We visited the new Wizarding World Of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood WHO WANTS TO TOUCH US? You can see our video and read all about it here.
Here are seven things that will have you yearning to hop on your broomstick to make the journey yourself. (What, not using floo powder?)
1. Zonko's joke shop
We all have a bit of weirdo in us, which is probably why we loved Zonko's so much. This joke shop is home to many strange and wonderful gifts including a pair of Extendable Ears, a Screaming Yo-Yo and even some of the Weasley brothers' U-NO-POO.
2. The Forbidden Journey
Have you ever felt like you're actually flying, falling and swooping through the air while being chased by a dragon? Well, we have and it's AMAZING. With the use of 3D glasses and some awesome effects, The Forbidden Journey transports you into the world of Harry Potter. The 4D technology means you can't tell how big the drops are going to be, or how big they actually are but this is one intense experience that makes you feel like you could be falling for miles.
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3. Honeydukes
An easy choice for us: who doesn't love sweets? But this is no ordinary sweet shop. This amazing spot has every kind of magical sweet you could wish for, all wrapped up in awesome packaging. The Chocolate Frogs are boxed to replicate exactly what we see in the film and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans mean you can now try delicious vomit, earwax and dirt – just what you've always wanted.
4. The Weather
Don't you just hate it when you plan a fun day at a theme park and you find yourselves stuck outside in the cold and rain wearing nothing but shorts and a t-shirt? Well, The Wizarding World is in sunny Los Angeles, where sunshine is mandatory. The closest you'll get to unexpected shivery weather is the fake snow and icicles hanging off the buildings.
5. The Owl Poo
Bear with us. This is no cheap attraction – the park has been built to feel like you're walking in the world of Harry Potter. That means everything has been aged to make it feel like it's been there for decades and the attention to detail is incredible, right down to the cobwebs inside the buildings and fake owl poo on the floor.
6. The Staff
The staff in The Wizarding World could better be described as actors, and their Harry Potter knowledge is down to a T. Whether it's the "students" who direct you into Hogwarts castle or the Wizards lending a helping hand around the park, each and every one of them talk to you in character.
7. Hidden Treasures
Sorry to get your hopes up: not actual treasure. There are several props from the actual Potter film sets scattered around the park. You'll spot Hagrid's bike outside his hut, school desks in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and the luggage racks and seat fabric on the Hogwarts Express train are originals. These are all blended in to add to that authentic feel, so if you want to spot them all you'll have to do your research…
