Day 12 - Universal

April 15 - Universal


Everyone finally got to Universal today. We looked around for a bit. Then it was time for Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The first thing we see is the purple Knight Bus. Very cool with the conductor there to answer questions. Then we went into Diagon Alley. So like the movies. 

Jeff and Suzanne got new wands at Ollivanders. Jeff got Ron Weasley and Suzanne's new wand chose her. She loved every moment of it. Next was Gringotts Money Exchange. No one was brave enough to go on the Escape from Gringotts ride.After that it was time Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour for butter beer ice cream. It's rather sweet but I noticed none went to waste. Our timing was off so we didn't get to see any of the performances. 

We then boarded the Hogswarts Express at the Kings Cross Station. Each group has their own compartment. The windows are actually screens where the Dementors made themselves known but you never actually saw them. You hear Ron, Harry and Hermione. Hagrid makes an appearance.

In Hogsmead we ate at the Three Broomsticks where most of us had the shepherd's pie and salad. We had either pumpkin juice or butter beer. Then on to the Honeydukes for a chocolate frog or two.

We did get to see part of the Hogwart's Choir and then we moved on to the Castle. The shop was so dark we really couldn't see what there was to buy. A major disappointment since several of us had been quite looking forward to picking up some items.

We boarded the train back at the Hogsmeade Station. On the return train trip we saw the twins, Mad Eye Moody and the Centaurs. This really is a fun ride if you are a fan of the Harry Potter books and movies. Diagon Alley is as true to the books as the Hogsmeade is. The Gringotts bank was excellent and the dragon on top of the bank was really hot (breathing fire) and so cool.