About a month or so ago, while on winter break, I was lucky enough to travel to Florida with my family and boyfriend. The best part of this entire trip was going to Universal Orlando. More specifically, it was going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This was something that I had been looking forward to ever since the theme park opened. Anyone who knows me knows how obsessed I am with "Harry Potter." Going there was an absolute dream come true. You felt like you were in the movies, which was one of the coolest experiences that I have ever had. Whether you are a "Harry Potter" fan or not, I guarantee that you will be "wowed" when visiting. As cheesy as it sounds, you really can "feel the magic" when you are there. It is such a unique and thrilling experience that you won't find anywhere else, which is exactly why Harry Potter World should go on your bucket list.
1. The train ride on the Hogwarts Express is just about the coolest thing ever.
The seating compartments on the train are exact replicas of the ones in the movie, so you actually feel like you are on your way to Hogwarts. There are two different versions of the ride, depending on which part of the park you are coming and going from. I highly recommend riding it both ways.
2. This is the only place where you can buy Butterbeer, which is incredibly delicious.
Butterbeer is a Harry Potter classic and having one of these beverages is mandatory when going to the park. It tastes just like a cream soda, but so much better. The frozen Butterbeer is also to die for. I suggest trying one of each!
3. You can actually do "magic" here.
In addition to the replica wands that you can buy in Ollivander's, they also sell interactive wands. These special wands (that are a tad more expensive) perform different spells in specific areas of the park. Who wouldn't want to feel like an actual wizard for a day?
4. The music playing in the park that is from the movie will fill you with absolute joy.
I can assure you that the classic Harry Potter tunes will be stuck in your head for the week after you go, but in the best way possible. There is nothing like a constant stream of HP music to brighten up the experience.
5. Waiting hours just to see the dragon breathe fire is so worth it.
The dragon that sits atop Gringott's Bank breathes fire, but only when it feels like it. She does not do it on any specific schedule, so guests must wait around in order to see this happen. I was determined to see it because I knew that my trip wouldn't be complete without it. Luckily, after waiting for a little under an hour, it finally happened and it was better than anticipated. This is definitely a must-see!
6. Seeing the replica of the castle in person and walking through it will give you all of the feels.
Being an insane Harry Potter fan, I was truly at a loss for words when I saw Hogwarts for the first time. It was truly a magical sight.
7. The rides are even better than you could ever expect.
All of the rides were really fun, despite the long lines (which usually move pretty fast). Since the actual park itself is so amazing, the rides are really just an added bonus.
8. You will never want to leave because it's all just too amazing for words.
