Want to Become a Kid Again?

Wizards casting spells, superheroes saving civilization, and even minions running amuck.

The Entrance to Universal Studios

Welcome to Universal Studios, a magical place that has the ability to transform your fantasies become reality. Located in Orlando, Florida, just 48 miles away from Disney World, this land allows for children and adults, alike to live out their most wild dreams and make you feel like a kid again.

I recently had the opportunity to explore this wonderland for the first time. On the top of my to-do list was wander through the Harry Potter section of the park. In order to get to the magical Hogwarts, one must pass through a brick wall, separating the muggle (human) and magic worlds.

Walking down Diagon Alley, passing all of the shops and visitors dressed as wizards, makes you feel as if you were transported into the film and are living among Harry, Ron, and Hermione. You can even purchase your own wand, designed after those used in the movies, and perform spells across the parks.

All Aboard the Hogwarts Express!

In order to get from Diagon Alley to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you need to take the Hogwarts Express at platform 9 ¾. The creators of the fantasyland place you into the mindset even further by seeing what one would in the movie when looking out of the train window.

Let me just say one thing about the butterbeer: it did not disappoint.

Enjoying some butterbeer outside of Hogwarts

If the wizarding scene isn’t your vibe, there are sections of the park filled with superheroes, Dr. Seuss, and even water rides. There truly is something for every age and even the pickiest of riders.

If you happen to be in Universal Parks during the spooky season of September through November, you cannot miss out on Halloween Horror Nights. However, if you have young guests with you, this may not be the best late-night spot to take them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEAJkftxdes

From Michael Meyer’s house in Halloween to a Stranger Things Maze to a recreation of Poltergeist, there are countless haunted houses that open their doors every night, giving their guests a frightful welcome.

However, the scares don’t just stop in the numerous houses. On the surrounding streets, there are scare zones, where actors lurk around looking for their next prey to scare.

One of the concierge members of the park says that the fright level is about “7 out of 10 if 10 is your worst nightmare coming alive.”

If you believe that you are a brave soul who can handle a few scares, definitely do not pass up on the Halloween Horror Nights. However, if you feel like you prefer the park more in the daytime, you will still feel the same awe and excitement all around.