Negative-G - Universal Studios Florida - 2021

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The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida

Of course the Hogwarts Express is there waiting for you to take a ride.

Just a quick note here that guests need a two park ticket to take the Hogwarts Express to Islands of Adventure and back. It is a little more but being able to go from Diagon Alley and emerge in Hogsmeade just makes the immersive nature of both locations to the next level.

The Hogwarts Express is more than just a simple train ride as Universal Creative really took this, like the rest of both parks to the next level.

The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida

The station feels like you stepped into the movies.

There are actually two trains with a single track that goes between London and Hogsmeade. They both depart at the same time and switch to separate tracks as they pass each other at the half way point between the two parks.

The trains and the stations are really cool but once you get in your carriage is when this becomes more than just a simple transport ride between parks.

In each carriage there is a window to the world outside that is actually a curved screen that projects the world of Harry Potter. Depending on which direction you are going there are differing shows. To the other side of your room you will see the shadows of other guests such as Harry, Ron, Hermionie or even a Dementor projected on the frosted glass along with a soundtrack that again makes this feel real which makes for magical memories especially for the children who visit.

It was wonderful getting back to Universal Studios Florida after so many years to see how they have taken the themed studio and ride the movies concept and went from looking good to creating completely interactive experiences that are real. They certainly have taken the industry to level after level and even got the competition to up their game. I'm sure Disney wishes they hadn't stolen Universal's studio tour park so many years ago.

The next stop will be a park that I have been waiting decades to finally experience; Universal's Islands of Adventure.