Winter-Weary Hopkinton Muggles Visit Universal Studios

Over February vacation week, our Hopkinton family, along with many others from New England, were able to escape the icy grip of winter and immerse ourselves in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.

Stepping off of the plane into the bright sunshine in Orlando, a sense of relief and exhilaration washed over us. We sprinted towards our car rental.

Of the dizzying array of hotels to choose from, we stayed at the Swan Hotel, located just outside the Walt Disney attractions. The hotel is a stone's throw from the Disney Boardwalk, which is peppered with restaurants, shops, and a water taxi which takes visitors to and from the parks.

Swan hotel guests are allowed to use the amenities of its sister hotel, called the Dolphin, which include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a sandy beach area complete with volleyball nets, perfect for snow-bound, couped-up kids!

We decided to visit Island Adventures at Universal Studios first, which was a 20-minute drive from our hotel. We were wisely advised to "get there early" to reduce the wait times for rides. And they weren't kidding!

Along with hordes of other people, we weaved our way into the streets of Hogsmeade, strolled by Three Broomsticks, and ran towards the towering Hogwarts Castle.

The Hogwarts Castle is the best place to start, as it has the longest wait times, (we were told this by an astute 9-year old boy with a Mickey Mouse hat we encountered outside the Three Broomsticks.)  Hint: There are no "fast passes" for this ride. 

Children and adults stared in amazement as we were led through the Hogwarts Castle filled with passageways, classrooms, corridors, and onto the heart-palpitating ride.

Fortunately, we were able to purchase Harry Potter wands right outside the castle instead of waiting 1-hour at least, to buy wands at Ollivanders.

The butterbeer was delicious, and the other attractions including the Dragon Challenge and the Flight Of The Hippogriff were incredible. (Note to self: Do not  drink butter beer before  riding the Dragon Challenge. (Editor's note: or watching the linked You Tube video - not Lisa's family.)

Over the next day-and-a-half, we visited the attractions at Universal, which featured The Simpsons, Jaws, The Mummy, Toon Lagoon (on which you will get soaked) and the Hollywood Rip Rocket roller coaster ride.

 The Rip Rocket ride is not for the faint of heart as it sends people straight up a 150-foot tower,  hurtles them down at the speed of sound to the bottom, and through a maze of corkscrews.  The only thing to be heard is the blood-curdling screams of riders spiralling across the sky. (Meanwhile, I was watching the movie Shrek.)

Our family enjoyed our trip to Universal Studios, but our family favorite was most definitely The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Suggestions for Visiting Universal and Island Adventures

1. Buy park passes before you arrive. Many hotels sell passes and feature "fast passes" as a part of their package. Check with hotel before you book.

2. Place backpacks, purses, and valuables in a locker when you arrive at the park. Park guests are not allowed to bring backpacks or purses on most of the rides. (Each ride has lockers, but it is time-consuming and can be crowded trying to remove articles outside of each ride.)

3. Arrive early and start at the back of the park, then work your way forward to less popular rides and attractions. Check with your hotel to see if you can arrive at the park one hour early.

4. Valet service is provided at Universal for $25 per day, the same amount you pay to park and walk (a great time- and leg-saver).

5. You can buy Harry Potter wands outside of Hogwarts Castle (good selection and time saver).

6. Beware of signs that say, "You may get wet on this ride." Translation: You will get soaked.

7. Apply lots of sunscreen and enjoy!