best time to visit harry potter world

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Best Times to Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Whether you're looking for deals, great weather, or a break from the crowds, here's when to go.

So you didn't get an acceptance letter from Hogwarts on your 11th birthday. That's a shame, but you can still walk its majestic corridors and shop for treasures on Diagon Alley at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort (as well as other Universal Studios locations around the world). Deciding whether you should go is the easy part — a better question is when ?

Crowds, weather, and prices fluctuate throughout the year. Here's a glance at the tourist seasons.

• High Seasons: May through August, late October, and Thanksgiving through New Year's Day
• Shoulder Seasons: March through April, September through mid-October, and most of November
• Low Season: January through February

Visiting during the busy periods means waiting in long lines and paying high prices. Then again, some of the events that draw big crowds — namely those celebrating Halloween and Christmas — also make the attractions extra special. Here's when to visit "Harry Potter World" depending on the kind of trip you want.

Best Times to Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Smaller Crowds

One thing about Universal Orlando is that it stays busy throughout much of the year. Not long after the spring breakers withdraw, the summer crowd comes, then the Halloween crowd, and then the Christmas and New Year crowd. January and February are about the only times when the resort is pretty quiet.

After the holidays are over, visitors are treated to shorter lines at the best Universal Orlando rides and more bargains, especially because ticket prices tend to surge during the busy season. If winter travel isn't your thing but you still want to avoid peak times, visit during the shoulder periods: March, April, and September as well as the earlier weeks of October and November (excluding spring break, Halloween, and Thanksgiving).

Whatever time of year you go, remember that crowds wax on the weekends and wane mid-week. The time of day also matters, with crowds reaching their peak at the hottest time of the day, about noon to 3 p.m. (so, there are two good reasons to take a break at this time). The resort is quietest first thing in the morning. You can even get in before the gates open with early admission, available for an extra fee or free to guests of any Universal Orlando Resort hotel. With this perk, you'll get to see Diagon Alley an hour before the other parkgoers get access.

Best Times to Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Good Weather

If you don't like heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms daily, then avoid Orlando in the summer. Weather is another reason to go during the shoulder season — particularly September and October, when the high temperatures cool to around the mid-80s, as opposed to the 90s, and the daily rains tail off. Orlando continues to get drier and cooler throughout the fall and winter, although daily highs rarely drop below a still-comfortable 72 degrees and the sky remains bright and sunny. By April, it's in the 80s again but still relatively dry. Spring is another great time to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for good weather.

Best Times to Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Lower Prices

Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida is always going to cost you a ticket to Universal Orlando Resort. Harry Potter attractions are spread over two parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and experiencing both parks requires a park-to-park ticket, which costs more than a single-park ticket. With the former, all Harry Potter attractions and activities are included and you're welcome aboard the Hogwarts Express, which travels between the two parks.

The price of park tickets depends on the time of year. The least expensive months are usually January and most of February, excluding the days surrounding the New Year, winter break, and Valentine's Day. Other inexpensive times include the beginning of March and many weekdays through September and October. Keep in mind, however, that Halloween Horror Nights draw big crowds — especially on weekends during the months-long event and as Halloween gets closer.

Best Times to Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Events

Events are certainly not the quietest times to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but they're most definitely among the most fun. The two biggest events take place around Halloween and Christmas.

Diagon Alley becomes a cesspit of Death Eaters during Halloween Horror Nights. You can celebrate the season with thrill rides featuring lifelike dragons and by dabbling in the Dark Arts in the Harry Potter lands of the resort; however, the most popular event is perhaps Christmas in The Wizarding World . Unlike the ticketed Halloween Horror Nights event, this wintry celebration is entirely accessible with a park-to-park ticket.

Any Potterhead knows Hogwarts is most nostalgic over the holidays, and Universal Orlando's version of the castle encapsulates that feeling with lights, decor, and fireworks. Diagon Alley is also bedecked, and the Butterbeer is ever-so-warming. Of course, the parks are busy and surge pricing is typically in play over the holidays. Go as early in the season as possible for a quieter experience.

Worst Time to Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The worst time to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is arguably the peak of summer, when the climate is hot and sticky, the crowds are at their thickest, and prices are at their highest. You'll probably pay more to get into the parks and to travel to Orlando and stay in or near the resort during this time. There aren't many events that make the high season special, either, and most parts of The Wizarding World are best enjoyed during fall and winter — seasons largely associated with the beloved books and movies.

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11 Essential Tips for Visiting Harry Potter World in Orlando

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida is such a fun and exciting place to visit! But planning a trip to Harry Potter World can be stressful! That’s where this guide comes in – it will share all of the best tips for Harry Potter World and as well as our best tips and tricks for planning your amazing vacation!

Sound good?

Let’s get right into the Harry Potter World tips! 

Tips for Visiting Harry Potter World

Buy park hopper passes.

There are two different areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and they are located in two separate parks. Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios, and Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle is in Island of Adventure. 

The Hogwarts Express train runs back and forth between the two parks, but you can only ride it if you get park hopper passes . 

Park hopper passes are a little more expensive, but are definitely worth it for the Hogwarts Express. 

If you’re visiting Universal Studios for multiple days, you can save money by just getting park hopper passes for one day in order to be able to ride the Hogwarts Express. 

Don’t get Express Passes the First Day

If you’re visiting on a weekday and you have more than one day to spend at Harry Potter World, I don’t recommend getting Express Passes on the first day. 

This is for two main reasons. One, they’re very expensive – an extra $79.99 – $109.99 per person, per day. 

Second, on weekdays, the lines for rides aren’t always super long, especially in the morning. 

For example, on a Friday morning in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, I never waited more than 20 minutes to get on a ride. Personally, it was fine with me to wait 15-20 minutes for a ride instead of spending an extra $100. 

If you find that the park is very busy on your first day, visit all of the shops and restaurants and buy Express Passes for the next day, so you can easily go on all the rides. 

Visit for at Least Two Days

While it is possible to see both sections of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in just one day, it will feel a little rushed – especially if you want to go on all the rides. 

Because of this, I recommend spending at least two days at the park. Personally, I think two days is the perfect amount of time, but someone who loves going on rides will probably enjoy spending 3+ days between the parks.

Visit in the Colder Months

Florida, and Orlando specifically, gets extremely hot and humid during the summer. Because of this, I recommend visiting in the fall or winter when it’s more mild. 

Standing in line when it’s 90 degrees, sunny and humid is not super enjoyable – and it will definitely make your time at the park a little less pleasant. 

Even during the winter months you’ll have temperatures in the 70s, which personally I think is perfect for visiting a theme park.

Download the Universal App

When you enter the park you can grab a paper map to find your way around, but an easier option is to download the Universal App. 

The app is really great, as in addition to having a digital map, it also tells you wait times at rides and attractions. This is a great way to plan your stops and see which rides you should visit when! 

The app also tells you what time various shows begin, which is very helpful!

Head to the Most Popular Rides First Thing in the Morning

In order to get the shortest wait times, I recommend heading to the most popular rides first thing in the morning. 

If you’re staying in a Universal Studios Hotel, you get to enter Island of Adventure Park (Harry Potter World: Hogsmeade) an hour early. 

In Hogsmeade you’ll find the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride (in Hogwarts Castle), Flight of the Hippogriff and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. 

If you go to Universal Studios first, home of Diagon Alley, head directly to the Escape from Gringotts ride. This is the most popular attraction in Diagon Alley, and the line can get long quickly.

Stay at an On-Site Hotel

As mentioned above, staying at a Universal Studios on-site hotel has certain perks. For example, you get to enter Island of Adventure (Harry Potter World: Hogsmeade) an hour before the park officially opens. 

Additionally, each of the on-site hotels offers free transportation to the parks, either by shuttle or water taxi. The transportation options are fantastic, and make getting to the park super easy. 

Lastly, the more luxury accommodations, such as Loews Portofino Bay Hotel , Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the Hard Rock Hotel , provide guests with free, unlimited Express Passes for each day they are in the park. 

During my most recent stay, I stayed at Universal Endless Summer: Surfside Resort . This is the most budget friendly of the hotels offered  – along with its sister hotel across the street: Universal Endless Summer: Dockside Resort . 

Although Universal Endless Summer: Surfside Resort is considered a “value” option, it was very clean, comfortable and well decorated! Additionally, it’s only 5 minutes by free-shuttle to the park entrance. 

I definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Universal Studios. It’s great for families, couples and groups of friends. 

Click here for Universal Endless Summer: Surfside Resort rates and to book! 

You Can Share a Wand

When visiting Harry Potter World, part of the fun is getting a wand from Olivander’s shop. There are so many to choose from and it’s such a unique experience. 

Around both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade you will be able to use your wand to perform spells, and they’re honestly pretty cool! You can make water shoot from fountains, flowers bloom, and make a music box play – just to name a few. 

That being said, the wands are expensive, at $60 each. I recommend picking out one wand per group, and sharing it to perform the spells. 

It might be a little less special to not have your own wand, but you realistically won’t use it again when you leave the park.

Try the Fun Treats – But They’re Not All Great

The most exciting part of Harry Potter World, for me, is all of the fun wizarding treats (especially the butterbeer!) 

I made it my personal mission to try as many of the treats as possible, and many were very good! However, some were also super disappointing. 

Check out my full post about the Best Treats and Butterbeer Snacks to Eat at Harry Potter World !

But as a quick preview: 

• Definitely have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron or the Three Broomsticks
• Have butterbeer ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour 
• Drink butterbeer at the Hogshead 
• Have a Fizzy Orange Juice at the Hopping Pot

Eat Lunch Early (or late) to Miss the Lunch-Rush 

The service at both the Leaky Caldron and the Three Broomsticks is relatively quick, likely due to the semi-limited menu. However, the lines get very long around 12pm. 

In order to avoid waiting in line for lunch, I recommend going early, around 11am, or later in the day, after 3pm. 

The food at these restaurants isn’t gourmet or life changing, but it’s such a fun experience to eat at both. I definitely recommend making time for it!

Check Out All the Shops

I could spend all day at Harry Potter World walking around and checking out all of the fun and unique shops. A few of my favorites are definitely Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop (Diagon Alley), Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes (Diagon Alley) and Honeydukes (Hogsmeade.) All of these are candy/sweet shops – so I think it’s pretty clear what my favorite kind of store is! 

However, in addition to the fun candy shops, there are also lots of souvenirs you can buy, including wands, robes and other collectables. 

Many of the shops in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade sell similar items, but each shop has its own unique souvenirs. I recommend checking out all of the shops first, and then going back to buy your favorite items. 

PRO TIP: When purchasing items in Universal Studios and Island of Adventure, ask for them to be “sent to the front of the park.” This means that your purchases will be sent to City Walk (where you exit the park) and will be waiting for you after you leave the park for the day! 

I highly, highly recommend this option! It makes it so much easier not to have to carry tons of bags around the park with you. 

If you’re staying at an on-site hotel, and are staying for multiple days, you will also have the option to have your purchases sent directly to the hotel’s front desk! This is another fantastic option, and something to absolutely take advantage of. 

When planning a trip to Harry Potter World, one of my biggest tips is to save room in your suitcase! I really didn’t plan on buying anything – but I ended up with lots of candy, a wand and souvenirs for friends. Trust me, you’ll definitely purchase things as well!

Quick Harry Potter World Tips and Facts to Know

• Universal Studios: Diagon Alley 
• Island of Adventure: Hogsmeade 
• Get tickets in advance, and keep the QR codes on your phone 
• You have early access to Island of Adventure (8am) if you’re staying at an on-site hotel 
• The parks close at varying times throughout the year, from 6pm onwards 
• City Walk is open very late, it closes between midnight and 2am

Harry Potter World FAQ

• I highly recommend staying in one of the Universal Studios on-site hotels as they come with many perks, like early park entry! There are tons of options to fit many budgets . 
• Ticket prices range depending on the number of days you’re visiting the park. The more days you visit the park, the less expensive daily tickets become. Click here for prices and ticket packages. 
• Diagon Alley, in Universal Studios, in my opinion is slightly better than Hogsmeade in Island of Adventure. This is because it’s less compact, and there are more shops and places to eat. Hogwarts Castle is located in Hogsmeade though, and there are more rides in this part of the park, so it does come down to personal preference. 
• You don’t need specific tickets for Harry Potter World, as they are parts of other parks. 
• As mentioned above, I recommend park hopper tickets so you can move between parks on the Hogwarts Express. 
• You can only take the Hogwarts Express if you have park hopper tickets, as it moves between parks. 
• I recommend spending at least two days in the parks, visiting both parks on both days.

Other posts to check out for planning a trip to Harry Potter World:

• The Ultimate Universal Studios Photo Spots and Instagram Guide
• The Best Treats and Butterbeer Snacks at Universal Studios, Harry Potter World

Note: This post includes affiliate links. Read our disclosure  here .

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13 comments.

Love Harry Potter. We went to Universal and Island of Adventures back in 2014, months before the Hogwarts Expressed opened. Gutted!

Wow! Didn’t realized this place exist in Orlando! I’m a huge Harry Potter fan! Looks like I know where to go next! Thanks for your article.

Harry Potter World is sooo fun! Thanks for all this helpful trip planning information!

I consider myself a HP world expert but had never heard of sending your purchases to the front! Such a great tip so that you don’t have to carry things around

I absolutely agree with getting to the popular rides in the am and staying two days! Great tips!

I live in Orlando and Harry Potter World has easily become one of my favorite places! Great article.

This was so helpful! Excited to visit HP world soon!

Great guide for Harry Potter World. I haven’t been to the Orlando parks since I was a child, but this looks like a fun place for a Harry Potter fan!

Totally worth it to get the park hopper pass – the Hogwarts Express is a can’t-miss for any Harry Potter fan! Also the suggestion to have your meals at the off hours is a great tip – we found that gave us the best chance to actually enjoy the food and not feel rushed. Thanks for this great post.

Oh my gosh I’ve wanted to go to Harry Potter World for so long! It looks incredible. Your tips like not getting an express pass for weekdays and downloading the app are genius – I didn’t know about these things before. Thank you!

Wow! This looks like such a fun park. I imagine that the rides are amazing. I’ve read all the books and seen all of the movies and the scenes would lend themselves to very imaginative rides. And, I too, would love the Butterbeer.

I am a big Harry Potter fan and I have visited the London studios. I must say that after reading your article, I will definitely visit the Orlando one when I’ll be nearby. It looks amazing!!!

I am a huge #potterhead this looks like such fun! I’ve only been to the London studio tours and that is small scale compared to this, definitely visiting Orlando for the sole purpose of HP World in my lifetime haha!

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Complete Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

The Harry Potter worlds at Universal Orlando make you feel like you’re an incoming student at Hogwarts who is seeing the town, castle, and shops for the very first time. Exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will leave you with a sense of déjà vu — buildings, pubs, and streets are identical to what they were in the movies, making you feel like you’ve been there before.

These highly-themed areas rank at the very top of our list of the best destinations for Harry Potter fans because they fully immerse you in the books and movies we all love. So read on for our complete guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. We’ll take you through each of the Universal Orlando Harry Potter worlds — their rides, experiences, dining, and more — so you can plan ahead and make your vacation as special as possible.

Prefer to Speak With Someone? Get Free Help From Our Favorite Universal Travel Agent!

In This Article:

• Where is Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Rides in Hogsmeade

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Going to the Harry Potter worlds/lands at Universal is the highlight of our family visit to the resort almost every time we go. And that’s really saying something considering we plan to visit Universal a few times each year! As a family, we’ve read all the books together and seen the movies. There is something so magical about the story and Universal found a way to bring that magic to life in a way that you must see to believe.

Where is Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

The Harry Potter themed worlds are located within Universal’s major theme parks — Harry Potter is not a separate theme park at Universal, and it’s not part of Disney World .

Universal has two main theme parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios . A third park, Epic Universe , is under construction and due to open sometime in 2025. Each of these parks has a Harry Potter component.

• Hogsmeade — Islands of Adventure
• Diagon Alley — Universal Studios Florida
• Ministry of Magic — Epic Universe ( opening 2025 )

Each experience is different, so I don’t recommend limiting yourself to just one when you go to Universal Orlando. Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have a huge variety of rides, experiences, and food to enjoy, so I am going to make sure I cover it all so you can plan your trip with as much knowledge as possible.

Let’s begin with the original Harry Potter themed land, Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure!

Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure

Hogsmeade is my favorite of the two Harry Potter worlds currently open at Universal. Between the sweeping views of Hogwarts castle, the world-famous rides , and the Three Broomsticks, this world has it all.

Hogsmeade was built in 2010 and was the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter developed in Universal Orlando. The resort worked hand in hand with J.K. Rowling and filmmakers to make sure that the world of Harry Potter came to life in the most realistic way possible.

The original development of the park was a pioneering move in the realm of creating immersive environments, and you can definitely understand why when you walk around the Hogsmeade and try the rides. The world is centered around Hogwarts castle, which still takes my breath away every time I walk into the park.

The park combines adventure, excitement, and magic in a surreal, immersive experience. If you haven’t been before, you might think that to enjoy Hogsmeade you’ll have to take some time away from the thrill rides of Islands of Adventure. Thankfully that’s not the case!

Hogsmeade has some amazing rides for you and your family to try when you visit — so to my dads out there, make sure you don’t drink too much butterbeer right at the start!

Hogsmeade has great rides spread out throughout the land, and it even has one of the most highly-rated roller coasters in the world. The Harry Potter rides here are:

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

• Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure

Flight of the Hippogriff

Hogwarts express.

These rides combine the unbelievable surroundings of the castle and town of Hogsmeade, life-like interactions and visuals, and great storytelling to curate an interactive theme park experience that you will never forget.

This ride is not a typical roller coaster. A combination of a twisting/turning track, along with robot arm mounted vehicles, makes you feel like you are completely immersed in the Harry Potter Universe. Forbidden Journey has incredibly high-quality special effects that really help seal the illusion.

On the ride you flash around Hogwarts and you get to see a bit of every part of the castle grounds. Last time my son and I were on it, I remember seeing the Whomping Willow, flying directly through a Quidditch match, zooming through the forbidden forest, and more.

You get to see all the parts of the castle grounds that you will remember from the movie. I’ve heard the ride called a “Harry Potter highlight reel,” and I don’t disagree!

In terms of roller coaster thrill, this ride is definitely in between Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the Flight of the Hippogriff, but I’d still say that this ride is great for kids of all ages as long as they meet the height requirement .

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

The ride is a journey from start to finish. The story starts while you are waiting in line, where you can see bits of Hagrid’s work as he has cared for hundreds of magical creatures throughout the years. There are writings on the walls from past Hogwarts students and even parts of Hagrid’s nursery to be seen.

Once you get closer to the start of the ride, you can begin to hear the sound of a motorbike revving. I have ridden tons of roller coasters in my life, but that sound gets my heart pumping every time with excitement as I wait for the ride to begin.

After you sit down on your motorbike/sidecar and ride begins, you are fired out of the landing bay. Immediately you start flying through the sky, passing the rooftops of Hogsmeade, zooming around parts of the castle, past a lake, and then toward the Forbidden Forest. You really feel like you’re on Hagrid’s motorbike!

It truly is a must-try when you’re in Universal Orlando. One thing to keep in mind is that this ride often has the longest lines in Hogsmeade, and sometimes even in all of Islands of Adventure. So plan ahead when you want to visit to come during a busier time because the ride is excluded from Universal’s Express Pass because of its popularity!

After Hagrid’s, the Flight of the Hippogriff is a way to take a calmer flight around the grounds of Hogwarts. The ride is definitely on the shorter side and isn’t as fast as Hagrid’s, so it’s a great ride for younger kids !

In the line for the ride you can see an interpretation of Hagrid’s home, including the pumpkin patch, his hut, and more. As the name hints, the ride is supposed to mimic flying on a hippogriff’s back around Hogwarts castle. Just like when Harry rode Buckbeak in the Prisoner of Azkaban , you will be soaring through the grounds, in between buildings, and enjoying some of the amazing views.

There are a few really fun drops and turns, but I do have to admit that the ride is a little short and sweet for my liking.

Again, while this isn’t the most thrilling ride in the park, it still has some great views and is particularly good for kids.

You will remember from the Harry Potter books that the Hogwarts Express is the train that takes the students to and from Hogwarts. And thanks to the magic of Universal, you and your family can ride it! The Hogwarts Express is a unique attraction in that it is both a themed entertainment ride and a practical form of transportation.

Hogwarts Express serves as a way to get between the Harry Potter areas in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. It’s really the best way to connect between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Because the attraction takes you from one theme park to another, you must have the Park-to-Park pass to ride it. I absolutely recommend getting this pass — not only for the chance to ride the Hogwarts Express, but also because it gives significantly more mobility for your day in Universal at only a slightly higher price point.

We love to dedicate a whole day to just Harry Potter and we always get the Park-to-Park pass to do that. We normally start the day in Hogsmeade and then hop on the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley in the afternoon.

The Hogwarts Express itself is a special ride, and while on the surface it may appear a bit simple, it’s one of my favorite rides at Universal .

When you board the train in Hogsmeade, you will be traveling toward London’s Kings Cross station. The train journey itself uses life-like visual effects that tell a story around your car as you move. You’ll see some impressive scenery and a few Harry Potter characters through the (video) windows of the train. Meanwhile, shadows of others walking in the train’s corridors will pass by the frosted glass windows of your compartment. The train cars are practically identical to how they were portrayed in the movies, so you’re going to feel as if you just stepped into the movies and novels that you’ve loved for decades.

Tip: Make sure to ride the train in both directions — it’s a different experience each way!

Ollivanders Wand Shop

Getting your own wand is a truly magical experience that makes you feel like you’re an incoming first year student at Hogwarts. When my family and I went to Ollivanders , my wife and I didn’t get wands but Ben went through the entire experience, smiling ear to ear the whole time.

Small groups are ushered into the shop and one lucky witch or wizard is selected by the Wandkeeper to participate in an interactive presentation. Of course, pairing the wand with the wizard can be tricky — it doesn’t always go quite right the first or second time.

Luckily, the Wandkeeper is an expert and everything always seems to work out in the end. (Frugal wizards will be pleased to learn that you’re not obligated to purchase the wand, even if you’re chosen to participate).

Everyone then makes their way into a separate sales area to view their own wand options in a more traditional “retail” environment.

Note: if you’ll allow me to step “outside of the magic” for just a moment here — there are Ollivanders wand shops in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. While Ollivanders at Hogsmeade is probably the most intimate and movie-accurate of the Ollivanders experiences, it’s not necessarily the most practical due to the cramped size of the shop. If you’re going with a larger group, are visiting during peak season, or are simply interested in shopping for a wand, I’d suggest opting for the experience at Diagon Alley / Universal Studios instead. You’ll likely have less of a wait (if any), and a bit more breathing room.

The Frog Choir is a great way to take a break from the rides and enjoy a good show. The performance lasts about 10 minutes, so it won’t take up too much of your time while you’re in the park. I’ve seen the show a few times, and I’ll admit that once you have stood and watched it once or twice, that’s usually enough (though I don’t mind sort of bopping along as I pass by).

You’ll get to hear some great songs inspired by Harry Potter, performed in a catchy a cappella style. The highlight of the performance is Something Wicked This Way Comes , as featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban .

It’s a great way to see a moment from the Harry Potter books brought to life. Although, the show itself is tough to compare to any of the world class rides that are right next door.

I’d say that the Frog Choir is particularly good for kids who will find the extra magic in the experience by thinking back to seeing the choir’s performance in the Harry Potter movies.

This show happens several times a day in Hogsmeade, so check the app or ask a Team Member when you should stop by!

Triwizard Spirit Rally

The Triwizard Spirit Rally alternates throughout the day with the Frog Choir, so if you stick around by the stage in Hogsmeade you can see one show after the other! Like the Frog Choir, this is a quick show — a bit under ten minutes — that will put a smile on your face. The show features the different schools that visited Hogwarts for the Triwizard tournament in the Goblet of Fire .

You will get to see the Beauxbatons students spinning and dancing as the Durmstrang students show off their martial arts staff skills, just like in the movie when the schools enter the Great Hall for the first time.

I prefer this show to the Frog choir just because there is a bit more action, and my kids agree!

Because these shows alternate several times a day on the same stage, I wouldn’t worry about planning ahead to see them. You will likely just pass by them at some point while you are in the park!

Nighttime Show

Depending on the time of year, you might be able to catch a nighttime projection and fireworks show at Hogwarts Castle.

• Hogwarts Always (starting June 14, 2024) — Experience all the iconic moments of a year at Hogwarts including the Sorting Ceremony, House Cup, and more, capped off by one of four different endings saluting each Hogwarts house.
• Nighttime Lights — Originally started as a part of the Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter program, the show lights up Hogwarts castle with brilliant displays on its walls along with lights in the sky.
• Dark Arts — Autumn (around the same time as Halloween Horror Nights across the way at the studios park) marks the arrival of a more sinister nighttime show, complete with Dementors, Death Eaters, and You-Know-Who.

Unfortunately, the schedule for these shows can be a bit tough to track down very far in advance, but they always occur after dark at Hogwarts Castle. Keep an eye on the Universal website when it gets close to your vacation date, because they will start to update show times a few days in advance of when they occur.

There are two main places to dine in Hogsmeade: the Hog’s Head or the Three Broomsticks. If these names sound familiar, it’s because both of these taverns are faithful recreations from the Harry Potter books!

Three Broomsticks

The Three Broomsticks is my favorite place to eat during my Harry Potter themed day. I remember the tavern very clearly from the movies, so it was a surreal experience to walk into a building I had never been in before, but felt like I had been there dozens of times. Once I was in, I could order a Butterbeer just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione did when they were students at Hogwarts.

Image © Universal

One of the main reasons I love coming to the Three Broomsticks is it saves our family a bit of money, while giving us a great experience at the same time. Feeding a family of four at Universal can get expensive and the Three Broomsticks is definitely more cost-effective than the average restaurant in Universal Orlando.

One thing that really surprised me when I went is that Butterbeer is actually good!

The flavor of this non-alcoholic drink is really hard to describe — Universal says it’s “reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch” — but my kids and I both loved it. The tavern also has some great salads, pies, desserts, and more so you and your family can have a full lunch or dinner here after some rides.

Hog’s Head

Hog’s Head is in the back of the Three Broomsticks, and it is definitely more of a bar than a restaurant. Although it’s technically a bar, it’s still very family friendly. Parents could grab a beer or a glass of wine while the kids enjoy some classic drinks from Harry Potter such as Pumpkin Juice or Butterbeer.

Between drinks, snacks, and meals, there is plenty available to spend your entire day in Hogsmeade, or in both Harry Potter worlds with a park-to-park pass (which is what I would recommend).

Get Free Help Planning Your Trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Has all this information left you feeling like you’ve been hit by the Confundus Charm? Feat not — the Universal experts at  The Vacationeer can set you straight!

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And of course, your agent will share all the best Wizarding World tips and tricks to make sure your vacation really is magical.

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Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida

Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley opened in 2014 at Universal Studios Florida, just a few years after Hogsmeade had opened at Islands of Adventure. Diagon Alley expands the Harry Potter experience at Universal Orlando Resort by adding locations such as Gringotts, the Leaky Cauldron, and Knockturn Alley.

To reach Diagon Alley, you’ll first head to the London section of Universal Studios, passing by well known Wizarding World landmarks such as King’s Cross Station and 12 Grimmauld Place. From there, look for the opening in the giant brick wall and head inside. Diagon Alley is well-hidden from mere Muggles — you’ll have to really look for it!

Diagon Alley has fewer rides than Hogsmeade, but the quality certainly makes up for the lower quantity!

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a thrill ride that incorporates surreal special effects, amazing designs, and a killer roller coaster to make one of the best rides in the park .

My daughter Ava was too young to ride this one the last time I was in Diagon Alley, so I went with Ben to give it a try. It was his first time on Escape From Gringotts and I think he was more impressed with this ride than any other in the park. He saw the Harry Potter films recently so he clearly remembered the scene when Harry, Ron, and Hermione try to steal the Sword of Gryffindor from Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault.

Like many of the other rides in Universal, the experience for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts really begins while you are still in line. When you are waiting in line, you are standing in an exact replica of the Gringotts main hall. And when I say exact, I really mean exact! The lobby is identical to what you see in the movie when Harry, Ron, and Hermione are walking down the line of goblins to the main teller so they can try to bluff their way into the vaults.

The grand hallway is filled with animated goblins counting coins, taking notes, and suspiciously starting you down as you walk along — and they are just the first of many life-like animations you will see along the way. Once you get to the end of the hallway, the head teller will sometimes talk to you and instruct you where to go next as you make your way to the start of the ride. They might even “pull you aside” and have you take a security ID photo using a retro film camera.

Once the ride is about to start you put on your 3D goggles and take a seat in the carriages which are reminiscent of those in the film. Right at the start of the ride you have some quick turns and big drops, and then all of a sudden the ride will stop and you will be met with a super high definition screen.

As you continue on with the ride you will see real-life holograms of Ron, Hermione, and Harry as you all run from the dragon together. Its really hard to appreciate just how similar it is to what we have all seen on the screen without trying it yourself. This is a must try if you are going to the Harry Potter worlds throughout Universal.

As mentioned earlier in this article, the Hogwarts Express travels back and forth between Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure.

Here on the Diagon Alley side, you’ll actually need to make your way back out of the brick walls and onto the streets of “London” to enter King’s Cross station. There, you’ll be able to spot fellow travelers actually walking through the brick wall (thanks to a clever Pepper’s Ghost illusion) to reach Platform 9¾.

You’ll pass through too, and then hop aboard the train.

On your journey to Hogwarts, you’ll spot soaring owls and perhaps a flying motorbike just outside the “window” of your train. As the streets of London give way to the countryside, you’ll truly feel that you’re on your way to your first year at Hogwarts. Just watch out for Dementors!

The scenery on this journey is different from the trip going the other direction, so make sure to ride the train both ways!

And remember — you’ll need a Park-to-Park pass because you’re traveling between theme parks. It’s a worthy purchase because it lets you try Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Flight of the Hippogriff, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and more — all in the same day! Also keep in mind, the rides in the Harry Potter world are only a small part of the total experience of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, and there is so much more to enjoy while you are there!

Diagon Alley may be a bit short on rides, but it’s certainly not lacking for experiences. There’s so much to see and do in the way of live entertainment and interactive activities, that this is a fantastic place to simply while away a few hours. Heck, I could spend all day in here and never really get bored! The fire-breathing dragon alone is worth starting at for quite some time!

Knockturn Alley

This sketchy side street is where dirty deeds get done in the Wizarding World. It’s always nighttime inside this covered (and air-conditioned!) walkway, so it’s a huge relief from the blazing Florida heat .

Stop in at Borgin and Burkes to marvel at the oddities assembled there, and perhaps make your own Dark Arts purchase. If you’re buying an interactive wand , you’ll also find some spell locations here. Some of them are even “secret” spells, but they’ll show up in glow-in-the-dark ink on your wand map. And you can always be on the lookout for medallions embedded in the ground, showing you the correct wand maneuvers.

Knockturn Alley is well-hidden. The primary entrance is a tunnel alongside a towering stack of cauldrons just to the right of the Leaky Cauldron restaurant. Another entrance is located to the left of Diagon Alley’s restrooms, directly underneath a giant window full of chandeliers.

Ollivanders

Just like in Hogsmeade, you can walk into Ollivanders at Diagon Alley to get a personalized wand from the Master Wand Craftsman himself. The overall feel of this shop is the same as in Hogsmeade so I won’t rehash all of the details again (if you missed the section on Ollivanders, scroll up and you can read more about it under the Hogsmeade Experiences section). This location does, however, have a higher capacity than the Hogsmeade version, and I find it is a bit more leisurely of an experience, especially if you really want to take the time to “shop” for your wand.

You might remember the Knight Bus as the slim, double decker bus that Harry rides, speeding through London traffic and bending time along the way. Located just outside Diagon Alley on the streets of London, the Knight Bus here is just a prop. So while you won’t get to ride it, it’s still cool to peek inside and perhaps take a photo. You will get to see the little shrunken head hanging at the front of the bus, the cots, and even a chandelier. While it’s definitely not the main attraction in the park, it’s another cool way that Universal brings the magic of Harry Potter to life!

Gringotts Money Exchange

While you are in Gringotts you can actually interact with the Goblins, and this is something my youngest, Ava, was able to get involved in. You can exchange real money for Gringotts money when you speak with the bank tellers.

For all the parents out there, I know that the idea of trading real money for fake money is not the most exciting concept. But thankfully, the Gringotts money can be used for purchases all throughout Diagon Alley! So, you can take your Galleons and purchase a wand, some Hogwarts merchandise, candy, and more.

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

Like in Hogsmeade, you can see two shows while in Diagon Alley. The first is a singing production that performs wizard-themed songs. Celestina Warbeck doesn’t actually “appear” in the original books, but she’s certainly mentioned a few times throughout. Universal claims that this group is Molly Weasley’s favorite band, so there you go!

You will get to hear performances of “never-before-heard” songs such as ‘A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love’, ‘You Charmed the Heart Right Out of Me’, and ‘You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart’. The performance really adds to the atmosphere of Diagon Alley and is a great way to take a break from the rides and shops.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is where Harry and his friends first learn about the Deathly Hallows in the book series. In Diagon Alley, you will have a chance to watch these stories performed live on a stage in Universal Studios. The actors use props, puppets, and great sets to bring the story to life. This event is great for kids of all ages, and like the singing performance, is a great way to relax for a bit in between rides and other experiences.

Leaky Cauldron

Jaimie and I love to grab food at the Leaky Cauldron when we’re in Diagon Alley, and it is definitely our favorite place to eat in the park.

This restaurant in Diagon Alley may look run down and old (as it was designed to be), but the food is great. You can get food here all day, and generally it’s good pub food that you would expect to be able to get in any bar in London. For example, last time I went I ordered a Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew and a Butterbeer. The Leaky Cauldron is also reasonably priced so you won’t have to spend too many Galleons to visit!

Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour

Wizard and Muggle worlds combine with Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, where you can get a classic scoop or soft-served swirl of ice cream. Flavors range from the mundane to some great Harry Potter themed flavors. Depending on the menu-of-the-moment, you might find flavors such as:

• Granny Smith
• Earl Grey and Lavender
• Chocolate Chili
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Salted Caramel Blondie
• Chocolate and Raspberry
• Orange Marmalade

Get it in a waffle cone or opt for the souvenir glass. You can also get refreshments like Pumpkin juice, teas, ciders, and more.

Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment

One great thing about Diagon Alley is that you will have no shortage of dining experiences. Eternelle’s is a small beverage stand where you can purchase a variety of ‘potions’ and ‘elixirs’. While these drinks look like potions, they still taste great and they make you feel like you are in Snape’s potion class drinking something mysterious that was just made for you. A few of the elixirs you can try may include:

• Fire Protection Potion
• Babbling Beverage
• Draught of Peace
• Elixir to Induce Euphoria

The Fountain of Fair Fortune

The Fountain of Fair Fortune was named after one of the tales in the Tales of Beedle the Bard. Here you can get drinks like Frozen Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, Gillywater, and more. There’s also an extremely limited snack menu (mainly bags of chips and some soft-serve ice cream).

The Hopping Pot

Like the Fountain of Fair Fortune, The Hopping Pot is a quick service location with beverages and snacks. You can get all the same drinks as the Fountain of Fair Fortune and more, including Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice, Peachtree Fizzing Tea, Fishy Green Ale, and more. The snack menu is also a bit more robust than Fountain of Fair Fortune’s, with the addition of several “pasties” (hand pies) such as Shepherd’s Pie, beef, or chicken.

Accio Vacation! Start Planning Your Trip Today

Universal’s Epic Universe is Universal’s third major theme park, currently under construction and scheduled to open sometime in the 2025. We’re still awaiting most of the major details about the park, but we do know for certain that it will be home to a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This section of the park will include nods to the 1920s Paris setting of the Fantastic Beasts books/films, along with elements of the Ministry of Magic. Universal hasn’t officially released any ride details, but it’s widely believed that you’ll go on an immersive adventure within the walls of the Ministry of Magic .

It’s a safe bet there will also be plenty of live entertainment (possibly a dedicated stage show), tempting food, and of course shopping to be found.

Is it worth delaying your trip to Universal to wait for Epic Universe to open? Probably not. There are already two amazing Harry Potter Worlds at Universal — you can enjoy them right away and save Epic Universe a later visit!

Want a Heads Up When Epic Universe is Ready To Book?

Universal Orlando’s Harry Potter worlds are some of my favorite parts of the entire resort. Both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are unique and fun experiences, and these two areas alone are worth a trip to Universal Orlando. And I can’t wait to see how the new addition at Epic Universe turns out!

People have varying opinions about which Harry Potter World is their favorite, but I always say that when you visit you need to see both. Getting the Park-to-Park pass ensures that you can see all the best sights, rides, and experiences in both parks, and it allows you to ride the Hogwarts Express which is one of my favorite parts of the resort.

Even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan, you must visit these themed areas when you are in Universal. Although, if you haven’t seen any of the movies yet, I’d recommend watching a few before you go because it will make the visit that much more special!

Ready to book your trip? You don’t need a flying Ford Anglia, a handful of Floo Powder, or the Hogwarts Express — all you need is  The Vacationeer !

Here’s why you should let these Diamond-Level Universal Preferred Travel Agents handle your trip:

• Expert Advice: They know their way around the Wizarding World, no Marauder’s Map needed!
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• Care-Free Logistics: They’ll book and organize your hotel, dining, tickets, and ground transport so you can focus on having fun with your family

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From Butterbeer to magic wands: Everything you need to know about Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Editor's Note

A visit to Universal Orlando to see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter had been on my wish list for a while. Suspension of disbelief takes place here every day. Visitors don wizarding robes, grab interactive wands and — at least for a day or two — pretend that they are following in the footsteps of Hermione, Ron and Harry, truly inhabiting the magical world of "Harry Potter."

There are families racing from ride to ride in Hogwarts-style robes and Harry Potter-style glasses. We witnessed the engagement of two fans right in front of Hogwarts Castle. We might even have wondered for a minute or two what it would be like to be able to cast spells and brew potions.

If this sounds like your cup of frozen Butterbeer, here's what you need to know to make the trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando a success.

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When to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There is no bad time to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, just times of the year when it may be more crowded or pretty darn hot. Don't overly stress over the choice of dates. Just check expected crowd levels at calendars like the ones from Undercover Tourist and TouringPlans.com and then use some strategies — like skip-the-line passes, VIP tours and early starts — to evade crowds if you need to (more on that later).

Related: Choosing the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip

How to see more of The Wizarding World in less time

I won't lie to you. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets very crowded.

We visited Universal at what is a slower time of year and the attractions in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were still jammed. If you want to see as much of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as possible in the shortest amount of time, there are some strategies you probably need to employ.

First, you can use Universal's Express Pass . This is a skip-the-line pass that works on most attractions at Universal's two theme parks. This includes within The Wizarding World, with the exception of Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

There are three ways to get an Express Pass. The easiest way is to book one of Universal's on-site Premier hotels. If you stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel , Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort , you'll get a free Express Pass Unlimited to use throughout your visit. If you have a Premier-level Universal annual pass , you're entitled to Express Pass access beginning at 4 p.m.

Otherwise, you can purchase Express Passes:

• Universal Express: Prices start at $79.99 per person per day for one park and $89.99 for two parks and go up to almost double that amount. This pass lets you skip the regular line one time per participating ride at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks.
• Universal Express Unlimited: Prices start at $109.99 per person per day for one park and $119.99 for two parks, though prices vary quite a bit from day to day. An Unlimited pass lets you skip the regular lines at participating rides as many times as you want at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Be aware that the list of participating rides and attractions is subject to change, so check with Universal Orlando's website before you purchase an Express Pass to make sure the rides you're most interested in are included.

The best strategy to ensure you do as much as possible within the World of Harry Potter, short of a VIP tour, is to rope-drop Hagrid's at the park's opening and then use your Express Pass for all the other attractions.

Speaking of VIP tours, there are two to choose from. You can book a small-group or private VIP experience at Universal. The price, while not cheap, packages together walk-on ride access during the tour, Express Passes and a dinner credit to use after the tour ends.

The small-group VIP tour starts at less than $200 per person while the private tour costs a few thousand dollars for the day. These tours will get you on rides like Hargrids that otherwise don't have short-cut access.

Related: How to get the most out of 1 day at Universal Orlando

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley

If you are staying at any of the on-site Universal hotels , you can get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour earlier than general admission.

Which park opens early varies by day and sometimes both parks open early. The front desk agent should give you this information at check-in or you can check the Universal Orlando website for the most up-to-date information.

No matter which park is opening early, plan to arrive at the front gates at least 15 - 30 minutes before the Early Park Admission opening time. It's the only way to beat the crowds and make the most of your extra time.

Only certain attractions open during Early Park Admission, but this typically includes all of the Wizarding World attractions. The ones you will most likely want to knock out are Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida.

For Hagrid's, head to Islands of Adventure, take a right after passing through Port of Entry and head toward Seuss Landing. Universal team members will be on hand to scan your hotel keycard and allow you to go deeper into the park. Continue through Seuss Landing to The Lost Continent and you should see team members directing you toward the start of the line for Hagrid's.

If Escape from Gringotts is first on your list, walk straight through Production Central and turn right when you reach the New York section of the park (in front of the Revenge of the Mummy attraction). Continue on until you see a replica of King's Cross Station on your left.

Be careful not to overshoot and walk past the somewhat hidden entrance to Diagon Alley. When you see an opening in a brick wall, you know you've found it.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Once you've entered Diagon Alley, walk straight to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts indoor steel roller coaster ride. You can't miss it; it's the building with the fire-breathing dragon perched on the roof.

Tip: Find any wizard or witch working in Diagon Alley and ask when the dragon will breathe fire next. The schedule is sporadic so asking is your best bet. Also, when you hear a low growl, that's your signal that this Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon is about to spew some fire.

There are free and paid lockers to the right of the line so you can stash your belongings before the ride.

Children must be 42 inches to ride; be sure your party meets that requirement so you don't get to the head of the line only to be turned away. There is also a "child swap" room where parents can take turns alternating riding or waiting with kiddos not tall enough (or ready) to ride.

There is also a test seat in front of the building where you can confirm whether or not the seating configuration will work for your body style.

Wait times can get long for this ride, but it does have an Express Pass line throughout most of the day. There's also a lot to look at while in line since you'll snake through the Gringotts bank lobby and see a multitude of goblins at work. The four chandeliers that hang inside the bank's lobby are made up of 62,000 individual crystals.

There is a photo opportunity in the line as you pass through Gringotts "security." You can purchase the photo after the ride if you'd like (this photo has been unavailable since the park reopened after a brief closure due to COVID-19).

This attraction was once The Wizarding World's flagship attraction, but it's been eclipsed by Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (both of which can be found in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure). What's neat about Escape from Gringotts is the motion-based 3D projections that make you feel as if you're interacting with characters like Bill Weasley and the goblin Blordak.

Related: TPG's complete guide to Universal Orlando

Ollivanders

After exiting the Gringotts ride, you're just across from Ollivanders, so get in line to see the show that depicts how a wand chooses its wizard, if this type of show appeals to you.

It's a very personal process. One lucky guest is picked from the audience and the wizard in residence facilitates the wand choosing. After the show, you're escorted next door to the wand shop where they'll box up the wand for you to take home … assuming you want to spend the $50 or so for the wand, which is optional. You can also forgo the wand that was chosen for you and pick out a replica of your favorite wizard's wand.

If you weren't lucky enough to be chosen for the show, you can pick out and purchase your own wand.

Go for an interactive wand that helps you make magic — literally — at many locations in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Standard, non-interactive wands are also available if you are looking to save a little cash or your kids are too young to know the difference.

Assuming you've purchased an interactive wand, look for brass medallions set into the pavement in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. These are the spots where you can cast spells and make magic. A map that plots each spot where you can cast spells is included with your wand purchase (including a few unmarked "secret wand spots"). Spells are categorized as easy, medium or hard. You also can order an interactive wand in advance of your trip or pick one up in the hotel gift shop at most on-site hotels.

Note that there is an identical Ollivanders wand experience at Hogsmeade, so feel free to skip the experience here if you'd prefer to see the show there later in your visit.

Dine at the Leaky Cauldron

If you didn't eat breakfast before heading to Diagon Alley, now may be the right time to grab a table at the atmospheric Leaky Cauldron. Breakfast is pricey, but where else can you dine among witches and wizards? Breakfast plates for adults all ring in at $17.99 and include a small beverage (yes, you can have Butterbeer for breakfast).

• Traditional Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, sausage links, black pudding, English bacon, baked beans, grilled tomato, sauteed mushrooms and breakfast potatoes.
• American Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, potatoes, crisp bacon, sausage link and a croissant.
• Pancake Breakfast: Three buttermilk pancakes, crisp bacon, sausage link and a croissant.
• Egg, Leek and Mushroom Pasty: Pastry-wrapped scrambled eggs, mushrooms and leeks served with potatoes and fruit.
• Apple Oatmeal Flan with Yogurt & Fruit.

The kids breakfast plate — traditional, pancake or American — is $12.99. Pumpkin juice will set you back $4.99.

If you're not a breakfast eater, leave this stop for lunchtime instead where you can order things like fish 'n' chips ($16.99), a ploughman's lunch (cheese, chutney, bread, pickles and Scotch egg) for two ($21.99), bangers and mash ($13.99) or a beef, lamb and Guinness stew ($15.99). Kids entrees include things like mac 'n' cheese and fish 'n' chips for $7.29. Desserts — sticky toffee pudding, Butterbeer potted cream or chocolate potted cream — shouldn't be missed.

Take in a 'Harry Potter'-themed show

While you're finishing breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, take a look at the Universal Orlando app and find out when the shows in Diagon Alley will take place.

During our trip, we saw two shows here, including "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" — complete with puppets — and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. There's seating around the stage if you arrive early enough, or there's always plenty of standing room.

Gringotts Money Exchange

After the show, walk toward the Gringotts ride and you'll come upon the Gringotts Money Exchange. Go inside and don't be fooled. This isn't just a bank. Sure, there is a human clerk assisting with money exchanges here, but there is also a Gringotts goblin behind a teller's desk. Talk to him and he will interact with you. It's a neat experience — especially for curious kids.

Knockturn Alley

Knockturn Alley is dark, seedy and so well hidden that you might miss it. There are two entrances — one next to the Leaky Cauldron and one next to the Fountain of Fair Fortune.

The enclosed space is dark and a cool break from the heat. There are also five neat spots where you can use your interactive wand to cast spells. There's also a shop, Borgin and Burkes, that's oozing plenty of dark magic and a few benches where you can rest a bit before continuing your exploration of Diagon Alley right outside.

Explore the shops of Diagon Alley

Once you've tried casting spells in Knockturn Alley, go back out into the bright Orlando sun to finish exploring Diagon Alley.

Visit all the shops, and be on the lookout for a few "magic moments." Among them is a snake speaking Parseltongue in the window of the Magical Menagerie and a talking mirror in Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Be forewarned, she isn't always complimentary of your wardrobe choices.

Related: Unlock more magic: 16 Universal Orlando secrets to know before your next trip

And maybe get an ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, or a Butterbeer at The Fountain of Fair Fortune or The Hopping Pot.

One word of caution: Harry Potter souvenirs are pretty expensive. You may want to set a budget with your kids before exploring the shops or explain to them why you won't be purchasing certain items. Robes — with the emblem of your house stitched on them — will set you back $125. A Gryffindor Quidditch robe replica is $150, while Hermione Granger's Yule Ball Gown in youth sizes is $99.95. Yowza. No wonder many parents bring robes from home.

Check out the Knight Bus and 12 Grimmauld Place

Once you've seen everything on Diagon Alley, leave this part of The Wizarding World through the opening in the brick wall. Directly across you'll see the Knight Bus. Here you can meet the conductor and the shrunken head that hangs at the front of the bus. Kids and adults love interacting with these two. Sit by the fountain to listen in.

Then, look across the way and you'll see a replica of a London street. Upon closer inspection, you'll see 12 Grimmauld Place, the home of Sirius Black (Harry Potter's godfather). He gifted the property to the Order of the Phoenix, which used it as a headquarters. Look up toward the second floor and you may catch a glimpse of Kreacher, the Black family house-elf, peering at you from the window.

Hogwarts Express – King's Cross Station

When you've thoroughly explored Diagon Alley and the streets of Harry Potter's London, it's time to make your way to King's Cross Station, where you'll board the Hogwarts Express and ride the train to Hogsmeade. Remember: You can only ride the Hogwarts Express if you have a Park-to-Park ticket. If you've got one-day, one-park tickets, there is no way to experience this attraction.

The wait queue is convincing and it appears as if you are waiting for a train in London. Pay attention to everything as you near the train platform. A neat mirror trick makes it look like you burst through a brick wall to reappear unharmed on Platform 9 3/4. The train whistle builds excitement, and when you see steam escaping from the locomotive, you'll know you're almost ready to board.

Eight passengers are loaded onto each car and it truly looks as if you're departing London on your way to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The ride's spectacle takes place on the train windows. Be prepared to see some Dementors on the four-minute trip to Hogsmeade. The show is slightly different on the return trip, so be sure you ride it both ways.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade

You'll find Hogsmeade inside the Islands of Adventure theme park. Here, you can visit both the town of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

If you have your heart set on riding this thrill coaster, get in line as soon as you arrive in Hogsmeade. Wait times can get intense and the attraction does not accept Universal Express.

Should you miss riding at park opening, then rather than walking to the back of the park where Hagrid's is located, you can check wait times in the Universal Orlando app. You can even set wait time alerts and receive a push notification on your phone when the wait time drops below your designated limit.

This is by far the fastest ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It reaches speeds up to 50 mph and includes both spikes into the air and fast drops. You need to be at least 48 inches tall to experience it. You'll either ride Hagrid's motorcycle or get in the sidecar.

Either spot will make your heart pound, but I think the ride in the sidecar is a bit easier for anyone that might be nervous.

Hogwarts Castle

While we'll talk about the ride that takes place inside Hogwarts Castle next, I wanted to mention the castle itself first.

You can see Hogwarts from many distant points in Islands of Adventure. It looks magical from afar but even more impressive as you stand beneath its turrets. There is a bridge with wonderful views of the castle as you leave Jurassic Park and enter Hogsmeade. This is where you can grab that quintessential photo of the castle -- don't miss it.

We visited during the holiday season and were treated to "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle." As the sky gets dark, the castle is lit up with projections that include scenes from the books, faux fireworks, lasers and more. It is one of those experiences where your jaw will drop and you'll feel like magic is happening. If you're visiting during the holidays, it's worth it to stick around after dark to see this unique show.

On select nights during other times of the year, Universal shows "The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle," a similar show, but without the holiday music and wintry scenes.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was my favorite ride in all of Universal and the queue itself is filled with interesting scenes from the books.

When we visited, we zipped right through the line with our Express Passes and were disappointed that we didn't see all the neat things leading up to the ride. We decided to ride a second time and went through the normal wait line. We didn't wait that long (maybe 25 minutes) but we were able to take our time to inspect things like Professor Sprout's herbology greenhouse and Dumbledore's office with his talking portrait and the Mirror of Erised.

I was a little worried that I might not be able to ride this attraction since I'm heavyset. Universal's park guide notes that certain body types might not comfortably fit in the seat, which has a safety bar that comes over your head and shoulders to lock into place at your waistline.

For that reason, there is a pair of seats in front of Hogwarts Castle at the entrance for this ride. If you're not sure the seat will work for you, you can try it out before getting in line. If your waist is larger than 40 inches, you might not be able to ride.

There is another set of test seats about halfway through the queue and I did see two people turned away after an attendant tested them. If there's any doubt that you may not fit comfortably in the seat, try it out before waiting in line.

On this ride, you "ride a broomstick" in and around Hogwarts Castle. The attraction is a "robocoaster," where a robotic arm holds your seat above a track and you pivot in a multitude of directions. It makes you feel as if you're flying through the air and, if you are prone to motion sickness, may make you feel like you need to relieve the contents of your stomach when you disembark.

The ride is dark at times, with encounters with dangers like Aragog the spider in the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping Willow and a gang of Dementors. But you'll also screech around the Quidditch field. You must be 48 inches or taller to ride Forbidden Journey. There are lockers to the right of the castle entrance to store your belongings. Trust us, you don't want anything on your head or in your pockets during this ride.

Flight of the Hippogriff

Flight of the Hippogriff, dubbed a "family-friendly coaster," is across from the lockers at Hogwarts Castle.

The twists, turns and drops reminded me of a slightly tamer Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from Disney World's Magic Kingdom. My husband is not a fan of roller coasters and didn't want to ride this one — even if it is just a "junior" coaster — so I went alone. Plenty of little kids were riding and loving it; children have to be just 36 inches tall or taller to ride.

This ride is super quick, so I had to ride a few times to take it all in. The track is elevated so you get a nice view of Hogsmeade. The queue is neat, too, as you walk by Hagrid's Hut and on to an open area where you'll recognize the Care of Magical Creatures class site.

Related: 7 magical places every 'Harry Potter' fan should visit

Take a break and see a show

After enjoying the rides, it might be a good time to see one of the shows staged in Hogsmeade throughout the day.

When we visited, we saw the Frog Choir (a special version for the Christmas holiday) and the Triwizard Spirit Rally. The stage is small but we never had trouble getting a close-up spot as long as we arrived a few minutes before showtime. Check the paper guide given out at the park entrance or the Universal Orlando app for showtimes.

If you didn't see the "wand picks a wizard" show at the Ollivanders location at Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, you can get in line to see it here. (See the Diagon Alley section above for a full description of the experience.) After the show, shop for a wand if you don't already have one. There are some neat spots in Hogsmeade where you can cast spells with it.

Dine out, enjoy a drink and go shopping

You can't truly say you've seen Hogsmeade until you've had a meal at the Three Broomsticks or grabbed a drink at the Hog's Head bar next door (serving Butterbeer, beer and spirits).

At Three Broomsticks, many families opt for The Great Feast, which includes a salad plus a combination of rotisserie smoked chicken, spareribs, corn on the cob and roast potatoes. (A platter for four is $69.99; additional servings are $17.99.)

You can also buy British favorites like fish 'n' chips, beef pasties, smoked turkey legs and shepherd's pie, and there are soups and salads on the menu at both lunch and dinner. Kids ages 9 and younger pick from fish 'n' chips, chicken fingers, chicken legs and mac 'n' cheese — each entree is $7.49.

Nonalcoholic Butterbeer (regular or frozen) is $7.99, while pumpkin juice and pumpkin fizz are $4.99. Two draught beers on tap are Hog's Head Brew and Dragon Scale (both $9.49).

Three Broomsticks also serves breakfast daily until 10:30 a.m.

When you're ready to roll out of Three Broomsticks, get ready to do a bit of shopping. Honeydukes is a sweet shop filled with confections like Exploding Bonbons, Cauldron Cakes, Fizzing Whizzbees, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs.

You can mail postcards or letters from the Owl Post, complete with an official Hogsmeade postmark. You can also purchase all kinds of writing implements (think quills and seals) as well as owl-themed souvenirs.

If you didn't ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you would have missed Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods since the ride empties into this shop. This is a terrific shop if you're looking for house crest banners, T-shirts, hats or scarves.

Get your Hogwarts uniforms and robes, Sneakoscopes, Quaffles and Golden Snitches at Dervish and Banges.

Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station

When you're ready to leave this part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, walk through the arch toward Hogsmeade Station and get in line for the Hogwarts Express.

The train will take you back to "London" at Universal Studios. The experience is a bit different in each direction, so be sure to hop on — even if you rode the train from London to Hogsmeade earlier in the day.

Related: Choose the best hotel at Universal Orlando

Buying the right ticket for Harry's world

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade is part of Islands of Adventure while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley can be found at Universal Studios, this is important when it comes to choosing your ticket.

Splitting this land into two sections was a brilliant move on Universal's part since it means you need to purchase the upgraded Park-to-Park admission ticket if you wish to see both parts of Harry's world on the same day.

That also means holding a Park-to-Park ticket or a Universal annual pass are the only ways you can ride the Hogwarts Express train attraction between the two lands. The Hogwarts Express is more than just a mode of transportation — it's an attraction in and of itself. Leave time to take the train in both directions because the experience is different depending on which way you're headed.

You can use single-day one-park tickets to visit each land separately, but there's no way to use those tickets to board the Hogwarts Express.

You can buy Universal tickets for one, two, three, four or five days.

Universal's website sometimes offers special promotions for multiday passes that throw in extras like a skip-the-line Express Pass, discounted admission to the Volcano Bay water park or a free day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.

The least expensive tickets let you explore one park per day. Unless that's the only option on the table, for Harry Potter you really want the Park-to-Park tickets that allow you to visit both theme parks on the same day. That gives you the ultimate in flexibility and access to the Hogwarts Express.

If you plan to visit the parks for more than just a few days, or you think you may visit Universal Orlando twice or more in 12 months, consider a Universal annual pass . I never dreamed I'd become a Universal annual pass holder, but when I planned our trip, I had my eye on a special promotion that gave you an extra day in the parks when you bought a two-day pass.

I thought that was a good deal — but when I looked at pricing for a Florida resident annual pass, I found out it was only $8 per ticket more than the special promotional pass. For just a few bucks more, I went for the annual pass; now we can go back to Universal and get free admission until the pass expires.

When buying Universal tickets, look at all the combinations and prices to determine which is the best deal for your family.

Where to buy Universal tickets

You can purchase your tickets directly from Universal. Alternatively, you can buy from well-respected third-party vendors like Undercover Tourist . This can be an especially good idea right after a ticket price hike. Often, Undercover Tourist will have some tickets left over at the lower price for a few days or weeks after a ticket price increase.

Additionally, ticket purchases from Undercover Tourist typically code as travel for the purposes of earning or redeeming credit card points. Bookmark that site and comparison shop whenever you are buying tickets for Universal or other theme parks like Walt Disney World.

Related: Best credit cards to use for Universal Studios

How to use points to buy Universal tickets

Savvy parkgoers might want to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou points to buy their Universal Orlando theme park admission. But, at least for now, this option may not be available when you search.

If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve , you can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents per point. Or, if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card , you can redeem for travel through the portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.

Historically, Univeral Orlando tickets have often been available through the Chase travel portal at rates comparable to Universal's direct pricing. However, as of writing this article, we weren't able to find any Universal Orlando tickets bookable through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal. So, although it's worth checking, don't get your hopes up.

If you've got a stash of Citi ThankYou points , you can use them through the Citi ThankYou travel portal to redeem for activities, including tickets to select attractions and theme parks. However, as of writing, we didn't find any options to redeem for Universal Orlando tickets. This may change though, so check out the Citi ThankYou portal to review your options.

Related: How to use points to save money at Universal Orlando

What credit card to use at Universal

There is no one answer to the question: Which credit card should I use at Universal Orlando? The answer depends on how and where you purchase your theme park tickets and how that credit card codes purchases.

Data points from many travelers tell us that tickets bought at an on-site Universal hotel and charged to the hotel room have coded as "travel," but tickets and VIP tours purchased directly from Universal have coded as "entertainment."

If you know your charge will code as travel, you'll do well to use any of the best credit cards for general travel purchases , including:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve — 3 points per dollar spent.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — 2 points per dollar spent.
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card — 2 points per dollar spent.

However, if you think your purchase will code as entertainment, you'll want to use one of the best cards for entertainment spending .

Related: Best credit cards for Disney and Universal vacations

Bottom line

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is an incredible place to visit for muggles and wizards alike.

The rides and attractions are fantastic. It's fun to watch the daily performances that all relate to an aspect of Harry's magical world, and you must raise a pint of Butterbeer (or one of the beers specially brewed for The Wizarding World) in one of the themed establishments across the land — from the Leaky Cauldron to the Three Broomsticks to the Hog's Head and other neat spots.

To get the most out of your visit, splurge on Park-to-Park tickets and pair that with an Express Pass (might as well throw in valet parking while you are at it). Only then will you be able to get in early and (with a little magic) skip the worst of the lines. The added expense is truly worth it. If you're a "Harry Potter" fan, this is a theme park you'll want to return to again and again.

The Manic Wanderer

The Complete Wizarding World of Harry Potter Guide and Two-Day Itinerary

If you’ve spent years dreaming of one day receiving your Hogwarts letter, then a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando will feel like a dream come true. From the amazing Hogwarts replica, delicious Butterbeer, fun rides, and plenty of places to explore you’ll believe you’ve been transported to that magical world. I’ve traveled to Universal twice now, and am still awestruck by the level of detail, and wonder found within the theme parks. If you’re planning a visit then read on to find the complete Wizarding World of Harry Potter guide and two-day itinerary. 

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you.   As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Know Before Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

First and foremost, The Wizarding World is in both Universal Parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios . On the Islands of Adventure side, you’ll find the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, along with several rides. In Universal Studios you can find Diagon Alley, Grimmauld Place, and the Knight Bus. In this guide and two-day itinerary, you’ll visit both parks so you won’t miss a thing that the Wizarding World has to offer. 

Where to Find Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley

Both Harry Potter areas are somewhat out of the way, but once you understand how to get there it’s easy to find. Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure is in the northern part of the park between Jurassic Park and The Lost Continent. Plenty of signs point to Hogsmeade once you near The Lost Continent section of the park. However, the entrance to Diagon Alley, found in the back of Universal Studios is unmarked. Just look for the brick wall next to the Kings Cross Station and walk on in. You can also see the purple Knight Bus across from the entrance.

Download the Universal Orlando App

If you plan to have any sit-down meals in the Wizarding World, then you’ll want the app for mobile food and drink orders. It cuts down on waiting time and makes for a seamless dining experience. Additionally, you can purchase park tickets, check park hours, use a digital map, and view ride wait times. The ability to see wait times for rides truly made my Wizarding World experience smooth and enjoyable. The waiting lines update in real-time, and you can utilize this to your full advantage to pick and choose where to go next based on that. I never waited longer than 45 minutes for any ride.

Purchase Park-to-Park Tickets 

Buying park-to-park tickets is my number one tip for visiting the Wizarding World. The Hogwarts Express, which runs between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley is only accessible with the purchase of park-to-park tickets and is not to be missed. Like Hogwarts Castle, the train and the stations are beautifully detailed and accurate to the story, but best of all it feels like being on another attraction. 

Both Kings Cross Station and Hogsmeade Station have unique surprises while riding the train and should be experienced each way. On top of the incredible joy of riding the Hogwarts Express itself, it’s also a handy way to travel to and from each park instead of making the long trek in the Florida heat. Park-to-park tickets are more expensive than standard one-day tickets but are worth the extra cost. 

How Much Time to Spend in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

How much time to spend in the Wizarding World comes down to personal preference. Can you see and do everything in one day? Probably, if crowds are lower for that day. Would I recommend trying it? No, especially for a first-time visit. One day also leaves no time to explore the other lands in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Plus, that one day would be extremely rushed, and it’s better to have that extra day to take more things in. I found that two days was the perfect amount of time to see everything in the Wizarding World, explore other Universal lands, and go on plenty of rides.

Cost for Two Days in the Wizarding World

How much tickets will cost depends on the month and day you plan on visiting. There is the additional variable of if you are eligible for any promotions, so check out what current deals Universal has on their website before buying tickets. Additionally, the longer you stay the lower the cost of tickets will be. As of May 2023, the starting price for a 1-day park-to-park ticket for an adult is $164 and $159 for children. 

As a general rule, ticket prices are higher on weekends, holidays, and during the summer months. If possible, target off-season travel like September, end of January, and end of April during the week. In full transparency, for two adults in May 2023 with tickets and food, we averaged $500 per day. 

Best Time to Visit the Wizarding World

The best time to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando varies each year. This is based on different factors, such as when athletic and dance competitions will be in town and when periods like spring break fall on. Overall, the summer months and the holiday weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Presidents’ Day, and Easter are the least ideal times to visit due to crowds. Late spring through early fall in Florida is also when the state experiences its warmest temperatures which is something to consider when choosing when to visit. As mentioned above, there are lower-season times to visit such as September, the end of January, the end of April, and early March. 

Know All the Butterbeer Options!

Did you even go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter if you didn’t enjoy several Butterbeers? You could, but you would miss out on the best drink in the parks! There are three different Butterbeer drink options: hot, cold, and frozen. Unfortunately, it’s always been too warm in Florida during my visits to sample the hot Butterbeer, but I’ve heard it’s amazing.

Besides the three Butterbeer drinks, there’s also Butterbeer-flavored food to try in the Wizarding World. There’s the beloved Butterbeer ice cream, a soft serve vanilla swirled with thick butterscotch. Butterbeer fudge is another tasty option with its butterscotch flavor and shortbread foundation. Lastly, there’s the Butterbeer potted cream which is similar to a pudding yet lighter.

Where to Find All the Butterbeer

Frozen and Cold Butterbeer -  Hogsmeade: Butterbeer street carts, Hog’s Head, and The Three Broomsticks.  Diagon Alley: The Hopping Pot, The Leaky Cauldron, and The Fountain of Fair Fortune.

Hot Butterbeer -  Hogsmeade: Hog’s Head, The Three Broomsticks, and the Butterbeer street carts.  Diagon Alley: The Hopping Pot and The Leaky Cauldron.

Butterbeer Ice Cream - Hogsmeade: The Three Broomsticks. Diagon Alley: The Hopping Pot, Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, The Leaky Cauldron, and The Fountain of Fair Fortune.

Butterbeer Fudge - Hogsmeade: Honeydukes.  Diagon Alley: Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop.

Butterbeer Potted Cream - Hogsmeade: The Three Broomsticks. Diagon Alley: The Leaky Cauldron.

Understand the Ride Lockers System 

For any thrill rides and some 3D/4D rides, you'll need to put your possessions in a park locker. The standard lockers are on the smaller side, consider this when deciding which bag to bring to the Wizarding World. The lockers are 14 in x 5.5 in x 16.9 in. For reference, a mini Hogwarts Loungefly backpack fit fine along with a gift bag and a few loose items. You’ll want to make sure to empty your pockets to store in the locker apart from your park tickets.

The single-use lockers are located near the attractions that require them and are free. They also easily open and close one time with the scan of a park ticket. Larger lockers are available for a fee, but I would avoid them unless necessary. The Wizarding World rides that use lockers are Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Hogsmeade, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in Diagon Alley.

Note: You must have your park tickets to reopen your locker!  

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Two-Day Itinerary

Rise and shine because this is going to be an early day! If you’re staying at a Universal property resort, which I highly recommend, then it’ll be extra early too. For those who choose to stay at a Universal Hotel, you have the opportunity to take advantage of early park admission. This gives you an additional hour at one of the parks before they open to the public. Which park offering early admission changes based on the date, so check the Universal app or website for hours. 

Islands of Adventure - Hogsmeade 

Before jumping to the first stop, when you walk through the entrance to Hogsmeade, pause for a moment to take it all in. Admire the snow-capped buildings, the instrumental music playing in the background, and Hogwarts off in the distance. Congratulations, you’ve made it to Hogwarts. 

First Stop: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure 

The first stop you’ll want to make is Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure which takes you on a thrilling ride through the Forbidden Forest. It’s a unique attraction that combines the fast adventure of a roller coaster with immersive storytelling. This is undoubtedly one of Universal’s most popular rides and can see hours-long wait times. The ride is best attempted immediately after entering the park to get on the line as early as possible.

So, is Hagrid’s ride worth the wait? YES! It is absolutely worth the wait. Some elements I loved on the ride were going backward and a slight drop. It’s a thrill without being too extreme, and the perfect way to start your two-day Wizarding World adventure.

Second Stop: Butterbeer Carts 

All that exhilaration (and probably a bit of waiting) from Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure is sure to leave you parched, and what better way to quench your thirst than with your first Butterbeer? I say first because you’ll want more than one throughout the day. The sweet cream soda and butterscotch drink are delicious and addicting. There are two Butterbeer carts in Hogsmeade. The first is next to Honeydukes, and the second cart is near the Hogwarts (aka Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride) entrance in a corner off to the side. The lines move fast at either cart, so choose whichever you’re closest to.

Third Stop: Pose for Pictures With Hogwarts

As soon as Hogwarts Castle comes into view, I immediately feel a sense of being at home. I’m transported to another world, one filled with magic and wonder. Each time I see Hogwarts is special, a new memory is made, and I love being able to capture that in a photo. Hogsmeade has two unique perspectives to capture photos with Hogwarts.

Photo Location # 1: The Front of Hogwarts (The Forbidden Journey Entrance)

Near the second Butterbeer cart, you won’t be able to miss this spot as it’s the entrance to the Forbidden Journey ride. This angle has Hogwarts in its full glory directly facing you. The castle stands atop a rocky cliff, each tower visible, with spires jutting into the sky, and statues up front. You’re also surrounded by crowds, who will be in your shot as this is a ride entrance, but honestly, it doesn’t take away from the picture. It also makes for a great selfie spot if the crowds are too much for a regular picture. 

Photo Location # 2: The side of Hogwarts on the bridge 

This is a favorite picture spot in not only all of the Wizarding World but all of Universal. The location is the bridge between Hogsmeade and Jurassic Park. Looking at the Islands of Adventure map, the bridge shows as the connection between the two lands in the park. The bridge provides an unobstructed view of the side of Hogwarts. Standing behind the bridge, the castle towers above, surrounded by lush greenery. Best of all, there will be zero other guests in your pictures because there is plenty of space to spread out. Be prepared to take tons of pictures!

Find my Gryffindor scarf here ! Find my Gryffindor headband here !

Fourth Stop: Visit Ollivanders Wand Shop 

Hogsmeade has plenty of stores to enjoy, but on the first day, you’ll want to visit Ollivanders Wand Shop. There are two Ollivanders in the Wizarding World, so if the one in Hogsmeade is too crowded, you can try the one in Diagon Alley instead later in the day. Ollivanders is no ordinary store, every 15 - 25 minutes they hold a wand-choosing ceremony. In this experience, the wand chooses a lucky wizard among a group of guests. There’s no guarantee to be selected, but it’s still a fun activity as a Harry Potter fan.

A variety of wands are available for purchase that are either traditional or interactive. The main difference between the two types of wands is that the traditional ones are purely decorative whereas the interactive ones are used for spellwork in the Wizarding World. Traditional wands are character-based and have a smaller selection but a cheaper price tag of $55 per wand as of May 2023. On the other hand, there’s a wide selection of interactive wands to choose from, with a slightly higher price of $63 per wand in May 2023.

Fifth Stop: Grab Sweet Treats at Honeydukes

Honeydukes is a colorful candy shop filled with every kind of Harry Potter-themed treat, unique merchandise, and a small bakery. Like the sweetshop in the Harry Potter movies, it has a bright pink staircase and green shelves lined with various candies. You can expect to find Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, and Exploding Bon Bons to name a few. In the small bakery section, there are items such as Cauldron Cakes, Pumpkin Pasties, and even Butterbeer Fudge.

Sixth Stop: Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 

Now it’s time to ride The Forbidden Journey! Luckily, wait times are usually much shorter for this than the other Wizarding World rides, and can range from 10 minutes to an hour. I never waited longer than 30 minutes during either visit. Not to mention, moving through the line is an experience in itself!

After entering through Hogwarts gates, you’ll pass Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, and the Sorting Hat while waiting in the line queue. Then on this dark thrill ride, you are completely immersed in the Wizarding World. There are so many tributes to Harry Potter that each time I go on it, I find something new that I missed!

Seventh Stop: Take the Hogwarts Express 

After a morning in Hogsmeade, it’s time to travel to Diagon Alley via the Hogwarts Express. Riding the train each way at the Wizarding World is an attraction in itself. There are fun surprises to look out for on the window and through the closed train door. It’s also air-conditioned with plenty of seat space, making it a great way to relax before the next part of your day at the parks.

Universal Studios - Diagon Alley

Kings Cross is more detailed than Hogsmeade Station with plenty of subtle tributes found throughout the station. Lookout for the posters on the walls and the piles of trunks scattered here. You will be taking the Hogwarts Express back this way on day two of this itinerary, so there’ll be plenty of time to catch any details you miss tomorrow. 

Exiting the station, you’ll find yourself in Muggle London. There are display shops lining the street until you see the red phone booth. You’ll come across a large brick wall with the unmissable large purple Knight Bus across from it. This is the entrance to Diagon Alley.

First Stop: Watch the Gringotts Dragon Spit Fire! 

Before moving on to the next destination, take a moment to appreciate the surroundings of Diagon Alley. You’ll also want to hang out to watch the large dragon perched atop Gringotts bank spit fire. Fair warning, it’s a big ball of flame, so the closer you get to the dragon, the more likely you are to feel that heat. The show only lasts for a few seconds, but it’s an astounding sight. Gringotts dragon spits fire every 10-15 minutes, and you’ll know when it’s time when the dragon starts to make a rumbling sound. 

Second Stop: Sit Down for Lunch at the Leaky Cauldron

This is where mobile food ordering on the Universal app is important. Reservations aren’t available at the Leaky Cauldron, but mobile ordering will keep wait times short. The menu is classic British pub fare, but there’s enough variety for anyone to find something. 

I ordered the Cottage Pie, it was tasty, despite a lack of seasoning, and very filling. Some other menu favorites include Bangers and Mash, Fisherman’s Pie, and Beef, Lamb, and Guinness Stew. Overall, the food is good, not great, but the ambiance is its selling point. The Leaky Cauldron is modeled after its appearance in the movies with a cathedral ceiling, long wooden beams overhead, mismatched wall décor, and rustic metal chandeliers. It made me feel like I was in  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . 

Third Stop: Wander Through Diagon Alley

This is more of a recommendation on how to spend the next few hours of the afternoon in Diagon Alley. Which is to take it all in! Go get a Butterbeer from The Hopping Pot and walk around. There are so many unique and amazing touches sprinkled throughout the area that you’ll spot something different on every wall and hidden in corners. Diagon Alley has plenty of shops to stop into, but I saved most of these for day 2. You can also check out Ollivanders here if you skipped it at Hogsmeade earlier. 

Fourth Stop: Skulk in the Shadows of Knockturn Alley

Calling all witches and wizards interested in the Dark Arts! Hidden within the bright and magical Diagon Alley is a walkway to the darker side of the Wizarding World. There are two ways to enter Knockturn Alley, the first entrance is next to the Leaky Cauldron, and the second is across from the restrooms at the end left of Gringotts Bank. The alley is very dark, which is great to escape the Florida sun, but watch your step as you walk.

There are a few Dark Arts displays to observe, with different Harry Potter Easter eggs and spells to cast for those with interactive wands. The main attraction is the one shop here, Borgin and Burkes. The store is brimming with merchandise geared toward the Dark Arts. Like the alley, there are plenty of hidden gems to find, and there's even the vanishing cabinet tucked away in a corner.

Fifth Stop: Meet the Knight Bus Driver

Back outside the entrance of Diagon Alley is the Knight Bus, and standing next to it is both the driver and the shrunken head from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . They’re always up for a conversation and prepare to laugh because they have jokes ready. The bus itself is a replica from the film and feels larger than life to stand by. Best of all it’s a fun photo opportunity, and the Knight Bus driver will pose with you for pictures. 

End of Wizarding World Day 1!

Although the day doesn’t have to be over, for others such a long day can be exhausting, and plenty of people would be ready to get back to the hotel. However, if you choose to stay, as I did, then I suggest exploring the rest of Universal Studios and grabbing dinner in another part of the park.

It’s time for day two and another early day because the earlier you arrive at the parks, the better. Mornings can be crowded, but generally, there are fewer parkgoers compared to the afternoon. This is also Florida, and unless you’re traveling in the winter, the afternoons can be hot even in spring and fall.

Today you’ll start with Diagon Alley and then head back to Hogsmeade later on. In addition to experiencing anything missed in the Wizarding World from the first day, you’ll also have time to revisit some favorites.

First Stop: Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts

Escape from Gringotts is the only Wizarding World ride in Universal Studios, and similar to Hagrid’s Motorbike ride in Islands of Adventure, it can have long standby lines. You’ll want to make this your first stop on the second day in Diagon Alley to avoid a long wait. This thrill ride is a fun adventure through Gringotts vaults.

Like Forbidden Journey, the line queue is an experience in itself as you move through the stunningly detailed bank, a replica of the lobby from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . Made complete with a crystal chandelier and goblin bank tellers. Slowly moving to the lower levels of Gringotts, you begin your heist journey into the vaults! It’s nothing too scary, though it is fast, and a thrilling experience.

Second Stop: Shop Till You Drop In Diagon Alley

After escaping from Gringotts Bank, it’s time to visit the countless stores that make up most of Diagon Alley. Below I've listed my top three favorite shops with the rest of the stores. The list excludes Ollivanders and Borgin and Burkes since they were in yesterday's itinerary.

1. Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes

The Weasley twins' famous joke shop is the first store you see as you enter Diagon Alley. It would be hard to miss with its bright orange windows against a lavender building and the giant robotic Weasley removing its large hat. The shop is colorful and fun, filled with hilarious candies like Puking Pastilles and Nosebleed Nougats. Plus, there's joke merchandise and adorable plush Pygmy Puffs.

2. Magical Menagerie 

The Magical Menagerie is the store for all things magical creature related. The windows to this pet shop are filled with all types of Wizarding World beasts, including a snake that speaks in Parseltongue. Inside you’ll find endless plush creatures to take home and beast-centered merchandise. I snagged a cute Hedwig shirt here on my last visit. 

3. Sugarplum’s Sweetshop 

Sugarplum’s Sweetshop in Diagon Alley has all the candy and baked goods you desire behind its hot pink pained exterior. The items are the same as those found in Honeydukes in Hogsmeade, but who could turn down more delicious treats? So stop in and grab another Chocolate Frog or two. 

Other Diagon Alley Shops

• Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment : A whimsical atmosphere and celestial theme with house items and jewelry for sale. 
• Globus Mundi : Find travel merchandise and see the wall of clocks. 
• Wands by Gregororovitch : A second wand shop.
• Scribbulus : Stationary and writing supplies. 
• Quality Quidditch Supplies : You can find all the Quidditch-related merchandise here.
• Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions : Hogwarts robes and uniforms as well as Hogwarts house items. Check out the mirror, it may compliment you.
• Gringotts Money Exchange : Get Wizarding World Bank Notes in exchange for Muggle money from a goblin. 

Third Stop: Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour

Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour is a no-fuss ice cream shop that might look simple compared to the more eye-catching store designs in Diagon Alley, but there’s a reason a line quickly forms throughout most of the day. The ice cream is delicious, with plenty of different options and unique flavors.

The soft-serve Butterbeer ice cream in a cone is a personal and park guest favorite. For other soft-serve options, consider orange marmalade or strawberries and cream. For hard pack try the sticky toffee pudding or strawberry and peanut butter.

Fourth Stop: Look For Kreacher at 12 Grimmauld Place

Back outside of Diagon Alley, you’ll see an unsuspecting building next to the brick wall entrance and across from the Knight Bus. This is 12 Grimmauld Place, the Muggle facade of the Black family's ancestral home. The Black residence was an integral part of the Harry Potter series serving as the meeting place for the Order of the Phoenix. Every few minutes here you can catch a quick glimpse of Kreacher, the house elf, so keep your eyes peeled to the middle of the second-floor window. 

Sixth Stop: Make A Call at the Red Phone Booth

You’ve passed the cherry red phone booth several times, but if you haven’t stopped in for a cute photo and quick dial to a certain Ministry, then you should now. If you dial MAGIC (62442) inside the phone booth you’ll be connected to the Ministry of Magic for a moment. It’s a fun and quick stop for fans in Muggle London on the way to King Cross Station. 

Seventh Stop: Ride the Hogwarts Express From King Cross Station

This time we’re taking the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station back to Hogsmeade. The elaborate station has countless touches throughout the space that you might have missed on your way in. A favorite Easter egg is the Make a Little Magic poster, similar to the poster seen in The Half-Blood Prince when Harry meets with Dumbledore at the station. Kings Cross Station also has the 9 3/4 platform sign. There are quite a few to stand under so make sure to take a picture with one.

Islands of Adventure - Hogsmeade

First stop: pose for pictures with the hogwarts express.

Back at Hogsmeade, the first thing to do is take a picture with the Hogwarts Express. It's challenging to get a decent shot on either of the train platforms, making the stationary train in Hogsmeade a great photo opportunity. After walking through Hogsmeade’s entrance, you won’t be able to miss the train, and it’s right next to Hagrid’s Motorbike ride. There’s enough background space that guests won't be in your photo. Throughout the day the Hogwarts Express conductor is nearby and will pose for pictures with you too.

Second Stop: Have Lunch at the Three Broomsticks

Like the Leaky Cauldron, the Three Broomsticks doesn't accept reservations, instead using mobile ordering. The menu is also traditional British food with some American dishes like rotisserie chicken and sparerib platters. Popular items include the Fish and Chips, which I had and were good, and the Shepherd's Pie. They also offer The Great Feast for four, with multiple sides and entries. 

Overall, the food is alright, but the restaurant's décor and ambiance can’t be beaten, especially with indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, the pub and inn is a complete immersion into the Wizarding World, with high vaulted ceilings, a wall of antlers, and endless staircases above you. Fans might notice that the restaurant looks identical to the Three Broomsticks seen in Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, and that’s because they are. The same plans used for the park were then used for the movie. 

Third Stop: Peruse the Other Hogsmeade Shops

Hogsmeade doesn’t have as many shops as Diagon Alley, but there are still a couple that we skipped over yesterday that you might want to visit.  

• Dervish and Banges : This shop has a little of everything: house gear, Quidditch merchandise, and even brooms are available to purchase. While here make sure to see The Monster Book of Monsters locked up and snarling. 
• Owl Post: Find all your stationary needs here. You can also have your mail stamped with the Hogsmeade mark! 
• Filtch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods : Hogsmeade's biggest shop, carrying a wide variety of Wizarding World items to purchase. They also have collectibles such as a chess set and Death Eater masks.

Fourth Stop: Relax With a Drink at the Hogs Head

The Hogs Head is connected to the Three Broomsticks, at the back of the restaurant, but it has a totally different vibe. True to the Harry Potter series, it has rustic décor, and behind the bar, the hog's head moves. There's no food on the menu, but they serve alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, including specialty-themed beers. With plenty of seating indoors and outside, it’s a great spot to relax with a drink.

Fifth Stop: Ride Attractions Again and Enjoy the Rest of Islands of Adventure

Take this time to soak in Hogsmeade for a bit longer, perhaps grab another Butterbeer or ride Forbidden Journey again. You can also watch one of the 10-minute shows happening throughout the day (check the Universal app for show times.) Then go explore the rest of the park! Though this is a Wizarding World trip, I love the Jurassic Park and Marvel lands and never skip out on them.

Sixth Stop: The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts

In full transparency, I didn't get to do this in my Wizarding World itinerary. I was exhausted, and as much as I wanted to see the amazing display of lights illuminating Hogwarts at night, I crashed at the hotel instead. However, you should do this if you’re up for it. I’ve heard this is a beautiful light show experience where all the houses are represented with the music we love. You’ll see fantastic projections on the castle in the perfect way to end your trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando

1. Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites : Endless Summer is an affordable and convenient resort part of Universal Studios. This is where I stayed on my last trip, and loved the spacious and clean rooms. Included are a short shuttle ride to the parks and early park access.

2. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort : Cabana Bay is what I consider mid-tier among Universal's hotels. It's slightly more expensive than Endless Summer, but still reasonably priced and includes extra amenities. Volcano Bay is within walking distance, located across the road. Plus, the resort has a lazy river, two outdoor pools, and a bowling alley.

3. Universal's Loews Sapphire Falls Resort : This 4-star upscale hotel is more expensive comparatively, but it won't completely break the bank. Less bougie than the premium resorts but still a beautiful place to stay with an Island theme. Perks include a water taxi to the parks, being within walking distance of Volcano Bay, and a large pool with a sand beach.

4. Residence Inn by Marriott Near Universal Orlando : If you're looking for a hotel outside of Universal's resorts, but still close to the parks, the Residence Inn by Marriott is an ideal choice. It's approximately a 5-minute drive to Universal Studios and offers a comfortable stay. Rooms are spacious, and there's a complimentary shuttle service to the parks. 

Final Thoughts

No matter how you choose to spend your time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience with lasting memories. I hope this guide and two-day itinerary helps plan your Universal trip. Be sure to let me know in the comments what you would want to experience in the Wizarding World! 

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12 comments

I've never been to the Harry Potter world in Orlando but I've been to the one in Anaheim twice! We had the butter bear, bought some candy, and had a blast. Each time I visited, I rode the castle ride. I had to close my eyes halfway through trying not to puke and was super sick afterward. My motion sickness does not agree with the castle!

I haven't been to the one in Anaheim yet but hopefully someday soon! But oh no, the rides can be a lot if you struggle with motion sickness! It's worth going for the butterbeer alone though!

This is so well written. Loved all your pics. This is definitely my bucket list place. Saving this post for my visit. Seeing the Hogwarts Express is giving me goosebumps!

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was also a bucket list destination for me and trust me it will not disappoint you! Each time I see the castle and Hogwarts Express I get goosebumps!

Thank you for the blueprint! I’m so embarrassed that I missed majority of these cool places and I live in Orlando lol. So using this as a guide to really explore.

Don't be! There's so much to see that it's easy to miss things which is why I put this guide together! I hope you get to explore soon!

Ok, this is officially on my bucket list. I feel like I just got an exclusive sneak peak and now I’m itching to go! Looks so fun!

You will have the best time! It's such a fun trip for anyone to enjoy!

Great post and very comprehensive! Will have to make sure I check off everything next time I am at Universal.

I am so glad you enjoyed it! Last time I visited I missed so much so I hope this helps for when you return!

Thank you for this post! Very useful for me as I'm not familiar at all with this but am planning a trip with my wife for out 10th anniversary. Do you have any thoughts or posts on where to stay? We are looking at doing 3 nights and 2 days in the park. Thanks!

I'm so glad you enjoyed it and congrats on the 10 year wedding anniversary! In terms of where to stay I definitely recommend staying at one of the Universal hotels if you can! There are a few options to choose from plus you get an hour of early park access to the Wizarding World which is worth it. Universal's Endless Summer Resort and the Dockside Inn and Suites are similar in price value to the hotels surrounding the park. I stayed at Endless Summer and loved it! The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Universal is higher in price but a beautiful place to stay as well. Additionally, there's a Hyatt and Holiday Inn across from Universal, both are casual and convenient hotels. I hope this helps and that you have an amazing vacation!

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Tips for Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

For Harry Potter fans, a trip to Universal Orlando Resort tops their list of vacation destinations. Potterheads have been wowed by the immersive theming of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter , which spans Universal Orlando's two theme parks. It includes Hogsmeade at the Islands of Adventure and  Diagon Alley  at Universal Studios Florida. You must by a  Park-to-Park ticket  or Annual Pass to be able to visit both parts of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as access the Hogwarts Express.

Guests can travel between the two areas on the  Hogwarts Express , a full-scale replica of the train that appears in the film series.

At Islands of Adventure, Hogwarts Castle towers over Hogsmeade village, and inside the castle is the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. You can also ride the Dragon Challenge dual roller coaster and the small-but-fun Flight of the Hippogriff. You can buy chocolate frogs in Honeydukes, or robes in Dervish and Banges.

At Universal Studios, a section of Potter's London has been recreated in Diagon Alley, an impeccably detailed street featuring shops, dining experiences, and a marquee ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts . 

Top Tip: Arrive Early

Try really hard to be at the theme park when it opens. Lines get longer as the day wears on, so first thing in the morning is your very best chance of riding the marquee rides (Escape from Gringotts and Forbidden Journey) with little-to-no wait times. To get the earliest start possible, consider staying in one of the excellent Universal Orlando resorts. On many days, guests at these resorts get early admittance to one or both parks. In late August, for example, this means visitors enter Islands of Adventure at 8 a.m. and start enjoying the park when it is virtually empty. 

Know the Height Requirements

Much of the Wizarding World is made up of shops, dining, and a lot of really fun, immersive Potter theming . The marquee Harry Potter rides are incredible, but you'll save yourself time and possibly your children's tears if you know the height requirements for the rides before you go. 

Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure

• Forbidden Journey: minimum 48 inches
• Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: minimum 48 inches
• Flight of the Hippogriff: minimum 36 inches

Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida

• Escape from Gringotts: minimum 42 inches

Hogwarts Express (transportation between the two parks): No minimum height

Don't Make it All About the Rides

Yes, the rides are wonderful, but it's the mind-blowing attention to detail that really makes the Wizarding World a beloved place for Potter fans. Two amazing details not to overlook:

• People really disappear through Platform 9 3/4 .  If you're taking the Hogwarts Express from  King's Cross Station , it's easy to miss one of the coolest special effects if you don't know where to look. Stand a bit back from the entrance to the tunnel leading to the train. The people in line ahead will appear to pass through a solid brick wall to Platform 9 3/4. Note: you can't see the effect as you walk through the tunnel, but those in line behind you will see it.
• There's a magic phone booth outside the train station. The red phone box outside of King's Cross Station makes for a great photo op, but few tourists will actually try to use the phone. If you dial MAGIC (62442), you'll be patched through to the Ministry of Magic.

How to Avoid Long Lines

Arriving early is your best bet to avoid lines for at least the first hour in the morning. But as the day progresses, crowds get bigger and lines get longer.

Another strategy is to visit Universal Orlando during one of the less crowded times of the year .

Normally, guests have three ways to bypass lines at Universal Orlando theme parks:

• Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort to gain complimentary Universal Express fast-track passes to popular rides
• Buy a Universal Express Plus Pass
• Take a VIP tour (at a premium price)

The Universal Express pass is now accepted for Harry Potter rides. You can skip the regular lines at most of your favorite rides and attractions, including both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The regular line can be quite long (especially later in the day). But there are a few ways you might shorten your wait time.

• Check to see if there are two lines, one for guests who need to store stuff in a locker before riding, and the other for those who can go directly to the ride. The no-locker lines move much more quickly. (This means, however, that you must visit the park without a day bag, which is next to impossible.)
• Look for single-rider lines, which move quickly. Note that you may not be able to ride with family members, so this is a better option if you have older kids. Also, at Forbidden Journey, you may miss the pre-ride tour of Hogwarts Castle, which is a highlight.

This brings up a key point about the line for the Forbidden Journey: once inside the castle, the line is an enjoyable experience as it's essentially a tour of Hogwarts with fun details such as talking portraits, special-effects appearances by Dumbledore and other characters, and a filmed introduction to the ride that features Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Where to Buy a Wand

Many Harry Potter fans rush to Ollivanders to buy a wand, only to find a long line simply to enter the shop. This line leads to a one-person live performance inside the small shop where only a few dozen people at a time can fit, hence the slow-moving queue.

Ollivanders is a beautifully themed little shop, in which a costumed keeper picks one child from the audience for wand selection. A nice little performance ensues, as the wand chooses the child, not the reverse. This is a well-done vignette, but wait times can be lengthy. If your time is limited, ask yourself whether this is a must-do.

You can also buy wands from carts positioned outside Hogwarts Castle and in Diagon Alley or, to save even more time, you can buy interactive wands online from the Universal store before leaving home.

Where to Buy Souvenirs

As for souvenir shopping, guests at the Harry Potter theme park should definitely visit all the shops you'll find familiar from the books:

• Honeydukes and Sugarplum's Sweet Shop for candy
• Owl Post, where you can send mail
• Dervish and Banges which is crammed with robes, Gryffindor scarves, Ravenclaw t-shirts and all manner of merchandise for sale, and also has delightful details such as a caged biting book

Note, however, that all of these shops are small and can get very crowded. For an alternative, try shopping at Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods, in the lower regions of Hogwarts Castle: a much bigger store with some different merchandise. Some Harry Potter merchandise is also available at the large Port of Entry shop near the entrance/exit for Islands of Adventure; however, not all items can be bought there. Wands, for instance, are only available in the Harry Potter theme park itself.

Where to Eat

There are several places to eat in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

In Hogsmeade, The Three Broomsticks is a rustic English tavern where you can sample signature drinks—butterbeer, pumpkin juice, pear cider—along with a special Potter-themed menu including fish and chips, shepherd's pie, soup, salads, plus desserts such as apple pie and chocolate trifle. There's also a children's menu with favorites such as mac and cheese, fish and chips, and chicken fingers. Also inside the Three Broomsticks is Hog's Head, where grownups can try a special Harry Potter alcoholic brew. The outdoor eating area behind The Three Broomsticks is a quieter area to rest and sit down for a rest. If some members of your party want to ride coasters, others can relax in this area which can be reached without walking through the restaurant.

In Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron is a quaint pub serving a menu of traditional British food including cottage pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash, in addition to butterbeer and other signature drinks. There's also a children's menu with staples such as chicken fingers and mac and cheese.

Also in Diagon Alley, you can pop into Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour for scoops or soft-serve ice cream in flavors that run the gamut from the usual to the interesting. In the morning hours, continental breakfast items and pastries are available along with bottled pumpkin juice, teas, and water.

Stay Until Dusk

Toward the end of summer, the Islands of Adventure theme park closes at 8 p.m. (In higher attendance periods, the parks will stay open later, and night visits to theme parks are highly recommended.) Still, the 8 p.m. closing will give you the chance to be in the Harry Potter theme park area at dusk. The crowds dwindle a bit and your children can ride the coasters umpteen times in a row, and shops like Honeydukes look inviting, with lights on inside, and are less crowded. Meanwhile, Hogwarts Castle, looming high on its perch and illuminated within, looks nothing short of magical.

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• When is the Best Time to Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

August 4, 2023 by Erin Schreiver Leave a Comment

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a Mecca for Harry Potter fans around the world, but when is the perfect time to go?

If you’re planning a visit to the Wizarding World, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the magic than September. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why September is the prime month to experience the wonders of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. From the  weather and smaller crowds to special events and exclusive offers, September offers a magical blend of opportunities for Potterheads of all ages. So grab your wand and join us as we unveil the secrets behind the best time to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Orlando Resort.

Back to Hogwarts Day

If you’re planning a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, September is an extraordinary time to be there. Major fans far and wide travel out to Universal Orlando Resort at this time to celebrate, so it’s the perfect occasion to mingle with like-minded fans, engage in trivia contests, cosplay as your favorite characters, and truly feel the spirit of Hogwarts come alive.

Cosplay at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

One of the things we love about Universal is the freedom to fully embrace your love for Harry Potter. Unlike some other theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort has no restrictions on fans donning costumes of their favorite characters. So, whether you’re a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, you can proudly display your House colors and embody the magic of the Harry Potter universe, or even a beloved character like Rita Skeeter! This unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Wizarding World as your favorite character adds an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to your visit, making September an ideal time to let your imagination run wild and live out your Hogwarts dreams.

How to Cosplay in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

To enhance your cosplay experience at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando Resort, you’ll find an array of Hogwarts robes and accessories available for purchase throughout the parks. From the iconic house robes representing Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw to wands, scarves, and other magical props, the park’s various shops offer a wide selection of merchandise to help you create an authentic and immersive cosplay experience.

Also, if you prefer to plan ahead, you can explore third-party stores and online retailers that specialize in Harry Potter merchandise. These stores often offer an extensive range of costumes, accessories, and collectibles, allowing you to curate the perfect ensemble before your visit. By acquiring your cosplay gear in advance, you can ensure that you’re fully prepared to step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with an extraordinary level of detail and accuracy.

Food in the Wizarding World Perfect for Fall

Pumpkin juice, a beloved beverage in the Wizarding World is basically fall in a bottle with its rich, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. Pairing the pumpkin juice with pumpkin pasties and other sweet and spicy treats from the bakery case is perfect for fall. Move over, pumpkin spice latte!

It’s no wonder that the food of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is best enjoyed in the fall. The English and Scottish-inspired cuisine, with its hearty and robust nature, is particularly suited for cooler weather. From the rich flavors of shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash to the warmth of butterbeer and treacle tart, these dishes offer a comforting and filling experience that is truly satisfying on a crisp autumn day. So, embrace the flavors of the Wizarding World, let your taste buds embark on a magical journey, and savor the flavors of fall with each bite.

Lower Crowds

September brings with it the advantage of lower crowds at Universal Orlando Resort, making it a great time to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As a new school year begins, families and students are less likely to plan vacations, helping to clear out Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

With less crowds, you can navigate the enchanting streets of Diagon Alley and explore the magical corners of Hogsmeade with more ease and less wait time for attractions. This will allow guests to really take advantage of the magical spots to use interactive wands throughout the lands. So, seize the opportunity to embrace the magic of the Wizarding World while relishing the advantage of lighter crowds during the month of September.

Florida Weather in September

While September does brings the rain, it can actually add an authentic touch to your experience in the Wizarding World. Rain has always been a part of the charm and atmosphere of Harry Potter’s adventures in both the books and the movies. It adds a certain magical ambiance, evoking memories of scenes where characters sought shelter in cozy establishments like the Leaky Cauldron or the Three Broomsticks. The occasional rain showers can transport you into the world of Harry Potter, allowing you to embrace the authenticity of the series and feel like a true wizard or witch.

It’s worth noting that the rain showers in September typically last for less than an hour, giving you ample time to take cover or seek indoor attractions until the sun reemerges. With a little planning and flexibility, you can easily navigate around the rain and continue your magical journey through the Wizarding World undeterred.

In conclusion

For an authentic Harry Potter fan seeking to immerse themselves in the full experience, a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort in September is a must. Embracing the opportunity to cosplay as your favorite characters without any restrictions adds an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to your visit. The fall season brings the perfect weather, with slightly milder temperatures and reduced humidity, allowing you to explore the enchanting streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade comfortably. Even the occasional rain showers, which are true to the Harry Potter world, add an authentic touch and can be easily navigated. So, if you’re a true Harry Potter aficionado seeking the ultimate experience, mark your calendar for September and embark on a journey to the Wizarding World, where magic and wonder await at every turn.

Have comments or questions, be sure to leave them in the Comment Section Below!

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• Wizarding World Spells, Secrets, and Tips
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• 5 Hidden Details at Escape From Gringotts
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• Dark Look Inside Borgin & Burkes
• Unlocking Magic: How Much Are the Wands at Universal Studios Orlando?

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• Best time of the year to visit Universal Orlando Resort

There may not necessarily be a good or bad day of the week to visit Universal Orlando Resort (it’s a slightly complicated story, and we walk you through it all in our complete guide ), but there absolutely are good and bad times of the year in which to take your vacation. The question, then, becomes just when those are, and which is the very best?

The time of the year you choose to visit Universal can have an impact on crowd levels, park operating hours, and ticket cost, to name a few things. But never fear! With the help of this page, along with our FREE crowd calendar , you’ll have no trouble selecting the ideal stretch of time to explore Universal Studios Florida , Islands of Adventure , and Volcano Bay .

Skip to: Best times to visit | Busiest times to visit | Holidays | Bonus tips and tricks

Best Times to Visit Universal Orlando Resort in 202 4

Let’s start with the basics: in general, theme parks have both a slow and busy season. For most guests, the “best” time to visit is when crowds are the lowest, which usually correlates to lower wait times and easier navigation within the park. In 2024, these dates will include:

• January 4 to 15 (between the New Year and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• January 22 to February 16 (between MLK Day and Presidents’ Day)
• February 26 to the Beginning of March (between Presidents’ Day and spring break)
• Weekdays throughout September to December (minus Thanksgiving week and Christmas/New Year’s week)

Halloween Horror Nights is an enormously popular event that takes place on select nights, typically in September and October. Event nights often attract larger crowds during the day. Friday is the weekday that draws the most guests, so it may be wise to avoid this day entirely during HHN ‘s run.

It’s also worth noting that there are some drawbacks to visiting on dates with low crowds; the parks tend to have shorter operating hours, and some restaurants only operate seasonally. In fact, if you’re a bit more flexible on the crowd-level aspect, we recommend heading down when crowds are moderate, such as weekends (rather than weekdays) in October and November. As we’ve mentioned before , you’ll find there’s more “excitement in the air” when there are some more people around, and Universal’s unique brand of excitement is one of its most incredible features.

If you’re looking for the absolute least-crowded month to stay at Universal Orlando, September is a solid bet. Most kids have headed back to school by this time, so you can more reliably count on lower crowds as a result.

Best Times to Visit Universal Orlando in 202 5

As you look toward planning your visit for 2025, we anticipate similar periods of time that will be an excellent time for you and your family to enjoy everything that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer. Our prediction for the best dates to visit include: 

• January 6 to 17 (between the New Year and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• January 27 to February 14 (between MLK Day and Presidents’ Day)
• February 24 to the Beginning of March (between Presidents’ Day and spring break)

Busiest Times to Visit Universal Orlando in 202 4

The most crowded time to tour the parks is also the most popular time of the year for families looking to take their vacations: summer . The kids are out of school and in the theme-park resorts, and that – combined with the blazing Florida heat – is reason enough to try visiting in another time of the year, if possible.

In addition to the summertime, you’ll want to avoid any other holidays that kids have off from school. In 2024, the busiest dates include:

• January 1 to 3 (New Year’s)
• January 15 to 21 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• February 19 to 25 (Presidents’ Day)
• Beginning of March to Mid-April (spring break)
• May to Mid-August (summer break)
• Thanksgiving week
• Christmas week to the New Year

If descending upon Orlando during summer break is the only viable option for your family, your best bet is to avoid arriving on the weekend; while most days in the summer will be crowded, weekdays are typically a little less so.

Busiest Times to Visit Universal Orlando in 202 5

It is safe to say that we predict the times of year when many are off from work or school will cause larger crowds within the Theme Parks. We anticipate the busiest times of year to visit the Universal Orlando Resort to be: 

• January 18 to 26 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• February 15 to 23 (Presidents’ Day)

What about holidays?

Wondering why we suggest avoiding the parks on holidays? Well, just like summer break, the kids are out of school – but, in addition, the parents are off work, as well. Many families plan their vacations around annual holidays for this very reason.

The most crowded holidays that you’ll almost certainly want to avoid visiting on are:

• New Year’s Day
• Easter (March 31, 2024 & April 20, 2025)
• Thanksgiving (November 28, 2024 & November 27, 2025)
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Eve

If you’re concerned about missing out on seasonal experiences, like Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s , don’t fret! These offerings are available for much longer periods of time than just the holidays themselves – for example, the Holiday Parade usually takes place from mid-November through early January. That means you can still embrace the holiday spirit on a weekday in November – you just won’t have to embrace the crowds, too. Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will be celebrated all season long, typically from mid-November to the beginning of January.

Of course, when it comes to those crowds, not all holidays are created equal. Smaller holidays like Labor Day (September 2, 2024 & September 1, 2025) and Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2024 & November 11, 2025) will still attract more people, but it will be a significantly smaller amount than, say, Christmas Day.

Bonus tips and tricks

If you’re still conflicted about the time of year you’d prefer to visit, we have a couple of other tricks up our sleeve to help you decide.

Perhaps most importantly, we want to stress the usefulness of our completely FREE crowd calendar . When it comes down to planning the specific dates you want to spend in the parks, this resource is the best way to determine how crowd levels will fluctuate from one day to the next. Thanks to our precise algorithm and the magic of self-learning technology, you can be sure you’re getting impeccably accurate and up-to-date predictions for Universal Orlando ‘s crowds.

In addition to our calendar, you may find it helpful to check out Universal’s pricing for the dates you’re considering. The reasoning behind this tip is that, in August 2020, Universal switched to a date-based pricing model – simply put, tickets to visit on more popular days now cost more, and tickets to visit on less popular days cost less. That means looking at how admission prices vary throughout the dates you’re considering may help you decide which will be more or less to your liking in terms of crowdedness.

Last, but certainly not least, if you’re planning to visit on a more crowded date, we recommend investing in Express Passes. Sure, the crowds will still be present, but you’ll have a much easier time experiencing all the rides and shows that you want to without worrying about wait times. Be sure to check out our complete insider’s guide to Express Passes for the full lowdown.

OI Universal Center »  The Script: Tickets, packages, and planning

• Best day of the week to visit Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay
• Dining Reservations at Universal Orlando – Complete Guide
• How many days to spend at Universal Orlando?
• Maps and Rider’s Guide for Universal
• Parking, Guest Drop-off, and the Universal Orlando Transportation Hub
• Saving Time and Money at Universal Orlando: Top 10 Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
• Shuttles, Taxis, and Ride Sharing: Transportation Recommendations Around Orlando
• Universal Orlando Annual Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Universal Orlando Express Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Universal Orlando Ride & Show Wait Times Based on Crowd Levels (including Diagon Alley)
• Universal Orlando: Complete Guide to Attraction Assistance for Special-Needs Families
• Universal Orlando: Secret to Getting UNLIMITED Express Passes
• Universal Orlando’s Dining Plans – complete guide & tips to save money
• Weather at Universal Orlando: Average Temperatures, Rainfall, & Expert Advice
• What to pack for your Universal Orlando vacation: free checklist & how to keep kids safe
• What’s Coming to Universal in 2024 and Beyond
• Which Universal Orlando theme park is better?

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Your BEST Wizarding World of Harry Potter Itinerary (How to Do it in a Day)

Are you looking for the best Wizarding World of Harry Potter itinerary for your upcoming trip?

Witches and wizards, if you’re heading to Universal Orlando Resort to brush up on your magic and be immersed in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then look no further.

From Diagon Alley and the darker Knockturn Alley to Hogsmeade I’m covering everything you need to do if you only have one day at the two Universal theme parks.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Morning: Start at Hogsmeade (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)

To start, you’re going to want to ensure that you have a ticket that allows you to go to both theme parks in one day because the train from Platform 9 3/4 will leave without you if you don’t have a ticket.

The first thing you should do after getting to Universal Orlando Resort is head straight for Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

This is where you’ll find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade.

Here there are three attractions, and the Hogwarts Express that will take you between the two Harry Potter-themed lands at Universal Orlando Resort.

Ride Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure

To start, hop on the newest Harry Potter attraction, Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure.

The thrilling rollercoaster takes you on a tour of the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid as your guide.

Throughout the ride you’ll spot plenty of magical creatures like Hippogriffs, unicorns, and centaurs.

The line for this attraction does get long very quickly , so getting here right when the park opens is the best bet for the shortest wait time.

Cheat Sheet: Universal Orlando Resort Height Requirements (2024 Guide)

Visit Hogwarts Castle then Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

After whizzing through the forest, take a tour of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry before getting on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

This high-flying attraction takes you through the school to iconic moments from the movies like a quidditch match, through the Forbidden Forest, and coming face-to-face with the villains from the movies.

One thing to note about this attraction: if you have any sort of motion sickness you definitely should not ride .

You can still go through the queue if you’re traveling with friends or family to see the moving photos and the precise detail of the castle, then exit just before boarding.

Ride Flight of the Hippogriff

By now it should be close to 11:00 a.m. If you’re traveling with smaller kids then hop on Flight of the Hippogriff, which is a family-friendly roller coaster just in view of Hogwarts Castle.

The coaster is short but has a few fun drops that kids will like.

Top 10 Fun Things to Do at Universal Orlando for Adults (2024)

Relax and Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade

If you’re traveling solo, make your way through the shops, listen to the Hogwarts Frog Choir, and explore the storefronts to see what types of goodies are available to pick up later.

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Afternoon: Take the Hogwarts Express Train to Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida)

Hop onboard the Hogwarts Express to Universal Studios Florida and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Here, you’ll find one attraction, plenty of shops, our favorite ice cream shop, and a decent spot for lunch.

2024 Groupon Universal Studios Orlando Deal: How to Save THE MOST Money on Tickets

Have Lunch at the Leaky Cauldron

Once you’ve gotten off the train make your way to the Leaky Cauldron. This is themed after the pub and inn of the same name from the Harry Potter series.

The casual eatery is serving up British staples like fish and chips, Shepard’s pie, and more.

After ordering, you’ll be taken to a table and just a few minutes later your food will show up. Take time to really enjoy your lunch because you’re only halfway through the day.

Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the  latest podcast episode on Apple  or on your  non-Apple  device now!

Shop at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes

After lunch, take a gander around some of the shops in Diagon Alley.

One of my favorites is Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which looks exactly like it did in the movie, complete with moving toys and an adorable entryway.

Take a Stroll Down Knockturn Alley

Be sure to make your way to the dimly lit Knockturn Alley, where you may come face-to-face with a Death Eater, or you can buy a curious dark relic from Borgin and Burkes.

Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

When you’re done browning around, get in line for the premier attraction in this area, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

The 3-D roller coaster attraction takes you through the depths of the wizard bank before trying to break free due to the presence of Voldemort and his motley band of Death Eaters.

In the process, you’ll also attempt to free the dragon that’s been held in the bank’s basement for years.

5 BEST Attractions at Islands of Adventure for Solo Travelers

Tour London

Make your way through the winding streets of Diagon Alley and out to London.

This is where the immersiveness of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter somewhat ends because you can see other parts of Universal Studios Florida .

However, you’ll want to step out to see the Knight Bus and say hello to Kreecher the house elf.

You can find the Knight Bus just outside the station for the Hogwarts Express, and Kreecher peers through the window of Number 12 Grimmauld Place every few minutes.

AVOID the Universal Orlando Wait Times with Express Pass: Is it worth it in 2024?

Enjoy a Harry Potter Sweet Treat

After seeing London, make your way back to Diagon Alley for an ice cream cone at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour.

Here you can get just about any flavor you can think of as either hard-pack ice cream or soft-serve ice cream.

My favorites are butterbeer, sticky toffee pudding, and earl grey and lavender.

2024 Complete Guide to Parking at Universal Orlando Resort: FREE Options, Prices, Hotels, and more!

Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley

This is your time to enjoy the wonderful shops, visit Ollivander to possibly be chosen for a wand, watch the Tales of Beedle the Bard, and listen to Celestina Warbeck!

5 BEST Wizarding World of Harry Potter Rides (Ranked for 2024)

Evening: Hop on the Train and Go Back to Hogwarts (Islands of Adventure)

As the sun sets, get back on the Hogwarts Express and make your way back to Hogsmeade.

Depending on the line, the train can take a long time in the evening, but it’s worth it because the theme of the ride is different going both directions, and you’ll want to experience both.

Eat at the Three Broomsticks

Once in Hogsmeade, grab a snack at the Three Broomsticks or a drink at the Hog’s Head Pub.

If you want the real Harry Potter experience , you’ll dine at the Three Broomsticks then get a butterbeer from one of the many carts around the area.

Watch the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle (Temporarily Postponed)

When darkness falls, be sure to get close to Hogwarts Castle so you can watch The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.

The projection show is filled with favorite Harry Potter characters, exciting music, and school house pride.

This really is the best way to end your day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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3 Pro Tips for Your Wizarding World of Harry Potter Itinerary

Now that you have your own personalize Wizard World of Harry Potter Itinerary, let’s go through a few tips for your trip.

1. Skip Ollivanders

If you really want a wizard wand, consider getting it from one of the merchandise carts versus going to Ollivanders.

Adults are rarely chosen to take part in the show, and the line to get in here can be very long.

Read NEXT: 7 AMAZING Things I Can’t Wait to Do at Universal Epic Universe in 2025!

2. Try ALL the Butterbeer!

Butterbeer comes in a variety of items, from frozen and hot beverages, fudge and ice cream. Be sure to try them all before leaving the park.

3. Dress Like a Hogwarts Student

Wearing those wizarding robes always look fun, especially since you can show off your house colors, but they are incredibly hot.

A better way to show off your house pride is to dress in those colors in a more theme-park-friendly way, like a t-shirt and comfortable shorts.

For a no obligation, FREE Universal Vacation Quote, you can fill out the form with  The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!

My Final Thoughts on Your Wizarding World of Harry Potter Itinerary

And there you have it!

I hope you enjoyed this full touring plan for your next Wizarding World of Harry Potter adventure.

Do you think this Wizarding World of Harry Potter itinerary is doable in only one day? Did I leave something out? Leave your comment below!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.

She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.

UP NEXT: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Guide YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED

(Original Article Date: January 10, 2022/Updated by Editor on February 23, 2024)

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The ultimate guide to visiting the wizarding world of harry potter orlando.

Thank you Expedia for sponsoring this post. Book your travel on Expedia.com to save with the Add-On Advantage!

If you’re visiting Universal Studios Orlando, be sure to read this ultimate guide to visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Unlock the secrets and find out how to save money on your stay and get the most out of your time in this magical place. 

For Abbi’s 12th birthday this year, I knew I wanted to do something epic. She loves birthdays and I am not a great party planner or a fantastic celebrator of holidays. They just take SO much effort and money. I knew that I’d have to budget and plan well for this trip.

Abbi has loved Harry Potter since she was little. During our first trip to Europe, we spent hours driving through Europe listening to all the Harry Potter Books in the car. Then we would watch the movies, and when she got a little older she read the books on her own. Needless to say, we are all kind of huge nerds about Harry Potter.

She has wanted to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a long time. So I secretly planned a trip just for her and me! And Harry Potter World turned out to be everything we hoped for and more! Here’s is everything I wish I’d known before going.

Where is Harry Potter World?

There are actually two! One in California and one in Orlando, Florida, not far from Disney World.  We visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando. This is the original Harry Potter land, and also the biggest. Learn more about what to do in Orlando with teens .

I bought my flights through Expedia , one of the world’s leading full-service online travel brands.  Their flight search engine was fast and efficient and I was able to find great flights from Washington DC to Orlando. I waited to book our hotels, knowing that the Expedia Add-On Advantage would be coming to me in a few days!

The Expedia Add-On Advantage is a program that offers hotel savings on select properties that are instantly unlocked up until the start of your trip. They will be sent to your email several days after you purchase a flight or package, or book a rental car.

The hotels they sent for us were killer deals! We booked a room at the Allure resort, less than a mile from Universal Studios, for only $44/night! The hotel stay needs to occur within the travel dates of the flight, car or package purchase, but the Add-On Advantage deals are always amazing.

I love the Add-On Advantage because it takes the pressure off of having to pay for the entire trip at once. I booked my flights, then booked the hotel the following week using the Expedia Add-On Advantage.

Transportation

Honestly, if you plan on just doing the parks in Orlando, I don’t recommend renting a car. A Taxi, UBER or Lyft ride from the airport will cost about $25 as well as the ride back. Most hotels have free shuttles to the parks and if you are staying close to the parks a ride there will cost about $7 each way. By the time you pay for a rental car plus parking, it ends up being more cost effective to not rent a car.

If you do rent a car, be sure the check the Expedia Add-On Advantage for awesome deals on rental cars.

We did rent a car for one day that we weren’t doing the parks to go to Daytona Beach and take a dip in the ocean. The beach is about an hour away by car and the warm water and white sand is totally worth the drive.

Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

As this was my first visit, I want to share all my Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips that I wish I’d known before we went. I don’t recommend just showing up without knowing anything. These tips will save you money and help you make the most of your time.

One World, Two Parks, Massive Headache

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter consists of two separate sections of two separate theme parks. Sound confusing? That’s because it is. Instead of creating ONE “world” contained in ONE theme park, Universal Studios Harry Potter cleverly divided their most popular attractions between TWO theme parks, requiring you to purchase a park hopper ticket to see all of it. Well played Universal, well played!

The two halves of the Wizarding World are divided between Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and are connected by the Hogwarts Express, which is not only a shortcut between parks, but a ride in itself.

If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express, you MUST buy a park hopper! I made this mistake and bought tickets to spend one day in each park, but since they weren’t park-hopper tickets, we couldn’t ride the Hogwarts Express. We ended up “downgrading” our tickets to just a one-day park hopper so that we could see both parks in one day and ride the Hogwarts Express. Totally worth it by the way!

If you are coming solely to spend time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I suggest buying a one-day park hopper ticket, as both sections of the world can easily be thoroughly explored in one day.

Buying Tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

We like to buy our theme park tickets with Getaway Today. They are a trusted company and have the best deals out there. You can also book your Universal tickets and hotel together in a vacation package, which can save you a lot of money. You can purchase Universal packages here and Universal tickets here.  

• Arrive at Universal Studios Harry Potter World before the park opens
• Start at Hogsmeade, go to Diagon Alley at noon, then go back to Hogsmeade in the evening.
• Buy an interactive wand. There will be fun little stops in both parks where you can do some of your own magic.
• Lockers are available for the Harry Potter and Gringott’s rides. They are free for the duration of the ride.
• Bring a fannypack if you can to avoid having to use the lockers as the space gets extremely crowded! Fawn Design makes my very favorite fannypack!

I’m dividing this guide into two sections: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley

Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure)

I recommend starting and ending your day in Hogsmeade. If you have early access because you are staying in a Universal property, this will only allow you early access to Universal Studios. Sure the half-hour extra is great, but what I’ve found is that it’s more crowded by the time the park opens. Sure, it’s great for those first 30 minutes, but so is Islands of Adventure. So ESPECIALLY if you don’t have early access, head to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure first thing!

The park opens at 9 AM, but they let us in around 8:30. The fastest route to Harry Potter is to go to the right once you enter the park and take a sharp left when you hit Seuss Landing.

Islands of Adventure is home to Hogsmeade where you’ll find the quaint town with snow-covered pitched roofs, Hogwarts Castle and lots and lots of butterbeer!

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: This ride inside of Hogwarts Castle is an interactive ride that will bring you on a journey through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and on a forbidden journey as you ride along on your very own broomstick with your favorite characters. The line for this ride can get crazy. I recommend going straight here first thing in the morning. Your wait will only be the time it takes you to walk to the ride entrance.

Flight of the Hippogriff:  Don’t blink, this brief ride lasts approximately 1 minute and 6 seconds. I recommend doing this ride first thing in the morning right after Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Be sure to spot Hagrid’s cottage and Buckbeak’s nest while you’re in line.

The Hogwarts Express: Used as an amazing shortcut between Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios), the Hogwarts Express is a ride in itself. Note: you MUST have a park-hopper ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express!  

This quick train ride will take you on a journey from Hogsmeade to King’s Cross Station, London, where you’ll make your way through Platform 9 3/4, into London, and through the brick wall to Diagon Alley. You’ll ride in your very own carriage car with several others. The cars look just like the movie. I don’t want to give away too much, but it’s worth a ride!

The best part of Hogsmeade, for me at least, is all the adorable shops! Not necessarily what’s IN the shops, but just the detail that has been put into each shop. In Hogsmeade you will find:

• Honeydukes: This adorable harry potter candy store is full of all the goodies from the Harry Potter books and films including Sugar Quills, Exploding Bon Bons, Fudge Flies, Candy Floss, U-No-Poo, Chocolate Frogs, Pepper Imps, Bertie Bots Every Flavor Bean, Fizzing Whizbees, Peppermint Toads and more.

• Olivander’s: This wand shop, owned by Olivander is where Harry Potter receives his wand (well the wand chose him really). Although the original Olivander’s was in Diagon Alley, there is one located in Hogsmeade as well. At Olivander’s you can participate in your own wand choosing ceremy, where a wand can choose you if you’re lucky enough to be picked. I recommend going right after you ride the two rides first thing in the morning to avoid a long wait. The less people in your group, the better chance you have of being chosen.Abbi was lucky enough to be chosen in the ceremony and we purchased her $55 Interactive Wand which we used all over Hogsemeade and Diagon Alley.

• Zonko’s Joke Shop: Full of fun novelty gifts and other souvenirs.
• Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods: A souvenir shop
• Dervish & Bangs: Souvenir Shop

• Owl Post: Look out for the nesting owls and the Howler! Send your own postcards to be sent by owl to friends and family with an official Hogsmeade postal stamp!

I’ll be honest, after my experience at Disneyland Paris, I was slightly worried about starving to death while at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I am not generally a fan of overpriced theme park food, but the food here was actually incredible and consisted of a legitimately British menu with items like Fish & Chips, Full English Breakfast, Bangers & Mash, Meat pies, Pasties, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. It was such a happy surprise for me and I wish I could have gone back an extra day just to try all the menu items.

• The Three Broomsticks: This is the main restaurant in Hogsmeade and offers a fantastic variety of British food. The cozy snow-capped in is decorated to look like an old tavern and it’s so well done. We came here for breakfast after doing the two rides and Olivander’s. By this time it was around 9:30 AM.

The portions are large. The two of us split the full English Breakfast which consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, blood pudding, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and a croissant. We couldn’t even finish it. We also ordered pumpkin juice which is my new favorite thing.  SO GOOD (I actually liked it better than butterbeer)!

• Hog’s Head: At this bar, you can get classic Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, and other grown-up drinks.
• Neeps: These little stands in Hogsmeade will offer bottled drinks and snacks. There was a wide variety of fresh fruit, which I was so grateful for after all that Butterbeer!
• Butterbeer: There are several Butterbeer stalls in Hogsmeade where you can get cold Butterbeer or (my favorite) Frozen Butterbeer, which is like a Butterbeer Slushie. I’m still dreaming about it!

Diagon Alley

Around noon, I recommend heading to Diagon Alley. Take the Hogwarts Express, pass through Platform 9 3/4 and into King’s Cross Station. As you exit the station, you will find yourself in “London,” which is super adorable! Make your way through the brick wall that opens up to Diagon Alley. As adorable and well-done as Hogsmeade is, Diagon Alley is over the top perfection with the detail. You’ll be greeted by tall crooked buildings, and a dragon towering over the palatial Gringott’s Bank!

I recommend going to Diagon Alley during the hotter part of the day as it feels more shaded, and you can escape to “Knockturn Alley” and into near-darkness and cool bliss!

Rides (or ride, really)

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: This is the only ride we waited in a long line for. At the busiest time of day, the wait was 45 minutes. We went a second time and did the single rider line. It was about 30 minutes. It was well worth the wait though as this was our favorite ride of the day! It incorporates all the interactive parts of the Hogwarts ride, but the movements of this one are faster and more exciting. It’s such a long wait because it’s the only ride in Diagon Alley.

The shops at Diagon Alley are so well done! They are whimsical and spooky and totally magically make you feel like you’ve been transported into another world. Pay attention to all the little details and spend a good few hours wandering the crooked streets.

• Gringott’s Money Exchange: Come here first thing to exchange your Muggle Money for Wizard currency to spend in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. The money comes in denominations of $10 or $20 and is an even exchange. You can make the exchange using cash or card. It’s just a fun thing to do, especially if you’re giving the kids spending money.
• Shutterbuttons: At this cute photo studio you can create your own moving pictures just like the ones in Harry Potter.
• Borgin & Burkes: This spooky shop in Knockturn Alley sells objects and oddities for the dark arts. Or really just spooky T-shirts.

• Weasleys’ Wizardly Weazes: This was Abbi’s favorite shop. Full of fun pranks, jokes, and gifts. Watch for Professor Umbridge swinging from the ceiling.
• Quality Quidditch Supplies: Find everything you’ll need to play the most popular sport of the wizarding world, Quidditch!

Madam Malkin’s Robes for all Occasions: Find all the best wizarding wardrobe essentials.

• Magical Menagerie: Come here to adopt your own furry magical friend.

Wands by Gregorovitch: The “other” wand shop and rival to Ollivander. Find interactive wands here as well.

• Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop: This cute little candy store has all the same fun Harry Potter themed candy that Honeyduke’s has.

There are plenty of great food and treats in Diagon Alley, and don’t forget the Butterbeer!

• The Leaky Cauldron: Find more traditional British fare here, such as fish & chips, meat pies, and more! Be sure to take a picture with the giant leaky cauldron.

• The Fountain of Fair Fortune: A bar carrying Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, and adult beverages.
• Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor: Find magical ice cream flavors at Florean’s! Soft serve Butterbeer ice cream is a favorite, but you can get Clotted Cream, Granny Smith, Earl Grey and Lavender, Chocolate Chili, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Salted Caramel Blondie, Chocolate and Raspberry, and more.

Once you’re finished wandering Diagon Alley, hop back on the Hogwarts Express and head back to Hogsmeade. Wander the town some more then settle yourself on the bridge to Jurrasic Park to watch the light show on Hogwarts Castle.

Hopefully, this guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was helpful to you. There are tons of other rides in both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, but we only stuck to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Beyond the rides, shops, and food, there are so many beautiful little details all around both parks. I hope you spend time just wandering!

Don’t forget to book your flight and car through Expedia and then book your discounted hotel through the Expedia Add-On Advantage. Check out even more Universal Studios tips.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Wanderlust Crew

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Love it!! I tried the Earl Grey/lavender ice cream there last year and it was heavenly. I can’t wait to go back next month and have some more.

Yum! I love their ice cream flavors!

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Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood

If you’re anything like me, the second you walk into Universal Studios Hollywood you make a beeline for one place: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . Walking through those arches and into Hogsmeade never gets old. From the snowy rooftops to the overflowing cups of Butterbeer to the towers of Hogwarts castle itself, walking through this area of Universal Studios always feels like coming home.

But there’s so much packed into this slice of the wizarding world — how does one even know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our complete guide to what you have to see, eat, drink and shop for at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is home to one of the best rides in the entire theme park: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey . This thrill ride takes you soaring over the Hogwarts grounds, through the Quidditch pitch, into the depths of the Forbidden Forest, past dozens of Dementors and into the school of witchcraft and wizardry itself.

PRO TIP: Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app and set up a Wait Time Alert for this ride, and all the rides you want to try. It’ll let you know when the line gets to your desired length, giving you more time to explore the wizarding village. That said, the queue for this one is a trip in itself. You’ll wind through Hogwarts castle, past the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore’s office, the Mirror of Erised, and so many other memorable locales. Wizarding World Fans: this is your heaven.

Flight of the Hippogriff

Want a family-friendly thrill that captures the sensation of flying over Hagrid’s pumpkin patch? This outdoor coaster is for you. The Flight of the Hippogriff begins and ends at Hagrid’s hut, where the groundskeeper instructs you how to properly approach a Hippogriff, a magical creature with a head resembling that of an eagle with the body of a horse, that made for a very memorable Care of Magical Creatures class.

Ollivanders

Any Harry Potter fan knows Ollivander’s saying “the wand chooses the wizard.” But how does that work, exactly? See for yourself at Ollivanders , makers of fine wands since 382 B.C.. During this interactive show, one lucky guest will interact with a wandkeeper where the wand chooses the wizard. That guest could be you! After, you can find a wand for yourself in the dusty old wand shop.

PRO TIP:  I recommend the interactive wand. This will allow you to perform several spells all over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Wingardium Leviosa and Alohomora. Interactive wands come with a map of the area, indicating where you can perform spells. It’ll make you feel like a veritable Hogwarts student.

Triwizard Spirit Rally

You can also meet the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang in Hogsmeade, and see them perform during the Triwizard Spirit Rally ! Catch the other European wizarding schools’ students show off their skills during this five-minute show. Afterwards, hang around to take a picture with them — no Triwizard Cup required.

Check out this amphibious quartet, which performs on the stage in-between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle. In this 10-minute show, the four-part chorus sings popular Wizarding World songs a cappella. The Frog Choir performs during the seasonal event, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As if you needed another excuse to see Hogsmeade lit up in twinkle lights.

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

Three broomsticks.

This restaurant might be my favorite in the whole theme park. Three Broomsticks is perhaps the best sit-down breakfast option at Universal Studios Hollywood — I always go for the dynamite Traditional English Breakfast (complete with several meats, baked beans, sauteed mushrooms and more), which gives me all the energy I need to face Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Shove it, Malfoy!

But if you’re with a group, you should totally take advantage of The Great Feast, a four-person meal with herb roasted chicken, spare ribs, and tons of roasted veggies. Oh, and don’t skip dessert — the Sticky Toffee Pudding is next level delicious, and the Butterbeer Potted Cream is what wizarding dreams are made of.

Hog’s Head

Speaking of Butterbeer, no trip to Universal is complete without a glass of this iconic beverage!  The non-alcoholic treat comes in three modes: hot, cold, or frozen. (The cold is my preference, but it’s worth sampling all three.) But if you’re looking for something a bit stronger, Hog’s Head has a wide selection of original draught beers and spirits. That includes Hog’s Head Brew, and Dragon Scale, a Scottish ale and a lager, respectively, both brewed exclusively for Universal parks.

WHERE TO SHOP

Hogsmeade is jam-packed with shops, so take a spin through ‘em all while you’re there! But, for the sake of guidance, here are the can’t-misses:

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods

Speaking of Filch, one of the best places in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to pick up some goods is in Hogwarts itself. At Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods , you can show your house spirit with Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin gear, or even unveil all of Hogwarts’ hidden passageways with your own Marauder’s Map.

I mean, duh. The wizarding candy shop has everything your sweet tooth could ever desire: Chocolate Frogs, Acid Pops, Peppermint Toads, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, and so much more. I’m known to drop some serious galleons at Honeydukes whenever I’m there.

Gladrags Wizardwear

Witch robes, but make it fashion. Welcome to Gladrags Wizardwear , the one-stop-shop for all the ritziest wizardwear includes dress robes, hats, ties, jewelry and jumpers. You can even get your very own replica of Heromione’s iconic pink Yule Ball dress from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

WHERE TO POSE

Hogwarts castle.

This is the shot to get in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. No — at Universal Studios Hollywood! Make your way through Hogsmeade village toward the Triwizard Stage for the best place to stand and pose with the enchanting Hogwarts castle.

Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express conductor is there to welcome new arrivals. This is a great opportunity to take a photo with the iconic steam engine as your journey through Hogsmeade village begins. Afterwards, pop into Hogsmeade Station for all the Platform 9 ¾ gear your magical little heart desires.

That’s a wrap on our guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! What’re your favorite spots in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Let us know in the comments below.

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Grace Perry

Senior Editor, Universal Studios Hollywood. Lisa sun, Smithers rising, Disco Stu moon.

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The Best Tips for Visiting Harry Potter World

This article has the best 2024 Harry Potter tips and tricks for the biggest Harry Potter fans visiting Universal Orlando! That’s why we want to share the best Harry Potter Wizarding World tips to ensure that you don’t miss a thing when visiting. As Universal travel agents, Orlando locals, and pass holders, we’ve compiled a list of insider tips and tricks, like how to avoid crowds and where to find the best-hidden details, just for you!

So, if you want to learn the best tips and tricks to have the most magical day at Harry Potter World, keep reading.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our   discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets  and  Universal Orlando vacation package deals   which include  EARLY PARK ADMISSION  to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

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The Best Tips and Tricks for Visiting Harry Potter World 2024

Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a big task, especially with the different shops, attractions, shows and even … hidden details. But like the Room of Requirement, we are here to help those who need it for the best Harry Potter experience in the parks. After years of being a Universal Orlando local and a devoted Harry Potter fan, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with all of the best Universal tips and tricks.

Whether you’re a brand new muggle stepping into this magical world or a seasoned witch or wizard returning for another adventure, this guide will ensure that you make the most of your visit.

What are the best tips for Harry Potter World 2024?

• Take your time and explore everything! – Don’t miss the small details
• Don’t forget to dress the part (Bring your robe and wand!)
• Do interactive wand spells
• Know when to go and take advantage of Early Park Admission
• Get a Park-to-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express
• Get familiar with butterbeer (and the many varieties of it in Harry Potter World)
• Know that there are two Harry Potter Worlds in Universal Orlando (Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village)
• Try all Harry Potter World experiences other than the rides
• Don’t Miss Knockturn Alley
• Make sure to visit during the holidays

Now that you’ve seen our shortlist, we’re going to go into detail on the best tips for going to Harry Potter World Orlando .

Related post: Cheapest Universal Orlando Tickets

#1 – Don’t Miss Any Details

One of my favorite things about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the incredible engineering done to create a magical world from the pages to real life. There are so many details and hidden easter eggs for guests to discover in these Harry Potter World lands for fans. That’s what we love about Universal, is that you truly feel like you’re transported into the World of Harry Potter. So, with that being said, here are some of our favorite details to make sure not to miss when visiting Harry Potter World!

Hidden details in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Gringotts Money Exchange – Exchange your Muggle money for Gringotts banknotes with an animatronic goblin in Diagon Alley. All exchanged currency can be used all around Universal Orlando and can be exchanged back into Muggle money at guest services if left unused.
• Flourish and Blotts  – This bookstore in Diagon Alley has a display of the classic The Tales of Beedle the Bard, which occasionally will open up and display magical animations.
• Phone Booths – Pick up the phone outside of Diagon Alley and dial 62442 (MAGIC) to hear a surprise
• Honeydukes : Look closely at the shelves in Honeydukes. You might spot a Chocolate Frog that occasionally jumps or a jar of Fizzing Whizzbees that buzzes.
• The Hog’s Head : Inside the Hog’s Head pub, watch the Hog’s Head mounted on the wall. Every so often, it snorts and moves, adding an extra touch of enchantment to the atmosphere.
• Dervish and Banges : Outside Dervish and Banges, you’ll find an assortment of magical objects, including Quidditch supplies and magical creatures. Keep an eye out for the Monster Book of Monsters, which occasionally growls and moves
• Owl Post : Visit the Owl Post and look for the small postcards available for purchase. These postcards have a special Owl Post cancellation stamp that can only be found in Hogsmeade.

Related post:   The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World: Universal Orlando vs Hollywood

#2 – Bring Your Robe and Wand

Show your Hogwarts school spirit and pack your Harry Potter robe and wand! That’s right, while Universal Orlando does have a costume policy , which prohibits certain items, luckily that does not include robes, ties, wands, and more! Hogwarts alumni are encouraged to represent their Hogwarts house in their robes, truly feeling like a student wandering the streets of Harry Potter World. Official Harry Potter robes sold in the parks even have a wand pocket, so pack your regular or interactive wand too.

Related post:  Complete Guide to Harry Potter Hogwarts Robes

#3 – Check Out Interactive Spells and Wands

Interactive wands are your key to unlocking a realm of enchantment throughout the Wizarding World. They allow you to step into the shoes of a wizard or witch and perform the precise motions of spells at designated spellcasting areas, bringing the magic to life before your eyes. Imagine making a cauldron bubble and boil with a swish of your wand, or causing an envelope to levitate and float through the air—these are just a taste of the magical experiences awaiting you.

Insider tip: Certain interactive spell spots can become very crowded and overwhelming as the day gets later. Try interactive spells early in the morning when crowds are lower in the Wizarding World.

So, pack your bags, grab your interactive wand, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure filled with Harry Potter World tips and tricks, and a dash of Universal Harry Potter magic!

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Harry Potter Wands

#4 – Know the Right Time to Visit Harry Potter World

Believe it or not, there is a right and a wrong time to visit the Wizarding World, and most of it has to do with the time of day and time of year. First, you can check out our Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando guide to know the least crowded times of the year. Typically, we find that September tends to be the best time to visit Harry Potter World, as many kids tend to be back in school. Also, coming from a former Floridian, the summers are HOT and crowded. So, if you don’t want to spend a lot of rest time due to the heat, you might want to summer in the parks.

When it comes to Harry Potter World on a day-to-day basis, we highly suggest getting into The Wizarding World early. If you have Early Park Admission , take advantage of it by getting into the parks an hour before everyone else. If you’re not an early riser, Harry Potter World is less crowded at night, with beautiful views of the castle and shops lit up.

Related post:  The Cheapest Time to Visit Universal Orlando

#5 – Get Park-to-Park Tickets to Ride the Hogwarts Express

T he Hogwarts Express offers a unique mode of transportation, exclusively available to guests with Park-to-Park capabilities, seamlessly connecting the enchanting worlds of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. This is a must-try experience for every Harry Potter enthusiast and wizarding world adventurer.

To maximize your experience, we highly recommend riding the Hogwarts Express in both directions. Whether you’re traveling from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade or vice versa, each journey offers a distinct and magical experience tailored to your original land. This is a top Universal Harry Potter tip that you won’t want to miss, as it ensures you capture the full breadth of magic and wonder that the Hogwarts Express has to offer.

So, make it a priority to grab that Park-to-Park ticket , immerse yourself in the wizarding world’s charm, and prepare for an unforgettable ride filled with Harry Potter World tips , tricks, and a generous sprinkle of Universal Studios magic.

Related post:  Guide to the Universal Hogwarts Express

#6 – Try the Butterbeer!

That’s right, you heard it from us … try the butterbeer ! In all forms too. Butterbeer in the Wizarding World comes in many forms such as a beverage, an ice cream flavor, and even fudge! If you have a sweet tooth, we highly suggest trying this iconic drink from the Harry Potter films and books. And, the best part is that it is non-alcoholic, so it’s intended for everyone, not just adults.

We’re happy to report that even our Vegan friends can get a version of Butterbeer in the Wizarding World. So make sure to ask before they start to pour. And if you’re looking for a fun souvenir, you can order the butterbeer in a special cup that you can bring home to remember your trip.

Related post:  Complete Guide to Butterbeer at Universal Studios

#7 – Visit Both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village

At least on the East Coast, make sure you check out both Harry Potter Worlds in Universal Orlando. That does mean two different park tickets or park-to-park tickets to get into both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, but it’s worth it! A trip to the Wizarding World doesn’t feel complete without hopping on the Hogwarts Express and being transported between the two lands.

Diagon Alley can be easy to miss if you start in Universal Studios Florida, so make sure you can find it. Diagon Alley is expertly disguised just like in the books and can be easily passed up by guests visiting. So, if you’ve found the Knight Bus and the streets of London, you’re close! Universal Hollywood only has Hogsmeade Village in it, which is virtually the same minus Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure .

Related post:  The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World; Universal Orlando vs Hollywood

#8 – Attend Harry Potter World Shows and Experiences (Not Just The Rides!)

Many guests visiting the Wizarding World tend to overlook the entertainment offered throughout the day. Whether you’re visiting Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, each land has unique shows with live entertainment for you to enjoy. So, one of our best Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips and tricks is to get a butterbeer, a handful of Fizzing Whizbees, and relax!

Hogsmeade Village shows: 

• Triwizard Spirit Rally
• Hogwarts Frog Choir

You can find these shows on the stage in front of Hogwarts Castle and recommend these shows to those who want to show their school spirit!

Diagon Alley shows:

• Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees (A special show during the holidays too!)
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard – The Three Brothers
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard – The Fountain of Fair Fortune

Find these shows undercover near the Gringotts Money Exchange, where guests are welcome to sit or stand on the cobblestone street to watch.

There are also other Harry Potter experiences like creating your elixir of a Protection Potion, Draught of Peace, Babbling Beverages, or more!

Related post:   Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows

#9 – Don’t Overlook Knockturn Alley

Even if you’re a witch or wizard who tries to avoid the Dark Arts, we would still recommend descending upon Knockturn Alley . It can be easy to overlook, due to being the shadows and well hidden. But make sure you find the entrance either next to the Leaky Cauldron or back near the Hopping Pot because it is well worth it. Step inside Borgin and Burkes to see oddities or even the infamous Vanishing Cabinet from the books.

Knockturn Alley is one of my favorite places to cool off from the Florida sun and wander through the world of Deatheaters and Dark Arts. Knockturn Alley does not have attractions and is considered more of a walkthrough, but there are immersive experiences and hidden spells for your interactive wand .

Related post:  Complete Guide to Knockturn Alley at Universal Orlando

#10 – Visit During the Holidays

Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during the holidays feels like the most authentic experience when visiting the parks. As a huge Harry Potter fan, there was something always extra cheery and comforting about the Christmases spent in the JK Rowling Universe. Universal Orlando does an incredible job capturing that warm, fuzzy feeling and it is our absolute favorite time to grab a warm butterbeer and explore.

Not only does The Wizarding World transform with twinkling lights, garland, bows, bells, and more – there are also special offerings like The Hogwarts Christmas Time Castle Show.

We also love visiting during Halloween time, just know that Universal puts a LOT of energy into Halloween Horror Nights, so there isn’t too much offered in the Wizarding World. We do love the Dark Arts Castle Show during Halloween, which is projected onto Hogwarts Castle and extra spooky with Death Eaters galore!

Related post:  Complete Guide for the Best Harry Potter Christmas at Hogwarts

Harry Potter World Tips and Tricks FAQ

Q: When is the best time to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

A: To avoid crowds, September is generally a good time to visit as many kids are back in school. Additionally, consider taking advantage of Early Park Admission if available. The Wizarding World is less crowded in the morning, and the nighttime offers beautiful views of the castle and shops illuminated.

Q: Can I ride the Hogwarts Express?

A: Yes! To experience the authenticity of traveling between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village, you’ll need a Park-to-Park ticket, as the Hogwarts Express is only accessible to guests with this ticket option. Make sure to ride it both ways for a different experience each time.

Q: What is butterbeer, and should I try it?

Butterbeer is a famous beverage from the Harry Potter series, available in various forms such as a drink, ice cream, and fudge. It’s a must-try for any Harry Potter fan. The drink is non-alcoholic and loved by visitors of all ages. Don’t miss the chance to savor this iconic treat during your visit.

Q: Is there anything special about visiting Harry Potter World during the holidays?

A: Visiting during the holiday season adds an extra touch of magic to your experience. The Wizarding World is beautifully decorated with lights, garlands, and festive decorations. Make sure to catch the Hogwarts Christmas Time Castle Show for a truly enchanting holiday experience.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our   Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our   discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets  and  Universal Orlando vacation package deals  which include  EARLY PARK ADMISSION  to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

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Nik Chapman

Nik Chapman is the executive editor and one of the main content creators for The Park Prodigy blog and social media pages. With a lifelong love for Disney and Universal, Nik immersed herself in the Orlando area for three years to fully indulge in the magic of the theme parks. In between going to the parks and creating content for The Park Prodigy, Nik also hosted a Disney themed podcast with her two best friends and helps run multiple Disney-themed social media accounts which help over one million people per year. Drawing from their experience as a local Florida resident, Nik brings a unique perspective to the world of theme parks.

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9 Tips for Visiting London’s Harry Potter Studio Tour

The Harry Potter Studio Tour in London is popular with movie fans worldwide - a whole generation has grown up with the wizard in the wonky glasses, and what better way to solidify your fan status than by exploring the sets, costumes and props that made the movies so incredible. The making of Harry Potter is a fascinating thing to learn about; there were so many small details behind it and seeing these up close is spine-tingling. Here are some top tips to ensure you have the best possible day on the Harry Potter tour!

1. Watch all the movies again before you go

Even if you’ve seen them all 10 times, it can’t hurt to watch them all once more right? It’s bound to make it even more special when you see props or the set from your favorite scene right there in front of your eyes at Harry Potter Studios, London. You’ll be able to close your eyes and imagine you’re in that flying car with Ron or sat in the Great Hall with Hermione Granger!

2. Research the best time to visit the Harry Potter tour, London

Is there a particular event you want to catch, such as the Valentine’s Dinner or seeing Hogwarts in the Snow? Make sure you research the dates of anything you don’t want to miss and plan your trip to London and the Harry Potter Studios around that. If possible, work around term time too. It’ll be much quieter if you visit while most people are still in school and work, rather than during the half-term holidays or summer vacation.

3. …and book your tickets well in advance

Harry Potter studio tour tickets sell out really quickly, so avoid disappointment and ensure to book them early. They make the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for the Potterhead in your life, young or old, and it’s a chance to have a truly magical day out.

4. Ask plenty of questions during the tour

There are curators all the way around the studio tour, and on our Unique Fully Guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour London you will be accompanied by an expert, Harry Potter-loving tour guide. You’ll travel in groups of 15 people or less, and there are audio headsets available to make sure you don’t miss a thing. So, ask plenty of questions about the movies, the sets, the props, the costumes, the cast and whatever else springs to mind! Booking your Harry Potter world tickets with us guarantees a day filled with stress-free magic.

5. Grab every opportunity with both hands

There is SO much to see and do at the studio tour - it’s basically a Harry Potter museum, with learning opportunities and interaction around every corner. Fly a broomstick, pose for a photo at Platform 9 3/4, wander down Diagon Alley and imagine what you’d spend your coins on if you could - a new broomstick, perhaps, or something fun (and potentially very dangerous) from the Weasley twins’ joke shop… The studio tour is way to completely immerse yourself in all things Potter for a few hours, so really make the most of it.

6. Take all the time you need

Following on from the previous tip, make sure you take your time at the studio tour. If there is one thing in particular that you’ve been really looking forward to seeing, then spend a few extra minutes really savoring it. Always wanted to see the fancy outfits form the Yule Ball up close? Then make sure you take in every single detail. For movie buffs and Potter fans alike, the tour is something that will have your interest constantly piqued - the recommended time frame for seeing and appreciating everything is around 3 hours. Don’t rush your visit!

7. Plan your visit precisely

If you need information about accessibility, parking, opening hours, food & drink and more, look into this in advance and plan your visit so that you can make the most of it. Our guided tour takes the stress out of planning a trip, however, and allows you to sit back and relax as we travel from London to Watford via train. From Watford Junction we will take an official shuttle bus to the tour itself, traveling in true muggle style…

8. Making your studio tour even more exciting

Especially for the little ones in your midst, there are extra things you can do to enhance your tour experience even further. For example, there is a free Wizarding World app (available on Google Play and the App Store) which can be used throughout the tour. Use the app to scan Enchanted Keys in each area of the studios, and you’ll will get to see some exclusive content right there on your smartphone. It could be a quiz, a video, some secret trivia or something else entirely! Make sure you also pick up an Activity Passport - they are available free of charge, and packed with puzzles, facts and even a Golden Snitch hunt. Don’t forget, these passports can be stamped at key points throughout the studio tour.

9. Treat yourself to some souvenirs

The gift shop at the end of the tour is full of incredibly exciting official merchandise; from chocolate frogs to replica wands, Gryffindor scarves to character blankets and so much more, there is the chance to treat yourself to something fantastic. It will be the perfect way to remember your day at the Harry Potter tour, and you’ll be the envy of all your friends if you return home with Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans™…

Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a favorite among movie fans and Potterheads traveling to London - and it’s easy to see why. With so much to see, do and learn during the tour, you will come away a Harry Potter expert!

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From London: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London- The Making of Harry Potter Entry Ticket and Escorted Train Transfer

Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with our exclusive Warner Bros. Studio Tour London entry ticket, accompanied by a seamless and escorted train transfer from London. Immerse yourself in the enchanting sets, costumes, and props used in the making of the iconic film series for an unforgettable and spellbinding experience.

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20 tips for visiting the harry potter studios in london.

Looking for some useful tips for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London ? We are here to help!

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series, a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is a must-do.

Located in Watford, the WB Harry Potter Studios are where the Harry Potter movies were filmed.

Here you will find everything that was used to make the films. This includes some of the sets (such as the Grand Hall), the props, the costumes but also many interactive attractions.

It’s important to note that this is not a theme park like you would find in Orlando. These were the actual studios and they were turned into more of an exhibition for visitors to learn more about the movies and how they were made.

So, are you ready to discover all our Harry Potter studios tips? Let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Book your tickets in advance

The Studio Tour is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions , and tickets often sell out.

There are two ways you can book tickets for the Harry Potter Studios.

The first one is to book your ticket directly on the Warner Bros studios website . This is ideal if you are booking well in advance and don’t want transport included.

The second option is to book a tour from London . This will include the entrance to the studios as well as transportation from central London.

As a general thing, it is advisable to book at least 2 or 3 months in advance if you are booking direct.

As previously mentioned, tickets sell out fast! Also, it’s important to take into consideration the season since some periods are busier than others.

The studios are open most days but they do close for a few days in November and around Christmas time so make sure to check this beforehand.

Click here to book your ticket

2. Book a tour from London if you are looking for last-minute tickets

If you’re looking for tickets last minute and none of them is available on the website, don’t worry! You can also book a tour from London that includes the entrance to the studios and transportation.

You can book these tours even if they are tickets on the website since they include transportation so they work out about the same price as paying for everything separately (Ticket, tube, train and shuttle) but they are particularly convenient when you want to score some last-minute tickets.

The fact is that we can’t always plan months or weeks in advance so if you are already in London or are going soon and really want to visit the Harry Potter studios, make sure to book one of these tours.

3. Book an early slot and arrive early to maximize your time at the Studios

When you book your ticket, you will be asked to choose a timed entrance.

The studios open at 10 AM so you can book anytime from then.

In average, visitors spend 4 hours in the studios however, you are actually free to stay as long as you want.

This means that if you want to get there at 10AM and stay until it closes in the evening, you can do so!

For this reason, I highly recommend to book an early slot (10AM, 10:30AM and 11AM are ideal).

That way, you will have loads of time to explore, take your time for lunch and will have more than enough time.

If you are a huge Harry Potter fan, this is the best tip you’ll find!

Regardless, even if you don’t want to spend more than 4 hours, you can always leave whenever you wish and will have the afternoon to enjoy your time in London.

If you take a midday slot, you will need to dedicate the entire day to the Harry Potter Studios since it will take a couple of hours to get there and back.

3. Plan your journey from London

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is located in Leavesden, which is about 30 miles from London.

While this doesn’t seem too far away, you will actually need between 1 and 2 hours to get there from central London.

There are different ways to get there but the most convenient is by taking a tour that includes transportation.

This way, you don’t have to worry about anything and will be taken straight to the studios.

If you want to do it yourself, then head to Euston station and take a train to Watford junction (you can use your Oyster card for that but it’s one of the furthest zones so the cap will be a bit high).

From Watford Junction, simply walk across to the carpark and you will see the Harry Potter buses. They are impossible to miss since they are entirely decorated.

The shuttle will take you straight to the studios and costs £6 return.

Make sure to keep your ticket for the return!

READ MORE: 20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London

4. Consider driving (if you have a car and are not in London)

If you are not in London and have a car, driving is definitely a good way to go. You can easily get there and the area is not busy. It’s actually pretty remote.

There is free parking at the studios so that’s definitely a plus!

If you’ve been on the website, you may have seen that there is a closer carpark for £10 but the free carpark is very close. It only takes 1 minute (if even) to get to the entrance so unless you or one of your passengers can’t walk 100 yards, you can simply use the free carpark.

When you get there, follow the signs to the carpark. You will be asked to show your ticket to enter so keep it handy.

If you get there before 11 AM, it should be pretty empty too.

5. Dress appropriately

Since you will be walking around a lot, it’s advisable to dress comfortably.

The studios are air-conditioned so you might feel cold in the beginning but once you start walking, you will warm up.

It’s also important to take into consideration that there might be some rain and since some parts of the studios are outdoors, you may want to take a good jacket.

There is a fair bit of walking around so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Finally, I would advise you not to wear straight or short skirts since it could be uncomfortable if you are trying the Quidditch activities.

6. Wear your Harry Potter clothes and accessories!

This one is a no-brainer. If you’re dressing up for the occasion, why not go all out and wear your Harry Potter clothes and accessories?

You will fit right in and will feel like you are a part of the magic!

Also, you will be taking a lot of photos and they will look even better if you are a bit dressed up!

Rest reassured, you don’t actually need to rock your cape but don’t hesitate to wear your Hogwarts house scarf or a hat.

7. Ask loads of questions!

The staff working at the Harry Potter studios are really friendly and they love answering questions.

There are people in each room and although it may look like they are watching everything, they are actually here to answer your questions and tell you more about what you see.

Don’t hesitate to go see them and ask your questions. If you don’t have any questions, then just ask them if they have any interesting facts to share with you. They will have loads!

For example, if you are in the Gringotts Bank, they will tell you how it was built. They may also mention the Harry Potter reunion since it was filmed in the studios and Tom Felton was sitting there for parts of it.

They will also show you some hidden gems.

Basically, they have extensive knowledge and talking with them will make your experience even better.

They all speak English but a lot of people also speak other languages. Make sure to look at their badge to see which language they speak.

8. Take loads of photos!

This is another no-brainer. The Harry Potter Studios are a paradise when it comes to photo opportunities.

You will want to take loads of photos and you should not refrain.

This is your one chance to get loads of Harry Potter themed pictures!

There are so many photo spots in the studios including Platform 9 3/4, the Great Hall, the Gringotts Bank and more.

Take your time and if you need someone else to take a photo, don’t hesitate to ask one of the other visitors.

Everyone is here to enjoy the studios and nobody would run with your phone. Also, they may ask you to take a picture of them in return. Win-Win!

9. Take your time

This is probably the most important tip I can give you.

The Harry Potter studios are a lot to take in and there is so much to see!

I would advise you to not rush through it and to take your time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you should enjoy it!

As previously mentioned, you are not being rushed for time here. You can stay as long as you want so take your time and enjoy.

If you are scared you are taking too much time and will then have to rush, here is a tip.

The restaurant is located halfway through the tour so as long as you don’t reach it, that means you haven’t done half.

Once you do, you can consider it will take you as much time to finish.

10. Get a Harry Potter passport and the stamps!

The Warner Bros studios were built in a very interactive way. They did everything they could to make sure that visitors would have fun and would bring back loads of memories

If you want, you can get a Harry Potter passport and the stamps of all the places you visit!

You can get them at the entrance or by the first stamp station.

You will find different pages with stories and games as well as a spot to get your stamps.

The stamp stations are located all around the studios. You can see where is the next one by simply turning the pages.

It’s very fun and you will enjoy looking for the stamp stations. Also, it’s free and you get to take it back home!

11. Do a Harry Potter Quiz

If you want to add a bit of fun to the experience, you could consider playing a bit and doing a Harry Potter quiz!

You can find a free Harry Potter quiz here . Get it on your phone or print it beforehand and ask your crew the questions.

This will test your knowledge of Harry Potter and will create a fun atmosphere during the visit.

12. Get food at the Harry Potter Studios or bring your own

The Harry Potter Studios have a restaurant located on the premises. This is a great opportunity to get some food and relax for a bit, especially since it’s located about halfway through the tour.

The restaurant has a wide variety of food, including vegan and vegetarian options. It’s also really affordable! Your meal should cost under £10 and can be paid cash or on card.

This is a pleasant surprise since usually restaurants are very expensive in this kind of things.

Since it’s so easy and affordable, I recommend to get food there.

However, it’s important to know that you are allowed to bring food in. If you are travelling with kids, this will be a cheaper option.

You can find picnic areas outside, just next to the knight bus and the bridge.

Please note that you will also find a Starbucks and a snack place at the entrance (once you went through the security control but before starting the tour itself).

You can fill out bottles of water as well so I would highly recommend to take a bottle beforehand.

13. Try a butterbeer

It doesn’t get any more Harry Pottery than a good butterbeer.

Butterbeer is the ultimate wizarding drink and you can’t get it in many places since the recipe is secret. The Harry Potter Studios in London are one of the rare places in the world where you can get a real butterbeer.

Getting one is a must-do! You will either love it or hate but this is not really the point. It’s just a cool thing to do and to experience at least once.

Also, if you get it in the butterbeer mug, it will be a great prop for photos!

The butterbeer bar is located right by the restaurant (Backlot Café). You can get it in a regular plastic class or in a butterbeer mug (it costs £3 more but it’s a nice souvenir).

Since it’s right by the knight bus and the Dursley house, you can take beautiful photos holding your butterbeer.

Please note that a butterbeer is alcohol-free and therefore suitable for children.

That having been said, it’s very sweet so you may want to share it with someone. You may not manage to finish it on your own.

14. Use the Harry Potter Fan Club App

The Harry Potter Fan Club App is a great way to get extra content and make the most of your visit.

Available on both Android and iOS, it includes a map of the studios, videos, photos and more.

15. Do all the green screen attractions

A lot of scenes in the Harry Potter movies were created using special effects and CGI. Amongst them, you will find all the Quidditch scenes.

Basically, and without being spoiler, the actors would ride their broom in front of a green screen and the images in the background would be added in post production.

You will find these green screen sets in the studios and not only do you get to see them, but you can also try them!

There are two of them, the Quidditch and the train carriages right by the Hogwarts Express.

As you get there, you will realise that photos are being taken and you have to pay extra to get them. While this is true, it’s important to note that you can do them and not buy the photos.

The photos are nice souvenirs but there will be no pressure to buy them.

Knowing that, you might as well make the best of the experience and get in line to play some quidditch!

This is important to note because these attractions are very good fun and super interactive. You will have such a good time doing them but yet, a lot of people skip thinking they have to pay.

You do not have to pay to do it. You simply have to pay if you want to buy the photos but once again, there is no obligation to do so.

16. Get a digital guide if you speak another language

The Harry Potter Studios are all in English and while this is not an issue for some, if English is not your first language, you may struggle with some of the explanations or even names (all names were translated differently).

For this reason, it could be a great idea to get a digital guide. They can be hired at the entrance for less than £5 and provide information and facts in many languages including French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and more.

You can book it with your ticket beforehand or simply head to the reception desk and ask for one. You will be provided a small digital screen and headphone and can go around the studios while learning even more about the world of Harry Potter.

17. Use the free Wi-Fi

The Harry Potter Studios offer free Wi-Fi which is great because it means you won’t have to use your data roaming while you’re there!

Also, the coverage is not always great in certain parts of the studios so it comes very handy to have free Wi-Fi available.

18. Use the cloakroom

Located at the entrance, the cloakroom is free of charge which is perfect if you want to leave your bag or coat.

They will be safe and sound at the cloakroom and you won’t have to lug things around.

That having been said, it can be a bit cold in certain parts of the studios and of course outside, so I wouldn’t leave everything there.

19. Watch the movies before you go

If you want to make the most of your visit, watching the Harry Potter movies is a must.

As you know, the Harry Potter Studios are entirely dedicated to the movies. This is not about the books.

Of course the movies were based on the books but the WB are very much about the movies.

If you want to learn more about the books, make sure to visit Edinburgh. It will be a much better place for that.

Knowing that you will discover everything about the movies, it would be much better if you watch them before going.

Not only will you recognise many of the sets and props but you will also understand more of the references.

It will get you excited and you will have the images very fresh in your mind which will enhance your experience.

20. Get some souvenirs

The gift shop at the studios is great and it’s definitely worth leaving with a few souvenirs.

There are many different items available, including clothes, wands, prop replicas and more.

While they are not cheap, they are definitely worth buying as they will remind you of your amazing day at the Harry Potter Studios!

You may also be interested in:

• The Ultimate Guide for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London: tips, tricks & Review
• 20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London
• Harry Potter in Scotland: 13 Harry Potter locations & experiences you can only have in Scotland
• Harry Potter Train in Scotland: Ultimate Guide to riding the Jacobite train in real life

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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Best time to visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour London - London Forum

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As a birthday present for my son we will be visiting the WB Harry Potter Studio Tour. The options right now are Monday 21 or Thursday 22 October. I presume it will be a busy time because of local school holidays.

Can you advise me on:

- which day of the week would be better - Monday or Thursday?

- which time of the day would be better - early morning or mid-afternoon?

Thanks in advance!

p.s. We are not in a rush to see other sights as we visited London quite a few times before.

There are limited timed entry tickets available so I doubt it makes too much difference. Presumably very early has least people in the whole thing, but I went early afternoon and it was fine.

Shouldn't think Monday or Thursday makes much difference for the same reason. Mostly seems to be sold out in school holidays anyway.

The entry is all timed so you basically arrive and queue up until you can go in. This helps spread out the crowd inside. We were there a couple of weeks ago in peak summer holidays so it was very busy but had been busy all day and was booked into the evening. As it is so popular, I can't think it makes much difference what time of day you go or what day you go. The only things I would suggest bearing in mind are -

- entry is timed, exit is not. So, once you're in, you can take as long as you like.

- time in the exhibits/studios. We spent four hours!!!

- hunger. Eat before you go in or take a snack bar. THere is a cafe in the entry/foyer but you can't access this again until you come out of your tour.

- daylight. If you make your own way there, bear in mind the light will fade in the late afternoon so if you want to travel during daylight, go in the morning sessions.

"hunger. Eat before you go in or take a snack bar. THere is a cafe in the entry/foyer but you can't access this again until you come out of your tour. "

There are also refreshment outlets in the outdoor section about halfway round....

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Everything We Know About the NEW Hogwarts Castle Show Coming to Harry Potter Land at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando has been making BIG headlines with all the NEW additions they’ve been bringing to their parks!

Additions like a new land , a new attraction , and the biggest news of all, an entirely new theme park ! But there’s a fun addition coming to the parks that we are looking forward to as well: a brand-new show . Specifically one that is set to be magical .

As fans of the wizarding world, any announcement related to the Harry Potter franchise has us excited, and the announcement of a new castle show left us putting our investigating hats on in replacement of wizard robes in order to find out what it’s all about.

Hogwarts Always! is debuting at Islands of Adventure on June 14th, 2024. It is described as a “nighttime extravaganza” that will center around the Hogwarts castle, completely transforming it with projections and lighting up the sky with pyrotechnics. You can see the concept art for the show below — looks AMAZING, right?!

The show’s storyline is based on a journey throughout iconic moments of a year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, such as school supply shopping at Diagon Alley, riding aboard the Hogwarts Express, participating in the Sorting Hat ceremony, and many more experiences we read about and saw on film (and hoped to experience for ourselves!).

The show also features fan-favorite characters such as Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat, and many more throughout the show. To top it all off, it has four different endings that celebrate each of the Hogwarts Houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Which house are you? Take our quiz to find out!

This is not the first show presented at Hogwarts Castle; the latest nighttime show was “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle,” which ran periodically for several years.

Click here to learn more about the NEW show!

But given all the information we’ve found out about it, we’re sure this Hogwarts Always! show is going to be even MORE magical, and with four possible endings, one we will definitely go back to rewatch!

Need a little outfit inspiration if you’re planning to watch the new show in Orlando? Check out our AllEars Style ideas below!

Honeydukes -- Wizarding World Park Day

We’re sure this nighttime spectacular will captivate wizards and muggles alike, and we can’t wait to see it for ourselves! For the latest on theme park news, check back with us here on All Ears!

I Got Hurt at Universal Orlando. Here’s What Happened Next.

Join the allears.net newsletter  to stay on top of all the breaking disney news you'll also get access to allears tips, reviews, trivia, and more click here to subscribe.

Are you excited to see Hogwarts Always? Let us know in the comments!

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Is a New Harry Potter Movie Releasing In 2025? The Future of the On-Screen Franchise, Explained

New trailers suggest a new Harry Potter movie is in the works and will be released in 2025, leaving many to wonder about the future of the magical franchise .

Since the Fantastic Beasts trilogy ended in 2022 with the release of The Secrets of Dumbledore , no new on-screen content from The Wizarding World has been released.

Is a Harry Potter Movie Coming Out in 2025?

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was a play written by Jack Thorne, which first premiered in 2016. 

Adapted from an original story by Thorne and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, the project was set 19 years after The Deathly Hallows .

Since its release, many fans have wondered if The Cursed Child would ever be turned into a feature film as the Harry Potter books were in the 2000s and early 2010s.

Due to its popularity, many fan-made concept trailers have been released over the past months and years, leading people to believe that a Harry Potter and the Cursed Child movie could be released sometime in the future, potentially as early as 2025.

However, no official announcements regarding that topic have been made by those at The Wizarding World or Warner Bros. , meaning those trailers are fake. But the franchise still has an exciting future.

The Future of the Harry Potter Universe

Once upon a time, there were reports that a new Harry Potter movie could be in the works with some of the original cast set to return.

However, that project seems to have come to a stop and will likely never happen because many of the actors do not want to return.

For example, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe (Hermione Granger and Harry Potter, respectively) have openly opposed Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling due to the controversies surrounding her.

However, although a new movie is likely not in the works anymore, a brand-new series is currently in the works at Max and will completely reboot the franchise from the beginning.

The Harry Potter reboot series was first confirmed in April 2023 by Deadline .

Along with the announcement, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content Casey Bloys revealed that "Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling" would be partnering with Max to "dive deep into each of the iconic books:"

"In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years."

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav also commented on the new series, revealing that it would span the course of "ten consecutive years," meaning that the series will start at the beginning of the book series with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's (or Sorcerer's ) Stone and end with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows :

"My wife and I, we read (the Harry Potter books) to each of our three kids….It’s really moving, for ten consecutive years, people will see Harry Potter on HBO; I mean it’s really something."

In April 2023, it was also rumored that executives were searching for more people of color to star in the upcoming Max show, with the possibility that Hermione Granger, one of the main characters, would be as such.

New developments regarding the upcoming series slowed down throughout the rest of 2023 as the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes were ongoing.

However, in January 2024, Deadline revealed multiple writers were being brought in to pitch their ideas for the new series.

According to the report, names such as Martha Hillier ( The Last Kingdom ), Kathleen Jordan ( Teenage Bounty Hunters ), Tom Moran ( The Devil's Hour ), and Michael Lesslie ( The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes ) were all bringing ideas to the table.

However, the next month, Deadline reported that only three writers were being considered to lead the series, with Succession 's Francesca Gardiner being one of them.

Another new update was given in February during Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) Q4 earnings call. As Variety shared, WBD CEO David Zaslav announced that Season 1 would be released in 2026 and that the plan is to release seven seasons in total, one for each book.

Of course, since the original Harry Potter movie series is so beloved, many fans are still wondering if any of the cast members from those films could make a special cameo appearance.

At the recent Drama League Awards, E! News caught up with Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, and asked him that very question.

According to Radcliffe, it seems as though the executives want to make "a clean break" from the original actors, meaning that he will not be in the show:

"I don’t think so. I think they very wisely want to [have] a clean break. And I don’t know if it would work to have us do anything in it."

However, Radcliffe admitted that he is "very excited" about the show and will be taking it in "as an audience member:"

"Like the rest of the world, [I’m] very excited to watch as an audience member."

The new Harry Potter series on Max is eyeing a 2026 release date.

Read more about The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter on The Direct:

Harry Potter Director Breaks Silence on Reboot With New Actors

Hogwarts Legacy DLC 2024: Release, News & More

Is Harry Potter Recasting Emma Watson's Hermione for New Reboot?

Fantastic Beasts 4 Chances Get Official Update: Will It Happen?

LATEST NEWS

It's Time to Set the Record Straight on This Classic Hollywood Feud

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The Big Picture

• The Bette Davis and Joan Crawford feud was largely exaggerated by the press and media over the years.
• The set of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? dealt with rumors of clashes between the actresses.
• The legendary Oscars feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford began after the awards ceremony in 1963.

When it comes to the Golden Age of Hollywood, the only thing more iconic than the films it created are the behind-the-scenes stories and dramas that have survived generations. Whether it be the myths that surround The Wizard of Oz , or the troubling effects A Streetcar Named Desire had on Vivien Leigh , tales from Tinsletown's glory days continue to intrigue cinephiles . Out of all the speculation, there is one feud so legendary that it has not only outlived those involved, it is well known by those who have not even seen the film from which it stemmed.

When Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? entered production, there were immediate assumptions about how stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford would behave. While the two greats famously did not like each other, the extent of their squabble has been overexaggerated , and even fictionalized. So what's true and what's fake about one of Hollywood's most famous feuds?

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Baby Jane Hudson, once a famous child actress, now resides in a dilapidated mansion with her sister Blanche, who was a successful actress until an accident left her paralyzed. Jane, whose mental health is declining, harbors intense envy and bitterness toward Blanche. As she subjects her sister to increasing cruelty and psychological abuse, the story delves into their troubled past and the dark dynamics of their relationship, culminating in shocking revelations and tragic consequences.

Ryan Murphy's Series Made the Feud Popular Again

When Ryan Murphy 's Feud: Bette and Joan , began airing back in 2017, the disdain that the two legends of Hollywood shared for each other was once again thrust into the public consciousness. The show opens with the line: "For nearly half a century, they hated each other, and we loved them for it." Delivered by the show's take on Olivia de Havilland ( Catherine Zeta-Jones ) it sets the series' tone incredibly well. But, while the show took on many of Hollywood's injustices regarding sexism and ageism, it did not accurately portray the relationship between the two actresses. Prior to working on Baby Jane , the actresses rarely interacted .

One of the claims that the series made was that Davis and Crawford were in competition for many of the same roles. However, the actresses came up with the Hollywood Studio System . The factory-like set-up kept performers, directors, and writers under exclusive contracts to individual studios. Bette was employed at Warner Brothers, while Joan was at MGM. As such, the two were only eligible for roles at their respective production houses , and were never in competition for the same pictures. The only occasion when their potential employment intersected was when David Selznick was beginning production on Gone with the Wind at his newly formed studio. Neither made it particularly far in contention, as nearly every actress at each studio was up for the role .

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford Never Really Saw Each Other

Additionally, the two barely interacted during this time. In an interview with Dick Cavett , Davis explained how celebrity relationships worked. "...the group of people I knew the most were the people I worked with at Warner’s all those 18 years. And if I had been at Metro, I probably would have known those people much more, because they all knew each other." The two did eventually spend some time at the same studio , but it was brief. According to Biography , Crawford left MGM after 18 years, taking on the role of Mildred Pierce shortly after, before her option was picked up by Warner Brothers. Even still, Bette and Joan were cast in very different roles , and not long after, Bette left to pursue work as a free agent. But, even though they were never in competition for the same parts, and rarely, if ever, interacted, the press had been fabricating a feud for years.

Having both risen to prominence within the same era, and having shared similar on-set legends, the press was always out to create friction between the two. Reports of dislike frequented gossip columns, though these claims were often simply that: claims . The actresses both claimed to be confused by the situation. In an archived piece preserved by Vintage Paparazzi , Bette confessed the two had discussed the matter. When asked "What's all this about you and Joan Crawford?" Davis responded: "You know... Joan asked me the same thing. I know her very slightly. But I think the first thing that irked her was because I have had a cameraman for years named Ernie Haller. He's the best cameraman on the Warner lot--for me at least--and I've always refused to make a picture without him. Joan had the same idea, for which I can't blame her, and when she found out he was busy with me, that seemed to upset her. That, honestly, is all I know. There's room enough for both of us on the Warner lot, goodness knows."

Bette departed the studio after finishing Beyond the Forest . Both her value and ambition had earned her the nickname " the Fourth Warner Brother " during her time at the studio, but it was the year after she left that she found one of her greatest roles as Margo Channing in All About Eve . Joan, who had found success starring in noir films, continued to work at Warner Brothers until 1952. After both experienced career slumps without the safety of a studio, however, they would finally find themselves cast opposite each other, and the papparazzi were ready for a brawl .

The Set of 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?' Was Mostly Professional

Unfortunately for the tabloids, there would not be much drama on the set of Baby Jane . While gossip columnists were ready for the actor showdown of the century, the set was largely peaceful. The two addressed any possible ego-clashes early on. As documentarian Izzy Custodio quotes in her exploration of the feud, Joan had stated to the press that she and Bette were " much too professional for anything like that ."

During production, The New York Times visited the set and released an article titled "HOLLYWOOD T.N.T.; Potential Explosion Seen in Pairing of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford." Despite the headline, the article stated: "Watching them at work is an experience. Hollywood gossips predicted instant conflagration when the two polished old pros met on the set[...] What has happened instead was a kind of weary examination of each other, an intense searching out of weaknesses and strengths, not for the purposes of destruction, but to find out how best they could mutually complement each other ."

Actress Anna Lee , who played the neighbor of the two stars, stated to TCM that, while there were "vibes... there were plenty," the two kept any differences to themselves. Lee even expressed admiration for the kindness she was shown by Bette and Joan. Of course, the feud did still occur, but it did not begin while making Baby Jane , but rather on Hollywood's biggest night .

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's Feud Began at the 1963 Oscars

While the set of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane ? was largely peaceful, it was the Oscar ceremony that followed where Davis and Crawford began to feud . According to the Academy , the 35th ceremony's Best Actress category consisted of Bette Davis for Baby Jane , Anne Bancroft for The Miracle Worker , Katharine Hepburn for A Long Day's Journey Into Night , Geraldine Paige for Sweet Bird of Youth , and Lee Remick for Days of Wine and Roses . Future star of The Graduate , Bancroft, won the honor, but was busy performing in Mother Courage on Broadway, and was unable to attend. Crawford, who had been famously snubbed for consideration, accepted the award on Bancroft's behalf.

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The action infuriated Davis, who blamed Joan for her loss and saw her accepting the award as an “f— you.” In an 1987 interview for The Today Show , Davis said: "She went to all the New York nominees and said 'If you can't get out there, I'll accept your award. And, please do not vote for her .'" While it is largely agreed that Joan lobbied to accept the award on behalf of those who could not attend, there remains disagreement about whether Crawford truly campaigned against Davis. Still, Davis, not one to mince words, had her suspicions and the fact has yet to be disproved from serious theory. Bette and Joan nearly re-teamed again for a follow-up film titled Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte .

A documentary produced as part of AMC Backstory states, though, that any pleasantries between the two from Baby Jane 's set were gone. The relationship got so bad that when Crawford was dismissed from the film due to illness , rumors spread that the actress had been faking her ailment, though any quotes from Davis on the matter simply stated Joan was sick. The damage was done, though, and the press finally had the fight for which they'd been waiting . It remains the stuff of legend to this day, despite the fact the fight cooled down in later years.

Crawford and Davis Still Respected Each Other After the Oscars Feud

In the same interview for The Today Show , Bette Davis still had admiration for Joan Crawford's work ethic, despite her anger over her Oscar loss. When asked about their forever pairing, Davis said: "...Isn't it incredible, we're forever linked and we made one film? It's funny that remains. But it was a good movie...As far as making the film with her, she was on time, she knew her lines. She basically was a pro ."

While Crawford was less outspoken about it than Davis, she often made it clear that, while they were not friends, there was still respect. In another interview , when the journalist attempted to ask about the feud, Joan was quick to cut him off, correcting his mispronunciation of Bette's name and calling her a "fascinating actress ." She continued: "I have never had time to be friends with her because we only did one picture."

Despite their differences and occasional jabs, the two remained respectful of each other's work and even came to the defense of one another. The feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford has outlived the women themselves, and for some, the work they did. However, the 50-year hatred that has been portrayed by the press and on television is far from accurate . While they didn't care for one another, claims that they were always in competition are untrue. Further stories that the set of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? was a battleground were falsified by the press, and even once the two did battle, they were never truly the enemies for which they'd been made out to be.

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is available to rent on Prime Video in the U.S.

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