The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Recap

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This week I was able to go to Universal Studios Hollywood and visit the brand new Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so I thought I would share my experience and photos with you all! My friend, brother, and I woke up at 5am and left by 6 so that we’d be able to get there right as the parked opened. We arrived at Universal at 7:40, parked, and then entered the park where we waited until they let us loose at 8am. If you buy your ticket online, you’re able to enter the Harry Potter section an hour before the park officially opens, which I high suggest doing.

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Getting in an hour early is the best possible way to experience Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. We loved that we were able to take out time walking through the area while it was less crowded and use the opportunity to take photos.

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My brother and I visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando a few years ago during spring break, and it was so crowded. Being able to slowly wander around the area was definitely worth waking up so early and driving in two hour traffic.

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Another bonus to entering the area early? Getting on the rides quickly! We first went on the Flight of the Hippogriff, which we were literally able to walk onto. The ride was really short, so we were glad we didn’t have to wait 20-30 minutes in line. We thought it was fine since we didn’t wait in line, but we would have been very disappointed if we had to wait in a long line for it. Universal Hollywood only has two rides, unlike Universal Orlando which has the Dragon Challenge.

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We then went over to the main attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. We only waited in line for about 20 minutes, which is amazing since we were in line for over 2 hours at the Orlando theme park. Going through the castle was amazing. What makes this park so magical is all the little details included everywhere, from warning sides being from the Ministry of Magic to Moaning Myrtle talking in the restrooms.

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After the ride, we bought some delicious butterbeer and watched Olivander’s Wand Shop show, which was pretty cool. Lastly, we grabbed breakfast at the Three Broomsticks. I had the eggy bread, which I loved and I’m not even a breakfast person. The rest of the park was now open by this time so we headed out and went the other rides. Overall, we had a wonderful time and I definitely suggest going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

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Have you been to either of the Harry Potter Wizarding Worlds? Let me now what you thought of it! And if not, what are you most looking forward to seeing when you get the chance to go?

 

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  • That’s super cool that you were able to go in one hour early. I got to go into the Orlando one for early admission the time we stayed at one of the hotels there. It is wonderful being able to explore and take photos without the masses of people. Glad you had fun!

  • Oh wow, the park looks amazing! I’ll definitely keep in mind that tip about buying tickets online – getting in an hour early would be so good. Thank you for sharing the pictures, and I’m glad you had fun!

    • Thank you! It really was a magical experience! I hope you have a great time when you get the chance to go!

  • Whooaa it looks MAGICAL! (haha pun haha) I’ve been to the Orlando wizarding world and actually didn’t have to wait because of a special early admission pass. I remember I loved the butterbeer. Is there anything wildly different between the two parks?
    Kate @Read and Dream

    • The butterbeer is amazing! For the most part, both parks are pretty much the same. Hollywood’s is a little smaller since it doesn’t include the dragon roller coaster.

  • I’ve been to the Orlando one, but haven’t been to the Hollywood one yet (and I live in California!!). It’s on my to-do list this summer, so I’m super excited about it!! I’m so jealous that you got to go!

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