We were invited to Universal Studios for review purposes. Opinions are our own.
What’s happening this summer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Magic! A new Butterbeer inspired dessert, a spectacular light show and, of course, plenty of memory making moments for muggles to take home.
One word- Butterbeer!
Every muggle or wizard needs to partake in this beverage. Cold, frozen or hot, it’s a delicious butterscotch drink. My preference is frozen. I love the slushy texture and the nice layer of butterscotch flavored foam. It’s perfection on a warm SoCal day. The magic continues this summer with another Butterbeer inspired treat. Butterbeer Ice Cream! Yasss!! Its soft butterscotch flavored ice cream folded in rich swirls of Butterscotch. My only complaint is that I had to share with my family (just kidding! Kind of…). I wanted more of it! Butterbeer ice cream can be purchased at Three Brooms and a couple of the carts in Hogsmeade Village.
Three Broomsticks Menu
Three Broomsticks has changed up their lunch menu! I usually get the Shephard’s Pie but I ordered their new Cheese Toastie with Chicken this visit. It’s a tasty grilled cheddar cheese sandwich filled with sliced chicken, a good portion of crispy bacon, a tangy mustard sauce topped with a sliced tomato. I’ve read online that the Toastie is topped with a sunny side egg but my order didn’t come with an egg. I’m totally ok with that, I’m not a fan of sunny side eggs. Warning, this sandwich is a bit messy but I can handle that! The portion is pretty big as well. I probably could’ve shared the Toastie with my husband. But again, who wants to share?? Wizards need all the fuel they can get. If you want a flavorful, loaded sandwich then this is for you. The Sunday Roast Sandwich and The Ploughman’s Lunch were also added to the menu.
Dress the part-
Gladrags Wizardwear is the place for wizard fashion. This was my first visit to the store. I was mesmerized by the gorgeous merchandise and cool props. Look for Monster Book of Monsters just don’t wake it up! Or buy your own Snitch. But this summer, guests can swoon over Hermonie’s fairytale Yule Ball gown. It’s reminds me of Andy’s Pretty in Pink prom dress but this isn’t a DIY dress. Severus Snape’s robe (adult sizes only) is also available for any serious wizard’s closet. The robe is ominous and definitely matches his mysterious, misunderstood personality. Snape is actually one of my favorite characters from the series. Young wizards can try on robes in their size. It makes for a cute photo even if you don’t buy it.
Cast a spell-
The last time we visited Olliander’s wand shop my daughter was matched to a wand. A wand is an essential tool for every wizard. Kids of all sizes love to conduct spells throughout Hogsmeade Village with their interactive wands. This summer, Incendio and the Alohomora spells are the new experiences in this world.
Nighttime-
End the day in front of Hogwarts Castle with Nighttime Lights. It’s a stunning display of projections against Hogwarts. The Sorting Hat introduces all the houses which is exciting to cheer on. Which house are you? Nighttime Lights runs a few times throughout the evening and ends September 3. It’s bright, colorful and ends with a quick pyrotechnic show.
We spent a good portion of our visit in Harry Potter’s Wizarding world which is so easy to do between the shops, rides and another experiences. Back to Butterbeer- I hope that they add soft serve Butterbeer (it’s served in Orlando) and I must try the Butterbeer fudge on my next visit to Universal Hollywood.
