With the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, we currently find ourselves reminiscing about the first time we read the Harry Potter book series, watched the films in marathon fashion and visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We might be Harry Potter-obsessed (as we watch Goblet of Fire on the tele as we type this blog)! If you haven’t guessed it already, this week’s Friday Fives will count down the five reasons the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is an incredibly immersive theme park land that every Potterhead must experience at least once!
Before we apparate into J.K. Rowling’s world, let’s tackle the basics. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located in Universal’s two theme parks - Diagon Alley can be found in Universal Studios Florida, while Hogsmeade finds its home in Universal's Islands of Adventure. You’ll need a park-to-park ticket to access both areas in one day, as well as to ride the Hogwarts Express which links the two areas.
If you’re planning a day trip while staying at Walt Disney World Resort, you can arrange for a car service like Uber or Lyft which is easy and inexpensive. Universal also offers park ticket options that include transfers from your Walt Disney World hotel. For a multi-day trip, we recommend staying onsite at Universal Orlando Resort so you can walk, take a Universal shuttle or ride via water taxi to the park entrances.
Like with any theme park, you need to arrive early - before the parks even open. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is small and gets crowded quickly, so you want to be among the first in line while other vacationers are still sleeping. Bonus for those staying on property, you receive early admission to Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade - one hour earlier than other park-goers.
Delightful Detail
Storefronts in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Immediately upon entering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWoHP), your breath will be taken away. Extreme fans have been known to shed a tear or two upon walking into either Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade for the first time. We recommend visiting Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida before Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure in order to follow Harry’s journey after learning he was a wizard.
As you stroll along the narrow walkways and peruse the unique merchandise in the charming shops, you will be amazed at the detail of it all. For instance, Knockturn Alley, the dark arts district, is considerably cooler and darker than the rest of Diagon Alley. While you wait in the queue at Hogwarts Castle, don’t walk too quickly so you can see the portraits moving as they do in the books and films. In Gringotts Bank, you’ll see goblins hard at work. Furthermore, Universal team members bring the detail to life, helping you remain immersed in the magic. During a transaction, your credit card might be referred to as … “muggle plastic.” How adorable is that!
Spellbinding Surprises
WWoHP is full of fun surprises of which many park-goers are unaware. We don’t want you to miss out on these special surprises. Get yourself an interactive wand at Ollivander’s or Wands by Gregorovitch; they cost more than standard wands but are worth the additional cost. The interactive wands will come with a map detailing where you can perform magic - you can make water arise from a fountain, unlock a door and reveal hidden writing on parchment. When you place the map under the black light in Knockturn Alley, secret spells will be uncovered. Some spells require more precision than others, but don’t give up!
Making magic at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Other surprises include the dragon atop of Gringotts Bank breathing fire about every 15 minutes - if you stand in the right spot, you can actually feel the heat from the dragon’s breath. In Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, you may find yourself receiving sarcastic fashion commentary from a talking mirror. You can exchange your muggle money for wizard currency which you can use in the parks and also makes a one-of-a-kind souvenir. In King’s Cross Station, you can walk into platform 9 3/4; it’s a bit tricky to find but so worth it. On the outskirts of Diagon Alley, you can engage in witty discourse with the Knight Bus driver and his shrunken head; dial MAGIC on the phone in the red booth for a special message from the Ministry of Magic; and look out for the elusive Kreacher at 12 Grimmauld Place.
Amazing Attractions
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is home to technologically advanced simulator rides. In Escape from Gringotts, you’ll join Harry and the gang as they attempt to break out of the wizarding bank and escape Voldemort. It is quite possibly the most innovative theme park ride. At Hogsmeade inside the castle, Forbidden Journey takes you on a heart-pumping quidditch match. Although both rides have height requirements (42 and 48 inches respectively), everyone can experience the ride queues - Hogwarts Castle is alive with moving portraits – including the Fat Lady – and a special appearance from the terrific trio, and you’ll be amazed at the opulence of the Gringotts Bank lobby and goblins at work. For those who are prone to motion sickness and for little ones, Universal provides a neat area where they can watch a Harry Potter film while the more adventurous in your group ride the attractions. Hogsmeade also offers Flight of the Hippogriff which is a family-friendly outdoor coaster with a 36-inch height requirement and lets you explore Hagrid’s hut.
The highlight of all attractions is riding the Hogwarts Express. The majestic train will take you to and from King’s Cross Station and Hogsmeade Station with a unique experience for each route. Although it’s a great opportunity to get off your feet for a bit, don’t get too comfortable and try to close your eyes. You’ll miss out on a personal message from Hagrid, views of the lovely British countryside and a visit from the creepiest wizarding non-beings.
Fantastical Food
Sampling the delectable varieties of Butterbeer
Beyond the details, surprises and attractions, you will continue to be enveloped in the magic through the unique food offerings in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Number one on your list should be tasting Butterbeer. The sweet beverage comes in three varieties - hot, frozen and cold. You can find it at outdoor kiosks, The Hopping Pot, Hog’s Head, the most popular wizarding pub, Three Broomsticks and Leaky Cauldron.
You can also try other wizard drinks like Pumpkin Juice, Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice, Peachtree Fizzing Tea, Fishy Green Ale, and Wizard’s Brew and Dragon Scale beers, as well as traditional British fare like Fish and Chips and Bangers and Mash! For dessert, stop by Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour for Butterbeer-flavored ice cream, of course, as well as other fun flavors like Earl Grey and Lavender or Sticky Toffee Pudding. Christmas was a special time at Hogwarts, and the food at WWoHP takes a seasonal spin during the holiday season.
Enchanting Entertainment
As we know from the Harry Potter series, wizards are great storytellers and enjoy music, dance and the arts. Accordingly, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s entertainment does not disappoint. Outside of the Hogwarts Castle, you’ll hear the Frog Choir - comprised of a student from each Hogwarts House, singing a capella with frogs providing the bass. Molly Weasley’s favorite performer Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees sing love songs in Diagon Alley. In the same location, the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts brings the Tales of Beedle the Bard to dramatic life. At Ollivander’s, one lucky guest will be picked by the illustrious wand maker himself to participate in the wizarding rite of passage. To end your perfect day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, arrive from 30-60 minutes before the scheduled start of The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show - how early you arrive depends on how busy the park has been. You’ll be swept away by the haunting music, moving narration and dazzling projections shown on the castle. The nighttime show takes a yuletide-inspired spirit for the holidays. It is a must-see!
Have you visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? What is your favorite thing to experience?
Hanging out with the Knight Bus driver