*Disclaimer: the figures in this page’s photos do not move. Such witch-oriented newspapers are available, however, at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the Daily Prophet is one of the countless thrilling details creating authenticity of unreal degree that brings fans back to their childhood with the beloved books.

   Hogwarts is what makes the Wizarding World come alive the most. Visitors have to overcome a long line in Professor Sprout’s greenhouse to enter the castle, but it’s worth it. Exotic creepers scale the greenhouse walls, and mandrakes peep out of their pots. The magical vegetation is so articulately crafted for the greenhouse that the nonmagical-looking foliage appears the most out-of-place and obviously plastic.

  The only element missing from the witchcraft atmosphere are cloaked actors; without any, the line of muggles gawking at the caged mandrakes evoked the impression of a zoo exhibit. However, the view of the Hogsmeade’s rooftop chimneys leaning about, whimsically emitting smoke,  revives the vivacious atmosphere. Inside, the castle is dimly lit, so bring a phone, and stash it away in your pocket during the ride. The phone will provide a camera for capturing memories, and its glow will provide the lumos effect to illuminate the castle’s treasures.

  Hogwarts castle is like an interactive museum of magical memorabilia, from house point counters and the Sorting Hat to the pensieve, conjuring memories from the depths of imagination of the wizarding world. Portraits talk while displaying the texture of painted canvas, not a shiny digital screen. In another chamber, very realistic holograms of Harry, Ron, and Hermione spoke to the audience, although their voices were drowned out by gasps from the crowd (or maybe just mine).

  In Hogsmeade, a wealth of wizard ware adorns the stores, further adding to the authentic ambiance. Universal Studios capitalizes on the magical village to disguise gift shops as they engage in reverse alchemy: performing vanishing acts on the precious metals found in wallets.    Mechanical owls with rotating necks are perched throughout Hogsmeade; they are sure to make heads turn as well. For San Diegans wary of seagulls targeting them as bathrooms, fear not: as with the moss everywhere, the white splotches of owl droppings are fake (at least, hopefully).

  Speaking of bathrooms, Moaning Myrtle’s mumblings will keep you soothing company in the restroom. If Moaning Myrtle is not your jam, lend an ear to the Hogwarts Frog Choir, in which puppet toads croak as singers croon in accompaniment. The performances were a vocal potion of lyrical singing, riveting “ribbets” and beatboxing, punctuated by frogs belching.

   As filmmakers, Universal Studios understands the power of background music, and different areas of Potter World emanate songs from the films to further contribute to a charming atmosphere.

  Not only the park’s attractions, but the fans it attracts foster a fantastical aura of solidarity. Fans at the park sported shirts bearing statements from loyal Hufflepuff affirmations to the famous “I solemnly swear I am up to no good.” One couple dressed up and looked just like the Weasley parents. One of the most memorable moments at Universal Studios was not even inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: as I stepped out of a restroom by the parking garage, no one was present except for two teens in black cloaks who strolled past. With reality surreally suspended, it was possible to imagine being the only muggle there.

  Through the detailed Potter-themed park, Hollywood has ingrained itself in the wizarding world. Indeed, holly wood is even in Harry’s wand!