MORE than a decade after opening, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios remains magical for fans around the world.
This Florida-based immersive trip through JK Rowling’s imagination is great for wizards and muggles, and even non-Potter fans, alike.
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Nestled at the foot of the famous Hogwarts School lies Hogsmeade Village, a snow-capped place, bustling with enchanted shops and The Three Broomsticks, a rustic tavern serving hearty British meals.
For Potter aficionados like me, sampling butterbeer and snapping a picture of your foamy moustache is a rite of passage.
Having washed down the sweet beverage — which is reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch flavours — it was time to seek out some thrills.
We were in safe hands with our fantastic Universal Studios tour guide Dani, who was a treasure trove of information — offering tidbits about everything from rollercoaster testing to celebrity guests.
The park’s VIP experience included priority access to all of the rides, which meant we didn’t have to spend all day queuing for the most popular attractions.
On Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, we came face to face with Dementors, spiders and the angry Whomping Willow tree. The state-of-the-art technology sees adrenaline junkies swinging back and forth, and side to side, on a robotic arm as they soar above the castle grounds.
It’s no surprise the attraction is regularly ranked one of Orlando’s best.
Next, we headed over to try Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, where you can choose to ride in a sidecar or motorcycle.
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I held on tightly to the handlebars as we soared through the depths of the Forbidden Forest with a few surprises along the way.
The coaster twists and turns, dives backwards into darkness and features a vertical drop track. After a hectic day at Universal, there was no better place to rest my head than The Alfond Inn in Winter Park.
The city, north of Orlando, is steeped in arts and culture and is home to more than 70 parks.
A stroll through the upmarket town offers elegant homes, quaint bricked-lined streets and more than 140 boutiques, restaurants and speciality shops.
One day we were treated to a scenic boat tour through three lakes and two narrow man-made canals.
My travel companions and I had breathtaking views of luxurious private homes and magnificent estates sprawling along the shores.
We also had the chance to learn about the history of Winter Park, central Florida’s oldest community, originally founded by wealthy easterners in the 1800s.
It’s hard to believe this hidden gem is situated a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
I received an A-list welcome at The Alfond Inn, which features 112 guest rooms, rooftop pool, and the award-winning Hamilton’s Kitchen — a full-service restaurant with a Floridian-inspired menu. The rooms are bright and cheerful with a welcoming feel.
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The hotel houses the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art, an ever-growing collection of artwork on display for guests to enjoy with free weekly tours. It’s the only hotel in America that functions as an extension of an art museum.
As fabulous as Orlando is, it is a full-on experience so I’d recommend you do a twin-centre holiday and head to Florida’s coast for R&R on its glorious beaches.
And the great news is now it’s easier than ever, thanks to the Brightline train network which extended its services to Orlando last September.
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Florida’s high-speed rail service covers 235 miles to Miami with the journey taking around three hours.
It will be a game-changer for those looking to explore the thrills and spills of the parks, then enjoy coastal gems like West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale without the need to drive.
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