For fall break this year, H and I decided to take a 48-hour trip to stay in Orlando and visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This was my first time traveling for fall break since this getaway, as usually I like to stay in town and do some Nashville autumnal activities. However, we had been wanting to see Harry Potter World ever since a canceled spring 2020 trip, and October seemed like the perfect time. This also marked my first time in Orlando at a major theme park (I still have never been to Disney, but maybe someday). I was feeling really excited, and thankfully, Harry Potter World was even more magical than I’d hoped.
We spent the first day in Hogsmeade, where the snow-covered whimsical village immediately charmed me. We popped in all the shops, starting at Honeydukes, and enjoyed the show at Ollivanders in which one person is picked to find their very own wand. After the show, we were directed into the shop where anyone may purchase a wand, and our Ollivander surprised us by coming in and choosing a wand for me (and it happened to be the wand I wanted). Since the wand was interactive, I was able to go around the park performing spells and making magic happen. We also walked into Hogwarts, where H went on the ride and I simply waited in line to see the castle (I tend to get dizzy or motion sickness on rides). Finally, we enjoyed Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice at Hog’s Head.
Our second day, we had a 2-park ticket (which is needed for seeing all of Harry Potter World), so we started back in Hogsmeade in order to take the Hogwarts Express to King’s Cross and visit Diagon Alley. Walking out of the station looked just like London, complete with a red telephone box in which you can call the Ministry of Magic, as well as the Knight Bus. Diagon Alley blew us away; it looked exactly as it does in the movies and truly felt like we had stepped into the real thing. Diagon Alley is larger and more spread out, too, with more to see and do.
We loved going in shops like Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and walking through the dark and spooky Knockturn Alley. Gringotts looked exactly as remembered, even featuring goblins and of course the dragon atop the building. Every detail in the park was remarkable and perfectly recreated. We had lunch in the Leaky Cauldron, which was a bit slow, and we ran out of time to take the Hogwarts Express back to Hogsmeade since the park containing Diagon Alley closed at 5 for Halloween Horror Nights. We’ll take it next time! Instead, we walked back to Hogsmeade, but first, we encountered some Death Eaters looking to recruit others in Diagon Alley. On our way out, we wandered over to 12 Grimmauld Place where Kreacher peeks through the window every few minutes.
Back in Hogsmeade, we savored a final dinner at the Three Broomsticks.
We had the very best time! I can’t wait to go back someday when the new park opens.
P.S. More travel inspiration.
