This week's post is written by Christina Benedetti '12...
Three days after Alli and I graduated, our dreams came
true…we finally went to HOGWARTS!!!!
As part of our graduation present, our parents surprised us
with a four day trip to Orlando to visit Harry and his friends, Ron and
Hermione. When Alli and I found out
about our trip, we started crying or should I say sobbing because we were so
happy. My friend from home, Katie, also
joined us for the trip.
We headed out to the airport nice and early on Sunday
morning because we had a 9 o’clock flight from Baltimore to Orlando. Once we checked our bags and made it through
security, we kicked things off with a hearty breakfast, me a cheese quesadilla,
chips and queso from California Tortilla, and Alli with McDonalds. Mind you, it was not even 8 o’clock at this
point.
The flight was quick and easy. When we got down to baggage claim, there was
a man waiting for us with a sign that said “Christina Benedetti”. I felt like a queen. We piled into the back of the driver’s nice
black car and excitedly looked out the window anticipating the moment when we
would first see the tops of the Hogwarts’ towers peaking out in the distance.
We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel which is right on the
grounds of Universal so we were able to walk to both parks. Harry Potter World was the coolest thing in
the entire world. I got goose bumps
every time we approached the entrance…there’s something truly magical about
it. When you first walk under the archway,
you are greeted by the Hogwarts Express and platform 9 ¾. As you walk down the cobblestone path, you
will see Fred and George’s Zonko’s Joke Shop, Ollivanders Wand Shop, and plenty
of butterbeer stands. One morning, Alli,
Katie, and I ate at the Three Broomsticks just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione! We even assumed their roles for the trip: I
was Harry Potter, Alli was Hermione and Katie was Ron. We were required to be in character at all
times.
The castle simulation ride was the best of the 3 rides in
Harry Potter World. One of the best
parts of the ride is waiting in line and walking through the castle because you
get to see different aspects of Hogwarts along the way such as the Sorting Hat. My next favorite was the Dragon Challenge roller
coasters that turned you upside down, sideways and every which way. Alli and I rode that one at least 4
times! The last ride called “Flight of
the Hippogriff” featured Buckbeak (shout out to Bucklee). At first glance it looks like a kid
roller coaster, but it turned out to be quite scary because you were hardly
strapped in and were completely sideways.
I bought tons of HP gear including my new best friend (which
doubles as a backpack): HEDWIG!!! Isn’t she cute? I also bought a pack of calf length socks
that comes with a pair representing each house.
I would definitely wear them on the lax field if I hadn’t just
graduated. My family has a tradition of
buying an ornament from every place we travel, so I bought a Hogwarts ornament
to hang on my Christmas tree. The last
thing I bought from HP world was a chocolate frog from the Hogwarts candy shop,
Honeydukes. It is sooooo yummy J
Although Alli, Katie, and I LOVED everything about Hogwarts,
we noted a few suggestions that we would like to offer. I plan on writing a letter to the people who
run the park in hopes of improving the Wizarding Word of Harry Potter so that
the next avid fan can enjoy it that much more.
Here’s what we came up with:
Dear Harry Potter World creators:
·
Have cloaks that you can rent for the day for
$30. Collect credit card information so
that if you don’t return them by the end of the day, you get charged the full
price for a cloak, $120. How cool would
it be if everywhere you looked people were in cloaks!?
·
Sell Harry Potter glasses.
·
Sell Harry Potter scar tattoos.
·
Sell Dobby merchandise or add him to some of the
rides. Dobby was no were to be seen
anywhere in Harry Potter world… BLASPHEMY!
·
Have characters walking around the park (not
necessarily Harry, Ron, etc) but someone that you can take your picture with
and get an autograph in those cool little autograph books.
·
Have a Sorting Hat somewhere in the park where
you can sit under it, answer the Pottermore “What house are you?” questionnaire
so that you know what house you are in.
This way people will know what house’s merchandise to buy.
·
Have adult butterbeer that is actually
alcoholic.
Alli and I loved our trip to Hogwarts and only wish that all
of you could have been there with us.
And if you haven’t yet read all 7 books, I now know what you’ll be
reading this summer!
A big thank you to Bene for sharing her and Alli's wonderful experience with us all. I'm sure Harry Potter World will take all of your suggestions in for consideration!
