Kids (and grown-ups) have been utterly enchanted by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter since it opened at Universal Studios, Orlando a few years ago.Hogwarts Castle towers over Hogsmeade village, and inside the castle is the much-loved Forbidden Journey ride.
You may feel as if you need some wizardly tricks to beat the crowds at this park, but these tips should let you have a magical visit, without losing precious hours of family fun standing in endless queues.
1. Get there early
Try to be at the theme park when it opens at 9am, as queues form very quickly. Another reason to arrive early is that the entrances to the Wizarding World may actually be closed during peak hours later in the day. Give yourself at least a few hours at the park, as there is lots to see and do.
2. Beat the queues
The first place people rush to is Hogwarts Castle, for the Forbidden Journey experience. Instead, go to the Dragon Challenge rollercoaster in the morning when there aren't any lines and you can ride both the Chinese Fireball and Hungarian Horntail right away. Check to see if there are two queues, one for visitors needing a locker before going on the rides, and the other for those who can go directly to the rides.
3. Buying a wand
Many Harry Potter fans rush to Ollivanders to buy a wand, only to find a long queue to enter the shop. However, wands are not sold in this famous shop, but in the adjacent Owl Post shop. Visitors can enter the Owl Post through its own exterior door, or through the adjoining Dervish and Banges shop. For even more convenience, the kids can buy a wand from a cart in the lane at the side of Hogwarts Castle.
4. Shop where it’s less crowded
Visitors can see all the magical shops from the Harry Potter books: Honeydukes, for sweets; Zonko's joke shop; Owl Post, where wands are sold; and Dervish and Banges which is crammed with robes, Gryffindor scarves, Ravenclaw t-shirts and all manner of merchandise for sale. However, these shops are small and can get very crowded. Try shopping at Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods, in the lower regions of Hogwarts Castle - a much bigger shop, with some different merchandise for sale.
5. Bring a camera
The Forbidden Journey experience is the most popular feature of the park - and it’s a good idea to bring a camera with you to capture all of those happy memories. Once inside the castle, the queue is actually an enjoyable experience as it's essentially a tour of Hogwarts, with magical details such as talking portraits, special-effects appearances by Dumbledore and other characters, and a virtual introduction to the ride that features Harry, Ron, and Hermione. You can put you camera into a small pop-out compartment in the back of your seat when on the ride, but don't forget to empty it when the ride is over.
6. Where to eat
There is only one restaurant in the Wizarding World - The Three Broomsticks, where you can sample the theme park's signature drinks, Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, Pear Cider, and its specially developed menu. The outdoor eating area behind the Three Broomsticks is a handy, quieter area to rest and sit for a spell. This area can be reached without having to walk through the restaurant.
7. Buy the refillable mug
The non-alcoholic Butterbeer creates a lot of buzz, and the kids will probably be dying to try it. One glass is enough for some, but if the kids have a taste for it, the refillable mug makes a nice souvenir. You'll pay just 85 cents to refill it with fizzy drinks, and $3.25 for a refill with Butterbeer. You can also fill your mug for free with water, where fizzy drinks are sold.
8. Leave room for souvenirs
Leave room in your luggage for souvenirs. A wand box can easily be as tall as your carry-on, and pumpkin juice bottles and Butterbeer mugs take up more space than magnets and key rings.
9. Buying a postcard
If you buy postcards from The Owl Post, ask to have them stamped (for free) with the Hogsmeade postmark. They'll do it right at the cash register. Either bring your own stamps into the park, or pay $14.95 for 10 44-cent stamps. Take a stroll into the Dervish & Banges door next to The Owl Post to find the mailbox for sending them.
10. Stay till dusk
During the summer, the Wizardly World theme park closes at 8pm. At dusk, the crowds have quietened down and most of the rides will be freed up. Hogwarts Castle, high on its perch and illuminated within, looked magical at this time, and it's worth staying that extra hour or so to see it.
Image via Pinterest.
