5 Reasons Every Harry Potter Fan Must Visit Universal Orlando At Christmas
1. Experience The Magic Of Christmas At Hogwarts
My absolute favourite thing about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter over the holiday season is the transformation of Hogwarts.
Each evening as the sun starts to set, Hogwarts Castle receives a beautiful makeover thanks to some amazing projections. Snow decorates the castle and looks so perfect you would assume Universal Entertainment went out each night to spray snow onto the castle, it's hard to believe that this is achieved with (albeit the best money can buy) projectors.
As darkness begins to fall The Magic of Christmas At Hogwarts begins. This beautiful show project scenes onto the castle including a giant advert for Fred & George Weasley's joke shop, Mr Weasley's rogue Ford Anglia knocking down snowmen and a puppet version of Hermione & Krum dancing at the Yule Ball.
I've seen this display a few times now and it never ceases to amaze me. I'm often critical of Universal's neighbouring rival and their projections, especially those at Hollywood Studios, but I can't fault those at Hogwarts.
The show takes place each night at sunset and repeats approximately every 20 minutes until park closing. The show is best seen after the sun has set as the images are much clearer. However, this is a popular show so if it's a must do for you, get to Hogsmeade early and find a spot. I would recommend next to the fence along the path leading up to the castle.
Bonus: You Get To Enjoy Everything Else
The best thing about taking the Harry Potter fan in your life to Universal Orlando Resort over Christmas is there's a ton of Muggle friendly things to experience too.
Seuss Landing is full of fun and festive cheer over the Holidays. The newly improved Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is now taking place, which is a musical retelling of the classic Dr Seuss tale. For 2018 there's a brand new set, the Grinch has more of the appearance of the traditional book and best of all there's even more of Max. I love this show and think it's well worth taking time out of riding the attractions to watch.
The Whos are also not confined to the stage show, throughout Seuss Landing you can catch them singing Christmas carols as they prepare for Christmas Day.
The centrepiece of Holiday's at Universal is the magical parade. Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s combines some of Universal's most famous characters with the amazing balloons similar to those at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. See Shrek, the Minions and King Julien in the funnest floats you'll ever see. Of course no parade would be complete without the appearance of Santa who lights up the Christmas tree as he passes by.
Universal is the perfect place this Holiday season for those who love the Wizarding World... and for those who just love Christmas.
We flew out to Universal Orlando Resort thanks to Norwegian and stayed at the resort's newest hotel Aventura.
A seven night stay* at Universal’s Aventura Hotel is from £414 per adult and £404 per child, based on two adults and two children (aged 3-9) sharing a standard 2 queen room. The price includes Universal 3-park Explorer Tickets for 14 days unlimited access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. Stay on-site at any of Universal Orlando’s hotels and receive Early Park Admission (with valid ticket to the parks) and complimentary transportation around the resort. To book visit https://www.attractiontickets.com/en
*based on mid-August pricing
For more information on Universal Orlando Resort visit www.universalorlando.co.uk
Norwegian
· Norwegian operates year round direct from London Gatwick to Orlando
· All flights are operated by a fleet of brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with two cabins – Premium and economy
· Fares start from £155 one-way and £275 return in LowFare economy and £519 one-way and £959 return in Premium including all taxes and charges and subject to availability
· To book visit www.norwegian.com/uk or call 0330 828 0854