I have been dreaming about visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood since they first opened in April 2016. Since our home is only a four-hour drive away, I thought I would have visited sooner. Alas, the opportunity never arose. Also, not to mention the prices are up there with Disneyland. At this particular time, it costs $105 for a one-day general admission ticket. That means for a family of four it would be $420 just to get in through the gate. Then there are the added costs of hotel rooms, food, and souvenirs. It's no wonder I had not visited Universal Studios.
My family decided to drive back home for an extended weekend visit, leaving me behind in Southern California because I had to work. I thought it was only fair that I had at least one fun day while they were gone and settled upon a trip to Harry Potter land. I just had to pay for one ticket admission, and I could eat a big breakfast, pack water and snacks, and save myself for one big meal at the Three Broomsticks. I bought my tickets the night before and went to bed that night super excited for the upcoming day.
The park opened at 8 am and I had planned on arriving at that time to get the maximum amount of fun at Universal Studios. My family also woke early that morning for their drive home. My daughter was upset she could not stay behind and visit the amusement park with me, but I reminded her the fact she has never read nor watched any Harry Potter books or movies. She only knows one character, you guessed it, Harry Potter. I had my big breakfast, packed my bag and I was off before everyone else.
I have never visited an amusement park solo before. I found it to be very relaxing and enjoyable. I got to spend as much time as I wanted in Hogsmeade, I stood in the single rider lines, I did not have to argue with anyone, nobody complained their feet were tired and needed to rest, and I could maneuver through the crowds with great ease. My only issue of the day was at the end when I decided it was time to ride the Studio Tour tram. There was no single rider line for this ride. The line was a never-ending zigzag. I ended up waiting for 55 min; my feet were barking!
I stayed at the park all the way till closing time, having a blast all by myself. My co-workers asked me why did I go by myself. I told them it was better that I went alone and I was glad that I did. Everyone should experience traveling and visiting places solo at least once in their life. It teaches you not to be so dependant on others and gives you the feeling of freedom from doing what you want to do. Maybe a solo trip to Disneyland will be next!
