The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hollywood CA
I recently had the opportunity to emerge myself in a whole world dedicated to one of my favorite things, Harry Potter. The Harry Potter books and movies were such a huge part of my childhood and young adult life. Anytime I feel like I need some cheering up, I watch one of the movies for the hundredth time, and without a doubt it brings me an immeasurable sense of joy. I probably know every line to every movie and the entire back history on any family mentioned in the books. So I am a big fan to say the least.
I’ve been wanting to go to Harry Potter World ever since the first one opened in Orlando. I was even more excited when the Hollywood location, just two hours away from me, opened next. Now that I’ve had the chance to finally go and immerse myself in all of the magic, I’ll definitely be coming back more often.
The main part of Harry Potter World at Universal Studios Hollywood is Hogsmeade, which is replicated to-the-t. It couldn’t look more like how we’ve read about and seen it in the movies. You could spend days observing all of the minute details that are put into every store front.
Towering over Hogsmead is the Hogwarts castle. If you’re going to visit Harry Potter World I recommend staying until it gets dark when the windows of the castle light up. And of course you have to eat at The Three Broomsticks or grab a butterbeer at the Hog’s Head! I tried the ice blended and the hot butter beer and I have to say the hot is my favorite, especially on a chilly winter day
The park has the most famous stores mentioned in the books like Olivander’s, where your wand chooses you and you can actually perform spells at certain spots in the park! There’s also the Owlery and Honey Duke’s where you can get any and all sweets imaginable including chocolate frogs.
There are two rides at the Wizarding World in Hollywood, Flight of the Hippogriff and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The latter ride is my favorite, not only because of how fun and exciting it is, but because while you’re waiting to get on you pass through the castle, journeying past Dumbledore’s office and seeing the moving paintings on the Hogwarts walls. It’s the details like these that made me feel like I was really in the Wizarding World. I’ll be going back soon and I’ll be sure to post even more from my next trip there!
