After visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter a few weeks ago, I’ve finally come down from my fan-girl high and I think I’m ready to discuss my experiences.

Have you ever considered the fact that we are all Colin Creevey? Think about it. The moment we step foot through Diagon Alley, or off the Hogwarts Express, or through the Hogsmeade Archway, our cell phones come out of our pockets and backpacks and we’re snapping photos of every nargle and Cornish pixie that floats by. Let’s be real, if Harry Potter walked past, we’d all be begging for an autograph.

I might even go so far as to say we’re worse than Colin. I don’t think I ever saw that Creevey boy using a selfie-stick in front of the Butterbeer cart. I mean, really.

Alas, even as a Ravenclaw, I can offer no wisdom regarding a way around this. In our culture of “pix or it didn’t happen”, I don’t think this is going to change any time soon.

With the trip into the wizarding world fresh in my mind, I thought I’d offer some tips for the next time you walk into King’s Cross or hop in your dad’s old Ford Anglia.

First things first, let’s talk souvenirs. In total Colin Creevey fashion, we all need souvenirs. Now, I highly recommend hitting up the nearest Walmart the evening before your big adventure. As it is, you have to buy both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures tickets if you want the full Harry Potter experience. Universal placed Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in the Islands of Adventure, and placed King’s Cross Station and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios. You can take the Hogwarts Express between the two, but you’ll need the park-to-park ticket and that’s a pretty galleon.

On the eve of my adventure, I visited Walmart and found several awesome Harry Potter-themed t-shirts each for less than $10. When I entered Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions in Diagon Alley, I found a wonderful Ravenclaw sweatshirt, but it was $60. Unfortunately, my parents didn’t leave me a vault full of gold at Gringotts, so I can’t quite afford that. Muggle-born problems, am I right?

You also want the full Harry Potter experience. Don’t be left looking like a muggle when you first enter Universal Studios and come across King’s Cross Station and 12 Grimmauld Place. I was a bit flummoxed as it seemed this was all the new section offered. As Ron would say, "how thick could you get?" You have to head in through the strange brick walls between the station and Number 12. This is where you enter Diagon Alley. You will be immediately greeted by not only a sea of fellow witches and wizards, but Gringotts in all its glory with an enormous dragon perched atop the building.

Enjoy shopping, eating, and of course, the Escape from Gringotts ride. Personally, I like this ride even better than the Hogwarts coaster because it's a much smoother ride and follows a more cohesive story-line. That’s the nerdy writer in me, I suppose.

After soaking up as much of Diagon Alley as your first-year heart can take, I suggest hopping aboard the Hogwarts Express and making your way to Hogsmeade. This town has more shopping and dining as well as two outdoor roller coasters and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Of all the Harry Potter architecture, this is the most impressive. The castle looms above the town and you’ll find this is definitely the time for a selfie. But, know you’ll be waiting in line for at least 30 minutes to board the Hogwarts ride. I’ve seen many witches and wizards sip Butterbeers in line and finish the beverages with time to spare. Trust me, there are no time turners involved. I've waited at least an hour to board this ride.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (the Hogwarts castle ride) is a bit more intense both with scarier effects and a jerkier ride. I won’t lie; I don’t know a whole lot about this ride because whenever we left the Quidditch pitch, I closed my eyes. Hey, you never know when you’ll come face-to-face with a basilisk. I’m just being prepared.

After you’ve enjoyed Hogwarts, I do recommend heading over to Jurassic Park and the rest of Universal Islands of Adventure. Just don't miss your train. The ride back to King’s Cross on the Hogwarts Express is worth it. The ride is a bit different, and it ties up your school year at Hogwarts quite nicely.

This was my third time at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and I can honestly say, third time is a charm! Now if I can just get my hands on a Firebolt so I can avoid buying a plane ticket to Florida, all will be well.