Are the Stores Over-Priced or Worth Every Penny?
Revised
4/2021
Dear
Polite Traveler,
Even though I could have vacationed
anywhere for my 60th, I chose Universal Orlando specifically to enjoy
everything “Harry Potter.” I wasn’t disappointed but surprised that my
hubby and I enjoyed it much as we did. In fact, we even enjoyed the
shops. Here I share our experiences with those in Hogsmeade.
Note:
Follow CDC and park guidelines when visiting.
Always wear your face mask when in public.
Escaping for a bit of fun in
Hogsmeade
These stores are very small and a
bit claustrophobic. I didn’t have much of a problem with people literally
breathing down my neck. Nevertheless, some may. Therefore, it’s my
suggestion to visit the stores in the early morning, during meal times or in
the evening just to soak up the ambiance. Most of the items you might
wish to purchase may be found at the various outdoor kiosks, from the many gift
stores throughout the parks—Universal Studios Florida & Island of Adventure—and
on the “City Walk” outside the parks.
Most of the stores, like Madam Paddifoot’s and Ceridwen’s Cauldrons, were merely storefronts, albeit excellent replicas of what one would expect to find in Hogsmeade.
The Kiosks
I found all the different wands in
these kiosks, including the interactives. Collectible $11 pins, such as
“Head Boy/Girl,” key chains, and other small items are available as well.
Honeydukes (Shares space with Zonko's)
When Hogwarts' students were allowed to visit Hogsmeade , where was the one place all students flocked to first? Most Potter Heads know the answer to this...Honeydukes! This Honeydukes carries nearly all the candy mentioned in the books and films, like Chocolate Frogs (including the collectible cards), Fudge Flies ($7), Bertie Bots Every Flavor Beans ($12) and even the Exploding Bonbons—just to name a few. Pumpkin juice was chilled, a bit sweet for me, and sold for $8. The bottle was interesting. There are interesting freshly made goodies—like $11 Cauldron Cakes—inside a case as well.
Purchasing a package of Chocolate
Frogs, even though it was roughly $12, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount
of chocolate,
the quality of the packaging and the collectible card. Mine is Rowena
Ravenclaw.
Tips: ask about the daily
specials. Purchase your chocolate later in the day or have it
delivered to the front of the park for pickup. It costs nothing and your
chocolate won't melt in the Florida heat.
Note:
Pandemic rules change almost everything right now. But remember.
This is only temporary. Be kind
and plan well. Some deals and merchandise
may change or nonexistent for now.
Dervish and Banges
For me, Dervish and Banges appear to
carry most everything found in all the Diagon Alley stores combined. I
noticed Timeturners for $60, Quidditch gear ($17-$23), house apparel (robes
$120 & wizard hats $25, etc.) and wands. Stationery items were
available as well, like quills, quality journals, and parchment paper
($10-$30).
Note: Most items were not available when
researched for this update. This isn’t
to say they won’t be when the pandemic ends.
Some high-quality, high-ticket items
caught my eye. A Quidditch chess set for $300, wand sets (Example: all
four Tri-Wizards $150), and replica brooms for $250+. Ouch! I
honestly considered the chess set though. Who else has one with pieces of
all four houses?
The item that really impressed
me—nearly purchased it because it’s so realistic—was the battery-powered
“Master Book of Monsters”, which I felt was reasonably priced at $35.
After all, it was safely stored in a box because it really bites—all in
fun.
Ollivander’s Wand Shop
Crazy line to enter Ollivander’s, as
only 25 guests can enter at a time. The queue winds around, snake-like
for what seems to be miles. The wait could be nearly an
hour. This is especially true during Covid.
Once inside, a lucky witch or wizard
is chosen for the wand experience. This ceremony is much like Harry’s
when Ollivander was trying to find the right wand for him. Ollivander
chooses several different wands, handing each to the witch/wizard informing him/her
what spell to use and on what. The special effects add to all the great
fun. (Please read my wand
review)
Note: Visit the Ollivander’s in Diagon
Alley instead, especially in the morning, it is much less crowded. There are no
wands for sale in this store. Continue on to the adjacent Dervish and
Banges for your choice in wands.
Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated
Goods
As the landing room for the Harry
Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride (excellent btw), I found a large variety
of items to ogle in a variety of price ranges. Hats, lots of them, dotted
the store. My favorites were Dumbledore and the Sorting Hat for the
affordable price of $30 each. Similar to the other stores, there was
apparel, mugs (under $20), Omnioculars and backpacks, which were pricy at
$40-$53.
Less expensive items were playing
cards, puppets, and luggage tags ($8-$15). More expensive, but very
interesting, collectible was the framed Marauder’s Map for $70. I just
wish the footprints moved.
Note: there’s a bigger, better supply—or
was when I was there—of house scarves here for $35.
Theme Park
Review: Purchasing an Interactive Wand in Universal Orlando
Review:
Orlando Universal Studios & Island of Adventure
Theme Park
Review: Minion Mayhem Universal Orlando
Comments
Post a Comment