Aiden’s fantastic journey into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This post about our visit to Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando contains affiliate links. That means I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the appropriate links. You can learn more in my Disclosure Policy. As always, thank you for your support.

Aiden at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Orlando
Mihret may have been given the star treatment at Universal Studios Orlando (and rightfully so), but our visit to this theme park was like a dream come true for Aiden. While he might not quite be a full-blown a Potterhead, he’s pretty close. And walking through the world of Harry Potter was like a dream come true for him.

I’m not anywhere close to a Potterhead and I was blown away by our adventure. It was full of wizardry and magical creatures. And costumed visitors, which made the whole experience even more real.

And magical.

Our magical journey to Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade

Hogwarts Express platform in Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando

Our collective breath was taken away when we rounded the corner and entered the world of Harry Potter. Seriously. It’s an amazing experience to turn the corner and have this entire world open up before you. You see the sights, smell the smells, and hear the sounds. You are literally immersed in the world of Harry Potter.

Hogsmeade in Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Diagon Alley in Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hogwarts Castle

Hogwarts Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando

We toured Hogwarts Castle and experienced all the sights and sounds that makes this place so memorable. We hung out with Dumbledore for a few minutes…

Dumbledore inside Hogwarts Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

…before Aiden and I hopped on a ride that sent us flying alongside Harry Potter himself! It was a blast.

Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios Orlando

That poor guy on the right. I hope his arm didn’t burn too badly.

A midday snack

While we were there, we had to eat. After all, what’s an immersive experience without enjoying some “local” dining fare? And Aiden needed to store himself some energy because he had some magic to attend to. But more on that in a second.

We visited the Leaky Cauldron. And we were impressed. Especially with dessert.

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Be sure to try the sticky toffee pudding. #SoGood #WishKid

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And here’s the aforementioned sticky toffee pudding (along with some chocolate potted cream).

Aiden and his wand

The big highlight of our visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was the moment Aiden had been looking forward to since we began planning this trip – choosing a wand from Ollivander’s Wand Shop. Or…it might be more accurate to say that the wand chose Aiden…

Wall of wands in Ollivander's Wand Shop in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There were so.many.wands. It’s no wonder the wand has to choose you. Picking your own is an overwhelming task.

Aiden choosing his wand at Ollivander's Wand Shop in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It felt like an eternity. But that’s OK. This wand thing is serious business. And finally, after much searching, an Oak wand. Wood from an oak tree is associated with truth and wisdom. Oak people are optimistic and have great inner strength. Sounds like a perfect match to me!

After leaving Ollivander’s with his new tool, it was time to learn how to cast spells. Aiden found many opportunities in the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade to perfect his craft.

Aiden casting his first spell in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Searching for Hogwarts Castle at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

He eventually came upon a nice lady who could see that Aiden knew his stuff. She presented Aiden with a challenged. After a few minutes, he found the answer and returned to his challenger. Upon successfully completing his challenge she presented him with his trophy.

Aiden receiving his trophy in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

She told him it was the only one she had given out that day. So he should be proud. As you can see, it’s invisible. It’s also shrinkable. She told him he could carry it in his pocket until he got home, then un-shrink it and display it proudly in his room for all…I mean, nobody…to see.

Hogwarts at night

When the sun goes down and the lights come on, something pretty spectacular happens to Hogwarts Castle. Here’s a brief time lapse of just a few seconds of what we saw.

A magical journey, indeed

We’re still talking about the sights and sounds of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The reality of the experience was so overwhelming that it might have brought a few of us to tears when we first stepped into the world. It was just so…magical.

Of course, we know this journey could not have happened without Indiana Children’s Wish Fund. We will always be grateful for this memory-making wish.

Hogwarts lit up at night in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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Howdy. I'm Matt. My wife, Christy, and I have four kids and two dogs, I'm passionate about orphan care. I'm a die-hard fan of the Evansville Aces, the Indiana Hoosiers, and Star Wars. I'm trying to live life by the Todd family motto: "It behooves us to live!"
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