Ever since my friend's mom ever so kindly introduced my to the magical world of Harry Potter, it has been all I breathe. You can image the excitement and hyperventilating that took place whenever I discovered Universal Studios' Island of Adventures was constructing a section of the park designated specifically to this fantasy of mine. I'm sure that you can also imagine the added excitement and hyperventillating that took place once my parents revealled to me that I would be travelling to this wonderful place — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Living in Columbus, GA, the 7 hour trip wasn't terrible at all, for the anticipation of living what we had been reading the past several years of my life kept the usual travel anxieties and nausea at bay. But I wonder if the Brits I encountered in the park felt the same way — one will never know, though I did thuroughly enjoy little British tikes waving around wands (which you can buy here <http://www.universalorlando.com/Merchandise/Shop/Ollivanders_Wand_Shop/Collectibles.html >) and yelling "Harry Potter!" in their adorable accents. Had my travel party and I experienced the usual unpleasantness of car travel, that would not have mattered anyway, for we partook in shopping at local thrift malls (listed at this link <http://www.yellowpages.com/orlando-fl/thrift-stores >), relaxing at the hotel, eating at franchised resaurants (ones you can trust), and browsing through the many quaint and unique stores of Downtown Disney upon the first couple of days of our arrival. But none of the dilly-dallying could quell the rising excitment and anticipation of walking through the gates of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
I had been stalking the website ever since the park's construction was announced (please follow this link to undertake your own stalking <http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/>), therefore I undoubtaby knew what to expect, but the park still took my breath away. Perhaps this was due to the 2 hour wait in the line to enter the section of the park that took us sight-seeing around all of Island of Adventures. An unwanted tour that added to my photo albulm and involved a random Irish jig in the event of absolute boredom. But when we entered the gates of Hogsmeade, over which rose Hogwarts castle, all bitterness dissolved. In its place dwelt happiness that left me gasping for air. A happiness that continued through a glass of butterbeer, for its sweet frothiness will satisfy any thirsting soul in the summer months, partaking in "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey", a thrilling simulated ride thats real-ness is not friendly for all ages (I, myself, regret covering my eyes on one occassion), and visiting "Filche's Emporium of Stolen Goods" and "Dervish and Banges" to appease any desire of acquiring true wizarding apparel or goods. These were the only sites I was fortunate enough to experience as I walked through Hogsmeade, for the waits to enter shops, attractions, and restaurants alike were atleast 2 hours each. Because of this inconveniance, I recommend journeying to this magical place during a time when the park isnt as populated with Harry Potter lovers, perhaps during the fall? The weather would be much kinder and cooler, though a butterbeer is still necessary. But no matter when you visit this magical world, the shear wonder of such a place will satisfy any hungry imagination.
For those of you who have had an opened ear to my musings of this wonderful place, please visit the several other attractions I was unable to visit, and follow my example of sharing your magical experience to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and your love of Harry Potter himself.
If you are unable to carry out a quest to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at this time, yet still desire magical merchandise, please follow this link <http://www.universalorlando.com/Merchandise/Shop/Wizarding_World_of_Harry_Potter/Merchandise.html >. I even succumbed to the many wonders of Harry Potter's world and bought Harry's wand (a replica sadly) and a shirt featuring Dobby himself.>
Happy Endeavors!
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