The Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Other Highlights of Universal Studios Orlando
For fans of Harry Potter, a permanent immersive Harry Potter World being announced at Universal Studios in 2010 was a dream come true. Since then, it has been a fan-favorite, filled with Harry Potter experiences, souvenirs, and rides.
Harry Potter World is not a Disney World park. I thought it was before I first visited Orlando’s Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. If you’re a huge Disney fan and Harry Potter fan, like me, you’ll want to allot time to visit all the relevant parks when you’re in Orlando, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and all four Disney World parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios).
Here’s my guide to visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and other highlights of Universal Studios Orlando. Add this trip to a visit to Disney World or other attractions in Orlando!
Harry Potter World Attractions
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most popular areas in Universal Studios Orlando—and it was the major draw for me to visit! Upon arrival to the park, I made a beeline to the back of Universal Florida where Harry Potter World is. There was already a crowd there, especially compared to the rest of the park I walked through, which only grew as the day went on.
The area is compact to make visitors really feel like they’re in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, but there are tons of activities to do there for all Harry Potter fans. Here are 10 experiences you won’t want to miss!
For more family-friendly vacations, check out my posts on Things to Do in Salt Lake City for Families or Camping and Hiking in the Smokies.
One of the first things I did when arriving in Diagon Alley was head to Ollivanders to buy a wand! Ollivanders sells replica wands from characters in the movie, including Harry’s, Bellatrix’s, and Dumbledore’s. I got a Hermione wand and my travel partner got a Voldemort wand. If you don’t want a character wand, there are others to choose from, based on a personality chart or simply by liking the look of a wand.
Choosing a wand is half the fun, but using the wand really makes the experience (and cost of the wand) worth it! Throughout both parts of Harry Potter World there are symbols on the ground, on walls, and on objects that correlate to a wand movement. Cast a spell and see magic unfold! Maps to each symbol’s location come with the wands. I had so much fun making things throughout the park move, disappear, speak, and more.
In addition to purchasing wands, Ollivanders has a wand choosing ceremony that happens throughout the day. Just gather in the small room next to the shop and watch a wand choose a person from the crowd. The ceremony is a lot of fun to watch, even if you’re not the chosen one.
For families or groups visiting Universal Studios who can’t afford to purchase a wand for everyone, you can bring your own wands and still feel like a wizard. However, I recommend still buying one wand in the park that you can all share in order to practice your magic on the symbols.
One of my favorite Harry Potter rides is Escape from Gringotts in Diagon Alley, located at the end of the alley. You won’t be able to miss it—there’s a giant dragon on top that shoots out fire every few minutes! The line to the ride feels like being inside Gringotts, complete with goblins and lots of gold. The ride itself is an exciting motion simulation with appearances from the real actors in Harry Potter.
Instead of walking from Universal Florida to Islands of Adventure, take the Hogwarts Express! A park-to-park pass is the only way to ride it because it allows access to both parks. Start in Diagon Alley at King’s Cross Station and end in Hogsmeade. I rode both directions and loved it. You’ll sit in a cozy cabin with a few other people and watch scenes on the window that look like the countryside on the way to Hogwarts.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
When you arrive in Hogsmeade (part of Universal’s Islands of Adventure), the first thing you’ll see is the giant replica of Hogwarts—the highlight of Hogsmeade and the location of my favorite Harry Potter ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Another motion simulation experience, this ride includes Quidditch, dementors, and real Harry Potter actors on brooms.
The ride isn’t the only thing worth visiting Hogwarts for—the line itself is amazing! I’m the type of person who always gets in the single rider line to cut down on wait time, so it’s saying something if I want to wait in this line. You get to see the inside of Hogwarts, including Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Near this ride is another Harry Potter-themed ride, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures. I have not ridden it yet, but the roller coaster rates as a thrill ride and looks like a blast!
Butterbeer
Butterbeer gets its own section in this Harry Potter World guide because it’s delicious! I have tried butterbeer replicas from Starbucks and other places and thought they were really gross, so I had my doubts when visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I was blown away at the creaminess and incredible flavors of this drink and could never seem to get enough. I wanted to try it frozen, but every time I’d go to buy it frozen I just couldn’t resist the cold butterbeer drink, so I’d order that again.
Find butterbeer at restaurants throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or at the soda shops that only serve specialty Harry Potter drinks. I also tried pumpkin juice, which didn’t come close to the delicious flavors of butterbeer. Note that butterbeer is non-alcoholic and kid-friendly. You can also get it in ice cream form from Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor in Diagon Alley.
Harry Potter Performances
There are a handful of live performances in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, perfect for when you need a break from walking and standing in lines. In Hogsmeade, find the Triwizard Spirit Rally, with performances from Durmstrang boys and Beauxbaton girls, as well as the Frog Choir performed by Hogwarts students.
In Diagon Alley, watch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees sing and then stick around for a puppet performance of the Tales of Beedle the Bard. The Tale of the Three Brothers is my favorite Harry Potter performance.
Diagon Alley Shops
There is a lot to find in Diagon Alley, just like in the Harry Potter movies and books! Fred and George’s joke shop, Weasley’s Wizards Wheezes, Madame Malkin’s Robes, and Quality Quidditch are just a few spots worth checking out for all your Harry Potter souvenirs. I brought home a wand, chocolate frog and wizard card (Dumbledore, of course), and butterbeer mug.
Knockturn Alley
Knockturn Alley is a hidden area next to Diagon Alley—it’s dark, narrow, and off the beaten path. I would’ve missed it if I didn’t see it on the map I got with my wand! This area includes Borgin and Burkes, the perfect place to buy Dark Arts souvenirs. Even if you’re a good witch or wizard, you’ll want to visit and experience the interactive objects throughout Knockturn Alley.
Hogsmeade Shops
Hogsmeade feels a little smaller than Diagon Alley, but it also has tons of fun souvenirs and Harry Potter shops that will make you feel like you’re really in Hogsmeade. My favorite areas were Honeydukes and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. You will also find the Owl Post and Dervish and Banges.
The last thing worth mentioning from Harry Potter World is near the entrance to Diagon Alley—the Knight Bus. This purple triple decker bus is fun to visit to interact with the bus conductor and listen to the shrunken head chatter.
Other Universal Studios Rides
Although you could easily spend several days exploring Harry Potter World, while you’re at the parks be sure to check out the other themed rides at Universal Studios Orlando. I’ve listed my top ten Universal Studios rides and attractions, outside of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. For more fun rides, including kiddie rides and Dr. Seuss land, check out Universal Studios Orlando’s online interactive map.
This ride is a classic at Universal Florida—hop inside a carnival car and make your way through America’s favorite cartoon town, Springfield, in a hilarious motion simulation. Simpsons character appearances include the whole Simpson family, Krusty the Clown, and Itchy and Scratchy, among others.
This ride a must-do at Universal Florida—whether you’ve watched The Mummy or not. The speed of the ride, the atmosphere, and the thrilling theme of being in a mummy’s tomb are what make it so great! My favorite part is riding through fire and almost getting my eyebrows singed off. It’s that intense.
Race through New York starring Jimmy Fallon
If you’re a fan of Jimmy Fallon from The Tonight Show you’ll love this ride in Universal Florida! Instead of a line, there’s a waiting room where you can watch clips from the show or play games on a screen. When it’s your group’s turn to ride this motion simulation, get ready for a fun adventure through New York City!
If you’re scared of roller coasters, just distract yourself with choosing a song to jam out to during the ride! Each rider gets to pick their own song and by the time you’ve chosen one, you’ll forget where you are—until the giant drop, that is. The ride was a blast and one I strongly recommend for all roller coaster and music lovers visiting Universal Florida.
I am not at all a fan of water rides, so Jurassic Park River Adventure is the only water ride I went on and guess what? Even I had a good time! You don’t get too wet and the dinosaur theme is a lot of fun to experience at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Another Islands of Adventure thrill ride you won’t want to miss is the King Kong ride. The line is creepy and dark, but worth braving for the ride. There are a lot of intense moments, but the ending where you can see a huge replica of King Kong up close is the best part of the experience.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barge
I did not want to go on this Islands of Adventure water ride, so my travel partner went on it alone—several times in a row! It’s a typical rapids ride where you get drenched by waterfalls and spraying water. It’s a lot of fun for anyone who loves water rides and the thrill of never knowing when you’ll become so soaked you feel soggy and uncomfortable for the rest of the day.
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall in Islands of Adventure is one of those quick drop rides that I get a big thrill from! This ride isn’t as high as other drop rides I’ve been on, but the lines were short and it was fun enough for me to go on several times in a row.
The first ride you’ll see from the entrance to Islands of Adventure is the Incredible Hulk Coaster. Ride it! It’s intense, super fast, and will make you unable to tell up from down. Now that’s my kind of ride! Be sure to get a free locker to put all of your stuff in before you get in line—no glasses, phones, hats, or loose articles allowed.
This attraction is a show, not a ride, but it is something that provides thrills if you sign up to participate. I had a lot of fun watching people eat crazy things and jump off tall buildings…comfortably…from my seat…because I sure didn’t sign up to be in the show! Watch Fear Factor Live in Universal Florida.
Tips for Visiting
Tickets to Universal Studios Orlando
There are two parks at Universal Studios Orlando: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Both have Harry Potter World areas, thrilling roller coasters, and other themed rides. I would definitely recommend getting a 1- or 2-day park-to-park pass so you can experience both parks when you want and take the Hogwarts Express between them. The distance between the parks is walkable, unlike Walt Disney World in Orlando, which spreads out its four parks.
Find tickets to Universal Studios Orlando here, including annual passes and discount tickets for Florida residents. For military discount tickets check Universal Orlando’s military website.
You may also want to consider purchasing an Express Pass which allows you to skip the lines on most rides throughout both parks. I didn’t use one and was able to ride all the rides I wanted to within two days, but it would have been nice to skip some longer lines and ride my favorite rides several times.
Note that there are no Harry Potter World tickets available—admission to the two theme parks includes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and it cannot be visited on its own. In order to visit both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, you must purchase a ticket to both Islands of Adventure and Universal Florida.
Hotels near Universal Orlando
There are hundreds of hotels and other places to stay in Orlando. I recommend booking a hotel close to Universal Studios to save time and possibly money by not having to pay for parking at the park. I stayed at Extended Stay America, which was close enough to the park that I could walk there. Several other hotels are in the vicinity, including a Hyatt hotel, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Hilton hotels, and Marriott hotels. Check Orlando’s Tourism website for more lodging options near the park.
Universal Studios Mobile App
The Universal Orlando Resort mobile app is very useful for finding your way around the park and making your day more enjoyable. Use the interactive map to find the nearest restaurants, rides, and attractions, discover wait times for the rides you want to go on, and upload your tickets for entry into the parks.
Nearby Orlando Amusement Parks
There are several amusement parks around Orlando, including their most famous amusement park, Walt Disney World. Check out my guide to Disney World and consider adding it to your Universal Studios Orlando trip. Other fun amusement parks include SeaWorld, Fun Spot America Theme Parks, and ICON Park.
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
No blog about Universal Orlando would be complete without mentioning their most famous event—Halloween Horror Nights! If you love horror movies and want to live inside one for a night, don’t miss this fall event! You’ll have the chance to visit haunted houses, see horror shows, and meet your favorite serial killer. Who wouldn’t love to run into Jason or Freddy Krueger after dark?
This event is not suitable for children—scary monsters and other costumed villains lurk behind every corner. Instead, opt for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom when visiting Orlando during Halloween!
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