Wizarding World of Harry Potter

For Christmas this year, we decided to give the kids a trip to Universal Studios! They are both HUGE Harry Potter fans and we were all anxious to see what the "buzz" was about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We were not disapointed! I guess I should first give a disclaimer that if you are going to Universal expecting Disney, you won't find it there. Universal, while not as big or extravagant, is very fun and offers something different from Disney. We stayed at the Lowes Royal Pacific resort. This is an on-site property at Universal. We loved the resort. The staff was very friendly and helpful. My kids loved that everywhere they went people said, "Aloha". The pool was fantastic and heated(major pluss when going in the winter). There were several restaurants onsite and we are big fans of Emril's. The biggest selling point is that by staying onsite you have early access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We had an entire hour before regular park guests were allowed. Also, there is an Express Lane to every ride, but two, where we were able to walk right on and not wait. This is different from Disney where you have to get a Fast Pass. This is a seperate line. We LOVED this benefit and would not do it any other way!

There are 2 parks at Universal; Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Islands of Adventure hosts the Wizarding World of Happry Potter. You walk in to find yourseld standing in Hogsmeade, complete with snowcapped houses. We loved Olivander's wand shop and the presentation from Olivander himself to match a child fromt he audience with the perfect wand. We drank butterbear every day and ate at Three Broomsticks. The main attraction, The Forbidden Journey is an exciting ride that is not for anyone prone to motion sickness! The best part was the line to wait for the ride wound through Hogwarts Castle, with stops at Dumbledore's office and the Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom. Other higlights at Universal included the Jurrasic park area, Men In Black and the 8th Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show. I think Universal is definately worth a visit. For those going to Disney, it would be a great one day visit to see Harry Potter. It was a perfect long weekend get-a-way in the winter to be somewhere the kids could run around, swim and be outside!