I went to Infinitus 2010 in Orlando in July and the fine folks at Universal Orlando invited conference attendees to the park after hours for a special presentation and access to the wonders of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade at night. It was magical.

Infinitus
Entering Hogsmeade.

Hogwarts Express
Hogwarts Express is the first sight on your right.

Infinitus
On the left just along the way is Dogweed and Deathcap: Exotic Plants and Flowers.

Hogsmeade
It’s winter in Hogsmeade but somehow even in shorts this works.

Zonko's
Zonko’s and Honeyduke’s sweet shop is also on the left entering Hogsmeade.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The first site of Hogwarts is breathtaking.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The path to the racing Dragons, and to any ride, is filled with little references to the books and movies. Here’s the car from Chamber of Secrets crashed into a tree. Not the Whomping Willow but still.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
When you’re ready for a drink, the Three Broomsticks will do.

Butterbeer in the Hogs Head
I chose to have Butterbeer in the Hog’s Head. The hog’s head behind the bar moves. And butter beer is delicious. It’s sparkly, creamy and beer like, but sweet. Like a cream soda with root beer and butter cream foam on top.

Butterbeer stand

Butterbeer
I had some from the Butterbeer cart in the village centre, but the Hog’s Head butterbeer from the tap was by far the best. (There’s also a frozen, slushy version, but the Hog’s Head poured the best.)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Owl Post

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Ollivander’s Wands packaged up (and for sale) in the Owl Post. You can send an owl from the Owl Post and they have a Hogsmeade postmark.

Owlry
The Owlry is pretty stunning.

Peppermint Toads in Honeydukes
Peppermint Toads in Honeydukes.

Pink stairs in Honeydukes
Honeydukes is a kid’s delight. I bought a chocolate frog, pear candies and pineapple candies.

Pumpkin Juice
Pumpkin Juice. I didn’t have any but I did sniff a friend’s. It’s like drinking pumpkin pie, or smells like it anyway.

Lavender, Ron, Hermione
Costumes are not allowed in the park, but there was an exception for us.

Tonks, Mad Eye, Harry
Tonks, Lavender, Mad Eye, Harry, Hermione, Fred

Hagrid's
Hagrid’s hut.

Hogsmeade
The attention to detail is remarkable. I love the typography and signage. This is Ollivander’s Wand Shop.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Entering the gates of Hogwarts.

Talking Portraits
Inside Hogwarts. The talking portraits are, well, talking!

Harry, Ron, Hermione
Harry, Ron and Hermione talk to you and decide that Hermione will use magic to help you fly.

Pensieve
The pensieve in Dumbledore’s office.

Dumbledore's Office
Dumbledore on the balcony talking to us.

Sorting Hat
The Sorting Hat explains, in rhyme, the rules for the magical ride in which you fly through the grounds, across the Quidditch pitch, into the owlry, then into the dungeons. Totally awesome. I went twice.

Great Hall
The great hall.