The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando is overflowing with magic, and muggles, today.
The recreation of Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts Castle was already a hit with young and old fans of the Potter books and films (admit it, you've read them all and seen the movies too), but now Universal Orlando has opened a recreation of Diagon Alley, the town center of the wizarding world.
Pop into Leaky Cauldron pub, have a wand choose you (not the other way around) at Ollivander's wand shop, buy a gag gift at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, check out the Quality Quidditch Supplies or if you're interested in the Dark Arts, walk down the sinister Knockturn Alley. You can also walk into the Gringotts bank and open a bank account. And by “open an account”, we mean take a tumbling ride down into the cavernous money vaults staffed by goblins.
Ambling through the snow-capped village of Hogsmeade and flying through the Hogwarts Castle are non-negotiable must-sees (as is drinking butterbeer and riding The Dragon Challenge rollercoaster), but Diagon Alley has even more places from Harry Potter world to explore. And the effects are pretty bad-ass. This isn't the theme park you grew up with. And thank goodness for that. #Epcotinthe80s
Now, here's what you need to know:
Where Is It: Diagon Alley is located the Universal Studios section of the theme park. Hogsmeade is located in the Islands of Adventure side of the park. BUT you can board the new Hogwarts Express train which will take you from King's Cross Station at Diagon Alley into Hogsmeade, about a two-minute ride. It also looks like the inside of a “real” Hogwarts Express train. You need a Park-to-Park ticket which starts at $136 a day for adults and $130 for children. Of course, there are discounts for multiple-day passes.
What to Eat: The Leaky Cauldron promises a “traditional British meal in rustic surroundings” which means cottage pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash. It's a nice change from a cheeseburger, for sure. The kids menu features the predictable mac n' cheese but everyone can imbibe in Butterbeer.
What to Drink: The Fishy Green Ale was deemed a “must-try” by Jaunted.com because of its creamy mint and cinnamon flavor and for the “fish eggs” which look bubble tea pearls but actually release a gush of sour flavor. Aside from this and Butterbeer, you can also guzzle some Tongue-Tying Lemon Squash and Wizard's Brew, a dark beer. FPO, of course. (For Parents Only.)
What to See: Everything, duh. But before you go, take a “Flying Tour” of Diagon Alley here on the Universal Studios Orlando website. That way you can map out exactly what you want to see first and how to get to it. If you've conjured up some extra cash this year, we'd recommend the VIP Experience which gives you a guided tour of both parks filled with fun facts and trivia but most importantly, with front of the line admission to rides. Prices start at $1,899 for a group up to five guests.
Where to Stay: Universal Orlando doesn't have plans to open a Harry Potter-themed hotel (yes, we asked) but staying in one of the Universal Orlando hotels does get you early admission into the park one hour before it opens. The all-new Cabana Bay Beach Resort just opened in March specifically with families in mind. Each room has a kitchenette and can sleep up to four people (some of the larger suites can sleep six.) There's also a bowling alley on-site, an all-day diner, two massive pools and best of all, a lazy river. Room rates start at around $165 during the low season.
All photos courtesy of Universal Orlando. Except for the shot of the butterbeer. That's ours. Yum!
*Disclosure: Juliana is also the managing editor of Jaunted.com but the drink recommendation came from the all-knowing editor, Cynthia Drescher. Follow her on Instagram at @JetsetCD.
