6/6/2017
Are you a parent trying to understand what all this Harry Potter stuff is that your kid keeps mentioning? Maybe you yourself are a Harry Potter fan and your Potter-obsessed offspring is by design. Maybe your kid couldn’t care less about Mickey and Minnie, and is only excited about seeing Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry and walking through Diagon Alley on your trip to Orlando – don’t worry, Vacation Pool Homes is here to help. Our goal at Vacation Pool Homes is to make sure your stay in Orlando is full of fun and laughter, so we’re here to break down the ins and outs of a popular Universal Orlando theme park: The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter.
While some kiddos might be more concerned with seeing dinosaurs on the Jurassic Park River adventure or hanging with Homer on The Simpsons Ride at Universal, not your little witch or wizard. Your magical child would much rather be chased by goblins as they escape from the Wizard bank, Gringotts, or soar over Hogwarts and explore Dumbledore’s office. Never fear. Here are some tips for making your child’s dream come true, and letting them feel like they are really part of the Harry Potter universe.
Things To Do In Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade: While the rides at The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter are tons of fun for the whole family, chances are Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade will make your kid feel like a real wizard. In the Harry Potter series, this is where Harry sees other magical people for the first time, where he buys his supplies for school, and where he meets up with other magical friends.
-
Buy A Wand At Ollivander’s: Normally, we would suggest waiting until the end of the day to buy a souvenir, but this one is important. Ollivander’s is the go-to spot for wand-shopping. While you can always grab a wand from the gift shop before you leave, Ollivander’s is the only place for a true wizard experience. After all, “The wand chooses the wizard.” Even if you kid is savvy enough to know that a thousand other identical wands have been produced in a factory, they will bubble with excitement when they feel the magic of their own wand pulse through the room. Also, consider getting an interactive wand that can be used throughout the park to make magic happen.
-
Exchange Money At Gringotts: That’s right, wizards do not use the same type of money that muggles (non-magical folk) use. You can exchange money for official Gringott’s bank notes that can be used pretty much anywhere in the park.
-
Drink Butterbeer: Don’t worry, this isn’t actual beer. Butterbeer is the top wizard beverage of choice – and is basically a butterscotch flavored soda, but better. Try it hot, cold, or frozen depending on the weather.
-
Eat At the Leaky Cauldron: The Leaky Cauldron is a popular pub in the Harry Potter series, and many big events happened there. Treat your kiddo to some traditional pub food, and grab a beer for yourself! It is a pub, after all!
-
Get Candy At Honeydukes: Candy is a BIG DEAL to wizards and witches, and Honeydukes is the place to get it. All the candies and treats seen in the books are available for purchase, from Chocolate Frogs to Fizzing Whizzbees.
-
Be There For The Annual “Celebration Of Harry Potter” Event: This usually takes place between late January and early February – typically during the low season for Vacation Pool Homes, which means our rates are more affordable. It’s a win-win for both parents and kids! The annual celebration includes an exposition hall filled with props and costumes from the movies, wand dueling class, and even actors from the series have been known to show up! Everywhere you look, other fans are dressed up in robes and wizard hats, and it just feels like the most magical time of year for any Harry Potter fan.
While your kiddo might feel most at home at Hogwarts, we want you to feel at home too! That’s why you should stay at a Vacation Pool Home on your visit! Our homes and condos are conveniently located near both Disney World and Universal Orlando, and offer private pools, full kitchens, and free wireless internet to make sure that both parents and kids have a magical experience. Check out our listings today, and contact us for more information about staying in one of our amazing rental properties.
