Over Christmas break, I was lucky enough to spend a week in Florida with my grandparents, Gil and Darlene. My cousin Colton and I flew down together and we all had an amazing week together. The weather was great, the food was amazing, and the memories are unforgettable. Over the week that Colton and I stayed with our grandparents, we decided to take a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando and it was a trip that I know I will never forget. It was my first time to this theme park and I know I will be back. Universal Studios is a great place with so much to do and if you ever plan to go there, this article will have something in it for you. From the food, to the rides, to the butterbeer, here is all I know about Universal Studios.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Honestly, one word can describe the Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios: AMAZING! I am a huge Harry Potter nerd, so when I first entered the park when it opened, this was the first place that I headed. Diagon Alley gave me goosebumps; I felt like I was really in the books/movies and it was very surreal. From Ollivanders Wand Shop to the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes (I bought a chocolate frog!) to Gringotts Bank, everything is absolutely perfect and exciting. The Escape from Gringotts ride puts you right in on the action with Harry, Ron, and Hermoine. It is a 3D and quite the thrill. I highly recommend you order some butterbeer while you are in Diagon Alley, you will not be disappointed. Colton and I drank two each! After we were done at Diagon Alley, we headed to Platform 9 3/4 where we boarded the Hogwarts Express, which was one of my personal favorites from the day. It is a train ride from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and it has a really cool window that plays out how the scene was be if you were really riding the Hogwarts Express from London to Hogwarts.
Me with Hedwig, Harry's owl, about to ride the Hogwarts Express!
When you get to Hogsmeade, which is part of Universal's Island of Adventure, you see your first glimpse of the Hogwarts Castle, which was super cool and nerdy. Hogsmeade is where my two favorite rides were: Dragon Challenge and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, both of which I recommend you ride. They are both a pretty great thrill. The Forbidden Journey was my personal favorite ride and it is the one that is inside Hogwarts. I totally geeked out for this ride.Also, while you are in Hogsmeade, be sure to get some more butterbeer.
Colton and I in front of the Hogwarts castle!
As far as food goes, I would recommend checking out Mel's Diner for some good burgers and onion rings. The meal good and quick so you can get back out into the park faster. I would also recommend getting the food plan for $20. It includes one meal and a free snack/drink, and you will save a ton with it. Also be sure to get some churros, they are life changing.
Two more rides that I recommend checking out are: Transformers: The Ride 3D and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The Rockit is a pretty sweet ride and another one of my favorites. Transformers was super cool and has some of your favorite characters on the ride: Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime. Be sure to check these two out when you visit.
(Thank you to my grandparents for taking me on this AMAZING trip, and thanks to Colton for being a pretty cool cousin to spend a vacation with.)
