Butterbeer, of course! (Pro Tip: Get it at the Hog’s Head)
Of course you have to try butterbeer, and I’m willing to bet that you’ll absolutely love it. My whole family enjoyed it.
In Hogsmeade, there are a few carts that sell butterbeer and the lines get long. You can also get it at the Hog’s Head pub, which adjoins the Three Broomsticks, and the wait time is significantly less. Both times we stopped in here, there were just a few people in line. It was significantly less wait time than if we had gotten it at the cart outside, just a few steps away.
Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor (Pro Tip: Try a funky flavor)
For a late afternoon snack, we headed to Florean Forescue’s Ice Cream Parlor, where they have butterbeer ice cream. My daughter really liked it. My husband had a combo of chocolate chili and chocolate raspberry. (Tip: You can get two flavors even if you’re only getting one scoop.) I had apple crumble and for my second flavor I opted for sticky toffee pudding ice cream. They have other unique flavors like Earl Grey tea & lavender. The line stretched outside but it moved pretty quickly. There is no seating in Florean’s so we did what most people seem to do and enjoyed our ice cream on the steps across the alley between the Magical Menagerie and Gringott’s. It made for fun people watching.
Hop On Sirius Black’s Motorcycle
Remember how Hagrid borrowed Sirius Black’s bike to transport baby Harry to the Dursleys in the first chapter of the first book? It’s in Diagon Alley!
When we ate our ice cream, I was surprised to see that for a long period of time, not one person stopped at the motorcycle with the side car parked next to Gringotts. The first time we saw it, there was a line of people waiting to hop on for a fun photo. A few hours later, no one seemed to take notice. Don’t miss it.
The Frog Choir
When you’re over in Hogsmeade, you can catch a Frog Choir performance, it’s a croaking good time, and the performers are quiet talented.
Attend the TriWizard Tournament Pep Rally
Held on the same stage where the Frog Choir performs, a Hogwarts student serves as MC for the TriWizard Tournament pep rally, which features performances by students from Durmstang and Beauxbatons.
The gentlemen of Dumstrang engage in some impressive gymnastics/martial arts work.
The Beauxbatons ladies perform a dance that includes intricate ribbon work.
Their costumes were fantastic – exactly like in the movie. (Those Beauxbatons hats! Those shoes! ) The only disappointment was that Hogwarts wasn’t more represented. At the conclusion of the rally they do allow people to grab photos and the Universal staff was very kind and helpful.
Phone the Ministry of Magic
There’s a phone booth on the city streets of “London,” before you enter Diagon Alley, and it’s absolutely worth stepping inside and calling the Ministry of Magic. Dial “M-A-G-I-C” on the phone. Not only is the message a treat, watching your kids use a rotary phone is a hoot, too!
Look for Kreacher in the window of 12 Grimmauld Place
Think you spy a house elf? You can periodically spy Kreacher in the window of 12 Grimmauld Place.
Meet the Conductor of the Night Bus
There are lots of other experiences. Visiting Ollivanders is a must do, and wand selecting is fun. My teen daughter opted for Fleur Delacour’s wand. It’s worth watching the wand selection to see how a wand chooses a wizard, especially if your kids are younger. There’s also visiting Honeydukes, dining at the Three Broomsticks, and riding the rides, but when I asked my family to list favorites, the activities above came out on top.
What’s on your must-do activities at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios?
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Prior Post: Blue Apron review: What I like and don’t like about the meal delivery kit service
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