If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, like I am, this post is for you! Even any Muggles may want to take notes because this was such a magical place that anyone will enjoy! Universal Studios Orlando is home to an abundance of entertainment for movie and tv buffs, so there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy from themed rides, characters walking around the park, performances, and so much more. I visited the Hollywood park in high school and loved every bit of it, so I couldn’t wait to get to the Orlando park to continue the fun. I’m a little obsessed with Harry Potter, so my first two trips were (almost) strictly dedicated to visiting Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and Hogwarts. We pretty much ran past everything else to get to the back of the parks to emerge ourselves into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
I suggest going to the Universal Studios park first to visit the Diagon Alley half of the Harry Potter experience. When you get there, go towards the back of the park and once you see the purple triple decker Knight Bus, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Number 12 Grimmauld Place (headquarters to the Order of the Phoenix) is directly across from the bus; make sure to look up at the windows to see Kreacher peeking through the curtains. Also, dial 62442 (get it?) on the phone in the visitors entrance to the Ministry of Magic (the red phone box). After you do these fun little things, enter Diagon Alley through the brick wall to really start your adventure.
When you’re on the other side of the wall, your surroundings completely transform and your jaw will drop just like Harry’s did when he first visited this street full of wizard shops, pubs, and Gringotts Bank. There is so much to see here and the makers made sure to include all the little details in everything, so I suggest taking some time to just look at everything and go in each of the shops at some point while you’re there. Some of my favorites were Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Ollivander’s Wand Shop, and Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor. You may want to get to Ollivanders early if you want to experience the “wand choosing the wizard” because the line can get long very quickly.
Throughout the Harry Potter portion of each park, there are many places where you can practice your magic, but only if you have an interactive wand from Ollivander’s. To get a wand, you can either go through the experience, you can just walk into the shop and choose your own, or you can order one online before your trip. You’ll be given a map with your wand that shows the locations of where you can try out some spells as well as the wand movements for each spell. I didn’t really get to play with mine too much, but I did successfully make a fountain spout water, not to toot my own horn or anything lol. While I wasn’t using my wand, I tucked it into the wand pocket of my robes that I purchased from Cinereplicas. This was a cheaper option than buying a robe at the park and the quality is great, definitely recommend going that route if you are looking for one.
There is only one ride in Diagon Alley, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and not only is the ride fun, but the wait is too. There are so many things to see as you walk through Gringotts before getting on the ride, like the goblins at the teller counters, as well as notices to deter people from breaking into the bank. This ride is a motion simulator with some 3D and 4D aspects that really make you feel like you’re in Gringotts trying to escape similar to the beginning of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie.
Once you feel like you’ve explored enough of Diagon Alley, make your way back “through the brick wall” and head towards the Hogwarts Express. You’ll need to make sure you have a two-park pass to be able to get on the train because it will take you to the Islands of Adventure park. While in line, you’ll notice some billboards that were in the movies and signs that would be in a typical train station. Eventually you’ll get to Platform 9 3/4 where you’ll finally see the Hogwarts Express which will take you to Hogsmeade Station. During the ride, you’ll start to see the city slowly transition into the countryside as Harry and his friends try to find a seat on the train.
When you get off the train, you’ll see that you are in Hogsmeade wizarding village where third year students and up are permitted to visit periodically throughout the school year. This is wear you’ll see pubs like the Hog’s Head and shops such as Dervish and Banges, Honeydukes Sweetshop, and Zonko’s joke shop. You’ll also find Hogwarts not to far, where the ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is located.
There’s never a dull moment while waiting in line for this ride either because you’ll walk through the castle and see many details from the movies including the Herbology greenhouses, talking paintings, Dumbledore’s office, and so much more. Siriusly (I couldn’t help it lol), the creators of these parks thought of everything! This is another motion simulator ride like the one at Gringotts and it’ll make you feel like you’re flying around with Harry and Ron on their brooms.
The third and final ride within the Wizarding World is Hagrid’s Motorbike. This was my favorite actual ride because it was more like a rollercoaster and I love those! There were many twists and turns and even some unexpected drops that are sure to check off your box for thrill. This ride has a Virtual Line, which is the most annoying thing ever, so hopefully it won’t be a forever thing. The Virtual line “tickets” are only available on the app at certain times during the day and once the they’re gone, they’re gone. We tried a few times during both trips to the parks to get in line and were finally able to get on and the ride did not disappoint! Of course, like with the lines of the other rides, there is a lot to see as you walk past Hagrid’s hut and see different facts about some of the magical creatures that are talked about throughout the series like unicorns, nifflers, and cornish pixies.
I almost forgot, make sure you try the must have drink that’s mentioned in all the books and movies: Butterbeer! Visit the Leaky Cauldron, the Three Broomsticks, or the Hog’s Head to get your hands on this tasty drink. There are also stands that have Butterbeer on a tap for quicker service. They serve it cold, frozen or hot (only available during certain months) and each one tastes a little different. They are all delicious, but my favorite is the hot version. You can also find Butterbeer flavored fudge in Honeydukes and ice cream at Florean Fortescue’s.
This is such a fun experience for Harry Potter lovers, but I think everyone would really enjoy joining in on the magic! Let me know if you have been or plan to go, I want to hear all about what you think! I’m already thinking about planning my next trip there and maybe I’ll explore some of the other areas too. I’ll still have to stop by the Leaky Cauldron for some Butterbeer though!
Until next time!
Mischief Managed,
Ajia Sabré 