HARRY POTTER TRAIN RIDE

If you've read the Harry Potter novels or seen the movies, you must have dreamed of taking a ride for yourself on the Hogwarts Express to get to the fabled school of witchcraft and wizardry that these stories revolve around. My kids were so geeked to be able to ride this steam engine during a visit to the theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort. All aboard for a Harry Potter themed train ride!

Universal Orlando Resort has created a trolley that replicates the Hogwarts Express from J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While it looks like a great big locomotive this is actually an electric powered cable car that transports riders between two of the resort's theme parks (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure). Thanks to the magic of special effects though riders are provided with the look and feel of going on a train ride across the English countryside. 

Your ticket to riding the Hogwarts Express is purchasing multi-park passes so you can visit both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks in Orlando, Florida on the same day. Without the multi-park pass you can visit either Diagon Alley (Universal Studios) or Hogwarts Castle (Islands of Adventure) in the theme park you have passes for but you can't traverse between the two via a Harry Potter train ride. So if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express be prepared to visit both Universal Orlando Resort theme parks in the same day.

You can hop on the train from either King Cross Station or the Hogsmeade Station located in the village at the base of Hogwarts Castle. I recommend starting off in Universal Studios because it provides the most immersive experience to make Harry Potter fans feel as if they are part of the Wizarding World and replicates the pattern of events from the stories. Pay a visit to Diagon Alley to get your school supplies and some delicious snacks. Then disappear into Platform 9 ¾ to catch a ride on the Hogwarts Express.

A lot of people miss this special effect but you can actually take pictures and videos of walking through a brick wall to catch the train. For those not paying attention it appears you are just walking through a hallway on your way to the train platform. But between markers for Platform 9 and 10 is a nook off to the side of the ride queue line that provides a view of people walking through a brick wall to get to Platform  9 ¾. If you snooze you lose so don't miss out on this magical photo op available at the Kings Cross Station. Remember if you only have time to ride the train once during your visit and depart from Islands of Adventure going to Universal Studios there won't be a chance to have your own Platform  9 ¾ moment.

Here are a few other interesting tidbits about the Kings Cross Station at Universal Studios theme park in Orlando. Pre-pandemic there would be street musicians entertaining folks in the queue lines just like you might come across in a real London train station. Hopefully they will return when things get back to normal. Plus the train schedule posted at Kings Cross Station with actual scheduled travel routes taking place that day in England. Oh and keep an eye out for an animatronic Hedwig while waiting to board the train to Hogwarts.

Once you are on the Hogwarts Express you can look at the window to view a fantasy landscape go by. The windows are actually video screens that make it seem as if you are a part of a Harry Potter story. Pulling out from the urban train station Hedwig the Owl soars down to fly next to the train as it rumbles through neighborhoods of London townhouses. 

As the owl flies off, Dementors begin chasing the train for a scary experience. Passengers dodge them though as the train goes through a tunnel. Then comes some comic relief when Arthur Weasley’s car, the Flying Ford Anglia, crashes in front of your eyes. Finally Hagrid zooms in on his motorbike to escort you into the train station as you are provided a view of Hogwarts Castle in the distance. Exit the train for fun experiences at the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including what has become my favorite ride at these theme parks Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure roller coaster.

Guess what?! If you head back on the train to Kings Cross Station there is different imagery to take in through your passenger cabin windows. As you depart Hogsmeade Station, Hagrid is on the platform waving goodbye and then Buckbeak flies by the train.  The Weasley twins escort you for awhile and provide a fireworks show. Then the Knight Bus whizzes about the train to guide you into the London station. 

Don't just look out the windows during the entire ride though. Because if you look at the door to your train compartment during your trip it is likely you will see the shadows of Harry, Ron and Hermione as they walk by. Listen closely and you can even eavesdrop on their conversation. Harry Potter fans are sure to appreciate this close encounter with these characters as if they were really right next to you.

Yes it cost some extra money to take a Harry Potter train ride but the smiles and sounds of delight from my children made it absolutely worthwhile. They were ecstatic about our Hogwarts Express experience. It really made them feel like they were part of the Wizarding World as they sat with their wands out ready to ward off any Dementors or Death Eaters that might slip onto the train. If you have friends or family who are big Harry Potter fans like my kids are they will be geeked to take part in this train ride.

HARRY POTTER PUMPKIN JUICE

During my family's various visits to Universal Orlando Resort my kids and I have indulged in a number of themed non-alcoholic drinks like Butter Beer, Fishy Green Ale, Tongue Tying Lemon Squash and Pumpkin Juice within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter meant to add to the magical ambiance of the place. Next to Butter Beer made famous from references in the J.K. Rowling books and movies, Pumpkin Juice is probably the most common beverage you'll come across at vendor carts and shops within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. I have to admit at first the thought of drinking Pumpkin Juice made me go ugh!

Eventually though curiosity got the best of us and the whole family gave Pumpkin Juice a try. Guess what? We loved it! See it is worth while to try new things! I particularly found Pumpkin Juice to be delicious and took a liking to the stuff.

Pumpkin Juice combines the taste of apple cider with pumpkin pie. Hints of spices and brown sugar compliment the main two flavors so that it is like enjoying Thanksgiving Day desert in liquid form. And the only place I've come across this beverage has been at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort.

That was until a recent shopping trip with my family to ALDI. This discount retailer is always rotating different varieties of products on its shelves and it is always fun to hunt around the aisles to see what new things you can discover. On this visit, we discovered Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Cider in a bottle that had a Harry Potterish vibe to it. I wondered how this would compare to the Pumpkin Juice from Universal Orlando Resort and picked up a bottle to bring home with us.

Wow! the Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Cider tastes really close to the Pumpkin Juice you'll find at Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  The version we discovered at ALDI has a similar mixture of apple cider and pumpkin flavoring as Pumpkin Juice but is slightly different in a couple of ways.  The ALDI Pumpkin Cider has a fizzy quality that isn't in Pumpkin Juice and has a hint of gingerbread taste to it that compliments the pumpkin and apple ingredients compared to the more pie style flavoring with brown sugar undertones of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter variety.

Both drinks are very similar, yet also have unique differences. The glass container of the ALDI Pumpkin Cider is really nice compared to the plastic bottles Pumpkin Juice is serve in. You also get more beverage for your dollar at ALDI compared to the inflated amusement park prices of Universal Orlando Resort. I liked the sparkling cider aspect of the ALDI beverage but my kids prefer the more juice like quality of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter beverage. On the other hand, the gingerbread taste of the Pumpkin Cider was a bit more than I cared for giving Pumpkin Juice an edge in my preference too.

Still we all liked this alternate version of Pumpkin Juice enough to go back to pick up additional bottles from ALDI.  Just as things magically disappear in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, products have a tendency to quickly vanish from the shelves at ALDI. All the Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Cider was gone when we returned to get some more.  We'll definitely be keeping an eye out to see if it returns to ALDI again.

Whether you've enjoyed Pumpkin Juice at Universal Orlando Resort and would like something similar to enjoy at home or have never had it before but are looking for treats to make a Harry Potter themed family movie night more fun, you'll want to keep an eye out at your local ALDI stores to see if Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Cider appears there. This would also make a great drink for a Halloween or Harry Potter themed party especially for kids since it is non-alcoholic. We would absolutely buy it again ourselves.

To search for ALDI stores near you, apparate over to aldi.us

MARVEL SUPER HERO ISLAND

Heading to Orlando and want to immerse yourself into a super hero experience? You'll want to fly over to Universal Orlando Resort's Islands of Adventure theme park to get in on the action within its activity area themed around the Marvel comic book universe.  Confused that this isn't at Disney World whose parent company now owns Marvel? Well Universal Resorts had a contract with Marvel before the Disney purchase that gives its theme parks east of the Mississippi River exclusive rights to use the comic book publisher's characters created before 1990 in its attractions.  So if you are looking to have a comic book style adventure MARVEL SUPER HERO ISLAND is the place to go!

This marvelous area of Universal Islands of Adventure theme park has four spectacular rides to enjoy that are sure to get your spirit soaring with excitement.  Feel the power of a gamma ray created behemoth on The Incredible Hulk Coaster.  Be spun around in the wind by a mutant's power to summon and control the weather within the Storm Force Accelatron.  Doctor Doom's Fearfall will rocket you into the sky! And you won't want to miss the chance to web sling your way swinging across the rooftops of New York City in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK COASTER

The Hulk greets you outside as people are ushered into a high-security research compound.  By getting into line for THE INCREDIBLE HULK COASTER you've just volunteered to become a test subject for a science experiment based upon Dr. Bruce Banner's research.  Your group is blasted with gamma radiation and suddenly catapulted out of the facility like a fighter jet.  Having the power of the Incredible Hulk you'll be propelled upside down into a weightless zero gravity roll then race faster and faster through the track.  Reaching a top speed of 67 miles per hour this coaster traverses you through seven inversions and two subterranean trenches before you get your feet back on the ground returning to human form.  This ride was completely refurbished a couple of years ago and the updated coaster is sure to provide a smashing good time!

STORM FORCE ACCELATRON

The X-Men's Storm has been tasked with swirling power generator pods around an accelatron chamber created by Professor X.  If she can harness enough energy from the wind, this device will create an electrical field that will contain the X-Men's dreaded adversary Magneto.  Any you are along for the ride sitting inside one of the pods!

This is a very kid friendly ride and located in the shadow of THE INCREDIBLE HULK COASTER a great way to pass the time while other more courageous members of your super hero team are tackling the roller coaster.  It is fun time for kids and kids at heart similar to the teacups rides found at the Disney parks. My children were all smiles when riding the STORM FORCE ACCELATRON.

DOCTOR DOOM'S FEARFALL

Don't let the name mislead you! Unlike rides like the Demon Drop and Tower of Terror that plunge riders in a free fall, DOCTOR DOOM'S FEARFALL rockets you into the sky!  One of Marvel Comics most dangerous super villains Doctor Doom has come up with a plan to defeat the Fantastic Four team of super heroes. He is going to use a device to capture people's fears to power the ultimate weapon.

You've been captured and Doctor Doom is planning to harvest your fear.  How is he going to do this?  His henchmen are going to blast you 185 feet into the air with more thrust than a 747 jet accelerating you faster than the space shuttle taking off. Wow! Oh guess what?! Then gravity is going to pull you back down to the Earth.  Have to admit I didn't ride this one myself.  From the screams echoing around MARVEL SUPER HERO ISLAND from the ride I'm hoping people were having a good time!

THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN

This is my family's favorite ride at Universal Orlando Resort's theme parks.  During our last visit, we rode it a dozen times. It really is spectacular!

In fact it is one of the most popular rides in the history of amusement parks. It won Amusement Today's  prestigious Golden Ticket Award for Best Dark Ride for twelve consecutive years from its opening in 1999 through 2010.  It was knocked off by another Islands of Adventure ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey."

Despite its age, THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN is still going strong! The ride's imagery was enhanced a few years ago with vibrant, high-definition 3-D animations to keep it exciting and giving it a new lease on life. It gives you the feeling of being immersed within the pages of a Spider-Man comic book story.

Jump onboard a Daily Bugle vehicle called a "Scoop" as the newspaper's new super hero beat reporter and follow Spider-Man as he attempts to foil the nefarious actions of the Sinister Syndicate which includes Doctor Octopus, Electro, Hydro-Man and the Hobgoblin.  As you are racing around New York City keep an eye out for four cameos within the ride by the legendary Stan Lee who created many of Marvel's most popular comic book characters. Can you spot all his appearances? Watch out! Doctor Octopus will try to launch you on a 400 foot free fall when your guard is down!

What is great about this ride is that you feel like you are scaling buildings, swinging from roof tops and soaring through the sky yet the Scoop never actually leaves the ground. This ride combines the roving motion vehicles you sit in with 3D projections on 30 foot tall screens along with, elaborate physical sets and special effects including fog, fire, wind, heat, mist, strobe lights, and water spray to simulate a sense of motion and environment.  THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN really is amazing! My whole family LOVES this ride!

ARTWORK SCAVENGER HUNT

While making your way around MARVEL SUPER HERO ISLAND you'll notice there are elaborate caricatures of Marvel comic book heroes and villains all about.  This artwork is really impressive!  It was all created by an actual comic book illustrator named Adam Kubert and he placed his signature someplace within each piece of artwork.  Looking for Kubert's name can be a fun game! Do you think you can find all his signatures in this artwork scavenger hunt?

COLORFUL ILLUSSIONS

Being from the Motor City, I found this MARVEL SUPER HERO ISLAND special effect especially interesting.  Keep an eye on the buildings as you walk around!  Many of them were painted with a special paint developed by the automotive industry.  You'll notice that buildings actually change colors before your eyes.  As sunlight hits the surfaces with this special paint from different angles it appears a building has changed colors. You won't want to miss this impressive illusion!

FANTASTIC EATS

Along with the rides there are a couple of shops with comic books, super hero themed collectibles, and amusement park souvenirs to peruse. There also is an elaborate video game arcade to explore. Plus two restaurants; one themed around Captain America and the other focused on the Fantastic Four.

The Captain America Diner has the standard amusement park fare of hamburgers and chicken fingers that parents with picky eaters are always on the eye out for and can really appreciate.  Café 4 though is one of my favorite places to eat in Islands of Adventure though … and not just because it highlights the Fantastic Four who haven't been getting much love from Marvel in recent years. These were some of my favorite super heroes growing up and lately they've had their comic book series cancelled and several bad movies made featuring the characters Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, the Human Torch and the Thing. Doah!

Café 4 puts the Fantastic Four front and center.  It also had a menu with some Italian flair that is a bit different from standard amusement park restaurant fare but yet will still be enticing for picky eaters to bite into.  It has a menu that includes several varieties of pizza, spaghetti, chicken parmesan and meatball subs.  Moms and dads can get draft beer in souvenir pilsners as well while the place has juice and soda for the kids.  I'd recommend eating a piece of cheesecake too for desert!

MEET AND GREETS

You never know who you'll bump into during a visit to MARVEL SUPER HERO ISLAND.  Captain America along with X-Men including Cyclops, Storm and Wolverine are some of the character encounters you can have while wandering around the place.  Even some of the villains like Doctor Doom make an occasional appearance.  Get an autograph or strike a pose for a memorable photo op.

You won't find your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man wandering around like these other heroes and villains though.  He has an exclusive character encounter space across the street from THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN ride at the back of a store selling mugs, t-shirts, toys and other items featuring the Wall Crawling super hero.  While it is free to meet Spider-Man if you want a background for a pic with him that is something other than a green screen you need to purchase a souvenir photo package with your choice of one of their comic book themed settings.

Whether or not you are a comic book fan, MARVEL SUPER HERO ISLAND is sure to provide a fantastic time.  Experience the adrenaline of a super hero adventure through the thrilling rides and meet some of your favorite characters from the Marvel comic book universe. Plus take some time to enjoy the incredible larger than life artwork all around the place that generates an atmosphere where you feel like you are walking through the pages of a comic book. Excelsior!

In addition to MARVEL SUPER HERO ISLAND, an excursion to Universal Orlando Resort's Islands of Adventure theme park also lets you take an entertaining trek through Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Toon Lagoon, King Kong's Skull Island, Seuss Landing and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There is a lot of fun to discover at Islands of Adventure!  For more information, head over to universalorlando.com.

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HARRY POTTER POTIONS AND ELIXIRS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

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WOODY WOODPECKER MOVIE

I was a bit shocked during a trip to Universal Orlando Resort that my kids had no clue who Woody Woodpecker was.  I'd watched more cartoons featuring that mischievous little bird than I can count as a kid myself but the character hasn't received much attention for the last couple of decades.  So I was excited to find out that Woody Woodpecker was making a comeback in an all-new movie being released straight to Cable On Demand, Digital Download, and DVD on February 6, 2018.

Woody Woodpecker was created in 1940 by Walter Lantz as a cartoon short that was shown in movie theaters until it became a television show in 1957.  "The Woody Woodpecker Show" has been broadcast in over 150 territories across the globe and in 105 languages in the more than 75 years since the cartoons first began airing on television.  Generations of kids have known the unforgettable laugh of the little red-headed bird who is forever pecking his way out of trouble.  Now a new film that blends live action and CGI animation is bringing back the wild adventures of this wacky woodpecker.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment kindly sent us the movie in advance of its official release date to enjoy for a family movie night.  Both my son and daughter were intrigued to learn more about this character that I had hyped up to them since we ran across him while wandering around Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.  There were plenty of giggles filling our living room while viewing Woody Woodpecker's antics in this film about a crazy turf war between the prankster bird and a big city lawyer who wants to tear down Woody's home to build a mansion with a lake view.

Directed by Alex Zamm (Inspector Gadget 2, The Little Rascals Save the Day), WOODY WOODPECKER is rated PG for action scenes, rude humor and language.  Though it has a PG rating, from our experience viewing it there really didn't seem to be anything as a parent I'd find concerning or objectionable about letting a child of any age watch the film.  WOODY WOODPECKER is a nice movie that preschoolers, grade school kids and tweens will enjoy watching along with mom and dad for a fun family movie night.



The movie stars Timothy Omundson (Galavant, Supernatural, Psych), Thaila Ayala (Rio Heat), Graham Verchere (Fargo), Jordana Largy (Monster Trucks) and Eric Bauza (The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water) as the voice of Woody Woodpecker.  In his first ever live action / animated film, Woody Woodpecker must protect his forest home from Lance Walters (Omundson) who starts building a dream home in the forest with his son Tommy (Verchere) and fiancée Vanessa (Ayala).  While engaging in this turf war, Woody must also avoid the clutches of two grizzly poachers.  Will Woody's crazy hijnks sabotage Lance's mansion and foil the poachers?  You'll be laughing along with Woody's trademark laugh as you find out!

For more information about the movie, head over to uphe.com/woodywoodpecker.

Harry Potter Potions and Elixirs at Universal Orlando Resort

A visit to Universal Orlando Resort is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself within J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Watch a dragon breath fire right in front of your eyes at Universal Studios' Diagon Alley or fly a broom across the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry and through the Forbidden Forest at Universal's Islands of Adventure Hogsmeade.  After selecting a wand, or maybe a wand selecting you, at Ollivanders and casting some magical spells with it amongst the theme parks interactive features take a moment to take in your surroundings while enjoying some of the variety of potions and elixirs available at Universal Orlando Resort's Harry Potter attractions.

Some of these delicious beverages are referenced directly within the Harry Potter books and movies such as Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice while others such as Fishy Green Ale are simply inspired by the magical works of J.K. Rowling.  These non-alcoholic beverages are the perfect cure for handling a hot Florida day while exploring Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.  The theme parks also offer some alcoholic potions for those over 21 years old who wish to indulge in them.  Drink a shot of Fire Whisky followed up with a pint of Wizard's Brew or Dragon Scale which are all alcoholic beverages exclusive to Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Butterbeer

Butterbeer appears to be one of the favorite beverages amongst the witches and wizards within the pages of the Harry Potter novels and in the corresponding movies.  While it is referenced getting house-elves drunk in the books, the Butterbeer at Universal Orlando Resort is non-alcoholic.  It is a tasty sugary concoction that blends together the flavors of cream soda, butterscotch, shortbread cookies and whipped cream.

We've tried themed sodas available at grocery stores and diy recipes at home, but have to say the Butterbeer my family has had at Universal Orlando Resort is by far the best.  It is available in three varieties at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade -- cold, frozen and hot.  Cold Butterbeer is a creamy, buttery confection combining the taste of butterscotch and shortbread topped off with a foamy froth cap of deliciousness. Imagine mixing together a butterscotch sundae with a glass of cream soda and giving it the appearance of a pint of British ale and you have yourself a mug of Universal Orlando Resort's cold Butterbeer.

Butterbeer is also available heated up and the hot version is a nice way to warm up your belly on a mild weathered winter day or when there is a bit of an evening chill in the air during a night time visit to Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade.  My personal preference though is frozen Butterbeer.  This variation is like drinking a Butterbeer slush.  Oh it is good!  Plus frozen Butterbeer is the only one of the three you can drink with a straw because in the other two versions that utensil instigates a carbon dioxide overload that will turns your beverage into a bubbling cauldron which will quickly overflow from your cup like a school volcano science project.

Tongue Tying Lemon Squash

Made from real lemons this tart drink with a hint of vanilla has become the favorite lemonade among the Muggles who visit Universal Orlando Resort.  You may be enchanted to give someone a kiss after drinking a Tongue Tying Lemon Squash as its tangy flavor is sure to have your lips puckered.

Otter's Fizzy Orange Juice

Oranges and Florida go together like magical spells and wands so you'd have to expect something like Otter's Fizzy Orange Juice being available at Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  It is a carbonated orange creamsicle flavored soda with a cinnamon and sugar coated rim to a cup that is garnished with a fresh orange slice.  It is not your typical orange juice but is a perfect beverage for a Florida vacation combining the State fruit with whimsical Harry Potter flair.

Fishy Green Ale

While the non-alcoholic specialty drinks at Wizarding World of Harry Potter are meant to be exclusive aspects of the Universal theme park experience, Fishy Green Ale stands out as being uniquely available at Diagon Alley.  It has a greenish coloring providing the appearance of a magical potion and a sip will provide you a creamy mint taste with a hint of cinnamon to it.  Take a look at the bottom of your cup and you'll notice it is filled with "fish eggs!"  Well not really fish eggs...they're plump blueberries.  Your Fishy Green Ale comes with an extra large straw so you can suck up these fish eggs through it.  Beware the blueberries absorb the cinnamon and mint from the drink combining with the fruitiness of the berries for a flavor explosion within your mouth.

Peachtree Fizzing Tea

Take a peach cobbler, mix it up in a blender, then drink it and you have yourself a Peachtree Fizzing Tea.  Featured in the Harry Potter movies, this drink has been brought to life at Universal Orlando Resort.  The resort boasts that this bubbly peach and ginger flavored concoction has a fizzing volume of a whopping 87%.

Pumpkin Juice

At first glance of a bottle of Pumpkin Juice at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I thought to myself how disgusting is that? Ugh!  But I mustered the courage to try out the drink and have to admit it really was delicious.  Pumpkin Juice combines the taste of apple cider with pumpkin pie.  Hints of spices and brown sugar compliment the main two flavors so that it is like enjoying Thanksgiving Day desert within a bottle of juice.  Don't hesitate in picking up a bottle of Pumpkin Juice while you are at Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade.

Gillywater

Visitors will notice bottles of Gillywater being sold throughout Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  At first glance it will appear this is just normal bottled water with a Harry Potter themed label.  And that is all it is ... unless you add a secret ingredient.

Stop by Eternelle's Elixir of Refreshment located in Diagon Alley to purchase a vial with a potion that will transform your normal Gillywater into a flavorful treat.  Pick from one of four elixirs, pour the potion into a bottle of Gillywater, and shake it up.  Voila! You have one of these concoctions:

Babling Beverage that is the flavor of fruit punch;

Draught of Peace is a mixture of blueberry, blackberry, cherry and raspberry;

Fire Protection Potion which tastes like watermelon mixed with peach and strawberry;

Elixir to Induce Euphoria is pineapple flavored with a touch of mint.

Looking for a stronger drink than a Butterbeer? Try a Dragon Scale, Hogs Head Brew or Wizard's Brew.  These actual craft beers are brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando Resort by Florida Beer Company which also produces the Duff beers for The Simpsons area of the Universal Studios theme park.

Hogs Head Brew can be found at Universal Orlando Resort's Islands of Adventure theme park.  Stop by the Hogs Head Pub in Hogsmeade to get yourself a pint.  Hogs Brew tastes quite a bit like George Killian's Irish Red with a Scottish ale twist to its flavoring.  If you want to be a bit more adventurous try yourself a Deathly Hallows, which for some sort of copyright or other legal reasons the resort can't refer to the drink as but the bartenders will know what you are talking about, when visiting the Hogs Head Pub.  It consists of golden Strongbow hard cider, topped with amber Hogs Brew and capped with the dark coloring of Guinness.  Each beverage has its own level creating an interesting look within the cup and create an interesting blend of flavors as you drink it.

Hogs Head Pub doesn't serve soda but rather provides apple and pear ciders as non-alcoholic beverages.  These also make for great mixers in alcoholic drinks.  Try a Hogs Tea which is essentially a Long Island Iced Tea that instead of soda uses raspberry iced tea mixed together with a combination of gin, rum, tequila, and vodka.  You may also want to try a Pear Dazzle which is vodka mixed with pear cider and lemonade.

Dragon Scale and Wizard's Brew, like Fishy Green Ale, are unique to the Diagon Alley area of Universal Studios theme park.  Wizard's Brew is a dark stout with coffee and chocolate flavoring.  This sweet stout is a strong drink but remarkable not bitter.  Those who like dark beers like Guinness or Bell's Kalamazoo Stout will definitely appreciate a Wizard's Brew.  Dragon Scale is an amber lager similar to the regular Duff's beer available in The Simpson's area of Universal Studios theme park.  This brew is more for people who enjoy pale ales.  A Deathly Hallows drink mix in Diagon Alley is a combination of Strongbow Cider, Dragon Scale and Wizard's Brew.

In the Harry Potter books, Fire Whisky is an alcohol partaken by witches and wizards described as causing a burning sensation when drunk that fills one's body with courage and that is too potent for Muggles to drink.  A shot of Fire Whisky can now be enjoyed though by Muggles who venture to Universal Orlando Resort's Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade attractions.  Created by TerrePure Spirits, Blishen's Fire Whisky is a Harry Potter branded cinnamon flavored alcohol that is a bit mellower than Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey but still has that great Red Hots candy style taste to it.  Have a shot by itself or toss it in a pint of Dragon Scale, Hogs Brew or Strongbow Cider for an extra jolt to your drink.

As you can see there are a lot of great Harry Potter themed beverages to help enhance your experience while visiting this fantasy world of wizards and witches at Universal Orlando Resort. These really are some great elixirs to help you have a good time. From family friendly non-alcoholic potions like Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice to alcoholic elixirs for the Over 21 crowd like Dragon Scale, Hogs Tea and Fire Whisky there is something for everyone to help put them in a Wizarding World of Harry Potter mood.  Which of these beverages either is your favorite or one that you would like to try?