Many people have been waiting their entire lives to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After reading the books and watching the films, actually stepping foot into the stories is a phenomenal experience.
There are two unique lands to explore at Universal Orlando Resort – Hogsmeade, located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. Each land has unique attractions, experiences, food, merchandise and more, all of which is inspired by the Harry Potter films and books. Whether you’re a big fan, or this is your first taste of the Wizarding World, there’s so much to do and see! You’re going to want to plan on a few days to experience it all along with reading this guide where we’ve listed out each and every activity you can enjoy during your trip.
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ATTRACTIONS | EXPERIENCES | FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | SHOWS | HIDDEN GEMS
ATTRACTIONS
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Location: Hogsmeade
Fly deep into the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle as you join Hagrid on a thrilling roller coaster ride to discover magical creatures you’ve never faced before.
Pro Tip: Make sure you know if you want to ride the sidecar or motorbike first.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Location: Hogsmeade
Soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure, while encountering an array of magical creatures.
Pro Tip: Take your time in the queue for this one so you can appreciate all the details of the Hogwarts corridors, including Dumbledore’s office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor common room, and more.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Location: Hogsmeade
Bow to Buckbeak as you board this family-friendly roller coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch, and then swoops past Hagrid’s hut.
Pro Tip: This ride is great for little witches and wizards who might be a bit spooked by Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station
Location: Hogsmeade
Board the famous train and head toward King’s Cross Station in London. (You’ll need a park-to-park ticket for this one.)
Pro Tip: The experience is completely different on the way back from King’s Cross Station to Hogsmeade (see below), so you’ll want to ride it twice. Learn more about riding the Hogwarts
Hogwarts Express: King’s Cross Station
Location: London Outside of Diagon Alley
Enter King’s Cross Station and walk straight through a solid brick wall onto Platform 9 ¾ to board the Hogwarts Express. Remember, you’ll need a park-to-park ticket to board the train in either direction.
Pro Tip: If you want to journey in Harry’s footsteps, do some shopping in Diagon Alley and then hop on the Hogwarts Express toward Hogsmeade to start your next term!
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Location: Diagon Alley
Take a journey aboard this mind-blowing, multi-dimensional ride through the cavernous passageways of Gringotts bank. You may even find yourself coming face-to-face with Harry Potter’s biggest foes!
Pro Tip: For those looking for a more intense ride, ask the attendant if they can accommodate you toward the back of the ride vehicle. However, all seats offer a thrilling adventure!
EXPERIENCES
See a Wand Choose a Wizard at Ollivanders
Location: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley
Step inside this iconic shop and watch an Ollivanders wandkeeper go through the process of pairing a witch or wizard with just the right wand.
Pro Tip: Play your cards right and you might be the lucky witch or wizard chosen. (Note: The person chosen has the option whether or not to purchase their wand.)
Cast Spells With Your Interactive Wand
Location: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley
Look for medallions on the ground throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley for opportunities to practice your magic. Simply follow the spell directions at your feet and look out for amazing surprises.
Pro Tip: You’ll need an interactive wand for this one, and inside the box is a map telling you where all the spells are located. Check out our guide on all of the interactive wands you can get and how to use them.
Meet the Hogwarts Express Conductor
Location: Hogsmeade
Oftentimes you can find this jolly gentleman next to Hogsmeade Station welcoming you to Hogsmeade.
Pro Tip: Take a photo with him to remember your Hogwarts Express journey.
Send a Letter Through Owl Post
Location: Hogsmeade
Here, you can mail a letter complete with a special wizarding world postmark.
Pro Tip: This is a great way to let your friends and family know you’re thinking about them during your trip in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Meet the Knight Bus Conductor
Location: London Outside of Diagon Alley
On the London embankment, you’ll find this three-storied bus and its amiable driver.
Pro Tip: You can also chat up the shrunken head hanging over the steering wheel.
Exchange Your Muggle Money at the Gringotts Money Exchange
Location: Diagon Alley
Have a conversation with the goblin behind the counter before trading your U.S. currency for Gringotts bank notes in $10 or $20 denominations.
Pro Tip: The bank notes can be used for purchases within Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and at select locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
Check Out Dark Magic in Knockturn Alley
Location: Diagon Alley
Inside Knockturn Alley, you can get a taste of the dark magic in the wizarding world. Visit Borgin and Burkes for gruesome trinkets, and use your interactive wand on some secret spells that are only visible in the darkness.
Pro Tip: Try and keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of subtle, hidden details like singing shrunken heads and a wanted poster for Bellatrix Lestrange.
Get Your Moving Photograph at Shutterbutton’s
Location: Diagon Alley
Create a portrait of yourself that actually moves and purchase a collectible photo album in commemoration of your trip.
Pro Tip: Borrow props and costumes or bring your own. Explore more of the experience.
SEASONAL: Watch Hogwarts Transform at Night Into a Beautifully Themed Experience
Location: Hogsmeade
On select nights, you can see some amazing projection mapping that transforms the castle in a dazzling display of lights, special effects and music. The experience changes depending on the season and you can check in with guest services to find out which show is currently active…
- The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle: Enjoy this dazzling spectacle where you see projections against the majestic Hogwarts castle, celebrating the four houses.
- Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle: Watch as the darker side of magic cloaks the castle with sinister imagery and dangerous magical creatures. Catch it during the fall season.
- The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle: The holidays in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spring to life through this incredible display when Hogwarts castle is transformed for the Christmas season.
Pro Tip: Scope out the best view early in the day to make sure you know where you want to stand later.
SEASONAL: Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Location: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley, London, and Hogsmeade are transformed with festive décor and brilliant lighting during the holidays. Not only do the shows incorporate some favorite holiday tunes, but look out for special treats and drinks! And don’t miss the Hogwarts castle transform nightly with The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. The atmosphere is simply brimming with excitement.
Pro Tip: Plan some time to take in all the detail of the beautiful decorations.
FOOD & DRINK
Butterbeer
Location: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley
You simply can’t come to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and not try Butterbeer! This concoction is reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread. Find it at many of the restaurants listed below and various snack stands throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
Pro Tip: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has several ways to enjoy that delicious Butterbeer flavor, so prepare your taste buds in advance.
Three Broomsticks
Location: Hogsmeade
This cozy, snow-capped inn offers tasty British fare including Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Cornish Pasties, Turkey Legs, and Fresh Vegetables. View a breakfast menu and a lunch and dinner menu.
Highly Recommend: The Great Feast – A platter of scrumptious food for four, featuring fresh garden salad tossed with a signature vinaigrette dressing, rotisserie smoked chicken, spareribs, corn on the cob, and roast potatoes.
Hog’s Head
Location: Hogsmeade
This pub in the back of the Three Broomsticks is the perfect place for a Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice, along with domestic and imported beers, the pub’s exclusive Hog’s Head Brew, Gillywater (bottled water), specialty drinks, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the stuffed hog’s head over the bar — it just might snarl at you.
Leaky Cauldron
Location: Diagon Alley
A small, grubby-looking pub and inn where you’ll find foods like Bangers and Mash, Fisherman’s Pie, Toad in the Hole, Ploughman’s Platter, and more. View a breakfast menu and a lunch and dinner menu.
Highly Recommend: Ploughman’s Platter – A selection of English cheese, crusty bread, field green salad, roasted tomatoes, cornichon pickles, apple beet salad, branston pickle and scotch eggs. Perfect for sharing!
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
Location: Diagon Alley
In this ice-cream parlour, witches, wizards and Muggles of every age can indulge in scoop and soft-serve ice-creams with fantastic flavors like Butterbeer, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate and Raspberry, and more.
Pro Tip: Keep an open mind…some unusual flavors may surprisingly delight you! Our recommendation is to try the Chocolate Chili or the Earl Grey and Lavender for something different.
The Hopping Pot
Location: Diagon Alley
Nestled within Diagon Alley, you can cool off with a variety of delicious drinks at this walk-up counter like Butterbeer, Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice, Fishy Green Ale, and more.
Pro Tip: This is a great place to grab a snack while watching a show in Carkitt Market.
Fountain of Fair Fortune
Location: Diagon Alley
Named for one of the fables in The Tales of Beedle the Bard, this location serves a variety of beers, like the exclusive Wizard’s Brew, Dragonscale, and a handful of non-alcoholic beverages.
Pro Tip: You can also get Butterbeer ice cream here.
Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment
Location: Diagon Alley
Here, you can try a variety of colorful elixirs. All you need to do is choose your elixir, pour it into Gilly Water, and watch it transform into a tasty beverage. You can pick from Fire Protection Potion, Babbling Beverage, Draught of Peace, and Elixir to Induce Euphoria.
Pro Tip: Not only are they delicious, but they’re a fun gift to bring home for your Muggle friends.
London Taxi Cart
Location: London outside of Diagon Alley
Before hopping aboard the Hogwarts Express or wandering into Diagon Alley, stop by this cart for a Jacket Potato snack. Choose from Loaded, Broccoli and Cheddar, Bean and Cheese, or Shepherd’s Pie toppings.
Pro Tip: After getting your potato, check out the buildings behind you. You may see a familiar face peeking out the windows.
SHOPPING
Ollivanders
Location: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley
In search of the most essential wizarding item? Look through the thousands of boxes filled with wands waiting to choose their wizard.
Pro Tip: There are many variations of wands in addition to character wands, and make sure to check out the interactive options.
Dervish and Banges
Location: Hogsmeade
This shop offers it all from brooms, Hogwarts clothing, journals, and stationery to magical items like the flying Golden Snitch and Quidditch supplies like Quaffles.
Pro Tip: Discover your Hogwarts house before arriving so that you’ll know which product will best show your house pride.
Honeydukes
Location: Hogsmeade
The shelves of this legendary sweet shop are lined with all manner of colourful treats including Acid Pops, Cauldron Cakes, Fizzing Whizzbees, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.
Pro Tip: Every Chocolate Frog comes with a wizard trading card, so look out so you can collect them all!
Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
Location: Hogsmeade
Peruse items taken from students who got on the wrong side of the school’s resident caretaker, Argus Filch. You’ll find Hogwarts t-shirts, shoulder bags, caps, scarves, house crest banners, and stationery.
Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the Marauder’s Map and watch as inhabitants move about Hogwarts castle.
Owl Post
Location: Hogsmeade
Here, you’ll find correspondence materials like stationery, quills, seals, and ink. This is also where you can send a letter with a special Hogsmeade postmark.
Pro Tip: You can even pick out your very own owl to take home.
Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
Location: Diagon Alley
This colourful emporium is the novelty joke shop run by identically ingenious prankster twins Fred and George Weasley. Shop for all manner of mischief such as magical jokes, tricks, and toys. Check out our 9 must-haves!
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the dazzling display of never-ending fireworks exploding on the ceiling and a few other fun finds you may recognize from the films.
Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions
Location: Diagon Alley
Build your wizarding wardrobe at this cheerfully appointed shop. You can buy authentic replicas of Hermione’s Yule Ball gown. You’ll also find Hogwarts uniforms, ties, scarves, hats, and cardigans as well as jewelry.
Pro Tip: Model your potential purchase in front of the mirror and it just might talk back to you.
Magical Menagerie
Location: Diagon Alley
Purchase a variety of plush toys including Crookshanks, Fang, Buckbeak, Fluffy, and Scabbers. Also available are Cornish pixies, ferrets, Pygmy Puffs, and an assortment of owls, including Pigwidgeon and Hedwig.
Pro Tip: Try out your Parseltongue when you peek in at the snake in the window from outside the store.
Borgin and Burkes
Location: Diagon Alley
This dark and dusty Knockturn Alley shop is infamous for shady patrons. As you walk among the dimly lit shelves and displays teeming with malevolent relics, you’ll find Death Eater masks, skulls, apparel, accessories, jewelry, and collectibles.
Pro Tip: Look (and listen) for the Vanishing Cabinet just like the one Draco Malfoy once used to sneak Death Eaters into Hogwarts.
Quality Quidditch Supplies
Location: Diagon Alley
This is the destination for everything you need to play the most popular sport in the wizarding world, including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles, and more.
Pro Tip: You can even pledge your allegiance to professional teams like the Holyhead Harpies or the Chudley Cannons, Ireland or Bulgaria.
Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop
Location: Diagon Alley
Discover a wealth of wizarding treats. Every nook is stocked with tasty temptations like Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, Acid Pops, Exploding Bonbons, Pink Coconut Ice and more.
Pro Tip: Feed Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans to unsuspecting friends and family and brace yourself as they just might end up with a flavor like earthworm or earwax.
Scribbulus
Location: Diagon Alley
Find all the authentic writing supplies a witch or wizard could need including ink and inkwells, feather quills, parchment, journals, stationery sets, seals, bookmarks, and backpacks.
Pro Tip: Everything here is perfect for back-to-school or your office.
Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
Location: Diagon Alley
Browse a variety of apparel and accessories from your Hogwarts house, as well as a variety of fun Butterbeer-themed items.
Pro Tip: You can have packages delivered to the front of the park or your Universal Orlando hotel room so that you don’t have to carry them all day.
Wands by Gregorovitch
Location: Diagon Alley
This long-time rival to Ollivanders also creates some exceptional wands. Here, you can choose from a wide assortment of Harry Potter character wand replicas.
Pro Tip: Boxes with gold labels are interactive and will help you practice magic in-park.
Globus Mundi
Location: Diagon Alley
Globus Mundi is a travel agency of the wizarding world. Stop into their shop over by Carkitt Market where you can get all your travel essentials for your next magical journey like luggage tags, wallets, sweatshirts, and more.
Pro Tip: Look around the shop and you’ll see a gorgeous wall of ticking clocks representing different time zones and some of the coolest posters and maps from around the world.
SHOWS
Hogwarts Frog Choir
Location: Hogsmeade
Hear the vocal stylings of this small choir of Hogwarts students, accompanied by the smooth bass rumbles of their giant throaty frogs.
Pro Tip: Look in your park map or on the official Universal Orlando Mobile App for times.
Triwizard Spirit Rally
Location: Hogsmeade
Cheer on the colourful procession of students from the legendary wizarding schools of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang as they lead the excitement for the Triwizard Tournament.
Pro Tip: Stick around after the show for a potential meet-and-greet opportunity.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Location: Diagon Alley
Watch as adept players perform a trunk show using stylized scenic pieces, props, and puppetry. See them retell two famous tales of Beedle the Bard, a 15th-century author of wizarding fairytales, including The Fountain of Fair Fortune and The Tale of the Three Brothers.
Pro Tip: This stage is right near The Hopping Pot in Carkitt Market (see above), so grab a snack and enjoy!
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees
Location: Diagon Alley
Sway and groove to the dulcet tones of wizarding world sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. The swinging show features never-before-heard songs including “A Cauldron Full Of Hot, Strong Love,” “You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart,” and “You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me.”
Pro Tip: Visit during the holidays and enjoy four hits from Celestina’s chart-topping holiday album, including “My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas.”
HIDDEN GEMS
Call the Ministry of Magic
Location: London Outside of Diagon Alley
Try entering the telephone booth in London and dialing 62442 (MAGIC) to see what you get connected to.
See 12 Grimmauld Place
Location: London Outside of Diagon Alley
Keep an eye out for the Black family`s loyal house-elf, Keacher – you might just see him.
Watch Out for The Monster Book of Monsters
Location: Hogsmeade
A Book with Bite! Stop inside Dervish and Banges to view this beastly required reading for Hogwarts students taking the Care of Magical Creatures class. It’s caged for a reason.
Discover the Heavily Jeweled Shell of a Fire Crab
Location: Hogsmeade
Fire Crabs are one of the magical creatures that Hagrid used to create Blast-Ended Skrewts. You may be able to catch a glimpse of one of these creatures’ massive jeweled shells in the queue of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Be sure to keep an eye out for all the hidden gems inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
So much to see and do! Where to first? Tell us in the comments below.
To have the ultimate Harry Potter experience, book our exclusive The Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package.
A Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort was originally published on October 01, 2020 at 11:05AM by Katie Schmidt from Universal Orlando Blog. Far Beyond Infinity Travel Blog takes no responsibility for errors in syndicated content.
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The details of Wizarding World are truly phenomenal. We never seem to be able to catch the London Taxi Cart when it’s open. I’d love to try one of those loaded potatoes.