We visited another Wizarding World of Harry Potter (one of our bucket list items is to visit all locations). Our first was in Florida, and was such a fun experience! This time, we visited the one in Universal Studios Hollywood. Since we went during the day of Halloween Horror Nights, the Harry Potter area closed at 5:30 pm for the main event. Usually, it’s open until 7 pm on weekdays and 8 pm on weekends.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a Harry Potter theme park in Universal Studios. As there are few Universal Studios, the same applies to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Orlando, Hollywood, and Japan. The most significant park is located in Orlando which contains two separate parks! The theme park in Hollywood was opened in April 2016 and not nearly as big as the Orland Park. It only takes few hours to explore leaving the rest of the time to spend at the main Universal Studios theme park.

Once we entered The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we immediately saw the “Butterbeer” sign and all of the familiar shops. One of the main experiences to do is the Ollivanders Wand show which is located in the Ollivanders shop. It’s where you can see a wand choose a wizard in real life! Also, there’s a live Frog Choir musical and Triwizard Spirit Rally.

We started exploring the park at 2 pm since we went during the weekday, it was not crowded at all! We were able to check out all of the stores such as the Ollivanders, Owl Post, Zonko’s Joke Shop, Dervish and Banges, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Gladrags Wizardwear, and the Hogsmeade Station.

Aside from the shops, food, and shows – we can’t forget the rides! Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers two attractions at the park such as the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. Each ride is worth falling in line for because it’s an experience itself while walking through the (story) line. Harry Potter theme parks are known for its detail and how close it is to the movies! Be sure to have an open mind and sharp eyes to see all the details.  Each ride at the park offers a free 2-hour locker station, available for the riders.

After all of the fun and shopping, don’t forget to fuel up! It’s important to eat and drink in between the fun, so you have more energy to enjoy the rest of the park! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers a few places for some snacks, drinks, and meals. If you’re looking for a quick bite, Magic Neep Cart and Hog’s Head Pub is the place to go. If you’re looking for more of a sit-down meal with the family, the best place is to be at the Three Broomsticks.

Of course, we can’t forget dessert! Honeydukes has the best Harry Potter themed desserts such as Acid Pops, Exploding Bonbons, Peppermint Toads, Fudge Flies, Fizzing Whizzbees, and Chocolate Frogs, which contain a wizard trading card in each box!

Last but not least, Butterbeer! This is an all-time favorite drink to me and can only be purchased at Harry Potter World. You can’t leave the park without tasting it; it’s one of the most delicious drinks ever! It’s best when it’s frozen!