Fall is a great time to rent an Orlando timeshare in Florida. The summer crowds are gone, the summer heat and humidity are changing to more pleasant temps, and this “off season” can bring savings in airline tickets.
And the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Orlando’s greatly anticipated new attraction which opened in June, has had the summer to work out the kinks and settle in.
Enough visitors have been through the gates of Hogwarts that a good picture of what awaits you at this Harry Potter theme park is now emerging. Here are some of the top “must-do” things at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Part 1.
Sampling the local cuisine
As you enter this theme park you’ll find yourself in the village of Hogsmead. The Three Broomsticks is open for business, and a taste of the butter beer that Harry and his wizard friends are so fond of will set you on the right track. It’s a cream soda/butterscotch sort of concoction, which you can get in collectible souvenir mugs. Remember that pumpkin juice is another wizard-student choice, if you’d prefer.
A quick meal of delicious English dishes at The Three Broomsticks, including fish and chips and Shepard pie, is served with an entertaining flourish from a group of wizards right out of central casting. Be ready to answer questions, though – they’ll be checking you out by inquiring where you live in Hogsmead or how to cast a spell.
You also must stop by Honeydukes (see photo) for the wizard world’s favorite sweets. Here is an endless supply of magical treats, including Ron Weasley’s favorite – chocolate frogs. You’ll be able to join Ron in collecting the Hogwarts house wizard cards that come packaged with this chocolate treat. And haven’t you been really curious about Every Flavour Beans? Well, now is your chance to try some, including salmon, earwax, and dirt.
Shopping
Diagon Alley is a little hard for muggles to get to, so some of its favorite stores now have a branch in Hogsmead. Head to Zonko’s Joke Shop for your pair of extendable ears, an inflatable tongue, or a screaming yo-yo. Dervish and Banges is where you go for your broomsticks, robes and cauldrons. Even Ollivander’s Wand Shop is represented – where your wand chooses you.
When you emerge from Hogwarts Castle after your Forbidden Journey ride, you’ll see Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. You know how devilishly particular Filch is, so here is a good place to pick up things he’s collected such things as Hogwarts house crest pins, Hogwarts house scarves, and even a Golden Snitch or two.
Rent an Orlando Timeshare to Visit the Harry Potter Theme Park – Part 2
(Photo credit community.journel.com)