(Shopped 03/04/20 WE @ 4:45pm): If you're feeling sinister, this place was for you!
On the grounds of Universal Studios Resort Orlando (Universal Studios Florida to be exact), I dragged my friend into Borgin And Burkes from the popular Harry Potter children's books and movie series specifically "Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince". As a general fan of the movies (I've never read the books), this was a must for all fans to check out for some cool one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Was I put under a spell to buy gifts!?
PURCHASE
Bellatrix Lestrange T-Shirt ($35.00): The perfect gift for my roommate who loved this character, as soon as I saw it I instantly knew (but still snapped and sent a picture just to be sure). A slightly loose and shapeless top, this was something just to bum around in https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=2E7xu7MlQ5ZyAt9704E9XA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Borgin And Burkes Black Tights ($37.00): I decided to purchase this as a gift to my travel friend who needed some "more warm" yet casual enough. With minimal design features, this was one simple piece of clothing with a touch of Knockturn Alley darkness.
SERVICE
Kindly greeted by several staff members, we roamed through the narrow aisles with no assistance needed until I finally arrived at the checkout counter where I was quickly helped to complete my purchase amid a quickly-growing line. We got in and out as fast as possible which I liked.
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
General parking for the massive theme park started from $25.00, but my friend and I took a Lyft ride in and skirted parking altogether. Also, I believed if you stayed at any of the resorts in the area, shutter services were available.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Located in the "Wizarding World Of Harry Potter" and "Diagon Alley" (Knockturn Alley to be exact https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fZWR--w4GIs_e8e2hKypmQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw) part of the park, you initially walked down a natural lit pathway https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=r_KgBKv7uL5aGeL2b5VU2w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw before things got downright dark with some scary window displays https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=CYYPIcpotCXYgRyAUPhnGw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Once inside, it was a jam-packed small shop filled with merchandise for all evil doers. There was no natural light whatsoever while there was minimal electric lighting for a spookier effect. There were no TVs while the boisterous sounds of conversations filled the air. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=wZxFV1UJoxx9BCnhJuMq2Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
If you visited Universal Studios Resort Orlando (specifically the Universal Studios Florida park portion) and were a Harry Potter fan, then you definitely had to drop into Borgin And Burkes to feed your darker side especially if you favored such characters as Bellatrix Lastrange, Draco Malfoy and more, and some malevolent relics, apparel, etc.. The merchandise was touristy-priced, but what did you expect!? I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $77.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more