Harry's Wondrous World

When I was in Orlando, I was able to go to Harry Potter World. I have been wanting to go ever since I heard that it had been opened. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and was so excited that I was able to experience it. I'd even re-read the series (and ordered a special shirt!) in preparation! Unfortunately, the shirt I had ordered from Etsy came in the wrong style, but it was pretty epic- it said "It's LeviOsa. not LeviosA". Since my Harry Potter shirt didn't work, I had to settle for normal muggle clothing. Such an amateur.

When I first walked into and saw Hogsmeade Village, I may have gotten a little emotional (and by "may" I mean I definitely did). It is so incredible and you really feel like you've walked into the real place that you've imagined so many times reading the books.

I was that person who got emotional

Everything there is so elaborate and realistic. In Hogsmeade there is the Three Broomsticks, Zonko's, and Honeydukes, to name a few.

Please respect the spell limits

Hogwarts

Hogsmeade

Me and Amy in front of Hogwarts

The ride that is in the Hogwarts castle is incredible. The inside where you wait in line is exactly how the castle is described in the book and what you see in the movies. The pictures even move! I rode this ride so many time that the ride operators started recognizing me.

Super excited about boarding the Hogwarts Express in Hogsmeade Station

Waiting to board the train to London

Platform 9 3/4

The Hogwarts Express was incredible. The "windows" show scenes leaving Hogwarts/arriving in London, as well as "shadows" of students in the hallway- it's incredibly realistic!

Me and Amy on the Hogwarts Express

The platform at King's Cross Station

Hedwig and Harry's trunk

This trick mirror made it look like people were really disappearing onto the platform!

The Knight Bus

Outside King's Cross looked like you really had arrived in London. I was even able to find Number 12 Grimmauld Place.

Number 12 Grimmauld Place!

Once you arrive in London, you are able to get away from the unsuspecting muggles into Diagon Alley.

The dragon on Gringotts

Diagon Alley

Once in Diagon Alley, I had to get a wand. I obviously chose Ollivander's because they are the best.

Once in Ollivander's, a special wand fitter helped me find the perfect fit. 

Discussions got a little heated.

Finally, the perfect wand chose me. You know, because the wand chooses the wizard.

My wand!

There are even occasions to practice your spell work in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. At certain points you wave your wand in a specific motion and say the corresponding incantation and watch when magic happens (just be careful not to poke someone's eye out!) I was even complemented on my magical skills!

There were lots of interesting books to see in the window of Flourish and Blotts, including the Monster Book of Monsters.

Gilderoy Lockhart's books were even there. I'm surprised they are still bestsellers, especially after it was revealed that he was a fraud.

Of course, no trip to Diagon Alley would be complete without a trip to Gringott's, the wizard bank.
While we were there on a tour, Harry, Ron and Hermione escaped on a dragon! What are the chances...

The Gringotts goblins hard at work

Of course my trip to the wizarding world would not have been complete without some butterbeer! It was absolutely amazingly delicious.

Harry Potter World was absolutely amazing and surpassed all my expectations! I am so glad that my recruiter Amy was there to experience the magic with me. It was definitely difficult adjusting back into the muggle world. Until next time Hogwarts!