The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

I had planned to do this post to tie in with a Harry Potter themed recipe (butterbeer cupcakes maybe?), but after watching a Deathly Hallows marathon on boxing day I couldn't resist doing it now. The Harry Potter films have turned into one of my Christmas holiday staples over the last few years... I think I might buy the box set and have a HUGE movie marathon soon!

Anyway, earlier this year Craig & I went on holiday to Florida... pretty much fueled by my selfish desire to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. When we were finally in America and on route to the park I was really nervous... I'd read that it was quite small (it's part of the Islands of Adventure, not a park by itself), and that queues were horrendous.

But ahh, it was beautiful.

Hiya Hogwarts!

You walk into Hogsmeade across a bridge and are greeted by a lovely snowy village - very surreal when the weather is scorching!

This is the Three Broomsticks  - we had lunch here! They serve English pub food (or at least, MASSIVE American versions of it), and it makes a nice change from normal theme park food.

The streets were absolutely heaving - we deliberately went on (what was meant to be) the quietest day of the week. I can't imagine how busy it must be on a Saturday afternoon!

The attention to detail in the park was amazing - look at the windows in Ollivanders! You could take part in an experience to choose a wand in the shop, but we weren't brave enough to join the queue. It's meant to be amazing though. Next time!

Ridiculously summery freckles

We had Butterbeer! I was expecting not to like it, but it was gorgeous! Really creamy and butterscotchy. There's a few recipes kicking about online, I might give it a go one day.

Mmm. I bought chocolate frogs and they were lovely.

Hogsmeade Station was actually the bag check for one of the rollercoasters! There's a few rides dotted around (including a Hippogriff one, where you have to learn how to bow to them). We had bought an express ticket for the park and it was so worth it. I think it was around $30, but it means you get to jump to the front of the queue to almost every ride in the park! Perfect on a hot sunny day.

The main attraction is Hogwarts (of course it is, look at it!).

You get to go INTO the castle for "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey". We weren't allowed to use our express ticket on this (and the wait was an hour!) but it honestly didn't matter. You go through different parts and it's so so so well done - you start in the greenhouse, then the portrait gallery (this bit was my favourite!), through the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Dumbledore's office & more. Amaaaazing. Even Craig enjoyed it!

Ahh, it was lovely. Poor Craig had to practically drag me away after a couple of hours.

But they are apparently planning to expand it, which means I'll have an excuse to go back!