If you ask me, they could have simply set up a separate theme park altogether, all devoted to Harry Potter. You see, while walking around other parts of USJ, I did not have any sense that there is a “wizarding world” close by. In fact, I wasn’t even able to get a glimpse of the Hogwarts Castle from the outside. And then, when you enter the Wizarding World, you’ll immediately forget that just around the corner were the other rides and attractions. It’s definitely a theme park within a theme park.
I ended the last post on the point before we entered the area where we will enter the Hogwarts area from Hogsmeade.
If you thought it was crowded in the Hogsmeade Village, wait till you get to Hogwarts. It’s just as muggle-packed!
Spot the Butterbeer cart in the pic above, with the Hogwarts Castle not to far behind it. See the queue, too, right?
Well, we decided to just get in line for a taste. After all, it’s not like the long line will disappear anytime soon.
I honestly bought it for the mug. It’s made of plastic, though, but it is strong enough to handle hot water. I ordered the Hot Butterbeer with Souvenir… but I realized when I was already seated a good distance away that I was given a cold one. I was in a great mood, and I wasn’t feeling confrontational, so I decided not to go back to argue about it.
So, let’s see…. and this is just my personal opinion. It tastes just like your ordinary root beer. A root beer float, to be exact, with the creamy vanilla-like froth on top. It’s good, but if you are expecting something spectacular, you’d most likely be disappointed.
TWWHP has two ride attractions: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. The first one is inside the Hogwarts Castle, the second one is right in front of it.
Here’s a funny (at least to us) anecdote.
Neither of us was interested in getting on the “Flight of the Hippogriff” ride. Also, we were already quite hyped up by our experience at the Amazing Spiderman ride, we weren’t all that keen on getting on another one. Yes, we’re low-maintenance like that.
So we just resolved to walk around and look around. Then we came upon the gate to Hogwarts Castle, and there was a queue on both sides. We saw a sign about the Forbidden Journey having a 40-minute queue. We passed on it, and opted to just take the Castle Walk instead. So we went to the area where we thought the entrance for the Castle Walk was.
And we walked. And walked.
Then came upon a lengthy queue. We were like, “Oh, the Castle Walk also has a queue. Oh fine, we’re already here, we might as well see this line through to the end.”
20 minutes and some movement later, I had a feeling that we were on the wrong line. We even saw signs that confused us. Haha! But we pushed on.
Then we entered the Castle, and we were directed to leave our stuff at the designated lockers. So we did, and I was thinking, “why make us leave our stuff behind~ I wanna take photos inside while walking through the Castle~!!”
We just went along with the throng, and we found ourselves…..
….getting on the Forbidden Journey ride.
AND OH MY FREAKIN’ GOODNESS, I HAD THE MOST AWESOME TIME EVER!! It’s a 3-D ride where you are strapped on your seat, and you’ll be led by Harry as he rides on his broomstick… through the different set pieces that has figured in the movies. The woods where Aragog was, the area where the Death-Eaters converged, swooping up, down, past, and around the Hogwarts Castle, then into the water, and then out in the middle of a Quidditch Game. SO SO SO EPIC.
Also, I was so annoyed that I left the camera behind, because while going into the area where we’ll ride the Forbidden Journey, we passed through various parts of the Castle that looked straight out of the movie. Like Dumbledore’s study, for instance. Complete with moving paintings!
You’ll pass by the flags of the four Houses when you go to Hagrid’s Hut. It must be a popular resting place, since many were just lounging around in the area.
Check out the gates to the Castle. The illuminated scrawl appears every once in a while.
At one point, while we were aimlessly walking around, there was a commotion, and when we turned around, this line of four guys and five ladies were briskly marching towards the outdoor stage. It’s the manly men from the Durmstrang Institure and the ever-graceful Veelas from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic! They put on a show – in English.
I think their performance lasted for 15 minutes. Dusk was already gathering (it was just 5pm darnit!) so Peach and I walked out towards the Lake. Because I want me some reflections on the water. It’s an absolute must!
It’s now time to bid farewell to Hogwarts.
By the Owl Post, there was a crowd gathered around a… well, an owl. Flashes are not allowed, because it might scare off the owl, but it was perched oh so calmly there, twisting its head around to stare at people. And stare some more.
And again, one last look at Hogsmeade…
Oh, and Arthur Weasley’s car.
I came out of TWWHP with only a Gryffindor scarf for souvenir. It was pricey, though. 4,000 JPY. But I, at least, will be able to actually use it. Whereas an equally pricey wand from Ollivander’s… hmmm… not so much. Or at all.
Readers of this blog are likely to be more knowledgeable about anything and everything Harry Potter, so I apologize for any errors or mistakes I made.
Even if you are not a Harry Potter fan, or you don’t know much about it, you are bound to enjoy yourself in this theme-park-within-a-theme-park. The two rides alone will make up for any lack of knowledge on what is within those stores and shops. 🙂
Now, when will a “Middle Earth” theme park open? Hmm…
Daniel Dillon miley