A visit to Hogsmeade

Moonliner · 03-09-2011, 03:59 PM

On my recent trip to see the shuttle launch I was able to sneak in a day at Universal Studios Islands of Potterdom. It is, in a word, Stunning!

You enter Hogsmead via the main gates and pass by the steam engine.

The street itself is very true to the movie.

Having just come from the frigid north, I can attest to their having the best fake snow around.

If the devil is in the details, then this place is in trouble because the level of detail on everything is wonderful.

Even the butterbeer tasted like, well butterbeer!

As you come to the end of the street, you hit the castle reveal. I don't know how big it is, but the visual effect is stunning! The ride and the queue are also without peer.

Of course there are a few little problems. Being true to the books/movies creates a wee little problem. Olivander's for example has a great look to it, but it's small just like in the movie. I've never seen a line to get into a gift shop before! Still the wands are cool, no doubt about that.

Come summer time, this place is going to be so crowded nobody will be able to go. However if you do brave the crushing mobs, here are a few hints.

It it's an early entry day and you don't have early admission rights.... You're screwed. Sorry.

There is a butterbeer cart right at the entry, the lines are long. Fret not. You can also get it at two other locations, another cart up the street and at a bar in the restaurant.

Honeydukes has some unique items like chocolate frogs and every flavor beans in a true to the movie circus tent box.

Ollivanders is must see but you can buy most of the wands at several places including the main gift shop by the front gates and the airport store. However the Ollivandres custom wands are only at the shop. (Tip 'o the hat to Flippy for this tip!

)

Ride the castle ride early, breakdowns are not uncommon and the lines just get longer as the day goes on. Note: The Universal fastpass type thingy you can purchase does not work here.

If you go, take your time and your patience, soak up the magic and try a butterbeer!

03-09-2011, 03:59 PM	#1
Moonliner 8/30/14 - Disneyland -10k or Bust. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 9,022	A visit to Hogsmeade On my recent trip to see the shuttle launch I was able to sneak in a day at Universal Studios Islands of Potterdom. It is, in a word, Stunning! You enter Hogsmead via the main gates and pass by the steam engine. The street itself is very true to the movie. Having just come from the frigid north, I can attest to their having the best fake snow around. If the devil is in the details, then this place is in trouble because the level of detail on everything is wonderful. Even the butterbeer tasted like, well butterbeer! As you come to the end of the street, you hit the castle reveal. I don't know how big it is, but the visual effect is stunning! The ride and the queue are also without peer. Of course there are a few little problems. Being true to the books/movies creates a wee little problem. Olivander's for example has a great look to it, but it's small just like in the movie. I've never seen a line to get into a gift shop before! Still the wands are cool, no doubt about that. Come summer time, this place is going to be so crowded nobody will be able to go. However if you do brave the crushing mobs, here are a few hints. It it's an early entry day and you don't have early admission rights.... You're screwed. Sorry. There is a butterbeer cart right at the entry, the lines are long. Fret not. You can also get it at two other locations, another cart up the street and at a bar in the restaurant. Honeydukes has some unique items like chocolate frogs and every flavor beans in a true to the movie circus tent box. Ollivanders is must see but you can buy most of the wands at several places including the main gift shop by the front gates and the airport store. However the Ollivandres custom wands are only at the shop. (Tip 'o the hat to Flippy for this tip! ) Ride the castle ride early, breakdowns are not uncommon and the lines just get longer as the day goes on. Note: The Universal fastpass type thingy you can purchase does not work here. If you go, take your time and your patience, soak up the magic and try a butterbeer! __________________ - Taking it one step at a time.
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