Top 5 Tips for a Magical Day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
10:13 PM
The wands aren't really magic, but they are interactive. They sell two kinds so make sure you buy the one with the gold lettering at Ollivanders Wand Shop. They are only $8 more than the non-interactive ones. We thought about borrowing a wand from our cousins, but we are so glad our boys had the opportunity to choose their own. We participated in the Ollivanders Wand Experience and then afterwards went to the shop to select a want. It was a hard $50 to swallow for one wand, but our boys were entertained with the more than 20 spells they could cast to make it rain, turn on lights, open a book and more. Be sure to cast your spells in Knockturn Alley too. If you can't find it ask a cast member.
PRO TIPS:
1) Buy your want at the Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley because the wand shop is bigger.
2) The sensor, (I mean the magic) is very sensitive to how you wave your want so if you can't get a spell to work then ask a cast member to help you.
3) The sensors on the tip of the wand sometimes gets scratched and has to be magically repaired. Our boys had to get their wants repaired at Ollivanders about once a day.
2. Ride the Hogwarts Express both directions.
To qualify as a passenger on the Hogwarts Express you must purchase the park hopper ticket. The train takes you links you between the parks from London, King's Cross Station Platform 9¾ and Hogsmeade Station. The Hogwarts Express is amazing! It's just like riding in the train from the movie. You sit in a fully enclosed cabin compartment that seats up to eight guests and as the train moves there are visual effects out the window and silhouette out in the hallway. The experience is completely different each direction so make sure you go both ways. Also enjoy your time at Platform 9¾!
3. Go on the rides first.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is the main attraction in Diagon Alley and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the main attraction in Hogsmeade. When you get to either park head straight for one of those rides. The earlier you can get to the park the better. You'll want to be one of the first ones on the ride to avoid lengthy wait times later on. Also sometimes the rides breakdown and you'll want to make sure you get at least one ride.
PRO TIP:
1) Be sure to put all your belongings in a locker at the front on the ride. The lockers open and close with your fingerprint. Make sure you remember your locker number and locker station. I suggest taking a picture of it with your phone. Locker rental is free while you ride.
2) Both rides offer single rider options if you don't mind being split up on the ride.
4. Go in all the shops.
Looking in the shops is half the fun at the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They are all decked out with props that look like they came straight out of the Harry Potter movies! Of course Ollivanders is the bustling want shop and Honeydukes is the candy store, but there is also Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods near the exit of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. If you look in the rafters of this shop you will see all the things Filch collected from the Weasley's. Dervish and Banges is another shop with all kinds of wizarding merchandise including the brooms, robes and our favorite The Monster Book of Monsters.
PROTIP:
1) Remember anything you buy needs to fit in your locker if you want to go on the rides. Wants in their boxes do fit in the lockers.
1) Remember anything you buy needs to fit in your locker if you want to go on the rides. Wants in their boxes do fit in the lockers.
2) Most things sold at the stores at the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter can be purchased for cheaper elsewhere online.
5. Take your time.
Don't be in a hurry during your visit to the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Take time to enjoy the details in the surroundings. Let your kids explore the shops and window displays. Go to the restrooms in Hogsmeade to listen to Moaning Myrtle and dial MAGIC in the red telephone booth outside King's Cross Station. While you're waiting in line pay attention to the details in your surrounds. Enjoy the magic in the air and make it a memorable day!
2 comments
Did you know the wands have a lifetime guarantee? Keep the box. Two of our kids damaged their wands and they gave them a new one! One cast member also told us that this hasn't been officially announced, but he believes the wands will also work in the new park opening in CA
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that. Thanks Bekah!
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