It’s no secret that I’m a lifelong Harry Potter fan. But what truly brings the magic to life for me isn’t just rereading the books or rewatching the movies; it’s stepping into the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando and feeling like I’ve been transported straight into J.K. Rowling’s universe.
From purchasing a wand at Ollivanders to sipping a cold Butterbeer at the Hog’s Head, every moment feels like a dream that never wears off. Being a UOAP, I’ve done these things hundreds, maybe even thousands of times, and somehow it just gets better every single visit.
What keeps it special isn’t just nostalgia; it’s seeing that same magic spark in someone else for the first time. Watching a child wave their wand at Spintwitches and light up when their spell works, when that feather finally lifts after a triumphant “Wingardium Leviosa” almost brings me to tears. And not much ever does. Those moments remind me that the magic of the Wizarding World isn’t confined to pages or screens; it’s alive, tangible, and shared.
I still remember when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter first opened at Islands of Adventure. I was fifteen, and the second I heard about it, I had to go. Thankfully, my mom and aunt made it happen. For my fifteenth birthday, in the middle of a hot Florida summer, we piled into the car—My Mom, aunt, me, my brother, my sister, and my three best friends, and made the two-and-a-half-hour drive from South Florida to Orlando.
Back then, Hogsmeade and Forbidden Journey were the main attractions, but that was more than enough. We waited almost four hours in line, the longest I’ve ever waited for any ride, and I didn’t care one bit. Every step through Hogwarts Castle was mesmerizing: the talking portraits, the classrooms, Dumbledore’s office. It felt like the books had come alive around me. When I finally boarded the ride and soared beside Harry and Ron, my heart was racing. I’ll never forget that first feeling of flying or how it felt to be part of the story. Even now, every time I ride Forbidden Journey, I’m transported back to that day, fifteen, wide-eyed, and completely overcome with excitement.
Over the last fifteen years, I’ve watched the Wizarding World expand into something even more incredible. From Diagon Alley at Universal Studios to Epic Universe’s Ministry of Magic, each new addition deepens the sense of wonder. I’ll never forget the first time I walked through Diagon Alley and saw the dragon atop Gringotts breathe fire. The entire crowd gasped and cheered in unison, a collective “oooh” that gave me chills. I stood there just smiling, realizing how special it was that we get to live in a time where this world exists in real life.
What I love most about the Wizarding World is how it captures the heart of the story, not just the spells or the rides, but the emotion of growing up with something that never stops inspiring you. Every visit, I find something new: a hidden window, a detail I never noticed, a new menu item, or even just a new memory with friends. It’s an experience that never feels repetitive.
Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan like me or just someone who watches the movies around the holidays, you should experience the Wizarding World at least once in your life, though, let’s be honest, once probably won’t be enough. It’s not just a theme park. It’s a feeling, a reminder that magic exists if you know where to look.
After all this time? Always.
Geena
Proud UOAP | Potterhead | Keeper of the Butterbeer Mug
BeyondTheRides 
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