
Both my daughter and I wanted the line inside the castle to move more slowly so we could fully take up all the sights inside.
The one other shortfall is everything is costly particularly all the Harry Potter products; if you saw it in the movies or read about it in the book, it's in all probability available in one of many Harry Potter shops … time turners, remembrals, cloaks, scarves, brooms, Quidditch components, … it's all there. Fortuitously, there are nice methods to get discounts on all that stuff too.
The bottom line is if you are into Harry Potter, you need to experience Harry Potter World firsthand. Just be sure to discover the "secrets" before you go.
By far, the best attraction at Harry Potter World is the Hogwarts Castle ride which almost literally puts you in the movies. You will actually feel like you are flying, you will encounter dementors, dragons, and zip in and out of the Quiddich field. You even get to ride through the structure of the Quidditch field just like when Harry was chased in the movie.
Because it's the very best attraction, it also has the longest line. In fact, I actually break the line into five sections. Starting with the line closest to the actual ride, the 5 sections are (1) the line contained in the castle, (2) the "Greenhouse" rat maze, (3) the uncovered rat maze, (4) the line to the Castle gate, and (5) the really long outside line.
There are also long lines to get into most of the retailers in Harry Potter World as well as for the Butter Beer tanker in the middle of the street.
On the bright side, however, there are completely legitimate methods to get around most of these lines too. The line contained in the Hogwarts Castle, on the other hand, actually moves too fast!
Sounds loopy, I know, however there is stuff to see the whole length of the inner-castle maze. There are 3-D looking holograms of Professor Dumbledore, Harry, Ron, & Hermione. The paintings on the walls talk, the characters move around, and they look real. You will see the mirror that reveals you what you want most. The "fat lady" in the painting that lets students within the Gryffindor chambers actually moves around and talks to you.
Both my daughter and I wanted the line inside the castle to move more slowly so we could fully take up all the sights inside.
The one other shortfall is everything is costly particularly all the Harry Potter products; if you saw it in the movies or read about it in the book, it's in all probability available in one of many Harry Potter shops … time turners, remembrals, cloaks, scarves, brooms, Quidditch components, … it's all there. Fortuitously, there are nice methods to get discounts on all that stuff too.
The bottom line is if you are into Harry Potter, you need to experience Harry Potter World firsthand. Just be sure to discover the "secrets" before you go.
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