It is exciting when your favorite series of novels turns into a series of movies, and you get to watch everything from your imagination come to life on a big screen. It is even more exciting when you are able to virtually walk around in this world and live the magic that you have learned to love for nearly a decade. Universal Studios made this possible when they decided to build upon the phenomenon that is Harry Potter.

I would never have thought I’d be able to walk around the streets of Hogsmeade, play with the sneakoskopes in Zonko’s, eat chocolate frogs in Honeydukes or see which wand would “choose” me in Olivander’s. But I did.

When Universal Studios in Orlando announced that a Harry Potter theme park within a theme park would be opening in 2010 some three years ago, my sister and I quickly began making plans. We vowed it would be a trip for just the two of us – no parents, no boyfriends and no expense spared.

So after these three years of planning and anticipation, finally arriving to the gates of Hogsmeade was nothing less of magical.

The first thing you see when arriving is the Hogwarts Express, which is usually in the company of a conductor. While inside, you can mail letters postmarked by the owl post (after paying $14 for a small pack of stamps), and explore the shops of Dervish and Banks, Zonko’s, Honeydukes and Olivander’s. Although, I will say that it took an act of magic to find the entrances of these shops since most of the doors were exits, and entrances were hidden by massive lines.

Still, just about everything from the books was incorporated in the park in some way or fashion.

Music from the soundtracks played everywhere in the park, and listening to this while sipping on butterbeer (which remarkable tastes like cool, frothy cream soda), made fantasy a reality.

The ride inside the castle was, in my opinion, the most remarkable attraction. While inside, you’re waiting in line for the main ride but all the while being entertained by props that make you feel like you’re an extra in the movies.

The trip was sadly over all too quickly. While leaving the park, a sign was posted overhead that said, “The adventure continues…”

While there I sent a postcard to my home address from the owl post, which now hangs on my refrigerator, as a daily reminder of the magical journey that will most likely be forever remembered as the best vacation I have ever taken.

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