It’s the third day here at Fort Wilderness Campground but only the second full day of vacation here in Orlando.   Today we are heading back to Universal Studios.  Since doggy daycare was crowded yesterday,  we headed out just a little earlier today to drop the girls off.  This way we thought we would avoid the backup at the counter when checking them in, and we did.

Realizing we were going to be a little early (we didn’t buy the speed pass);  we decided once we got through the gates to go to the Hard Rock Café for breakfast.  It was not crowded at all.  Like every other meal at theme parks in Orlando it was pricier than you would expect;  but it wasn’t terribly overpriced and the food was excellent.

Once we were done with breakfast we started our journey to get over to Diagon Alley.  The only way to Diagon Alley is via the Hogwarts Express, which is located in Universal Studios.  Keep in mind that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located in the “Islands of Adventure Theme Park”.  So you will need a two park pass to see it all.  If you can stay the whole day, and its the “off-season”,  there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to do both parks in one day – but it will be a full day.

The Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express

The ride on the Hogwarts express is amazing, the effects out the train window and the activity outside your cabin door are quite amazing.

Once you get off the train in London, you need to find your way behind the bank to Diagon Alley (it wasn’t easy for us to find it at first).  Once in the alley you will find any number of shops selling everything from beer to wizarding wands.  Don’t forget to drink some Butter Beer when you are roaming the streets and if you prefer regular ale, you can find that in Diagon Alley as well.

Standing on the main street and looking three stories up, you will see the dragon in the video above.  At random times he will begin to make noise and then suddenly blow out an extremely long and powerful burst of fire.   We were down at street level and back a few buildings and I could feel the heat from the flame – impressive.

Don’t forget to ride the “Escape from Gringotts”  It is is one of the best rides at the park; a very entertaining 3D roller coaster experience.

You could probably spend the entire day at Diagon Alley if you wanted to but there is much more to do and see at Universal Studios:

As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, Universal Studios ticket prices are really high – I don’t know how a young family would be able to afford it.  If you do both parks in one day it will be more reasonable than a two-day two park pass.  If you’re a Harry Potter fan it will probably be worth the price either way as it is the most impressive part of Universal Studios.  I am not a Harry Potter fan, but I have to say I am glad we made the trip.

To continue on this trip click here