Skip to main content

Photo & Video Tour: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Part 2

Now that we have toured Diagon Alley over at Universal Studios Florida (in Part 1 of this series here) let's hop on the Hogwarts Express and head over to Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure.


Welcome to Hogsmeade! This snow-capped village is on the outskirts of the wonderful wizarding school of Hogwarts.


The Hogs Head is a favorite to stop for a beverage and a break in the AC in the hot summer months.  You can get the favorite, Butterbeer here or opt for a Hogs Head Brew.


There are also many options to stop for a Pumpkin Juice, which can also make a great souvenir!

As you make your way down the bustling streets, you will come upon the magnificent Hogwarts!  For thrill seekers, this is where you can ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, but if you wish, you can still walk through the queue to see Hogwarts and all the amazing details that have gone into this.  Just ask a Hogwarts student at the end of the queue to show you the exit.  You will find the Sorting Hat and other fun surprises throughout the queue, it's almost an attraction in itself!

At the end of the attraction and throughout Hogsmeade there are a ton of great shopping options.  You can purchase items to show off your house pride, Hogwarts Alumni status, and much more!

For a more family-friendly attraction, head over to Flight of the Hippogriff.  This small coaster is a great option for those who are testing their courage.  Again, the queue here has a ton of great details and you will get some awesome views from the coaster ride too!
Hagrid's Hut 
View from Flight of the Hippogriff

Of course we can't forget the Wizarding World's newest addition, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.  At time of writing, this attraction still has several hour waits regularly, but our agents who have rode it LOVED it and say it is absolutely worth the wait!





After you've gotten your fill of thrills, don't forget to check out some of the entertainment the area has to offer, like the Frog Choir!



The area takes on a different personality at night.  Don't miss the projection show on the castle if you are able!




What is your favorite part of Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure?  Let us know in the comments below!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel Review

I love staying at the Disneyland Hotel so when I got the opportunity to stay at the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel during opening weekend, I couldn’t pass it up. Because it was opening weekend, we were greeted in the entrance way of the lobby with balloons and many photo opportunities. When we arrived, there was a mural of the Haunted Mansion. I love how the seats in the main lobby were designed like the teacups in the parks. You can check in using the Disneyland app, drop your bags with bell services and head into the parks or use the amenities why you wait until your room is ready. When your room is ready, the resort will send you a text and you can use the Disneyland app on your mobile device to unlock the room. We dropped off our bags and went straight to the parks. We received a text around 1PM that our room was ready. In the new Discovery Tower (the Villas), you'll find that the lobby is very spacious with many places to sit while you read or wait for your family. Th

Universal's Volcano Bay Private Cabana Review

On a recent training in Universal Orlando Resort, agents Maci, Ashley, Aubrey and Yaritza and I rented a private cabana for the day at Universal's Volcano Bay. There are multiple locations around the park along with the option to have an upper or lower level, all of which reflect in various pricing. Agent Ashley received an email the day before informing her of where to check-in the next morning. While we were personally escorted to the cabana shortly after check in, the line at the check in location is the same as those getting towels, meaning it was not short. As expressed by an additional guest checking into a different cabana, we would have greatly appreciated a separate line, since this caused our group about a half hour wait. We're all adults and made great use of our time getting some fun pictures before the park was filled with guests, but this is important to be aware of if you are traveling with children.  We had an upper level Cabana which came with a splendid view!

Our Favorite Mocktails at Walt Disney World

Your resident foodie and vacation lush here to chime in on our favorite zero-proof drinks at the parks which I feel like Disney has done a much better job of recently.  Zero-proof alcohol is really having a moment so you can get a lot more mocktails that aren't just sugary sweet, and I am here for it!  Whether you are trying out "Dry January" for your visit, currently pregnant, underage, or just choose not to drink for whatever reason, I hope this list helps you find something to look forward to trying on your next trip! Let's start with a popular one from the last year, the EARidescent Sip-a-bration drink.  This delight can be found at most lounges throughout the 50th celebration at Walt Disney World. It features Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade and Fruity Strawberry Punch, and is served in a souvenir 50th Celebration Cup with a surprise character. This is definitely a kid-friendly drink but it is so fun to drop in the character and watch the drink change color and sta