The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios in Orlando
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“I am what I am, an’ I’m not ashamed. ‘Never be ashamed,’ my ol’ dad used ter say, ‘there’s some who’ll hold it against you, but they’re not worth botherin’ with. ”
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I Am A Full-Fledged Harry Potter Enthusiast
There I said it, or more accurately, I admit it to all of you. This muggle has had Harry Potter fever ever since I read the first book in 1997. I remember that feeling of being totally transported by J.K. Rowling’s story into the world of witchcraft and wizardry. Iconic locations in her storytelling, such as Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, the Burrow, and The Ministry of Magic, came to life in my imagination.
Travel Addict + Harry Potter Fan For Life
I know I am fortunate. I am blessed to have visited both the Hollywood and Orlando Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter. My love for travel AND Harry Potter has melded into one when it comes to visiting these amusement parks. I am so excited to share with you what there is to see, insider tips and what to do in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
I’ve visited many locations around the world related to Harry Potter. I just can’t get enough.
See My Other Posts On Harry Potter Themed Activities
Harry Potter: A History Of Magic in New York
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Hollywood, California
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando | Universal Studios
Orlando is known for being a huge tourist destination, mainly in part due to the Disney parks. However, a well-kept secret is that Universal’s Island of Adventure (aka Wizarding World of Harry Potter) is the #1 amusement park worldwide. Disney’s Magic Kingdom comes in at #2. There’s a reason why this is–Universal did a fantastic job at creating an immersive experience with Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, and with the Hogwarts Express.
I recall my first time walking up to the Wizarding World section in the park. It was so exciting to see the archway into Hogsmeade. Talk about giggling and smiling like a little kid! Yup, that was me taking pics of myself in front of the entrance into the park. As I strolled through the archway, I couldn’t wholly focus on any one thing—there were way too many details and things to see!
Hogwarts and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
As you wait in line, you get to see various familiar offices and classrooms. The ride itself is a motion simulated and state of the art ride in which you get to soar over the castle grounds and join Harry Potter on a thrilling broom ride. It’s not a rollercoaster per se. You do get strapped into a floor-less type of car in which your legs dangle freely.
Ann’s Angle
Insider tip-you can walk through the castle (usually no line for this) if you want to see the inside of Hogwarts if you are not interested in going on the ride.
Save Time With This Tip
Get the park app! This will save you time by providing real-time attraction and park information. Thank me later!
Flight of the Hippogriff
Not far from the castle is the Flight of the Hippogriff. On this rollercoaster, Hagrid gives you instructions and etiquette required to meet a Hippogriff. Next thing you know, you can feel like your soaring by Hagrid’s hut and around the pumpkin patch on this family-friendly rollercoaster ride.
Ann’s Angle
Check closing times, as they may be different for each area in the park
Try Butterbeer!
Enjoy yourself some butterbeer while visiting Hogsmeade. Butterbeer comes in many tasty forms, such as a drink, slushie, and in its latest way–ice cream! I’m not a fan of butterbeer, but my son is, and he loved it. He described the flavor as being a cross between root beer and cream soda. Try it for yourself when you go and let me know if he’s on the mark with that assessment
Watch The Shows
Stay for the shows and entertainment that will enthrall amusement park attendees. Hang out and listen to the Frog Choir or be a part of the Triwizard Spirit Rally to cheer on the Beauxbatons and Durmstrangs as they embark on the tournament.
Hogwarts Express
Enjoy the wondrous experience at the train station. You can ride the Hogwarts Express in Hogsmeade. It takes you to King’s Cross Station in London (Diagon Alley). Seeing the train in full scale was an impressive sight to behold. Upon entering the train, the conductor shows you to your “compartment” to enjoy the ride. Each compartment has enough space for six people. Along the way, you will encounter a diverse cast of characters and creatures and just maybe a glimpse of the trolley cart filled with goodies.
“Ride the train both ways to get a different experience”
Diagon Alley and More
Once you get off the Hogwarts Express, you will experience walking through Diagon Alley. The settings bring to life the famous locales from the books as if you are in the heart of London. Check out Olivanders and shop for your very own wand, and remember the wand chooses the wizard! There is a show you can enjoy in Olivanders. I recommend getting there early before the line gets too long.
Buy An Interactive Wand
Want to see your kids be entertained for hours on end? Get them an interactive wand and watch them cast spells and reward the wizard a very magical time throughout the park. This is a fun way to feel like a wizard and experience the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Check out the numerous locations to use your wand in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
“In addition to the locations listed on the map that comes with your wand, there are secret locations throughout the park to use your wand. Keep your eyes open and enjoy!”
Restaurants
The dining options enable muggles to eat as though you are in one of the novels. We ate and enjoyed the atmosphere and food at the Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade), like a British pub, offering pub-style fare. The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley offers similar pub-style food.
If you are feeling like trying a potion, go to Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment. Try a Draught of Peace or a Babbling Beverage to quench your thirst. If you want something sweet, indulge in a scoop of sticky toffee pudding or butterbeer ice cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. Grab a pint at The Fountain of Fair Fortune. They serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Wizard Candy
I couldn’t contain my excitement when I saw all the stores! Buy a bag of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans or Fizzing Whizzbees at Honeydukes. Start to collect wizarding cards from your Chocolate Frog box
Tickets
Just be aware that the two main areas within Universal Studios are technically in two different park sections. What that means is, when you go to purchase an admission ticket, make sure you get the right entry tickets, which will depend on the cost and length of time you have to spend in the park.
It cost more to see both sides of the Harry Potter Wizarding World in one day versus purchasing a one day/one-park ticket. When I visited with my family, we only had one day to go to the park, so we opted to pay the higher amount to get admission to both areas (Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley).
Ann’ Angle
Off months is the best time to go to the park to avoid crowds. Check online for sites that show when attendance levels are low.
If you can, I recommend going for two days to experience everything you want and go back for more. Since there are sometimes long lines, it best not to rush through the experience.
Not All Parks Are Created Equal
Remember that there are is a park in Orlando and one in Hollywood, California. The parks are not identical. The two parks do overlap in some of the experiences (i.e., Hogwarts Castle). The Orlando park is more substantial and offers more to see and do. Keep that In mind, when planning to visit.
Accommodations
Onsite hotels offer early admission into the park. If you aren’t able to stay onsite, for accommodations outside of the park in the Orlando area:
For hotels, and all-inclusive click here.
Till next time Harry Potter!
