(Photos by © Brandon Elijah Scott / www.EyeAndPen.com)
No other fantasy book series has captured the hearts and imaginations of their readers ever before, like the tale of Harry Potter. Fans of the series are more diehard for Harry Potter, that most would trade in their everyday life for a chance to live in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The books grew in fame over the years, but the movies simply set it off – since its inception, the Harry Potter franchise is worth more than 20 billion dollars. The popularity of Harry Potter and its iconic presence worldwide can only be described as a phenomenon.
Once the final book was released, there was a profound sadness among the most dedicated of H.P. fans. People waited in line for their fresh copy of the brand new and final book, only to get home with the sole aim of finishing it as soon as possible. But once they raced through it, finishing on the final words of the final book, they were left with a deep emptiness. Because the world they had lived in for so many years, vicariously through the words imprinted in black upon the page has now ceased, and will never be rejuvenated again. And once the final movie came out, everyone scrambled to see it on opening night, only to be left with another jolt of emptiness and despair. It’s a sad day when you finally come to terms with the fact that the imaginary world you’ve yearned to live in (and at one point had thought you were apart of) is over, and finished, to be, nevermore.
BUT WAIT! There’s was a savior upon the horizon! Universal Studios announced they’re getting ready to open a large build out, replicating the Village of Hogsmeade and the infamous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Universal Studios attraction offers a movie-like view of what the world of HP could really look like. The village is filled with unique shops and products, featuring some of the most iconic moments, stories, and products available in the books. If you’ve always dreamed of having a real Butterbeer, or a chocolate frog, then you can definitely fulfill that desire. But if you want to walk into each and every shop, at a leisurely pace, taking your time to analyze and experience every single little detail, then good luck with that. The crowds that swoon to this Universal Studios wonder don’t allow you to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a very authentic way. Plus, a lot of the storefronts are strictly for show, with window displays and other various details adding to the whole experience.
I enjoyed visiting Universal Studios again, for the first time since I was five years old, but the day we visited was mayhem – it would have normally taken us over two hours to just enter the park, let alone to ride any of the rides. Universal Studios does a better job of putting you INSIDE the world that they’ve created, than Disney World, but the lines and the crowds ruin any sort of feeling of authenticity. Sure, it’s expected that the crowds will ravish the scenes, rides, and experiences, but there’s a point where it’s just ridiculously overpacked with people.
I even grew up reading J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece, more times than I would like to admit to be honest with you, but I can still say to this day that it’s one of the most treasured stories from my childhood. And yes, I would LOVE to live in the enchanting and magical world of J.K. Rowling’s complex, yet wonderful world.
BUT WAIT! There’s was a savior upon the horizon! Universal Studios announced they’re getting ready to open a large build out, replicating the Village of Hogsmeade and the infamous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Universal Studios attraction offers a movie-like view of what the world of HP could really look like. The village is filled with unique shops and products, featuring some of the most iconic moments, stories, and products available in the books. If you’ve always dreamed of having a real Butterbeer, or a chocolate frog, then you can definitely fulfill that desire. But if you want to walk into each and every shop, at a leisurely pace, taking your time to analyze and experience every single little detail, then good luck with that. The crowds that swoon to this Universal Studios wonder don’t allow you to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a very authentic way. Plus, a lot of the storefronts are strictly for show, with window displays and other various details adding to the whole experience.
I enjoyed visiting Universal Studios again, for the first time since I was five years old, but the day we visited was mayhem – it would have normally taken us over two hours to just enter the park, let alone to ride any of the rides. Universal Studios does a better job of putting you INSIDE the world that they’ve created, than Disney World, but the lines and the crowds ruin any sort of feeling of authenticity. Sure, it’s expected that the crowds will ravish the scenes, rides, and experiences, but there’s a point where it’s just ridiculously overpacked with people.
I even grew up reading J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece, more times than I would like to admit to be honest with you, but I can still say to this day that it’s one of the most treasured stories from my childhood. And yes, I would LOVE to live in the enchanting and magical world of J.K. Rowling’s complex, yet wonderful world.
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