One of the best parts about riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is getting to walk through the queue inside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is by far my favorite themed queue of all time because of the amazing relics with unique stories and incredible details. So I grabbed my robe, wand, and reporter’s hat to bring you the stories behind the most famous relics found in Hogwarts castle at Universal Orlando Resort.
COURTYARD:
The Two Guardian Boar Statues at the Gates
At the entrance of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the first things we come face-to-face with are the two boar statues. Right below the guardian boars, you will see the name of the attraction lit up in small lights that cascade from top to bottom.
GREENHOUSES:
Mandrakes
Sitting at the top of the greenhouses we find Mandrakes — a tufty little plant that can be quite dangerous. If de-earthed, a fully matured Mandrake’s cry can be fatal to those who hear it. So, let’s leave them planted, shall we?
House Points
Another relic you will find is the hourglass-like cylinders displaying the standings of the house points. Triumphs during students’ time at Hogwarts will earn the house points, while any rule-breaking by students will lose house points. As a non-biased Hufflepuff, I think Hufflepuff should be in the lead, but who do you think should be on top?
DUNGEONS:
Potions Classroom Door
As you leave the dungeons, don’t miss the door on your left titled “Potions Classroom”. If you listen closely, you can hear what’s going on inside, as well as some familiar voices.
One-Eyed Witch Statue
Continuing along, you’ll pass a statue of a humpbacked, one-eyed witch. Harry first encountered the Marauder’s Map near a one-eyed witch statue just like this one. Mischief Managed!
Professor Severus Snape’s Office Door
As entrancing as the one-eyed witch statue may be, keep your eyes peeled for a door labeled for the infamous Potions master. If you angle yourself just right, you can see it toward the left. This is — in my opinion — one of the coolest things to see.
Mirror of Erised
We’ll also encounter the Mirror of Erised. The attention to detail is stunning, complete with the “Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi” inscription in beautiful gold lining. Take a moment to stand and gaze into the mirror to discover your deepest desire!
Griffin Entry to Office
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you know all about the entrance to Dumbledore’s office. The Griffin statue requires a password to gain entry, and knowing Dumbledore’s favorite sweet treat has proven helpful in the past. Of course, after this can only come…
DUMBLEDORE’S OFFICE:
Dumbledore’s Pensieve
Nestled safety in Dumbledore’s office is the Pensieve -a very unique enchanted item where one can deposit their thoughts or memories. The Pensieve was a very important element of Harry’s journey and is destined to become an exciting sight in yours!
Sword of Gryffindor
The sword of Godric Gryffindor, one of the Hogwarts founders, was made a thousand years ago and is known to appear to true Gryffindors who are in need of it. You can find the ornate sword displayed hugging the wall opposite of Dumbledore in his office. Look up so you don’t miss it!
DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS CLASSROOM:
Dragon Skeleton
Finally, we’re here. This is my favorite room because there are lots of interesting things in it. Here you will find a relevant artifact from every Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, serving almost as a trophy area from teachers who have come and gone.
GRYFFINDOR COMMON ROOM:
Fat Lady Portrait
Never a dull moment near the entrance to the Gryffindor common room — the Fat Lady never stops talking. She even mentioned she would go to the Quidditch match if someone could just lift her up and take her but don’t look at me. Any volunteers?
Quidditch Board Game
The board is set for people to play a board game of Quidditch, but you won’t find any of the pieces except for the stands. There is only one visible Quidditch board game in the castle and it’s spiritedly themed with the four Hogwarts house colors.
Wizard’s Wireless
Looking much like the radios of yesteryear, is a wizard’s wirelesss. We can almost imagine the Gryffindor students gathered around listening to Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees on the Wizarding Wireless Network. If you get really really close you’ll hear… nothing, sorry.
Sorting Hat
The last thing you’ll see before you hop on for the ride of a lifetime on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Say hello and goodbye to the familiar face of this incredible hat and get ready for quite the adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermione!
So, did I blow your mind? Did you learn something new? Let me know in the comments below and share your favorites on Twitter and Instagram with #WizardingWorldOrlando
5 Comments
I just say wooowww ! amazing
We hope to see you soon!
We haven’t seen the mirror or statue in years because the line hasn’t gone near them since the tide opened. Not even when we said we just want to do the line walkthrough. Would we be able to go see them if we ask a TM near the entrance?
We have booked a vacation for our daughter’s 13th birthday in February. She is Harry Potter OBSESSED and I cannot wait to surprise her at Christmas with all the fun details she’s going to see!!!
We’re SO excited to have you visit! We just know they’re going to have a magical time!