After the harrowing journey to get here, I managed to find the Main Gate to the parking complex. I salute the USO management in handling massive crowds. The parking complex was huge and has multiple travelators. Parking fee was compulsory and the charged $20. Unless you stayed at a hotel the night before, you have to park here. I bought my tickets from the website and trust me, it was so expensive. It costs $156 for the entrance. I nearly cried while paying but considering this is my ultimate dream since I was a big Potterhead, I concede and pay.

There was a huge line at the parking entrance. I spent 20 minutes going through the counter. The parking lot was assigned to each character and I got the SpiderMan zone. Entering the park, they have employed security with X-ray scanner and metal detector. Just like other Universal, they have different Worlds and my eye was fixed on ONE - Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Diagon Alley/King's Cross. Getting through to WWHP, I passed through the whimsical and colourful World of Dr Seuss obviously for kids. Amazingly, the queue time was not bad at all! I don't have to buy the Express Pass like I did for USS.

Florida beaches

Whimsical World of Dr Seuss

I entered the gateway and there it was, the magnificent Hogwart's Castle. Walked through Hogsmeade and saw the Hogwart's Express station. Yes, there is only ONE Hogwart's Express ride and it is in Orlando. They don't have it in Japan. Being in Hogsmeade was so magical that is brings the memories of reading and imagining the famous JK Rowling fantasy that was a huge part of my childhood. I scream internally when I saw the Three Broomstick, the Ollivander shop. It was so magical and moving.

Hogsmeade

Hogwarts Express

Dragon Challenge Coaster

I chose two ride both Dragon Challenge roller coaster which consist of the Hungarian Horntail and the Chinese Fireball track. There was a locker, free for 1 hour and it was packed with people. I managed to squeeze and keep my bags. Well, the beauty of a Single Rider is that you get on the ride quickly. I waited for 20 minutes for each coaster. It reminds me of the Battlestar Galactica in USS. The ride was fierce and I think the Chinese Fireball was the fastest. Then, I went to the next ride which was the famous Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey. 1 hour queues.

Butter Beer. yes, it's non-alcoholic.

The luncheon at Three Broomsticks

We enter the Hogwart's Castle where the magic come to live. Literally. The paintings move, talk and there's magical spell and you can spot Dumbledore in the Castle. It was amazing! Just like I'm in Hogwarts! They even got the Madam Pomfrey's garden right to the detail. I mean, the details is just amazing! The ride? Well, I got stuck in the middle. Fair to say, I hate the ride. I got severe motion sickness that I actually closed my eyes the entire time. I had a Butter Beer and lunch in the Three Broomstick, just like Harry did!

I then went to ride the Hogwarts Express back to King's Cross. There was a very long queue since it was almost 7 pm. You will be seated with 5 other occupants and you can see experience the train ride as if the characters' are right outside your coach door. It is a real train you guys.

My last ride in WWHP would be the Escape From Gringotts ride in Dragon Alley. I got lost trying to find Diagon Alley. It was located behind the set of brick gates somewhere in King's Cross. This was the BEST ride among them all. Located well, in Gringotts, complete with a fire breathing dragon on top of the bank.

The fire breathing dragon on top of Gringott's

I attend a couple of shows including the Choir, the Ollivander shop, some singing in Dragon Alley. Also bought some souvenirs from both WWHP and Dragon Alley. The Weasley shop was colourfully decorated and magical - not interested in tasting the Puking Pastiles though.

King's Cross

London's Bus

At night, USO has a Mardi Gras parade along with a free The Script Concert. I was running out of time and do not want to spend too long there at night, alone. The last ride I took was the Hollywood Ripe Ride Rock It coaster. It was super fast and the thrill of being vertically carried to the peak was awesome. My song choice for this one was Kanye West's Stronger. I rode with a hype college dude who was very excited for the ride. LOL.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

My room at Best Western Orlando Convention Centre

After buying souvenir, I walked to the parking complex. The USO complex seems alive since they have a mall with cinemas and restaurants. I was greeted by a Muslim family on my way back and it seems they were very happy to see me. I am off to my hotel which was Best Western Orlando Convention Centre. It was cheap, located about 7 minutes drive from USO. The room was spacious and clean. They even let me use the printer and PC for free. For me, this was probably the best hotel since it was away from the crowd (I went there during Spring Break), very family friendly and cheap. On to next post where I meet Manatees!