Can you see the tilted chimneys around the Cat's red hat? There's the first sight of Hogsmead!
Of course, you can't just magically enter into Harry Potter world. You have to go through a few other lands, or islands. First, is a Greek gods area with Sinbad and such. Elisha thought it was the first sight of Hogsmead. Who can blame her? Look at the coloring and buildings and say it doesn't resemble.
After becoming confused in Dr. Seuss' world, you enter upon the gateway
And the sign telling you no magic is allowed in Hogsmead (whew!)
CHILLS! Harry Potter music is playing all around as you enter, you see what you've only dreamed of and seen on post cards. Now it's really happening. It feels as if you are part of something real. You're really here! Emotions are definitely stirring high now.
We decide that going to the castle would be best, even though we arrived an early. Line's are already forming. The Forbidden Journey takes you through the Hogwarts castle, giving a thorough tour. You can just tour, or choose to do that and the fun flying ride. We had to do the tour first with the ride not working. That worked out great, allowing us to take tons of photos. (bags have to be put in lockers (free with your fingerprint) for this ride).
THE castle!
Enter through the dungeon where Professor Snape lingers.
The mirror if Erised
Snape's office up those steps
As you come out of the dungeon, you enter the greenhouse for herbology class
Mandrakes (oddly quiet)
All the garbage cans are themed. Elisha warms up before we enter the castle.
The architect of Hogwarts. He has representations of each of the 4 (we can only find 3) of the house founders (Griffendor, Hufflepuff, Slitheren, Ravenclaw)
Who's winning the house cup? Oh, it's Griffendor!
The pictures really talk!
Room of requirement
Entrance to Dumbledor's office
We actually see Dumbledore and he says that we're headed to a long lecture. Ron, Hermoine, and Harry show up, hiding under the cloak. Hermoine's going to put a levitation charm on the benches in the room of requirement. We just have to get there. That's where the ride happens! You flee from a fire breathing dragon, run from Aragog and his spitting spiders, escape the dementor's kiss, scale away from the womping willow, all ending up at the end of the quidditch match. Whew!
On Flight of the Hippogrif we see Buckbeak! Of course, you have to bow when you meet. Even though this is considered a kiddy roller coaster, Elisha was screaming on the climb to the drop. 3 kids dressed in wizard robes turned around, smiling. "It's because you're wizards!" They must have felt much braver. The screaming continued on the drop.
In the gift shop of all places we see a Death Eater mask (not for sale)
Let's go get some sweets at Honeyduke's and see some fun gags at Zonkos.
Extendable ears!
Pumpkin juice - YUM!
Hey! We have reservations at the 3 Broomsticks for breakfast! Jason's going to eat the traditional English breakfast, complete with black pudding, and Elisha's going to eat the pancake breakfast. How about you? Don't forget the butterbeer and pumpkin juice!
The bar at the 3 Broomsticks. You can get drinks anytime! If you listen, you can hear the argument upstairs about Sirius betraying Harry's parents.
We are lucky to catch a glimpse of the Hogwarts choir! Yes, even the toads sing.
Why stand in line to take a picture with the Hogwarts train conductor? He was funny, though. He thanked another family for bringing their own Weasley (a cute, red headed girl).
The postal system and character wands you may purchase
Someone needs to pot this mandrake, and quick!
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