The 20 acre site includes excellent reproductions of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, the shops of Hogsmeade village and the Hogwarts Express train complete with steam and the occasional appearance of the train driver for that special photo. There are three rides, the main ride being Harry Potter and the forbidden Journey and two roller coasters, the flight of the Hippogriff and the dragon challenge.

Hogwarts Castle

The main ride, called Harry Potter and the forbidden journey takes you through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts on a flight through Harry's life, including encounters with Dementors and a dragon. Soar above the castle grounds, follow Harry and projections of characters from the film in a game of quidditch on an unforgettable thrilling adventure. There is no express lane on this ride, but I arrived at the park entrance around 8.45am and by using my Universal hotel key card it allowed key holder's to turn directly right going via Seuss Landing and the Lost Continent, gaining access to a shorter route to Harry Potter. I joined the line, which takes you through the Hogwart's green house area and waited for 30 minutes before gaining entry. The next part takes you through Dumbledoor's office and the hall of talking portraits. Single Riders can skip this part and go straight on the ride. Be warned, queue times are much longer later in the day and has been nick named "Harry Potter and the endless line".

Hogswarts Express

For a family friendly coaster ride take the Flight of the Hippogriff, where you approach a hippogriff before spiralling and diving around the pumpkin patch before passing Hagrid's hut. The other coaster ride is called the Dragon Challenge. Climb aboard one of two dragons, each offers a different ride. The coaster twists, loops and nearly collides offering an excellent stomach churning ride.

Hogsmeade Village

Dogweed and Deathcap Shop

You can then check out the shops from the movies, such as the owl post and the candy and toy store, where you can purchase such delights as chocolate toads. You can even purchase a wand or broomstick. I joined the line to purchase a glass of butterbeer, but gave up after some time. I was told it tasted like sugary sweet soda and if you pay 1 dollar extra it comes in a Harry Potter jug.