Orlando Vacation, Part 2

On our second day in Orlando we went to Islands of Adventure. We were the most excited about going here because of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Thanks to Orlando Informer, we were advised to go there first thing when we got into the park since it is in the back and we would beat the crowd who stopped at other attractions along the way. The website also showed us the quickest way to get there and we were surprised how few people actually went this route.

I must say that with all the hype about Harry Potter World, Phil and I went there with very high expectations - and our minds were blown! As you enter the section, you walk right into Hogsmeade. On the right is the train that picks up the students and on the left are the popular shops found in the books and movies, such as the Three Broomsticks, Honeydukes, and Zonko's Joke Shop. There were also stands found throughout which sold butterbeer and pumpkin juice. We, of course, had to try the butterbeer and it was awesome! Basically, it is cream soda with whipped cream on top. But, it is so much more than that. You will have to go and try it yourself. :)

Further in is Ollivander's (the wand shop), which actually has a little show inside where a child from the audience is chosen to come up and tries out a couple wands (with disastrous results) until they find "the one." It was super cute to watch (though Phil was disappointed that he couldn't participate, haha). And, they sell all of the characters' wands you see in the movies, which were really cool to see.

At the very back of Harry Potter World is the Hogwarts castle that has a ride inside. You could tell we went during an off-peak time because the line was only 40 minutes long when it is typically a two-hour wait (and of all the rides we went on, 40 minutes was the longest we had to wait on some of them). We loved this part so much because as you're waiting in line, you actually pass by some of iconic items found in the books and movies, which you can get a sneak peek from our pictures. The ride itself is indescribable - you have to go yourself to really experience the magic. Let's just say IT IS A MUST! There are also two other rides in the Harry Potter section: a mini roller coaster more for kids where you ride hippogriffs and an intense roller coaster where you ride dragons. We didn't take the time to go on either, though we wish we did have more time to spend in the area because it was awesome!!!