Exploring The Hogwarts Castle & Riding The Forbidden Journey
Revised
4/2021
Recently,
I visited Universal Orlando to celebrate a particularly special, benchmark
birthday. Heck, for a woman, every birthday
is special. That aside, as a serious Potter Head, I especially
wanted to immerse myself in the Harry Potter
experience. (Please read all
my travel and reviews on this park)
Note:
Follow CDC and park guidelines. Wear a
mask at all times.
Most
HP fans are drawn to the Hogwarts Castle like a moth to a flame and I was no
different. The castle is amazing and true to the books and
movies. Also true to the movie, “Goblet of Fire” is the Forbidden
Journey ride found inside the castle/school. Because of the ride,
and the magnificent replica of the Hogwarts School, lines can be ridiculously
long to enter. Was it worth the long wait? Follow along
as I take you with me through the castle and ride.
Watch: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Video from iThemePark
Hogwarts Castle
Guests
may tour the castle without standing in line. I suggest doing this
at least once, as it’s best to take your time in order to see and hear
everything—soak up the experience. Some of the pictures talk and
move. To do the tour only, ask any of the robed associates which is
the proper line. It can be a bit confusing as there are many
roped-off lines.
In
the main gallery, on the stairs, the four founders of the school have a nice
spirted discussion about all the muggles touring the school. Of
course, you can guess that Salazar Slytherin is not at all happy with
all of us muggles invading his territory.
In
Dumbledore’s office, he appears to share the backstory—the why of what is going
on in the ride. Farther along our journey through the castle, we
come upon the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom where Harry, Ron and
Hermione saves us from the boring lesson.
Stowing Bags, Strollers and Little Ones
Loose
items, backpacks and bags must be stored in lockers directly inside the castle
if riding the ride. Thus, it may be best to carry only items that
can be stowed in your pockets.
Strollers
are not allowed in the castle. Consequently, you’ll have to store
them outside. If you are traveling with a little one and there are
two or more of you, you can still enjoy the castle and the
ride. There is a “Child Swapping” room near the ride
area. So, all of you can enjoy the castle together, one stays behind
with the child while all go on the ride. After the ride, the babysitter
gets his or her chance at the ride. It’s quite a nice option.
Ride Details
Get
to the castle first thing in the morning, during mealtimes or later in the
evening, as the crowds thicken during the daytime.
This
high technology, flight simulator ride is as good as it gets. Riders
sit on a bench that is attached to a robotic arm allowing the bench to move in
most all directions. It does not go upside down, but it does go up,
down and in reverse quite quickly at times. Therefore, this could be
an issue for those with motion sickness. This includes
me. I coped by keeping my eyes still, breathing slowly and keeping
my body relaxed. My first ride was a bit rough, but I rode it
four more times with no issues. Love this ride!
The
Forbidden Journey takes the rider with Harry and Ron as they fly on their
brooms. However, it is more than just that. We experience
a quidditch match where we barely escape from a dragon; it feels so real as if
we are really flying. There are also huge spiders dipping in to get
us and then there are the Dementors, which we also barely
escape. Everything goes very dark and we can just see them floating
around. The temperature also dips quite a bit.
Enjoy
all of what Universal Orlando has to offer. However, if you are a
Harry Potter enthusiast, the Forbidden Journey – castle and ride – are not to
be missed. I’m already planning my next visit! You?
Theme Park Review: Escape from
Gringotts
Exploring Production Central in Universal
Orlando
Exploring Woody Woodpeckers’ Kidzone
& World Expo, Universal Orlando
Looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was. In fact, it was so much fun, I can't wait to return!
DeleteI have to admit that I have never read any of the books nor seen the movie(s). But I know many people who are great fans, and this sounds like what they would consider as Heaven! LOL
ReplyDeleteIt was!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete