Harry Potter World aka Universal Orlando

While we couldn’t get to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” when it opened back in June, we knew we wanted to get there as soon as possible. Jim Dale has accompanied us on so many road trips, we felt like we’d been to journeying to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade for years.

Our plan was to wait until after Labor Day and go during the week, in order to combat the heat and the crowds. Our Monday/Tuesday trip last week was successful in at least one of those — maybe both, but, man, it was hot!

We looked into staying in one of the Universal hotels in order to take advantage of the early opening hours and the Express Pass, but decided that the cost was a bit steep. Instad, we stayed in “corporate apartment” style rooms at a resort a mile away called The Point (more on that next week).

We bought 2-day/2-park hopper passes ahead of time, and we were able to bypass the line at the front gate at Islands of Adventure and got into the park very quickly. Camille, age 11, had to have an adult ticket, and therefore had to be fingerprinted to get in…

We quickly made our way over to “HP World” and join the line for the “Forbidden Journey”. As the height minimum is 48 inches, Chloe could not ride, but she did get to walk through the line with us to see all the outstanding displays. I actually complained that the line was moving too fast, since we were missing out on some great wizardry! As we approached the ride, we were led to the “child swap” room…what a great idea. Chloe and I waited in there, and then I got to take my turn on the ride. I LOVED it! And I was sorry that Chloe had to miss out on it that I promised to bring her back when she’s 48 inches tall.

Chloe was able to ride on the kiddie rollercoaster “The Hippogriff”. The rule for that one was that kids under 48″ inches had to be accompanied by someone 14 and older. Well, that meant me. Chloe and I sharing a lapbar just doesn’t make any sense at all. She would have been much safer riding with Camille, not me. Duh.

We waited in the hour long line to go into Olivander’s. I had been warned that it wasn’t worth it, and, well, it wasn’t. Skip the little show. Just head on in to the shops. Zonko’s and Honeyduke’s were by far our favorites. We loved the displays and love the products (but we didn’t love the prices). I get the idea of trading cards, but if I’m spending $5 on a chocolate frog, I think I should get to choose which wizard card I get, don’t you?

We stopped for lunch in the Three Broomsticks. So happy to have a vegetarian, child friendly option. So often the kids’ meals are meat based… And I got a nice salad for myself.

Over the next 1.5 days, we spent time in other various areas of the two parks, coming back to HP World three more times for more rides, more frozen butterbeer, more souvenirs.

Universal was not nearly as fun for the kids as Islands of Adventure was. They liked the Curious George playground and the ET ride as well as the Simpsons ride, but I’d honestly skip that whole park if we go again.

In Islands of Adventure, Seussville was a huge hit with all the kids, especially the water play area after a long, hot day. The Jurassic Park playground and Pteranodon Flyer Rides were also big hits.

The lines were fairly manageable overall. The heat, well, I guess I’d rather go in October or November. I’d recommend bringing along swim suits for the kids. We brought in apples, crackers, cheese sticks and water bottles, so we managed to not spend too much on keeping everyone fueled up for the day.