No need to use the Rennervate Spell this Christmas..update 5/11

[-Hope-]

I love your TR so far! I'm curious about your research, especially concerning the windows and details relating to WWoHP- did you find most of the info her on the DIS or do you recommend a particular book or website? TIA

 

[momabaarjo]

I love your TR so far! I'm curious about your research, especially concerning the windows and details relating to WWoHP- did you find most of the info her on the DIS or do you recommend a particular book or website? TIA

For knowing the layout and basic informarion I relied on personal experience from my trip in June 2010 when the "island" opened...that gave me a heads up about traffic and crowd patterns, etc. To really get all the details and everything WWofHP had to offer...tips and such I searched the DIS boards as well as the passporter boards and gained a lot of inside informtion. There was a couple of websites I used...

http://www.wizardingworldharrypotter.com/
http://wizardingworldpark.com/

I also gained a lot of information about not only WWofHP but IOA and USO from the book, and I highly recommend it!

Universal Orlando 2012: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure
by Seth Kubersky​

 

[-Hope-]

For knowing the layout and basic informarion I relied on personal experience from my trip in June 2010 when the "island" opened...that gave me a heads up about traffic and crowd patterns, etc. To really get all the details and everything WWofHP had to offer...tips and such I searched the DIS boards as well as the passporter boards and gained a lot of inside informtion. There was a couple of websites I used...

http://www.wizardingworldharrypotter.com/
http://wizardingworldpark.com/

I also gained a lot of information about not only WWofHP but IOA and USO from the book, and I highly recommend it!

Universal Orlando 2012: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure
by Seth Kubersky​

Thank you! I've been trying to decide which guide book to buy. (all of mine are exclusively Disney, lol)

 

[momabaarjo]

"Remember, these visits to Hogsmeade village are a privilege..."
(from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)​

Finally, Jeff emerges from his visit with Moaning Myrtle and we all agree that he is looking much better and off we are to explore the rest of Hogsmeade before breakfast. The kids quickly try to catch Jeff up on all that he has missed in the store windows during his 15+ minute visit with Myrtle. I kid you not it was that long, if not longer. So let's continue our tour of Hogsmeade.
Just past Neeps is this guy...

I have no idea what he is doing in Hogsmeade! For the life of us none of us can ever recall from books or movies a snowman, but since he is wearing a Gryffindor scarf we decide he can stay! Across the cobblestone street is the Tri Wizard Pep Rally area...

I forgot to get a map (can you blame me, hey it was 7:00 am when we passed the map cart in the mad dash for WWofHP) for showtimes so we figure we will come back later when there is a show going on. Before getting to Olivanders (and the out of control line, which says 90 minute wait) you come to more fake store fronts on this side of the street…Tomes and Scrolls and Spintwitches.

Tomes and Scrolls was a specialist bookshop in Hogsmeade. It was established in 1768.

Spintwitches was a shop in Hogsmeade that sold sporting goods.

As we make our way back down the cobblestone street the kids spy a growing line that they know they just have to get in (and I must say I agree)....

 

[momabaarjo]

Thank you! I've been trying to decide which guide book to buy. (all of mine are exclusively Disney, lol)

I so understand the Disney collection...I added a new one to mine last week on Disney Cruises... I also used Unofficial Guide to WDW (it has a section near the back on USO...as well as touring plans for USO/IOA).

My biggest tip about USO/IOA is if you are going during a holiday seaon or summer...or anytime that is large crowds STAY ONSITE! The early entry into WWofHP as well as the Express pass are worth the little extra to stay at one of the 3 hotels!

 

[natebenma]

For knowing the layout and basic informarion I relied on personal experience from my trip in June 2010 when the "island" opened...that gave me a heads up about traffic and crowd patterns, etc. To really get all the details and everything WWofHP had to offer...tips and such I searched the DIS boards as well as the passporter boards and gained a lot of inside informtion. There was a couple of websites I used...

http://www.wizardingworldharrypotter.com/
http://wizardingworldpark.com/

I also gained a lot of information about not only WWofHP but IOA and USO from the book, and I highly recommend it!

Universal Orlando 2012: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure
by Seth Kubersky​

Thank you! I've been trying to decide which guide book to buy. (all of mine are exclusively Disney, lol)

I'll second the recommendation on the Universal Orlando Ultimate Guide. It was extremely useful in helping me plan our trip last summer.

 

[natebenma]

Glad you said that about the snowman. I didn't really know any connection to the books or movies.

 

[momabaarjo]

Glad you said that about the snowman. I didn't really know any connection to the books or movies.

I remember reading somewhere in the Orlando Sential on Opening Weekend about the connections between the book, movie and attraction and it too pointed out that the snowman was out of place...but if you think about JK description of Hogsmeade the first time it appears in the books you understand the theming of Hogsmeade!

"Hogsmeade looked like a Christmas card; the little thatched cottages and shops were all covered in a layer of crisp snow; there were holly wreaths on the doors and strings of enchanted candles hanging in the trees." ​

Here is a PDF verision of that article...

http://media.trb.com/media/acrobat/2010-06/54437714.pdf

And the actual weblink

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trav...universe-comparison-062010,0,6767161.htmlpage

 

[momabaarjo]

A Round of Butter Beer for All​

Before we get into the line the kids are early waiting for we pass by the next set of store fronts and windows, that of Dogweed and Deathcap...

Dogwoods" are a genus of around forty species of mostly deciduous woody plants growing as shrubs and trees. "Deathcaps" are a poisonous fungus that can be lethal if ingested.​

After exploring these windows, next up is The Hogs Head Tavern and the Butter Beer Cart...

where dad feeling a little better orders a round of Butter Beer for all (all but him, since his stomach is still flying with Harry above Hogwart’s somewhere ).

Jeff gets 2 frozen and 2 regular for us to try. We opted not to get the souvenir mugs (since back at home each of the kids already had one that I had brought back to them and because I did not want to carry them the rest of the day).

The mugs are cute and make a nice memory of WWofHP so I suggest getting one! We find a nice place to sit near Hogs Head Tavern to enjoy our treat. The number 1 question in all of Hogsmeade…Frozen or Regular?

The kids all decide that frozen is the way to go.

​

Personally, love them both and am addicted to the butterscotch foam and the cream soda type drink especially when the weather is HOT…however, drinking Butter Beer in December makes one even colder, I sure wish that sun would come out (considering we have now been at IOA now for almost 3 hours one tends to think that it is afternoon). We might all be shivering, but we are sure enjoying this treat! Jeff thinks it is too sweet (such blasmy), for which he gets the evil eyes from his Pot-head children and told to get in the Tri Wizard Spirit. Not wanting to sit still for long, the kids decide it is time to move on and check out…

 

[jcc0621]

I am loving this report. It is really getting my excited for our trip! I can't wait

 

[natebenma]

We definitely preferred the frozen butterbeer. In July, it was very refreshing!

 

[momabaarjo]

Not Platform 9 3/4...But Still Cool

​

I felt like Molly Weasley trying to get pictures of Goo and Boo in front of Hogwart's Express...

Molly Weasley: [looks at Fred, hoping to get him onto platform 9 3/4] Fred, you next.
George Weasley: He's not Fred, I am!
Fred Weasley: Honestly, woman. You call yourself our mother.
Molly Weasley: [to Fred] Oh, I'm sorry, George.
Fred Weasley: [approaches the barrier] I'm only joking, I am Fred!
[runs through the barrier]​

I am not Boo, he is Boo I am Goo..on so on for a simple picture! Don't you just love those mom moments where you have to run down the entire list of your children and finally the last name is the one you needed!? As you can see my children were not that cooperative in yet another pictures...this is the best one I had...

The Hogwarts Express is the name of the train that makes a run between London, King's Cross Station Platform 9¾ and Hogsmeade Station. It makes this run at about six times a year, and probably more often than that, as needed. It carries students to Hogwarts Castle at the start and end of every term. The train leaves Platform 9¾ without fail on 1 September at 11 o'clock in the morning, arriving at Hogsmeade Station in the early evening. Most students take the train back to King's Cross Station to go home for the Christmas and Easter holidays. It also makes the run back again to London at the end of term in June.

The only thing in Hogsmeade station are those EVIL Universal Lockers that make those who use them act just like He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named!
I really wish that the Hogwart's Express was an actual working train, it would add so much to the whole area! Rumor has it that if the expansion of WWofHP does take the place of Jaws in neighboring USO then possibly the train will become working and take muggles from Kings Crossing in London (Location of Platform 9 3/4) to Hogsmeade.

"Don't talk rubbish," said Uncle Vernon. "There is no platform nine and three-quarters."​

Across from the Hogwart's Boo spies where he has been wanting to go...

 

[natebenma]

We didn't go into Hogsmeade Station. Are those the free timed lockers in there or are they unlimited-pay lockers?

I'm still loving all of your incredible details and pictures and background.

Fantastic report!

Are you going to take us into some shops, now???

 

[momabaarjo]

We didn't go into Hogsmeade Station. Are those the free timed lockers in there or are they unlimited-pay lockers?

I'm still loving all of your incredible details and pictures and background.

Fantastic report!

Are you going to take us into some shops, now???

UNIVERSAL LOCKER TIPS

The lockers in the station are for those riding the Dueling Dragons. They are free for about the wait time+30 minutes of the ride...otherwise they are EXPENSIVE.

My suggestion is to avoid the lockers at all cost...especially those found at the entrance of Hogwart's castle...because there are about a biizllion people all trying to use the lockers. Universal HATES carry on items and really with thse lockers makes that point loud and clear. If you can do not carry a backback or large bag into the park on the days you are there (if you are doing child swap then you can avoid lockers and just swap bags as you swap places). My camera has a neck strap and not a large extending lense so I could safely tuck it into my shirt when time for the ride came. Then I made sure someone had a deep pocket with a button and put my phone in it. Trust me one of my PTR followers also when to USO over Christmas and she did not heed warnings and lost her iphone on one of the rides...she did get it back about a month later when they were doing maintance on the ride...but it was broken. Ab had a small over the side bag...and we used that for tickets and money. I have heard that small fanny packs are allowed, although that seems to be hit or miss...if you can tuck it into your clothing then they really do not say anything.

If you do the lockers...make sure that you type into your phone the number of the locker and carry your phone with you. Trust me, I have seen a million people forget their locker number and it is a HUGE pain...you think you will remember but that is not always the case.

Then make sure that you have a credit card or atlease $10 on you in case you go over time...can't open your locker if the money is inside (learned that the hard way).

There are locker attendants there to help you...but they are usually being yelled at by some park goer ...I so would never want their job! Then should you get their help the paperwork needed to fill out to get them to open the lockers is crazy.

So bottom line...avoid the evil things!

 

[momabaarjo]

I am loving this report. It is really getting my excited for our trip! I can't wait

Glad you are enjoying it...I love the dark side of Orlando!

We definitely preferred the frozen butterbeer. In July, it was very refreshing!

Oh, what I would give to have one right about now and be in Hogsmeade!

 

[natebenma]

I'll add my experience and tips. Hope you don't mind...

I wore a fanny pack during our trip and never had an issue. My point and shoot camera fit inside the bag, so I always had that with me.

The only time we had to use the lockers was on Men In Black at US because we had purchased a souvenir butter beer mug one afternoon.

Don't forget to pack a few ziplock bags to keep your phone/camera dry if you are going to go on some of the water rides (RipSaw, Bilge Rat Raft, Jurassic Park River Adventure)

 

[momabaarjo]

Jokes & Sweets…A Boy’s 2 Favorite Things: Part 1​

Directly across from the Hogwart’s Express are the 2 shops (yes, actual shops) that Boo has been dying to get into…a joke shop and a candy shop. For any tween boy, a heavenly combination!

Zonko's Joke Shop was a favorite place for Hogwarts students to shop on Hogsmeade trips as it carried "jokes and tricks to fulfill even Fred and George Weasley's wildest dreams." Such products were Dungbombs, Hiccough Sweets, Frog Spawn Soap, Sugar Quills and Nose-Biting Teacups.

The boys had a really good time exploring all the tricks and jokes. I have to say that I am pretty impressed with the selection inside this (and all the gift shops in WWofHP)…the selection of items to purchase are not those kinds of things that you would find in a Toys R Us or a discount store, but really original good quality merchandise (and with the price tag to match) and the packaging is so much fun. JK again took control of what would/could be sold in WWofHP as far as merchandise and products. Again that creative control really adds to bringing HP to life. The boys really did not find anything they could not live without for the time being…which really surprised me considering Boo loves to waste money on stuff without thinking. Adjoined to Zonkos is…

​

​

 

[momabaarjo]

I'll add my experience and tips. Hope you don't mind...

I wore a fanny pack during our trip and never had an issue. My point and shoot camera fit inside the bag, so I always had that with me.

The only time we had to use the lockers was on Men In Black at US because we had purchased a souvenir butter beer mug one afternoon.

Don't forget to pack a few ziplock bags to keep your phone/camera dry if you are going to go on some of the water rides (RipSaw, Bilge Rat Raft, Jurassic Park River Adventure)

I second the need for a ziplock bag...because wait and see later in this day what happens on Toon Island!

The fanny pack is a hit or miss thing, we saw people wearing them on the ride, we saw the ride attendants get upset in the loading area, and we saw attendents stopping people at the lockers...

 

[natebenma]

Great pictures of Zonkos! We did not spend much time inside the shops- it was way too crowded whenever we tried to go in. What time is it now? Around 9?

From what you have shown and described, the theming is just incredible and detailed, but I just couldn't get my group to focus on the shops instead of the rides.

Looking forward to Honeydukes. Me thinks you may be parting with some $$$ there...

 

[momabaarjo]

Great pictures of Zonkos! We did not spend much time inside the shops- it was way too crowded whenever we tried to go in. What time is it now? Around 9?

You have a good sense of time...yes it is close to 9 am now...Just like the rides in HP you have to do them early or you wait in line to just get inside the store. It was so nice to shop without having a ton of people in the way!

From what you have shown and described, the theming is just incredible and detailed, but I just couldn't get my group to focus on the shops instead of the rides.

I love both the rides and the shops...I am not sure which I like better...and that is saying something because I HATE TO SHOP!

Looking forward to Honeydukes. Me thinks you may be parting with some $$$ there...

Hmmm...lets see if the $$$ is spent!