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Universal Studios Hollywood

After reading the books or watching all 8 films, or both, you may have wished that an owl would arrive to your window or if you are really lucky, a giant. That you would be invited to join the magical world in which Harry Potter has had so many wonderful adventures. Yet, an owl never came to your window to deliver that important letter that would come bearing the news that you were accepted to Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There is no need to be discouraged, Universal Studios opened on April 7th, 2016, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
You may be thinking that since it is in a theme park it may not be accurate or completely immerse you. I assure you that you will in fact feel as if you are walking in Hogsmeade. The shops and pubs are all very realistic. You can even hear Moaning Myrtle in the women's restroom. Butterbeer is sold on the street in barrel type dispensaries. You can even go inside the Owl Post and purchase postcards, and official Harry Potter stamps. Inside the Owl Post, there are moving owls and you are able to send the postcards from there and they are stamped with an official Hogsmeade stamp. All the shops you see in the film are in Universal Studios. Have a wand choose you at Ollivander's Wand Shop. You can have lunch inside the Three Broodsticks. If you are looking for chocolate frogs you can walk inside Honeydukes and purchase a box.
You not only get the experience of walking and shopping in Hogsmeade, you can also go through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts. The Forbidden Journey is the main Harry Potter themed ride. It is a 3D roller coaster that takes through many of the important scenes in all 8 films. The other ride is the Flight of the Hippogriff, in which you go through a pumpkin patch and through Hagrid's Hut.
I recommend that you purchase an annual pass. It is much cheaper in comparison to the annual pass Disney offers. You can go year round with few blackout dates depending on which annual pass you purchase. Some annual passes include free parking. Many annual passes also include a discount for purchases made in the Universal CityWalk shops.
If your pass does not include free parking, you can always take public transportation. The red line train takes you to Universal Studios and the exit from the train leaves right outside the park. You simply walk to the Universal Studios tram which takes you up to the park.
Have fun in Hogsmeade fellow Muggles.

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