A previous visit to Universal Studios in 2008 left the teaser of a Wizarding World of Harry Potter to come, so whilst extravagant, we made a trip back to Orlando to experience the new attraction, catch up with an friend in Tampa, and add some new experiences.
Universal Studios have created a delightful attraction. The new ride-works experience in Hogwarts Castle glides you through a number of panoramic cyc’s whilst tossing you around for effect. Ok, put simply, it’s fun.
We stayed at Hard Rock Hotel again, and took advantage of early park entry as part of the complimentary Express Passes that hotel guests enjoy. When you start walking through the pre-show queue setup, you quickly realize the express pass would be invaluable, compared to potentially standing in that queue for what could easily be a few hours.
Hogsmeade village includes the expected shops, some nice dining and a chance to partake of a ButterBear. You don’t have to be young to indulge some fantasy.
Sort of expected, the new area has proven so popular, they are expanding with a plan to create Diagon Alley, connected by a ride on the Hogwarts Express. A return trip will be required.
BTW, I have admired Macaws over many years, and enjoyed seeing them at Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville back on our 2008 visit. This time, the Macaws were gone. A waiter explained the co-tenants complained about the noise, and so they were removed.
It seems, as the years go by, as I return to sites that appealed for a unique reason, elements of the local culture are being eroded by the “fun police”. In this case, the Macaws that greeted you at Margaritaville were an integral part of the Margaritaville experience, a disappointment now.