I went to Infinitus 2010 in Orlando in July and the fine folks at Universal Orlando invited conference attendees to the park after hours for a special presentation and access to the wonders of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade at night. It was magical.
Entering Hogsmeade.
Hogwarts Express is the first sight on your right.
On the left just along the way is Dogweed and Deathcap: Exotic Plants and Flowers.
It’s winter in Hogsmeade but somehow even in shorts this works.
Zonko’s and Honeyduke’s sweet shop is also on the left entering Hogsmeade.
The first site of Hogwarts is breathtaking.
The path to the racing Dragons, and to any ride, is filled with little references to the books and movies. Here’s the car from Chamber of Secrets crashed into a tree. Not the Whomping Willow but still.
When you’re ready for a drink, the Three Broomsticks will do.
I chose to have Butterbeer in the Hog’s Head. The hog’s head behind the bar moves. And butter beer is delicious. It’s sparkly, creamy and beer like, but sweet. Like a cream soda with root beer and butter cream foam on top.
I had some from the Butterbeer cart in the village centre, but the Hog’s Head butterbeer from the tap was by far the best. (There’s also a frozen, slushy version, but the Hog’s Head poured the best.)
The Owl Post
Ollivander’s Wands packaged up (and for sale) in the Owl Post. You can send an owl from the Owl Post and they have a Hogsmeade postmark.
The Owlry is pretty stunning.
Peppermint Toads in Honeydukes.
Honeydukes is a kid’s delight. I bought a chocolate frog, pear candies and pineapple candies.
Pumpkin Juice. I didn’t have any but I did sniff a friend’s. It’s like drinking pumpkin pie, or smells like it anyway.
Costumes are not allowed in the park, but there was an exception for us.
Tonks, Lavender, Mad Eye, Harry, Hermione, Fred
Hagrid’s hut.
The attention to detail is remarkable. I love the typography and signage. This is Ollivander’s Wand Shop.
Entering the gates of Hogwarts.
Inside Hogwarts. The talking portraits are, well, talking!
Harry, Ron and Hermione talk to you and decide that Hermione will use magic to help you fly.
The pensieve in Dumbledore’s office.
Dumbledore on the balcony talking to us.
The Sorting Hat explains, in rhyme, the rules for the magical ride in which you fly through the grounds, across the Quidditch pitch, into the owlry, then into the dungeons. Totally awesome. I went twice.
The great hall.