Near closing time on our recent trip, as we raced to one last ride for the older kids, our younger ones passed out in the double stroller, I wish I’d known I could have unwinded with a Hog’s Tea, the (unadvertised) strongest drink you can order at Hog’s Head in Hogsmeade. In fact, now that I’ve returned from vacation, I’ve discovered a few other Harry Potter World secrets I wish I’d known before boarding my flight. Here are eight hacks you don’t want to miss. At Diagon Alley’s Scribbulus Writing Implements, go to the window on the right. Point your wand at the Marauder’s Map and draw a triangle. 14 different things can appear on the map. At Slug and Jigger’s Apothecary, point your wand at the dragon poop and draw a clockwise circle with a line down the middle. The poop moves and also releases a smell. Just to the left of this spell, point at the flower and draw an “h.” The flower will bloom and retreat. If you place your map under the black light in Diagon Alley’s Knockturn Alley, the shapes of spells will appear. Hint: Look for 4 red dots, those are the camera sensors. Move only your wrist not your whole arm to stay within the camera’s field. Also at Hog’s Head Pub, order the Hog’s Tea and Pear Dazzle (vodka and pear cider). Hint: You can get your drink in a to-go cup and ride the Hogwarts Express. You might try this method or enlist the help of a wandkeeper. Be prepared to answer questions like: “How old are you?” and “What do you want to do when you get older?” and “What house are you in?” and “What do you like to do for fun?” If you buy a wand at Universal Studios Hollywood, it will also work at Universal Studios Orlando, too. The Diagon Alley map will not be included in your wand box but you can obtain one at any of the Diagon Alley merchandising locations or call guest services to have it mailed. In both parks, make sure you also ask the wizards and witches whether they’ve seen Voldemart, where Platform 9 ¾ is located, and what their house’s secret handshake is. Their reactions will make your whole Harry Potter World experience that much more real.
