subject: Harry Potter Theme Park Guide [print this page] Harry Potter Theme Park Guide Harry Potter Theme Park Guide
The new Harry Potter theme park in Universal Orlando provides myriad opportunities for excitement and adventure. It can also be a little overwhelming. Universal has provided a totally immersive environment where you feel transported to the world of Harry Potter. You may find yourself standing in Hogsmeade Village wondering, "What now?"
Well, let's start with the shops, since that will likely be the first thing that grabs your attention.
Zonko's Joke Shop
Zonko's offers many gags and gadgets for the aspiring prankster. Slime, goo, slinkys, robots, and more. Go here to find every thing your little one needs for their sibling jokes and pranks.
Honeydukes
Honeydukes has nothing but candy! Jelly beans, gummy bears, rock candy, and more line the walls and shelves of this colorful shop. Stuff your inner child with sugary treats for the day.
Owl Post
Mail your magical letters with an official Hogsmeade postmark from the Owl Post. You can also purchase your wand from the Owl Post, after watching the wand selection presentation in Ollivanders Wand Shop. Just a little hint, you can buy the wand directly from the Owl Post without having to wait in the long line to watch the wand selection show.
Dervish & Banges
You will purchase all your wizarding school supplies from Dervish & Banges, including your broomstick, robe, shirts, Rememberalls, and more. This shop can be very busy and cramped, so be sure to get your supplies, early. Also, watch out for the biting book!
Now that you've done all your shopping, you may have worked up an appetite. Let's check out the local eateries.
Three Broomsticks
This is the restaurant in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also sample the JK Rowling approved Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice! The restaurant is one of the best themed building in the whole Harry Potter theme park, but you have to buy some food to take in the beauty and wonder of the interior.
With full bellies, let's go check out some rides!
Dragon Challenge
The Dragon Challenge takes the place of the old Duelling Dragons coaster. Still the same roller coaster with some radical changes to the queue line, so you feel part of the world of Harry Potter. Two "dragons" fight each other and take you along for the ride. Just as with the old Dueling Dragons
Flight of the Hippogriff
A coaster for the younger visitors, the Flight of the Hippogriff uses the "Flying Unicorn" coaster from the old Lost Continent. The theming and story line for this ride follows right in line with the Harry Potter series and the coaster has been remodeled to look like a Hippogriff. Although it's meant for kids, it provides some amazing views of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as some thrills, even for adults.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
The most anticipated ride in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter utilizes new ride-technology to take guests on a broomstick ride for a quidditch match! The queue line allows visitors to explore Hogwart's Castle. The line is almost as much fun as the ride! The show never stops from the time you enter the castle until you're "released" from the ride. The ride itself provides thrills and scenes that may be a bit much for the younger wizards-to-be and you do have to be 48" tall to mount your "broomstick" for the match.
If you haven't been burned to a crisp by a dragon or eaten by a Hippogriff by this point, you can enjoy some of the shows that crop up around Hogsmeade Village or "board" the train at platform 9-3/4 for the ride home.
