Photo taken outside "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" attraction by Omar9od
Universal Orlando Resort’s newest attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, has Harry Potter fans from all over the world flocking to the visit the much anticipated attraction in person. After 2 1/2 years, the grand opening of the park was held on June 18, 2010. It consists of 20 acres of rides, shops and replicas based on the Harry Potter books written by J.K. Rowling. The park features the famous Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village.
Three young Harry Potter fans from Chicago, ages 9 to 13, recently visited the park and gave it a top rating. From a rating of 1 to 5, with 1 being low and 5 being high, the young Harry Potter fans gave The Wizarding World of Harry Potter of Universal Studios a firm 4.4. This was based on their review of seven different attractions and experiences.
HOGSMEADE VILLAGE, which includes the cobblestone streets, shops and even the Hogwarts Express train engine from the books was given a rating of 5. The fans said that it made them feel like they actually were in Hogsmeade shopping for school supplies, that it almost exactly resembled the village, and didn’t believe Universal had skimped on a thing.
HARRY POTTER AND THE FORBIDDEN JOURNEY, an extremely high-tech ride through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry also received a rating of 5. One young fan remarked, “With the visual effects, it felt like we were really there”. Another said that the dragon and spiders would never be forgotten.
DRAGON CHALLENGE, is the entrance to a roller coaster, where you can choose to ride either the Chinese Fireball dragon or the Hungarian Horntail dragon coaster. Again, from the books, the Goblet of Fire and the Triwizard Cup are on display. A rating of 5 was given once again, which is good news for Universal.
FLIGHT OF THE HIPPOGRIFF, a family oriented rolled coaster which goes past Hagrid’s hut, was rated at 3.5. The youngsters thought it was a mild ride, but did say that it gave a good view of Hogwart’s Castle.
HONEYDUKES, the shop that sells sweets in Hogsmeade Village, rated a 4.5. You can buy all kinds of candies mentioned in the Harry Potter books and movies.
OLLIVANDERS, a wand shop where a wand chooses the owner, rather than the owner a wand, was given a rating of 4. Wands are available for purchase in the the adjacent souvenir shop. The fans found it very interesting.
BUTTERBEER, a non-alcoholic drink favored among students and served at the Three Broomsticks Inn also rated a 4. The three Harry Potter fans each tried a mug, and pronounced that it was very good indeed, although they did recommend buying a small mug. They remarked that the large size was just too much. They said it tasted like butterscotch mixed with cream soda and ginger, and the foamy head gave them butterbeer mustaches.
Admission into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included in park admission at Universal Orlando Resort. The online ticket price is $79 for adults and $69 for children ages 3 to 9. Expect to pay $10 more for tickets purchased at the gate.