The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Studios Orlando recently opened possibly the coolest thing ever, an entire zone dedicated to HARRY POTTER! Ok fine, maybe it isn't the coolest thing ever, but it is still pretty awesome! On our way to Tampa for the cruise (or maybe slightly out of our way), we decided to spend some time at Universal to check out Harry Potter World. It did not disappoint! They have three big rides, many stores and lots of tasty food. You can send a postcard stamped from Hogsmeade (check), purchase a magic wand that chooses you (line way way too long), drink Butterbeer (check), tour Hogwarts on a cart that Hermione casts a magic spell on (check), race a dragon on the Dragon Challenge (check), buy chocolate frogs (check), eat Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans (check and gross), taste other Hogwarts specialties like pumpkin juice and treacle tart (sadly, this contained gluten), and, my personal favorite, explore the castle while you wait in line for rides. We saw Dumbledore's office (complete with an LCD Dumbledore), the Fat Lady guarding the Gryffindor common room, a wizard newspaper and the room with pictures of the previous headmasters. If you a Harry Potter fan, this is definitely something to see (don't mind the cost, it was totally worth it.) And now for some pictures...

The castle from afar

The Hogwarts Castle
Luke's Butt and Hogsmeade

A Closer View at the Castle

Angie casting evil magic on one of the Universal employees

Eryx, Angie, Morgan and I in front of the Hogwarts Express

Morgan, Luke, Angie, Eryx, Amy and I in line

My parents were also with us at Harry Potter World, but they were conveniently hiding from the camera. :)