Growing up, the Harry Potter books and movies were a huge part of my household, and still are today. I first came in contact with the series when I was in second grade. I am now a junior in college, so believe me when I say that my love for Harry Potter has lasted for a long time. There is just something so special and magical about the series. It teaches you the importance of friendship, family, and courage. It makes you wish that you lived in the wizarding world and could actually go to Hogwarts. Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon, and thanks to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando, it won’t be going away any time soon.

Due to my love for the series, naturally I was excited to enter the park for the first time. I had always heard amazing things about the park, but I had never been there myself. My family and I began our Harry Potter journey in Hogsmeade, and instantly I was blown away. You walk in and immediately see a life-like replica of the Hogwarts castle. Inside the castle, you will find a ride called “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”. This ride is like an indoor motion simulator/roller coaster kind of contraption, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione, takes you on a journey to a quidditch match with some obstacles along the way. It is fantastic and makes you feel like you’re really flying on a broom.

To get to Diagon Alley, you have to take the Hogwarts Express. The Hogwarts train is one of the most iconic and consistent themes throughout the series, so having a legit replica of the classic train that you actually ride, is a great idea. You get to sit and travel in a room identical to the one Ron and Harry always sit in. While you’re going to the next part, they have a video sequence that plays on the windows. To say it is cool is an understatement.

At Diagon Alley, the next big ride is introduced: “Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts”. This is meant to highlight the iconic escape scene from the treacherous bank in the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One. It is the same style of the first attraction I mentioned, but it has a completely different storyline and effects. You even come face-to-face with Voldemort himself.

One of the best parts about the two parks, is all the details they put in when creating it. You look around and the atmosphere feels like you jumped right into the movie. There are shops where you can buy your robes for school, and you can even buy a wand at Ollivander’s. The shops are crammed in, but look enchanting. Universal Studios literally thought of everything. It was perfection. Not to mention the Butterbeer, which comes in many different forms – hot, frozen, iced, and in ice cream form. You can also get it either alcoholic or non-alcoholic. It was amazing. So much so, that I had it at least four times.

The best part about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is that it allows people of all ages to come together and completely nerd out over Harry Potter. If you are even a little bit of a fan, I highly insist that you come here. I promise you won’t regret it.