After lunch at the Animal Kingdom, we boarded the busses to head to Universal Orlando Resort! If you've been following me on Instagram or Twitter recently, you know how excited I was to get to Orlando to see the new Diagon Alley attraction at Universal Studios. I'm a bit of a Harry Potter fan. When Hogsmeade first opened at Islands of Adventure a few years ago, I had to plan a vacation to Orlando based solely around the attraction.
When we arrived at Universal Orlando Resort, I was reunited with my fiancé.
He was able to fly in and join just in time. In all of my excitement to see the new Diagon Alley, he decided to watch all of the Harry Potter movies before flying out, just to be as prepared as I was.
The thing about the two Harry Potter attractions is that you don't have to be a fan of the movies/books to enjoy them. Sure, that might make it a little better for the fan that might see a motorcycle and know that Hagrid drove it, or why the muggles are excited to drink butterbeer, but it's not necessary.
The details that they have put into both of these parks is amazing. It feels as though you are walking through the pages of the book. The scenes from the movie truly come to life in these attractions.
At Universal Studios, while in London, we said a little spell and the bricks moved away so We could enter Diagon Alley. It is quite surreal as you walk in.
It is filled with the shops from the movies/books, each one crafted with the most specific details.
One of the huge focal points that you see while walking around Diagon alley is the huge dragon sitting atop Gringot's Bank.
Yep! That's real fire, folks! He breathes real fire! Don't set your timer, he does it at random times as to avoid people piling up and crowding the streets to try and get that perfect picture. Sometimes he gives you a fair warning, a growl, to let you know it's about to happen... But sometimes that is just a fake out, silly dragon.
After looking at everything in awe, we went to Gringotts Bank to ride the new attraction Escape from Gringotts.
I can't stress how well the details are done in both of these parks. If I didn't know that these were animatronics, I would swear that Universal had put Goblins on their payroll.
Now on to the ride! After riding Escape from Gringotts, I can honestly say I think I have a new favorite ride. If you have had the chance to experience Universal Resort in the past, I can say it's a bit of a mixture between The Mummy and The Forbidden Journey, in the Hogwarts Castle.
First, you walk In the bank, where you see the goblins and can actually talk to them! You are then Escorted into a room, where you watch a short clip of the eldest Weasley son talking to a Goblin. You then board an elevator where you travel several miles (which seems very real) down to the tunnels of Gringotts bank. Here is where you board your cart and are led on an adventure that I don't want to spoil the surprises for. Just know, I loved it and wanted to ride a second time!
After riding Escape from Gringotts, we grabbed some Butterbeer ice cream!! Oh. My. Sweet. Heavenly. Good. If you have a sweet tooth, grab some and eat it up! So good!!!
After our delish treat, we headed to the scary Knockturn Alley!!
Don't worry, we traveled into Knockturn Alley with a few guides (Connor, Megan and Todd), so none of the evil wizards messed with us. I'm positive if you travel without guides, you will still escape the evil wizards that like to hide in Knockturn Alley.
After our quick stroll, we said goodbye to Diagon Alley and headed for King's Cross station. Oh my gosh!!! We were about to board platform 9 3/4 just like Harry and head to Hogwarts Castle!
Watch the video above to see us travel through the wall to board at platform 9 3/4!!!! It's so cool!
Check it out!! Ahhh, it's the Hogwarts Express! When you board, each person is put into a cabin (or berth), for our journey. Each cabin fits around 8 people. Nate and I rode with all the Brits in our cabin. Do you know how much more real that made the experience?! Haha, I had to tell them that. On board, you would think you would see Universal outside on your journey, but you don't. As you ride the train, which is really moving, you are watching a film that shows your journey from London to Hogsmeade, or vice versa. Truly every detail here is amazing!
We arrived in Hogsmeade and departed the train. Our first adventure was the dragon challenge, where adventurers mount one of two dragons as they chase each other. Each roller coaster is a different ride, so it's good to try each.
We then went to Hogwarts castle just to walk in and enjoy the creativity and massiveness of the work. Inside the castle, you'll find the forbidden journey ride. If you're prone to motion sickness, just enjoy walking in the castle in this one and sit out the ride.
Since we didn't ride, we had a little extra time. The tour guides asked if we wanted to ride Jurassic Park since it was nearby... Duh!!! Like a little kid, I was jumping with excitement, another one of my favorite rides. Yes, you get soaked, but that's what the ponchos are for.
Luckily, we had a little time left and with 3 guides we were able to split up. The brave were able to ride The Hulk, while the weenies went to shop. Take a guess which group I was in and which Dave was in? ;) maybe we should change his name to not so Brave Dave.
After the Hulk, we walked to Universal City Walk to meet our groups for dinner at Vivo, a new Italian Restaurant on the city walk.
The staff was so nice!!! I enjoyed our dinner so much. After traveling and waking all day, around 4 parks, we were tired and very hungry. Everyone left with nice round bellies and smiles on their faces.
Did you know during magical deal month, 75 restaurants in Orlando are offering 3 course meals for just $33? How awesome! Eat well while on vacation!
Check out VisitOrlando.com/
Something that I love about Universal Orlando Resort is that if you stay on their property, you can walk everywhere or ride a boat! It's all together and easy to access. So much to do on the city walk as well! You don't have to leave the property if you don't want to. Stay here for a few days and then travel on to stay at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, where they will take you to any of the Walt Disney World Parks! Great deal :)
On to day 3 tomorrow where we went to SeaWorld Orlando.
