Can I just say that I’m really missing Harry Potter world lately? I loved being there with my family, especially since Black Widow is a HUGE Harry Potter fan! In case any of YOU are planning a visit, here’s some of our thoughts on yummy treats, great souvenir ideas and more at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Food and Stuff!
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If you recall, we went to Universal and Harry Potter World last September with Family Forward, and told you all about our overall impressions of HP World here. I wish we’d had even more time, because there’s just SO MUCH to see! This post I’m just sharing what types of things we found that were not only delicious, but also some ideas and opinions on souvenir or gift ideas (you know, to take something back to the poor people who didn’t get to go – kinda sucks to be them, so a thoughtful gift would be nice).
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Food & Drink
#1: Chocolate Frogs
You can’t visit Harry Potter World without trying at least ONE chocolate frog! They’re a little more pricey than I hoped, so we got 2 or 3 and just shared. Black Widow still has the cards (Dumbledore and Ravenclaw) hanging in her room! It’s just a fun experience to do, since it’s such a memorable thing in the movie (as well as one direction of the Hogwarts Express at the park).
#2: Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment
This is in Diagon Alley, back in an area that’s less crowded, sort of by the bank. They have different ‘elixirs’ (aka water flavorings) to choose from in fun colors. You get the little elixir bottle (that’s a super cute souvenir, by the way) and mix it with water – we bought bottled Gilly Water – then pour in the Elixer and shake. The drink itself isn’t anything super special, but it’s a fun thing for the kids 🙂
What a fun atmosphere! This is in Diagon Alley, as well, and was a great place to take a rest when we got hungry. You walk in and the menu is up on the wall while you wait in line. Once you get to the counter you place your order, then they give you a numbered ‘candle stick’ to take to your table, so they can then find you to bring your food.
With 8 of us, we ordered a variety – and there was plenty on the menu to choose from! It is pretty ‘English’, but they also had typical things like mac & cheese and wedge fries, so even our kiddos loved the food. It was good quality, and fresh.
My in-laws got the Ploughman’s, which had a Scotch egg, 3 kinds of cheese, fresh bread, mini pickles, chutney, grilled tomato, green salad and a horseradish-mustard dipping sauce. Yes, it’s meant for 2 people.
They also got the Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. It was yummy, with a scoop of ice cream on top.
We got several things: mac & cheese with potato wedges (kids meals) bangers and mash (the hot dog looking things with veggies), Chicken sandwich, and fish ‘n chips (kids meal). I couldn’t resist trying the chocolate potted cream for dessert – so good! But no, you don’t get to keep the cute pot it comes in – I asked.
You HAD to know this one was coming, right? Because everyone raves about the butter beer – the big debate is which one is best? I didn’t get to try the heated one (didn’t realize it was an option!) but between the regular and the frozen, I definitely preferred the regular. The frothy top was perfect, and it had just the right amount of butterscotch goodness. The frozen seemed a bit TOO sweet to me, but the others liked it fine.
#5: Three Broomsticks
So I did NOT get to eat here, but I was told by so many friends that I have full faith in their tastebuds that it’s a must-try restaurant at Harry Potter World.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Souvenirs, Gifts and Stuff
Our kids worked hard during the summer to save up for something special – although they didn’t know about this trip until the plane! Luckily we had them prepared so they could choose a few things to purchase, if they wanted.
#1: Gringotts Bank Notes
You can exchange your ‘muggle money’ for official Gringotts Bank Notes at the Money Exchange in Diagon Alley. The staff guy was super helpful, and be sure to take time to talk with the head goblin! I gave a little more detail in my first post of this place – it’s really neat to see, then you have ‘wizard money’ to spend as you wish! It comes in $10 or $20 denominations, and in a neat little ‘bank envelope’.
#2: Adopt a Magical Pet
My kids had a BLAST in the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley, where they have plenty of ‘pets’ you can adopt! Grab a Fluffy, Crookshanks, or even unicorns, cornish pixies, spiders and more!
#3: Every Wizard Needs a Wand
No visit here would be complete without a visit to Ollivander’s Wand Shop! There’s one in Diagon Alley AND Hogsmeade, so it’s super easy to make a stop. See them choose a special someone for ‘choosing a wand’, then spend time picking out one of your own!
Now, my girl is REALLY into Harry Potter, so to her spending $50 on a wand (she got the magic kind) was well worth it. She loved doing spells around the park!
For my boys, they didn’t care enough for me to want to spend that type of money – and I knew that ahead of time and ordered them disclosure. And honestly, these ones are a bit thicker so they’re more durable!
#4: Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes
Pretty much anything here is fun – from their Exploding Bon Bons (white chocolate bon bons with pop rocks inside!) to their sticky tricks and more.
Here’s some fun things I found on Amazon ahead of time, to save some money in the parks:
More Harry Potter Fun…
