Universal Studios, FL. That is where we thought we were going. We wanted to see what they did when trying to make a theme park out of the Harry Potter books. But we were wrong. After a long walk through the lost civilization, we saw it, and when we stepped through the gates we knew we were someplace else. We were REALLY in Hogsmeade. What a transformation. I can't imagine that it could have been done any better. Spectacular. To be fair, I have to admit we are complete HP geeks. Yes, we are the ones you laugh at who are wearing robes and carrying wands at the latest book or movie opening. But then that might make us more hard to please in this situation. But it is AMAZING!
From the moment you step in you hear the Harry Potter theme song welcoming you in. The charming British train conductor is there welcoming you next to the Hogwarts Express. The train is exactly as I envisioned it, but you can't ride it. The snow capped houses with their little crooked chimneys made you feel chilled, even in the 90 degree heat. We meandered through the streets, stopping at HoneyDukes candy store, Zonkos Joke Shop, and stopped to drink DELICIOUS Butter Beer at the Three Broomsticks. Hogwarts Castle looms majestic at the end of the streets, and we chose the walking tour rather than the ride for fear that a ride would cheapen this experience that felt so completely real. I loved the "Owl Post" which was the post office, filled with Owls in the rafters waiting for their assignments. The shops did NOT sell heavily merchandised things such as "My Grandma went to Harry Potters Wizarding World and all I got was this dumb T-shirt." Sure you could get a hoodie that said "Harry Potter" on it, but mostly it was things that students themselves could buy on a HogsMeade trip. Sneek a Scopes, Extendable Ears, Pigmy Puffs, Chocolate Frogs, Robes, Wands, etc. When Becca bought her choclolate frog, she had to sign her credit card receipt with a quill. The details are amazing, right down to something like that. As usual, a bathroom visit was required, and Moaning Myrtle was crying and complaining all through the bathroom. The whole "world" was better than I expected could be done at all. It was true to the books which I loved. Thank you Universal, for making a place where HP fans can step into the world they love!
P.S. If you are planning a trip, I highly recommend the ButterBeer, not so much the Pumpkin Juice....
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