“Riddikulus with Elise & Sydney” is a column about the Harry Potter series. A new column is posted every other Wednesday. Columns may contain spoilers.

Readers often dream of entering the fictional worlds created by their favorite authors. For Harry Potter fans, this dream can be made a reality.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Universal Studios Orlando’s newest attraction, built to resemble the world created by J.K. Rowling in her famous Harry Potter series.

Despite the five-and-a-half-hour plane trip to Florida and the threat of crowds and two-hour lines, I set off to experience the realm I have been dreaming of for the last two years. After anticipating the trip for nearly five months, I was excited — to say the least.

Even though I arrived at the park 15 minutes after its opening, I still had to wait in line for about half an hour to enter the Wizarding section of the park. The line moved fairly quickly, making the wait easier.

As I entered the park I was greeted by a group of buildings with snow-covered roofs built to resemble Hogsmeade Village, a wizarding community near Hogwarts. To the left of the village stood a magnificent castle, Hogwarts.

Being the avid fan that I am, I was unsure where to begin. I decided to start the day off with the drink that characters themselves consume upon every visit to Hogsmeade: butterbeer.

Butterbeer was exactly what I expected. I can only describe it as the best parts of cream soda, butterscotch and vanilla ice cream. The drink was served chilled or frozen, topped with a vanilla foam.

After this, I decided to get in line for “The Forbidden Journey,” an exciting ride meant to simulate the experience of flying. The line to participate in the ride was almost as exciting as the ride itself.

Riders walk through the castle and see various sights — including the greenhouse, talking portraits, the headmaster’s office and the house point counters — that are referred to in the books.

The attraction takes riders on an incredible journey through Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest. Riders escape from a dragon, fly about the whomping willow and trail Harry on the Quidditch field. The ride was so incredible that I returned for a second ride.

While the rides were definitely a highlight, the park’s atmosphere was the best part. All of the workers were dressed in wizarding attire appropriate for their specific job. Whether they were dressed as Hogwarts students or average wizards, none of the workers were dressed in muggle garb.

One of the most exciting aspects of the park was the shops. Venues described in the books are brought to life in the park. Visitors can pop into Ollivander’s and buy a wand, Honeydukes for some candy, or Dervish and Bangs for authentic wizarding attire.

Because the park is still new, there is a line just to enter the stores. Once in the store, expect to swarmed by other muggles looking for a magical souvenir. Despite the crowds, the souvenirs are well worth the hassle.

My experience in the wizarding world was magical, to say the least. It was definitely the highlight of my week-long vacation in Florida. Even though I was only just there, I cannot wait to return.

For the previous installment, read the Dec. 15 column, Riddikulus with Elise & Sydney: Redemption.

Tweet