Orlando 40th Birthday Trip 2025 - PART 2
Updated: Jun 22, 2025
Staying at Universal, visiting Orlando's Theme Parks,
relaxing in the Water Parks and animal sightseeing!
Universal and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The hotel I had chosen primarily for its proximity to Universal, so I was prepared for its party vibe at times, and after all if you’re doing a trip like this, you want to be in the thick of the action!
After a pretty decent night’s sleep, I made my to the lobby area, already passing by a Universal store within the hotel, a Starbucks and food market with several mainly unhealthy options of traditional American fare of Pizzas, Burgers and Chicken Tenders, although a few colder sandwich and salad options.
Just outside the entrance, the free Universal shuttle took me the short 10 minute journey to the Universal parks, or more specifically CityWalk, the restaurant and entertainment hub adjoining the parks.
So, onto the main event, the first go-to for most people being all things Harry Potter, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint with the theming and environment that has been created. Once I had processed my 14-day pass, I headed through the Universal Studios Florida arch and down an array of superhero buildings arranged like part of a giant film set street (which I would be exploring later) to beat the queues and board the Hogwarts Express from an astonishing replica of Kings Cross Station and its neighbouring buildings!
This features a great piece of trickery from Universal, in the illusion of people disappearing through the wall at Platform 9 3/4! It was also pleasantly cool in this area, perhaps emulating London, a welcome retreat from constant 35 degree plus temperatures throughout this trip.
The scene is set as the Hogwarts Express pulls into the mock-up station complete with steam effects, all the while an animated Hedwig and everyone marvelling at the sight.
A virtual screen illustrates the journey to the other park within your carriage, and there are a number of cool effects including with dementors, a fun, immersive experience which typifies a lot of the cinematic production you get with rides at Universal. They are putting on a show, and no detail is overlooked.
The attention to detail is even more apparent when you arrive at Hogsmeade station, and the village community atmosphere it creates is constantly buzzing. Every shop from the books, The Three Broomsticks restaurant and a place to get Butterbeer (a butterscotch drink that wasn’t half as sickly as I’d imagined). Some kids and even adults were casting spells to move book displays or activate a magical creature. For once, they weren’t on their phones, as there was endless entertainment to be had in this area, even in just watching everything going on. This world also features Hagrid’s ride, where you can board his motorbike or sidecar on a madcap journey with plenty of surprises.
As you exit the other side of Hogsmeade, Hogswart Castle looms large, and is such a feat of precision and intricate construction. Visually stunning, it almost seems impossible to achieve something of this scale and accuracy. There is a ride that takes place within the castle, fusing elements from the film with the environment, which is also a strong basis for the ride within Gringott’s Bank in Diagon Alley. Another family ride takes place in the castle grounds, which is a great social experience.
I would spend a lot of time in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley during the trip, as it had such a great vibe, particularly the latter at night with the lights on giving an almost Victorian era vibe. Many watched in wonder as the dragon breathed fire. It really is the little bits of attention to detail that makes Universal truly great!
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