Shopping

There are more than 25 shops within the park, offering a variety of theme merchandise. You may want to check out Cats, Hats & Things and Mulberry Street for special Seussian souvenirs. Jurassic Outfitters and Dinostore feature a variety of stuffed and plastic dinosaurs, plus safari-themed clothing. Superhero fans should check out the Marvel Alterniverse Store and the Spider-Man Shop. Stop by Toon Extra for the largest selection of souvenirs in Toon Lagoon. Islands of Adventure Trading Company is a good stop on the way out if you're still searching for something that will help you or the folks back home remember your visit.

Over in the Wizarding World, options include Zonko's Joke Shop, for Extendable Ears, Sneakoscopes, Nose-Biting Teacups, and Pink Pygmy Puffs; and Honeydukes, with an array of candy treats from Chocolate Frogs to Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans. At the Owlery, roosting owls await their next delivery (high above in the rafters) while weary muggles rest in the shade of the grand Owlery roof. The Owl Post is an actual working post office where you can mail letters to the muggle world with a certified Hogsmeade postmark. Wands are available at Ollivander's , but Dervish and Banges is the place to pick up the latest Quidditch gear, Triwizard apparel, and Spectrespecs (space here is limited, but the shop is worth a look). Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods (located in Hogwarts Castle at the exit to the Forbidden Journey, but shoppers can enter from the outside door as well) stocks the largest array of magical merchandise in the Wizarding World: journals, T-shirts, pins, sweatshirts, scarves, Golden Snitches, and more. Warning: Most of the shops are excruciatingly small, making them difficult to maneuver when crowds are at their worst. Wait times -- yes, you have to wait in line just to shop -- can be downright disturbing, at times reaching 2 hours or more just to enter Dervish and Banges.

Note: Universal has a service similar to Disney's in which you can have your purchases delivered to the front of the park; allow 3 hours. Universal also has a shop-by-phone service -- call tel. 407/224-5800, describe the item and where you think you saw it, and the likelihood is they'll be able to help you out and have it shipped to you.

Great Buys at Islands of Adventure

Here's a sampling of some of the more unusual wares available at Islands of Adventure. It represents a cross-section of tastes.

Jurassic Outfitters: There are plenty of T-shirts with slogans such as "I Survived the [whatever ride]."

Spider-Man Shop: This stop specializes in its namesake's paraphernalia, including red Spidey caps covered with black webs and denim jackets with logos.

Toon Extra: Where else can you buy a miniature stuffed Mr. Peanut beanbag, an Olive Oyl and Popeye frame, or a stuffed Beetle Bailey? Life doesn't get any better for some of us.

For those who prefer to shop from home (or haven't found the perfect souvenir while at the park -- especially because larger-than-average crowds have left store shelves sparsely stocked at times), Universal has launched an online store that includes a slew of Wizarding World merchandise. Simply head to www.universalorlando.com and click on the "shop" link at the top of the page. For additional Wizarding World merchandise, please see above.

Paying the Price -- The Wizarding World is a boon for fans, as a plethora of Potter paraphernalia can be found lining the shelves of Universal shops. Here, and only here (save Universal's new online store, created because of the onslaught of souvenir seekers), is where you can purchase magic wands ($25-$30), robes from each of the four Hogwarts houses ($100), Sneakoscopes ($15), Golden Snitches ($15), and butterbeer in a souvenir mug ($9). In addition, you'll find brooms, Sorting Hats, an array of plush toys, pins, hats, bags, scarves, stationery, and more.