Category: Universal Orlando

How to Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Like a Pro

3/3/2023

Do you want to feel the magic of Hogwarts like Harry Potter and his friends? Then you’ll need to make a visit to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida and buy the park-to-park ticket. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter allows you to journey through two magical worlds - Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley - via the iconic Hogwart’s Express. From the Triwizard Tournament, to butterbeer tasting, to spellbinding entertainment, to themed thrill rides - this is the ultimate fan experience and you won’t want to miss it. In this article, you’ll learn all the details you need to plan your visit, from ride options to restaurant recommendations. So buckle up and hold on, it’s time to experience the adventure of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Step inside the story of Harry Potter when you walk the streets of Dragon Alley where hidden dangers are located beneath Gringotts bank, then travel to the village of Hogsmeade and into Hogwarts castle for a spellbinding journey.

Two Lands to visit

Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade is located in Islands of Adventure. In this land you can be at the foot of the castle, enchanting shops, explore classrooms of Hogwarts and ride Harry Potter themed rides. Don’t forget to watch the Nighttime Lights at the Hogwart’s Castle, it is a light and music show projected on the castle. The other land is called Diagon Alley and is located Universal Studios, here you can dine in the famous Leaky Couldon, pick out your own want at Ollivanders and travel deep below to Gringotts bank for thrill ride.

Rides

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Thrill and Motion Simulation) Height: 48”
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Ride-thrill) Height: 48”
Flight of the Hippogriff (Ride-thrill and kid friendly) Height: 36”
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Thrill and Motion Simulation) Height: 42”
Hogwarts Express: Homemade Station (Ride-kid friendly) Height: Under 48” requires supervising companion
Hogwarts Express: King’s Crossing (Same train ride, just located at both lands.)

Dining Options

Hog’s Head-Quick Service, snacks and beverages
Three Broomsticks-Quick service, snacks and beverages
Leaky Cauldron-Quick service
Eternell’s Elixir of Refreshment: small beverage kiosk
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlous-ice cream flavors of all kinds including butter beer
The Fountain of Fair Fortune-Variety of beers and other beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.)
Hopping Pot-walk up counter to order beverages
Honeydukes- candy store

*Many ways to try out the famous Butterbeer: cold, hot, frozen, ice cream and even fudge.

Things to do while exploring the lands

Gringotts Money Exchange: Ask Gringotts goblin any questions you have, and trade your U.S. currency for Gringotts bank notes in $10 or $20 denominations. The bank notes can be used for purchases within Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

Knight Bus: Parked on the London embankment is the purple, triple-decker bus, which stranded witches and wizards flag down in emergencies.

Ollivanders: Here you can purchase your own wand that is special just for you. The walls are covered from top to bottom with different options. You can also use your wand to do different spells of your own at 34 different spots in both lands.

Dervish and Banges: this store sells all kinds of different magical things like broomsticks, quidditch supplies and a variety of Hogwarts apparel.

Magical Menagerie: this is a store full of plush fanatics beasts from the Harry Potter books and movies.

Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes: this store is full of toys and different items from the book and movies.

Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions: in this store you can find all kinds of different apparel to look just like a Harry Potter character.

Borgin and Burkes: in the this store you will find all kinds of props from the Harry Potter movies.

The Owl Post: in this store you can buy Hogwarts stationary and then you can send your mail to its destination and it will be postmarked from Hogsmeade. *Make sure you bring your own stamps to not have to pay extra for this.

Exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an unforgettable experience that brings the beloved books and movies to life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for a unique and magical adventure, the two lands of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade will ignite your imagination. From enchanting shops and thrilling rides, to show-stopping light displays and a wide range of beloved eateries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And who knows, you might just find your very own wand at Ollivanders. So don’t wait for your own Hogwarts letter – go explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter like a pro and let the magic begin!

To make it a reality, contact Lesley Deaton at 704-868-6382 or [email protected] for help with your Universal Orlando Resort Vacation.

Fierce Fun at Volcano Bay Waterpark

2/21/2023

Are you looking for the ultimate aquatic adventure? Dive into the warm waters of Volcano Bay in Orlando - a revolutionary theme park from Universal Studios. With its exhilarating water slides, tranquil beaches, and unique volcano centerpiece, it’s the perfect spot for a summer getaway. Volcano Bay offers more than just a great time - it also redefines the standard for water parks, providing guests with a host of innovative amenities and attractions to enjoy. In this article, we’ll explore all of the magical experiences that await you at Volcano Bay. From vivid Polynesian-inspired architecture and imaginative water slides, to immersive attractions and world-class cuisine, Volcano Bay delivers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Come see why this is the hottest new aquatic theme park in Orlando!

Universal has a water park and it does not disappoint! Volcano Bay has great water slides, lazy rivers, the TapuTapu virtual queue and great places for families to get away from the bustle of theme park life. Throughout the park you will see vibrant colors and architecture inspired by the travels of the Waturi People, it truly is a tropical paradise right in the middle of Orlando. The main walking trails are cement, but the beach areas are covered in sand. There is also abundant seating and umbrellas at the end of every slide, there are numerous bathrooms and enough lifejackets for everyone. You will also find family restrooms with roll-in showers.

When you arrive at the park you will receive your wearable TapuTapu. This device was specifically designed for Volcano Bay. You can use it for everything from renting lockers to reserving your spot in line! Virtual lines are amazing here at Volcano Bay, you just tap the kiosk next to the water attraction that you want to ride, and it puts you in line, so you can play, eat, or relax until it’s your time to splash. This technology only allows you to have one virtual line at a time but you can ride any attraction if the kiosk says “ride now.” Don’t forget to interact with the many different Tiki statues found throughout the park – you can make the statues squirt water or even belch.

There is ample free seating for everyone in the family, but you can upgrade your experience by reserving premium seating. There are single unit cabanas that hold 6 people, or family cabanas that hold up to 16 people. Each cabana comes with comfy chairs, refrigerator stocked with cold water, towels, snacks, and concierge service. Reserved premium seating is also available, these lounge chairs come with a shade structure and concierge service. If you are not using premium seating make sure you bring your own towel, towels are available for rent at the park though!

A trip to the tropics is not complete without a tropical drink and Volcano Bay has everything you would crave. From kid-friendly dishes to grownup bites, there are more than 60 unique menu items to choose from all inspired by the flavors of the South Pacific. The Dancing Dragons Boat Bar or Kunuku Boat Bar have beer, wine, tropical specialty drinks in a souvenir cup. The Feasting Frog, Bambu or Kohala Reef Restaurant & Social club have all your quick service meals covered. From burgers to salads even the most finicky eater will find something palatable. All these treats are available for delivery if you choose Premium Seating!

Let’s talk attractions! Volcano Bay seventeen things to do from the Aqua Coaster to the Lazy River everyone in your party will find something to do. For those that are not into water slides there are four amazing areas to enjoy calm waters: Waturi Beach, The Reef, Puka Uli Lagoon, and Kopiko Wai Winding River. Want a thrill, there are several slides to choose from, there are racers, body slides, and slides with drops. The Ko’okiri body plunge has a 70 degree fall for 125 feet of thrilling fun. Raft slides range from two person tubes to five-person thrill rides through dark caverns of Krakatau. You don’t have to haul your tube to the top of the slide either, Volcano Bay has that all covered for you! The Aqua coaster should not be missed but don’t forget your goggles!

TIP: If you stay at The Cabana Bay Beach Resort or The Aventura Hotel the water theme park is a short walk and from all the other hotels it is easily accessible with resort bus transportation. Volcano Bay is a great place to relax as a family while you are visiting the Universal Resort in Orlando and a great place to step away from the fast-paced schedule of a theme park trip.

You can have this experience for yourself and your family!
To schedule your Universal Orlando Resort vacation, contact:
Jennifer Marshall
Phone: 253-951-9770
Email: [email protected]

How to Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Like a Pro

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Fierce Fun at Volcano Bay Waterpark

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