There’s no place more magical than the fictional world created in J.K. Rowling’s series of “Harry Potter” books, and the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Hollywood, Ca., is an absolutely spectacular re-creation of everything a true fan could ever dream to experience.
From the incredible hyper-realistic 3D-HD roller coaster in which you zoom through Hogwarts castle, to the delicious butterbeer served in Hogsmeade, to the unique experience of picking out your own wand at Ollivanders, there’s something to make every muggle squeal with excitement.
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With eight retail stores, two major rides and numerous food options, it’s easy to get lost in the magical world. Zap2it attended the grand opening of the new theme park, and we’re sharing with you the Top 10 secrets that will guarantee the best possible day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Los Angeles.
![The Top 10 secrets for the ultimate day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood Hogwarts at Wizarding World of Harry Potter in LA]()
1.Do not leave your wand at home
Not that you would head to Hogwarts without a wand, but if you don’t have one, make sure one of your first stops is at Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley. Each wand comes with a map that reveals certain places throughout the park in which the wands actually work. By pointing and saying specific spells, things magically begin to move and appear.
![The Top 10 secrets for the ultimate day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood Ollivanders Wand Shop]()
2. Even going to the bathroom is fun
After drinking too much butterbeer, make sure to listen for the lurking ghost Moaning Murtle, who can be heard while in the lavatory.
![The Top 10 secrets for the ultimate day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood Moaning Myrtle]()
3. He Who Must No Be Named
Mention Voldemort’s name around any of the buzzing Wizarding World employees and just see what happens.
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4. Waiting in line for the Forbidden Journey roller coaster doesn’t suck
The route to the roller coaster takes guests through the halls of Hogwarts, and 3-D holograms of Harry, Ron and Hermione keep the wait much more bearable. Here’s a gallery of things you will see before fighting the Dark Lord and playing Quidditch in the sky on the interactive shriek inducing ride.
5. The Owl Post is real
If you want to make friends jealous, stop to send them mail from The Owl Post. The envelope will be delivered to recipients as having come from Hogsmeade. Just be careful! There’s (fake) poop that drops from the ceilings.
6. The Hogs Head Pub serves booze
Sure, butterbeer is delicious but it’s nothing more than a caramel creamsicle soda. Those 21 and older must try the different blends of magical inspired beers and cocktails served at the place in which Ron and Harry held the highly secret Dumbledore’s Army meetings. Choose between Dragonscale Lager, Hog’s Head Scottish Red Ale and the Wizard’s Brew Porter. Or if you’re feeling a little fancy, try the Pear Dazzle, with vodka, lemonade and pear cider, or the Applejack, with Jack Daniel’s and apple cider
![The Top 10 secrets for the ultimate day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood Hogs Head Pub]()
7. The Hogwarts Express is straight from the set
Everyone knows you can’t get to Hogwarts without shuffling through Platform 9 and 3/4 but what people may not know is that if you choose to take photo in the train’s compartment, you’ll be sitting in the same seats Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint sat while filming the series’ movies.
![The Top 10 secrets for the ultimate day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood Hogwart's Express]()
8. The food is fantastic
OK, this isn’t actually a secret, but amusement park food has such a bad reputation, it’s worth mentioning the delicious options for sit-down dining. The Three Broomsticks, in which you should keep a look out for Dobby’s lurking shadow, is adjacent to the Hog’s Head Pub, and serves up a ton of familiar wizarding world options. Hagrid-approved hearty plates and other British-inspired dishes are available at The Leaky Cauldron. Full breakfast options are offered as well, if you’re planning to hit the park in the morning.
9. Butterbeer comes in many forms.
While the carts around the park serve both a cold brew and frozen slushie version of the infamous sweet drink, Florean Fortescue’s serves Butterbeer ice-cream, and Honeydukes, which is a candy store that would make even Willy Wonka swoon, serves Butterbeer fudge.
10. Professor Flitwick says it’s better than visiting the ‘Harry Potter’ sets
Zap2it got to speak with Professor Flitwick (Warwick Davis) at the grand opening and he says his favorite part of the new theme park is “just walking up through Hogsmeade and taking up the atmosphere. There’s so much to see. So much detail. It’s better than being on set because you can walk into the shops! It’s a real experience and very immersive.”
![The Top 10 secrets for the ultimate day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood Warwick Davis aka Professor Flitwick]()
For more information about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Hollywood, Ca., check out the official website here.