TRAVEL FRONTIER
The Monster Book of Monsters is on display.
9. Nothing compares to the magic of the Hogwarts Castle. Epic at 60m high, it inhabits the most enchanting parts of the Wizarding World. Walk through the dungeon corridors and experience the first mystical moment in front of the Mirror of Erised. You can almost see Lily and James in the reflection, and you will now understand why Harry spent so many nights here alone.
10. A walk past Dumbledore’s office will leave you feeling wiser.
11. The Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom is eerie; you can feel Tom Riddle’s curse. But have no fear, a holographic Harry, Hermione and Ron are here, to talk you through the rest of your visit. It’s like seeing old friends.
12. The Fat Lady’s portrait is as sassy as you might expect and will lead you through the Gryffindor Common Room, where the various paintings are arguing about something that really doesn’t matter, and hello, the paintings are actually talking. Amazing.
13. The walk through the castle leads to the queue for the main ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This is probably the most entertaining “queue” you will ever find yourself in. Forget the fast pass.
14. Inside is the Sorting Hat. I whisper Gryffindor over and over but a part of me knows I may be Slytherin. Harry, I feel you.
15. This ride needs co-ordination, which is something I lack. The floor moves with the seats and the wizards usher you to ‘jump on’ — while the floor is still moving. Good luck.
16. Welcome to the best part. Quidditchinspired 3D goggles on and a good luck message from Hermione appears before being thrown full throttle behind Harry in a Quidditch match. I won’t spoil it, but watch out for the dragon, Dementors and Whomping Willow. Thrilling. After doing this ride three times it only gets better.
17. The Flight of the Hippogriff family rollercoaster is the second ride at Wizarding World, and also Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor coaster.
18. On the way up to the rollercoaster you will see the Care of Magical Creatures grounds, passing Hagrid’s Hut. You can almost hear him saying the immortal words, “You’re a wizard, Harry.” Fang’s booming barks confirm.
19. They aren’t lying when they say ‘family’ rollercoaster. It’s short and sweet, but all the same exhilarating. Definitely Buckbeak approved.
20. All you will drink is Butterbeer. Traditional or frozen. Try both. I had four of each to determine which is better. At the end of the day I realised I had two hands and it didn’t matter that I couldn’t choose.
21. If you’re not into the Butterbeer please leave. Just kidding. There’s Gilly Water, pumpkin juice and pumpkin fizz for the haters.
22. Food glorious food. It’s not the Great GETTING THERE Virgin Australia operates flights to Los Angeles every day, from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. See virginaustralia.com/au/en/ MORE See universalstudioshollywood.com/ harrypotter Hall banquet but the Three Broomsticks has the best of the best. English classics including bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. Don’t forget the Butterbeer potted cream and sticky toffee pudding. Delicious.
23. You must do EVERYTHING. Just walking around Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle is an experience in itself. Completely, literally, spellbinding.
24. Do not try and get through both the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Studios Hollywood in one day. It’s not fair to your feet. It’s also not fair to your inner wizard, who will want to spend the day at Wizarding World.
25. The Sheraton Universal Hotel is known as the “Hotel of the Stars” and situated on Universal Hollywood Drive. Perfect walking distance — eight minutes to be exact. Rooms start at $300 a night.