ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando isn’t just Disney’s kingdom anymore. Universal Orlando Resort, which features two theme parks, offers plenty of adventure and escape that previously was the monopoly of Disney in south Florida. Starting first with its 1990 opening of Universal Studios and nine years later with Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando Resort creates an atmosphere that celebrates the movies and their ever-lasting characters.
Universal CityWalk features numerous restaurants and clubs that will keep the night life going for tourists and Orlando residents. Three on-site hotels allow visitors to stay and never leave the property during their visit. Since 2010, one cannot mention Universal Orlando Resort without uttering the most popular of all adventure destinations on the property ... Harry Potter!The Wizarding World of Harry PotterSquibs and muggles rejoice! The world made famous by J.K. Rowling including Harry, Hermione and Ron is now a popular destination at Universal Orlando Resort.Given the popularity of the Harry Potter books and subsequent movies, the Hogwarts addition to the Universal Theme Park was a no-brainer. Since its grand opening in 2010, Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade Village are the most popular place to be at Universal.
Once visitors emerge from the Port of Entry at the Islands of Adventure Park, Hogwarts castle can be seen on the horizon. The castle is a replica of the famed Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where Harry, Ron and Hermione honed their magical skills. It is also the featured ride at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As Potter fans wind their way inside Hogwarts they encounter portraits of past headmasters who suddenly come to life and talk with guests and their fellow wizards.
Deeper into the castle, Harry, Ron and Hermione make an appearance as visitors file past Gryffindor’s sword and other Hogwarts memorabilia made popular in the books and films. Once on the Forbidden Journey ride, fans experience a raucous ride with Harry, flying behind Harry’s broomstick on yet another adventure. The fast-paced ride includes a visit to the Whomping Willow as well as a brush with a fire-breathing dragon.Down the hill from Hogwarts castle is Hogsmeade. Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy a walk along the cobblestone streets. The snow-capped buildings show the wear of a thousand years as chimneys and walls sag from age.Visitors can eat at the Three Broomsticks tavern, which offers English and American breakfasts and other meals.