Last night, we had the opportunity to attend the VIP Grand Opening Celebration for the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter park at Universal Orlando (this is where we got the wand that we’re giving away — it was included in the invitation for this exclusive event and we weren’t allowed to discuss it).
It was AMAZING! Characters moved about the streets of Hogsmeade in costumes used in the Harry Potter movies, butterbeer and pumpkin juice flowed from the taps, actors from the Harry Potter movies explored the village, and we sampled all of the food that will be served in the new park.
The characters roaming the streets made you truly feel you had entered into the world of Harry Potter. They had conversations in Zonko’s Joke Shop about the latest news, milled about in Three Broomsticks waiting for an empty table, and admired the wares in the windows of the shops lining the street. I noticed one in particular that appeared to float down the street, rather than walk. They were remarkable.
I tried the butterbeer (again) and the pumpkin juice. Both very sweet! The pumpkin juice had a hint of cinnamon and vanilla and reminded me of a holiday drink. I tried butterbeer frozen, this time and it’s much sweeter than the cold version and doesn’t have as much of a foamy head.
The selection of food seemed endless and all themed to the story. Toad in a hole, shepherd’s pie, cornish pastries, scotch eggs, pastrami smoked salmon, and scotch pie were just some of the many samples available. All the food and drinks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter were approved by JK Rowling, herself!
The celebration culminated with a presentation from Universal Orlando that included entertainment by the Hogwart’s Frog Choir and the actors from the Harry Potter movies!
See more of our photos from the event on our Flickr set.
Book your Harry Potter and Universal Orlando package or theme park tickets today!