Two and a half years ago, I got to live out a childhood dream and be immersed in the magical world of Harry Potter, at Universal Studios Orlando. It was as if you had actually stepped right into the story and into the book, to the real Wizarding World. It was mesmerizing.
It was all just how I had imaged… Taking the Hogwarts express, walking down Diagon Alley, enjoying a nice cold butter beer at the Leaky Cauldron; even taking in the Village of Hogsmeade. It was an unforgettable, immersive experience, a definite can’t miss for any Harry Potter fan.
We started the day like many others new to Hogwarts, making our way down Diagon Alley to get our supplies for our trip to Hogwarts. There we picked out our wands (or rather our wands picked us) and we had our first butter beer of the day at the Leaky Cauldron.
From there we continued on to find Platform 9 3/4 and officially make our way on the Hogwarts Express. The train ride itself was better than imagined; you were fully immersed in a fantastical ride that was taking you to an even more magical place. It was the perfect way to continue to build excitement for what was to come.
Upon arrival, we leisurely strolled through the Village of Hogsmeade, taking in the sights and shops, which of course included a stop at the famous Honeydukes Sweet Shop to get our sugar quills, and possibly another butter beer.
Finally it was time for the main event, the whole reason for the whole trip… Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was just as amazing as I had always imagined. So many small details taken right from the books and movies. I was so fascinated that I have to admit, I barely took any pictures inside. Being so overwhelmed, I just tried my best to take it all in.
As our day ended and we put Hogwarts into our rear view, we helped ease the pain with, what else but another butter beer; knowing full well that we would never be able to recreate it at home, we have to take full advantage of the magic while we still could.
Truly it was an amazing and unforgettable experience, filled the with magic and wonder that only the Wizarding World of Harry Potter could bring out.
“For in dreams we enter a world that is truly our own”
– Albus Dumbledore
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