Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade

Universal's Islands of Adventure

When we got to Hogsmeade via the Hogwart’s Express, we decided to finish all the rides first before breakfast and browsing. 

Hogsmeade at Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal IOA

 We first went on the Dragon Challenge while DD#2 stayed behind with Grandma. She did not make the height requirement. I had my eyes closed the moment the ride moved as I saw from the outside that the coaster took you sideways, upside down and all other ways! DD#1, meanwhile, had the most awesome time!

Dragon Challenge ride at Wizarding World of Harry Potter--look for the Triwizard Cup within!

A few minutes after I got my bearings back, we went to the Forbidden Journey ride. I have to say that waiting in line for this (although at that time it was only 15 minutes) was not bad at all. We were going through Hogwart’s Castle and there were so many things to look at while you were there. It did not feel like being in a line but more like being inside a museum with rails to guide you where to go. There were talking and moving paintings and newspapers, the sorting hat was there, and Harry, Hermione and Ron also made an appearance.

Now, am not sure if it was the Dragon Challenge or Forbidden Journey which made me a bit queasy as both turned me around and around! But the ride left me a bit shaky for a while. Forbidden Journey simulated being on a broom through a Quidditch match, among other things. Still, it was a good ride and worth the wait.

Hogwarts Castle: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Universal Islands of Adventure

The last ride at Hogsmeade was the Flight of the Hippogriff, which had one of the longer waits so far. I think it is most likely because it was the ride with the lowest height requirement (38”). As we were outside, there was nothing much to keep us entertained in the line except for the occasional barking from Fang by Hagrid’s hut. It would have been fine if we missed this.

By now, we were quite ready for breakfast. So, we headed over to 3 broomsticks and got some pancakes and bacon. 

Three Broomsticks at Hogsmeade: Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Universal IOA

We were just a few minutes early for lunch which would have been a better deal than our $15 pancakes, but we were already hungry. We also got some butterbeer (we skipped the pumpkin juice) and it was just delish! Now, am on a quest to discover the recipe! 

Cold Butterbeer (minus the souvenir cup)

Pumpkin Juice at Hogsmeade

You can also buy Gilly Water at Hogsmeade: Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The rustic tavern seemed so authentic with so much attention to detail that I would not be surprised if we saw Harry and his friends over in one of the tables!

We caught a show from the Triwizard tournament teams (a Spirit Rally) of Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy. Then, the girls giggled with delight as they ate Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans we got from Honeydukes. They tried black pepper and soap and DD#1 swears she took a bite of earwax! I lucked out and got some lime and cherry when I tried these.

Check out Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans at Honeydukes

Hogsmeade: Wizarding World of Harry Potter

We exited the world of Harry Potter to check out the rest of Islands of Adventure. First, we went to Jurassic Park River Adventure which we all enjoyed. The girls wanted to try the Pteranodon Flyers also in the Jurassic area so they lined up. As this was a kids’ ride, Hubby and I could not go. The girls were quite disappointed with the ride as the line-up was too long for such a short ride. This one we should have skipped.

We took lots of photos at Toon Lagoon. We wanted to try the Dudley-Do’s Ripsaw Falls but the wait time was over an hour.

Toon Lagoon: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Our new strategy for Universal was to take the Single Rider line as much as we can. Good thing DD#2 was big enough to know to wait by the exit for the rest of us. As we used the Single Rider line, we were able to ride the Amazing Adventures of SpiderMan. At Incredible Hulk CoasterDD#1, though, and Hubby abandoned the Single Rider line as it was just taking too long.  We had some pizza instead at Café 4 and later got some photos with Storm and Rogue (from Xmen).

Spotted Spidey in Marvel Super Hero Islands

We breezed through the Lost Continent, though, if you have the chance, check out Poseidon’s Fury. 

Poseidon's Fury at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Because we love the Cat in the Hat, we lined up for this while Grandma browsed the stores.  I totally loved this area with a Green Eggs and Ham restaurant, Truffula trees outside, and so many other classic scenes and characters from our fave Dr Seuss’ books!

Green Eggs and Ham at Seuss' Landing

Then, we were back at Hogsmeade and waited 40 minutes in line to get back to Diagon Alley. We really could have walked but did not want to go back all the way to the entrance. Good thing, the trip at the Hogwart’s Express to King’s station did not have dementors this time, but a different scene. At least we saw something new. There was a different scenery by the window showing how we were getting into London and with the Hogwart’s students peeking through our cabin. We were totally immersed in Harry Potter’s world and loved every minute of it!

The Hogwarts Express

What did the girls do a day after getting back home? Well, watch Harry Potter, of course! This trip was really one for the books!