When I first heard about the Wizarding World opening in California, I thought it was some rumor meant to trick us hopeful wizards and witches into believing that we no longer would have to travel to Orlando to see Hogwarts. However, when learning that it was not a rumor I quickly bought a ticket for opening day and here are the things I saw.
When walking into Universal Studios Hogsmead, the entry way left park goers feeling a little overwhelmed. To finally see something that you have been dreaming about for years right in front of your eyes is incredible!
On your right when you enter is The Hogwarts Express and a train conductor with whom you are able to take photos with (as well as daydream of how wonderful it would be to catch this train to Hogwarts and learn from the best witches and wizards).
Right along Honeydukes is The Three Broomsticks—a fine dining establishment for the hungry traveling wizard that offers a tailored menu for the young ones, plus Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice to keep Wizards hydrated and energized.
Across The Three Broomsticks, we have the Owl Post, where a young witch or wizard can send themselves letters from Hogsmeade to any location they desire. Along with sending letters, the guest can also pick out a furry companion that will accompany them throughout the rest of their visit, especially on Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey.
In Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey, you get to see the inside of the Hogwarts Castle that includes many detailed items from the movies: the moving pictures of past Hogwarts attendees, famous wizards, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and the Great Hall as you board the ride. In this we follow Harry and Ron as we go through the Forbidden Forest, through the grounds of Hogwarts, and whizz through a quidditch game.
The lines at the moment for these shops and rides may be a little hectic as witches and wizards were floo-powdering and portkeying in from different parts of the world, but the wait for Olivander's was well worth it, seeing a store that is stacked to the brim with wands to only be revealed to their rightful owners. They help a wizard or witch pick their wand, making even the Slytherin in me tear up. Showing emotion to finally feeling the magic of a story that has brought me so many tears and laughs, I couldn't help but grin widely as I saw a wand find its owner.
After leaving Olivander's, you can venture on downwards to catch a ride on a Flight of the Hippogriff to see if you are truly worthy of a Hippogriff bow. And as you weave throughout the lines, you pass by Hagrid's Hut which has his motorcycle parked out front. Upon reaching the front of the lines, visitors can hear Hagrid instruct them on the importance of bowing and treating the Hippogriff with respect or else they can be harmed, bringing visitors back to the scenes of the book and movie—back to a time when we had no worries as we read or watched these scenes play out.
To many, the Harry Potter World is just another expansion to Universal Studios, but to others, its the chance to finally see a world they love so much come to life. To finally see the Hogwarts Express, to taste butterbeer, and to wave a wand, this expansion is a second home for some, as they left bits and pieces of themselves in the books. Now, finally getting to see the details of Hogwarts up close to the smell of Pumpkin Juice, it looks like we are finally living in the Mirror of Erised, hoping that it is not a dream.
Mischief Managed.
