Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
As a huge Harry Potter fan, I was so happy to finally get to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
I’ve been counting down the days to plan a visit, waiting until our little one was old enough to actually enjoy the movies.
Soon after watching the first film, I was thrilled to learn that our little one has become a fan, and we were both excited to plan our visit.
On the blog, I will share our guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando Florida. You can easily visit both parks at Universal Orlando in one day, but I suggest planning at least two days to make the most of your visit!
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Where is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
You’re probably wondering which park the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located at Universal Orlando.
Harry Potter World is divided into two sections. Diagon Alley which is located in Universal Studios, and Hogsmeade, which is located in the Islands of Adventure Park.
You would need to purchase a park-to-park ticket to experience both parks, and they’re both connected by the Hogwarts Express, which I will talk more about later.
Where to get tickets to Universal Studios
When planning your visit to Universal Orlando, look out for special deals at Universal Orlando online.
- For 2022 Universal Orlando is offering a special deal- a (3 Park, 5 Night Vacation Package Starting from $89) of course these have limited availability, but are worth checking out, especially if your dates are flexible!
- Universal Orlando is also offering a special deal where you get 2 Days Free With a 3-Day Ticket starting at $233.99 (one park per day) if you purchase them between Jan. 13-May 5, 2022, for use till Dec. 15, 2022. There is also a park-to-park option for this same deal which starts at $293.99.
- If you are in the military, you can purchase the 2022 Military Pass which gives you access to Universal Orlando all year thru Dec. 31, 2022!
- You can purchase the 2022 military pass and more discounted park tickets through your base ITR office, or by visiting the attraction office at the Shades of Green Resort in Orlando.
Universal Orlando Express Pass Tickets
When planning your Universal Orlando trip, make sure to look into purchasing Express Pass Tickets, especially if you’re short on time. Express Pass Tickets can be purchased online here for one or two parks with an unlimited pass option as well:
- One-park Express Pass tickets start at $79.99 / Two-park Express tickets start at $89.99. The one or two day Express Pass tickets entitles you to a one-time express ride at participating rides and attractions. (Note: Feivel’s Playland, Pteranodon Flyers, Hagrid’s magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster is not included in the Express Pass)
- One-park Express Unlimited Pass ticket start at $109.99 / Two-park Express Unlimited Pass ticket start at $119.99, and entitles you to unlimited express ride access at participating rides and attractions in both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure theme parks on the same day. (Note: Feivel’s Playland, Pteranodon Flyers, Hagrid’s magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster is not included in the Express Pass)
*Since both Harry Potter worlds are located at different parks, you must purchase a park-to-park ticket. Additionally, in order to get on the Hogwarts Express Train, a park-to-park ticket is needed as well.
Purchase your Harry Potter merchandise ahead of time
When planning your visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the biggest tip I can give you is to purchase your Harry Potter merchandise ahead of time!
The merchandise at the shops at Harry Potter world can get very expensive! A child’s Gryffindor robe goes for about $139 which you can easily get beforehand for less!
We love this Gryffindor robe for kids which costs way less, and this Gryffindor scarf as well.
Transportation
During our visit to Universal Orlando, we took advantage of Uber to get to and from our hotel. Standard parking costs about $27 at Universal Orlando.
We figured it was the best way to get around without the hassle of finding a parking spot.
If you plan on taking Uber, be aware that prices vary during peak times, and distance from your hotel. Sometimes paying for parking is worth it!
You can also choose hotels that offer shuttles to the park. Universal Orlando partners with hotels close by and is the perfect option for your Universal Orlando trip.
*Most hotels in Orlando offer free shuttles to Universal Orlando, and other theme parks in the area. When booking, make sure it’s one of the hotel’s amenities.
Where to Stay in Orlando
- We have visited Universal Orlando a few times now, and have always found a hotel nearby. We loved Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot Orlando, located near Universal. They offer free parking and free shuttle service to most theme parks in the area.
- We have also stayed at the Courtyard by Marriot Orlando International Drive, which also features free parking, but no shuttles unfortunately. It’s location on International Drive was perfect with all the restaurants and fun activities nearby, or just a walk away.
- You can also book a stay at one of the Universal Resorts which is more convenient when planning a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Staying at a Univeral Resort has an added bonus of early entry into the parks, and some offer free Express Passes with your stay.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HERE:
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Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Diagon Alley
The first place we visited in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was Diagon Alley, which is located at Universal Studios.
On your way to Diagon Alley, make sure to visit the Knight Bus, and have a conversation with the talking head, don’t forget to snap a photo while you’re at it.
You will also find Grimmauld Place here, and Kings Cross station where you can hop on the Hogwarts Express.
To get into Diagon Alley, you have to enter through an unassuming brick entryway, right next to Kings Cross Station.
Once you do make it in, prepare to be amazed and walk into the magical world of Harry Potter.
*Take advantage of early entry. When staying at a Universal Orlando Resort, you get to enter the parks one hour before opening
Foods at Diagon Alley
The first thing you should do when visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is to get some Butter Beer!
You can either get it hot or cold, depending on the season, or get it frozen, or in ice cream form!
I suggest trying the pumpkin juice as well, which sort of tasted like pumpkin pie in a bottle.
There are a few locations to get Butter Beer in Diagon Alley:
- The Leaky Cauldron
- The Fountain of Fair Fortune
- The Hopping Pot
- Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour
The Leaky Cauldron is the main restaurant in Diagon Alley. You can expect to find some authentic English favorites including Bangers & Mash, Cottage Pie, Fisherman’s Pie, Toad in the Hole, and fish and chips.
Make sure to visit the Dessert and candy shops at Diagon Alley.
Our favorite sweets shop was Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour for the Butter Beer ice cream, and Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop which sells movie-inspired sweets, such as the Chocolate frogs, and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, including other tasty treats.
The Shops at Diagon Alley
On your visit to Diagon Alley make sure to visit the shops for some Harry Potter-inspired merchandise.
- Olivander’s-Visit Olivander’s to pick out your perfect interactive wand. You can also take part in a Wand choosing ceremony if your lucky enough be chosen, otherwise it was pretty fun to watch. You can purchase replica wands, wands set, and interactive wands.
- Interactive wands cost $59 and allows you to cast spells. Just wave your wand and recite the spell for a magical experience. There are magical spells throughout the parks and your interactive wand comes with a handy map to find all the magical spells.
- Gringotts Money Exchange-Make sure to visit the Gringotts Money Exchange, where you can convert your muggle cash into Gringotts Bank Notes. Bank notes currently are available in ten and twenty dollar denominations, and a goblin is always at the desk to answer any questions you may have.
- Borgin and Burke’s- Don’t miss this shop at Knockturn Alley. This dark alleyway can easily be missed, but make sure to look out for it. This is where you will find the dimly lit Borgin and Burke’s shop, and the vanishing Cabinet. You can also purchase Borgin and Burke’s apparel, accessories, and collectibles.
- Knockturn Alley is also a great place to get away from the elements, especially when visiting during the hotter months.
You can also shop for Harry Potter merchandise at the following shops:
- Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes
- Madam Malkins Robes
- Magical Menagerie
- Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
- Quality Quidditch Supplies
- Scribbulus
- Wands by Gregorovitch
Attractions at Diagon Alley
Unfortunately, there is only one ride at Diagon Alley, apart from the Hogwarts Express.
- The Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride is located at Gringotts Bank where the big fire-breathing dragon sits atop off. I recommend making a beeline for this attraction at opening to avoid the long lines.
- This is a Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience so if you get bad motion sickness I would skip it! The height requirement for this ride is 42 inches, and kids under 48 inches require a supervising companion!
- Backpacks, purses, and loose items must be stored in lockers located near the ride entrance.
- Standard lockers are free for the length of the posted wait time (fits small purses, wallets and cell phones)
- For items that can’t fit in standard size lockers, things like bigger backpacks, purses, camera bags etc. You must use the Larger lockers which cost $2 ($3 for every additional half-hour, with a max at $20).
*Make sure to watch out for the fire-breathing Dragon, listen for the low growl, and you’ll know it’s about to happen!
Shows at Diagon Alley
Don’t miss the shows on the stage at Diagon Alley which includes The Tales of Beedle the Bard which is a stage show that features props and puppetry to tell the story of Beedle the Bard with two fairytales. You can also look forward to Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees musical show.
Hogwarts Express
One of the best rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Hogwarts Express.
You can get on this fun train ride from the Kings Cross station at Universal Studios, or vice-versa from Hogsmeade station at the Islands of Adventures.
This train ride not only connects you to Hogsmeade at the Islands of Adventure but is also a fun ride in itself.
Onboard, you’ll see characters and creatures featured in the films, and the scenery is different in both directions. So make sure to ride the Hogwarts Express both ways to experience them.
Note: You MUST have a park-to-park ticket to get on the Hogwarts Express since it’s located at both parks!
Interactive Wands
One of the best investments when visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are the interactive wands from Ollivander’s! The wands cost about $59, but they are so worth it.
You can find plaques set into the pavements throughout the parks and cast your own spells that produce various “magic” effects that will stun you.
Your wand also comes with a handy map of all the magic spells you can cast in the park. There are also park attendants that can help guide you as well.
*Check out the spells map under black light in Knockturn Alley for some secret spells!
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURES
Hogsmeade
Hogsmeade is located at the Islands of Adventure Park at Universal Orlando. It’s located by Jurassic Park, or you can arrive on the Hogwarts Express.
Once you make it here, the snowcapped wizarding village will leave you in awe, it’s just so beautiful! Hogsmeade is also where you will find Hogwarts Castle.
*When using the public restrooms at Hogsmeade, listen closely for Moaning Myrtle weeping.
Foods at Hogsmeade
- The main restaurant at HogsMeade is the Three Broomsticks. We ate the roasted chicken and fish and chips and it was delicious! Best theme park foods we’ve tasted so far.
- You can purchase the Great Feast here when dining with a big family, which includes a a generous platter of rotisserie chicken, spare ribs, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes and salad.
- You can also find Butter Beer here, which is also sold in the Butter Beer cart.
- For candy lovers make sure to visit HoneyDuke’s, with treats including Acid Pops, Exploding Bonbons, Cauldron Cakes, Fizzing Whizzbees, and Chocolate Frogs, which contain a wizard trading card in each box.
The Shops at Hogsmeade
While at Hogsmeade, make sure to pick up some fun Harry Potter merchandise at some of the many fun shops.
You can also find an Olivander’s wand shop here, and join in on a wand-choosing ceremony. Make sure to purchase an interactive wand, which costs about $59, but is so worth it!
Mail letters complete with a special Hogsmeade postmark at the Owl Post, including a variety of writing implements including stationery, quills, seals, and ink as well as Harry Potter stamps.
Other fun shops for Harry Potter merchandise:
- Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
- Dervish and Banges
Attractions at Hogsmeade
There are three attraction rides at Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando, which include Hogwarts Express:
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: Thrill ride with 48” minimum height requirement. This is one of the best rides at Harry Potter World and lines get very long, somtimes up to 4 hours. Since express passes are not available, I suggest getting here at opening and make a beeline straight to the ride. Lines get shorter closer to park closing as well!
- Flight of the Hippogrif: Kid-friendly thrill ride with a 36” minimum height requirement
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Thrill, Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience. 48” minimum height requirement. (*BE AWARE THAT IF YOU GET MOTION SICKNESS, SKIP THIS RIDE!)
- If you want to get on any of these rides, especially during the busier seasons, make sure to either purchase the express pass or get here at opening!
- On our visit, the lines went as long as four hours! (NOTE: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is not included with the Express Pass)
- Backpacks and any loose items must be stored in lockers near the ride entrance!
- Standard lockers are free for the length of the posted wait time (fits small purses, wallets and cell phones)
- For items that can’t fit in standard size lockers, things like bigger backpacks, purses, camera bags etc. You must use the Larger lockers which cost $2 ($3 for every additional half-hour, with a max at $20).
TIP-Make sure to purchase a Universal Express Pass and skip the lines! Staying at certain Universal Resorts offers free Express Passes with your stay! Click here to book a stay at a Universal Resort.
Shows at Hogsmeade
There are a couple of shows to look forward to at Hogsmeade which include the Triwizard Spirit Rally, which features a performance by the Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang as they lead the excitement for the Triwizard Tournament.
You can also look forward to the Frog Choir which is a musical show that features Hogwarts students, accompanied by the smooth bass rumbles of their giant throaty frogs.
Hogwarts Castle
Hogsmeade is where you will find Hogwarts Castle, and where Harry Potter and the forbidden journey ride is located. In the evening, you can expect a nighttime projection show over Hogwarts Castle.
If you visit during the holidays, there is a fun Christmas light show which is so amazing! The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle usually starts sometime in November and goes till early January.
*The nighttime projection show at Hogwarts Castle generally occurs every 20 minutes from dusk till closing.
WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER TIPS
- I highly recommend purchasing the Universal Express Pass to avoid the long queues. (Note: Feivel’s Playland, Pteranodon Flyers, Hagrid’s magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster is not included in the Express Pass)
- I suggest getting here early in the morning. We visited Diagon Alley during the day, took a break mid-day and then took the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade to watch the evening projection show at Hogwarts Castle.
- Make sure to ride Hogwarts Express both ways. There are two different scenries going from each direction.
- Make sure to pack rain gear. On our visit it rained on and off throughout the whole day, even during the summer! We love these Columbia raincoats for kids, you can get yours here.
- Also make sure to wear some kind of water resistant shoes. We love these kids Crocs shoes, you can find them here.
- Make sure to visit Universal’s City Walk for some yummy eats. We loved Voodoo doughnuts, and Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium.
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