All the tips to have a great time while visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter two lands at Universal Orlando Resort.
This past year my daughter read the entire Harry Potter series multiple times and we watched all the movies together. Therefore, I knew it was the perfect time to revisit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is my favorite area at the resort because of how immersed you are in the story. Everything from the buildings, alleys, and shops to the rides and food helps tell the story. Being able to cast spells throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade brings another level of immersion and fun to your visit.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between the two parks at Universal Orlando Resort. Hogsmeade is located at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley is located at Universal Studios Florida.
Purchasing a Wand and Performing Spells
To cast spells throughout The Wizarding of Harry Potter, you have to purchase an interactive wand. Several shops throughout the land sell interactive wands. The most famous shop is Ollivanders. During the wand experience at Ollivanders, one lucky guest will get chosen to try out several wands until the wand picks them. There can be a very long wait to visit Ollivanders, so you may want to visit another shop to purchase your interactive wand.
With your wand purchase, a map will be included that shows the location of all the spell locations. Each spell location will be marked with a bronze circle on the ground. The bronze circle also shows you which spell to use at that location (the spells are also on the map).
When you find a spell location, stand at the bronze circle and perform the spell. Your wand interacts with the sensor at each location therefore it is best if you can see the sensor when performing the spell. There are usually cast members around to help you perform the spells if needed.
Butter Beer
What is butterbeer? Butterbeer is a fictitious drink created by JK Rowling that is mentioned in all seven Harry Potter books. There are six different versions of butterbeer at Universal Orlando Resort including cold, frozen, hot, soft-serve ice cream, potted cream, and fudge.
The most popular butterbeer is cold which is the original fizzy-like drink (a mixture of cream soda and butterscotch) with a foam topping. The frozen butterbeer is more like a slushie. Hot butterbeer is similar to butterscotch-hot chocolate.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Located at Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade is nestled at the foot of Hogwarts castle. Here you will find a snowcapped village with shops and taverns.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is my favorite ride at Universal Orlando Resort! It takes you deep into the Forbidden Forest that plunges you into the paths of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures on this thrilling roller coaster.
Flight of the Hippogriff
The family-friendly roller coaster, Flight of the Hippogriff, will dive and swoop you around Hagrid’s hut and the pumpkin patch. I would compare this ride to Magic Kingdom’s Barnstormer.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
I love walking through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. There are multiple staircases and tons of paintings on the walls. After you board the ride, you will fly above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on a thrilling adventure.
Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade Station
I absolutely love that you can take Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade to London and Diagon Alley. This allows you to switch parks without having to walk all the way to the front of the parks. In order to ride the Hogwarts Express, you must have a Park-to-Park admission ticket. When you arrive in London, turn left out of the station, and on the left at the brick wall will be a secret entryway into Diagon Alley.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
While The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley only has one ride it has much more to offer. Including dining at Leaky Cauldron, the famous Ollivanders wand shop, dark arts shopping at Knockturn Alley, the Knight Bus, and 16 interactive wand spell locations.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
The multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts takes you deep underground. You will encounter Harry Potter and his friends as you evade Voldemort, Bellatrix, and trolls, as you try to make it back to Diagon Alley.
Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross Station
You can ride the Hogwarts Express back to Hogsmeade from London by boarding the train at King’s Cross Station. In order to ride the Hogwarts Express, you must have a Park-to-Park admission ticket.
Tips for Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- You can save time by not purchasing your interactive wand at Ollivanders.
- Ask a nearby cast member for assistance if you are having trouble casting spells.
- You can skip the regular lines at most of your favorite rides and attractions by using the Universal Express pass in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. The Universal Express pass is an additional cost unless you are staying at a premier Universal Orlando hotel.
- If you stay at a premier Universal Orlando hotel (Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel), you get the Universal Express Unlimited pass for free.
- If you are a Universal Orlando hotel guest, you get early park admission. This means you can access one theme park one hour before the park’s scheduled opening time.
During our visit, we stayed at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. This hotel is a premier hotel onsite at Universal Orlando. You can read more about our stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel here.
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