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<\/p>\nDeep down, we all secretly want to step into the life of Harry Potter and get a feel for what it is like to live the life of a wizard. At least, I do! Well, the closest you are going to get to this fantasy life is by visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando. This magical world is nothing short of amazing, and I am already dreaming about when I can make a return!<\/p>\n
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While there are many components to visiting the Harry Potter mother ship, one of the largest aspects is planning<\/strong>. In-depth research and strategy is key in order to have a successful visit here. A few quick starting points to mention:<\/p>\n But do not let the crowds scare you, and do not let the feeling of becoming overwhelmed deter you from visiting this magnificent place! Although the crowds can be frustrating, these are not Dementors. They will not suck the life (or fun) out of you. With the detailed guide, I present you within this blog post, you will be able to handle The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando with confidence!<\/p>\n The absolute best part about my time visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Staying on Universal Studios property<\/a>! Why? Because you get early access to the park! Complete game changer!<\/p>\n There are several Universal Studios’ properties you can stay at. Some of the best reviewed properties include:<\/p>\n Diagon Alley opens at 8:00 am in the morning for hotel guests. That is a complete hour earlier than the parks open to the general public. During this one hour, I was able to capture all the photos I wanted AND ride the two most coveted rides in the lands: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.<\/p>\n In order to accomplish what I did, here is what you have to do! Arrive at your hotel bus stop at 6:50 in the morning, as the first bus arrives at 7:00 in the morning. The amount of time it takes the bus to drive to City Walk, drop you off, for you to walk through City Walk, and get to the front gates\u2026 It will most likely be around 7:30 in the morning. This lets you get to the front of the line and just relax before the gates open. If you are lucky, Universal will open the gates a few minutes early. They let me in ten minutes before the early hours officially started!<\/p>\n Then walk quickly (DO NOT RUN) back to Diagon Alley! Once you arrive in Diagon Alley<\/a>, head to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. This should essentially be a walk-on or less than fifteen-minute wait. After this ride, walk around and take some glorious photos! Glorious because no one will be in the background of your photos. This is such a dream! Also, during this time, if you have an interactive wand, work on perfecting your spells. I will talk more about the interactive wands later on!<\/p>\n Now, get in line to hop on the Hogwarts Express, which will take you over to Hogsmeade<\/a>. Since Hogsmeade does not open until 9:00 in the morning, you honestly cannot get there any earlier. But get in line for the Hogwarts Express at about 8:40 in the morning, and you will literally be stepping off the train into Hogsmeade at 9:00 on the dot! Then make a beeline to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey for essentially another walk on or fifteen minute time wait.<\/p>\n There you have it. All of that can be accomplished within one hour! And I am living proof that it works because I personally just did it.<\/p>\n The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is all about the details. And without doing your research in advance, you would never know these little, magical extras existed.<\/p>\n Whether you pay your respects to The Dark Lord or not, you must wander down Knockturn Alley. It is quite chilling and makes me never want to run into he who must not be named.<\/p>\n If you are feeling a little too dark after your time in Knockturn Alley, then head to the nearest phone booth to give the Ministry of Magic a ring! The red phone booth outside of Diagon Alley is what you need to be on the lookout for.<\/p>\n When you are done chatting it up with the Ministry of Magic, head a few feet over to the Knight Bus. Do not forget to talk to the shrunken head and the Knight Bus driver!<\/p>\n Thinking of some loved ones back home? Send them a little Harry Potter love via the Owl Post<\/a>! You can purchase Harry Potter themed postcards and stamps and have an owl whisk away your sentimental thoughts across the world.<\/p>\n Having some apprehension about using your Muggle money throughout Diagon Alley? Do not fear! The Gringotts money exchange is here for you. Get rid of your Muggle money and receive Gringotts bank notes instead, which you can use to purchase all sorts of wizarding goods!<\/p>\n\n
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<\/p>\nSTAY ON UNIVERSAL PROPERTY<\/h3>\n
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EARLY ENTRANCE TO THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER ORLANDO<\/h3>\n
HOW TO PLAN YOUR MORNING<\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nIT IS ALL ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS<\/h3>\n
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