Things I Can't Say

Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom

The Harry Potter Fan’s Guide to Universal Studios Orlando

If you don’t like Harry Potter(go away, how is that even possible???), there are still plenty of reasons to visit Universal Studios Orlando. You could spend a few days in the two parks(Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure), eat and be entertained on the Citywalk, plus spend time relaxing in the hotels on property.

But if you are a Harry Potter fan, it’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that will be enough for you to want to visit Universal. Hogsmeade is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure while Diagon Alley opened this past summer in in Universal Studios Florida. You’ll want to have a Park-to-Park admission ticket so you can ride the Hogwarts Express between the two as well as visit both.

As a huge Harry Potter fan(and mom to a few Harry Potter fans), I’ll start with the newest attraction, Diagon Alley.

entrance to diagon alley

You do get to walk through the brick wall to get to Diagon Alley and then you’re in the world where Harry and his friends shopped for their school supplies. The big attraction is the ride, Escape from Gringotts.

You get to walk into Gringotts Bank and see the animatronic goblins. You’re there to get a tour of the “safest place on earth” but you are there at the same time as Harry, Ron, and Hermione, when they are attempting to steal the horcrux from Bellatrix’s vault. You get to see the story play out from a different angle.

Escape from Gringotts ride in UniversalThe height requirement for this ride is only 42″ but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is an easy ride. It’s roller coaster-like, what Potterheads imagine going through the tunnels beneath Gringotts would be like. You pause at different moments as you encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the dragon, Bellatrix, and Voldemort. But other times, you are zooming through pitch black twists and turns.

This is one of the few attractions where you cannot use your Express Pass, so you’ll have to try to hit up this part of the park during the early admission hours you get as part of the perks of staying on Universal property.

The dragon above Gringotts does periodically breath fire and it’s a bit shocking if you aren’t expecting it.

escape from gringotts

Another attraction whose line you can’t bypass with an Express Pass is Ollivanders, where there’s a wand-choosing ceremony. My 9y/o was selected for this and it was completely magical to watch him have a wizard help him find the right wand. You can also simply shop in Ollivanders, selecting the wand for you or picking one that belongs to your favorite character.

A new feature that started this summer with the opening of Diagon Alley is the interactive wands. If you choose one of these, you’ll be given a map with locations where you can test out your magic in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Though these locations are also clearly marked on the ground and witches and wizards throughout both parks are happy to point them out to you if you don’t see them.

Interactive Wands in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If you have a die-hard Potterhead on your hands, he might insist that it’s not wise to use another wizard’s wand, but we shared one. The interactive wands are approximately $50, and I think they are an absolute must-do. You have to follow the directions on the map(also marked on the symbol on the ground) and move your wand in a different motion for different spells in order for them to work.

You can shop for tricks and other goodies in Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes or get oufitted in robes in Madam Malkins, where they’ll ensure proper robe fit,  or shop in Quality Quidditch Supplies, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, and the Magical Menagerie. We were traveling with mostly Gryffindors, though we had two Slytherins, one Hufflepuff, and one Ravenclaw(me). The kids looked at the Firebolts the same way I imagine the young wizards did.

can't miss places in Diagon Alley

If you are hungry, stop by the Leaky Caldron or Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor, where you’ll find Butterbeer ice cream! Getting a Butterbeer or a Pumpkin Juice is a Harry Potter fan’s rite of passage, but don’t overlook other drinks available, like the Peachtree Fizzing Tea, which I could have drank by the gallon. Next time I will try some Gillywater with the Draught of Peace added to it.

You can go into the Money Exchange and exchange your Muggle Money for Wizarding currency, which can be used in the parks. You can also talk to the goblin on duty, but beware if you ask him a silly question because he tends to be a little cranky!

talk to the goblin in the money exchange

You can take in a puppeting show: we saw the tale of the Deathly Hallows play out before we headed down Knockturn Alley, which is as creepy as the books portray. Tip: it’s also dark and air conditioned, though it feels like you’re outside. Cast a few spells back there and do some shopping(as long as you aren’t afraid someone will mistake you for a dark wizard).

knockturn alley in the wizarding world of harry potter

On your way out, you’ll see the Knight Bus(read our funny conversation with Dre Head) as well as see 12 Grimmauld Place.

As long as you have your park-to-park pass, you can hop on the Hogwarts Express over to Hogsmeade. There are no express passes for this ride, though we went early and there wasn’t much of a wait. There’s a different experience on the train depending on which way you are taking it.

Once in Hogsmeade, you’ll probably want to dash back to Hogwarts, to see the castle. There is no express pass for the ride inside, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It’s best to take advantage of early admission, though the ride didn’t have as long of a line this year as last, due to the newness of Diagon Alley, with even during the middle of the day on a holiday weekend, we only saw the wait time go up to 20 minutes.

harry potter and the forbidden journey ride

As you walk through the castle, you’ll see the talking portraits, Dumbledore’s office, Gryffindor tower, a classroom, and the ride starts in the Room of Requirement. A Harry Potter fan will love seeing all the detail that was put into all of it, like seeing the pensieve and the plants from Herbology.

There’s a 48″ requirement to ride this ride and it can be a bit intense for younger or more sensitive riders, since there’s a dragon, giant spider, dementors, and the whomping willow.

Once you are out the back of the castle, you’ll see the Flight of the Hippogriff, which is a coaster that kids 40″ and taller can ride. We went on this early in the morning and the kids went on 6 times in a row with no wait. You’ll see the flying car, Buckbeak, and Hagrid’s hut if you’re watching for them! easter eggs in the wizarding world of harry potter

The other ride is the Dragon Challenge coaster, which is actually two separate roller coasters, with two totally different experiences. You’ll want to try them both(though do it BEFORE you have a Butterbeer). You must be at least 54″ tall to ride. Express Passes can be used on this ride and there is child swap available if some members of your party are not tall enough to ride.

There’s lots of shopping to be done in stores whose names you’ll recognize from the books, like Dervish and Banges. You can also get a wand in Hogsmeade, too, if you haven’t yet picked up your interactive wand, since there are spells to be cast here, too. I was sure to pick up some Ravenclaw gear, though the Gryffindor who sold them to me tried to convince me his house was the best.

You can eat in Three Broomsticks(see the gigantic family platter we got last year) or pick up some treats in Honeydukes, where again you’ll recognize the names of treats from the books and movies.

harry potter candy

Even if you only have a very basic idea of what Harry Potter is all about, you can still sense that there is something completely magical about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Orlando. But if you are a true fan, you’ll appreciate all the attention to detail in everything you see.

Let me know if you have any questions about either park! For more info about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Studios:

Thanks to Universal Orlando and all the sponsors of the Family Forward Retreat put on by Mom It Forward, my family was able to attend this event at a discounted rate. However, all opinions and magical fun are my own and I was not required to share any info about our trip.

Have you been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Comments

  3. i really really really want to go to universal to see all of the harry potter stuff. of course the interactive wand is a must, it’s harry potter!

    i might even bring the kids. LOL

    • A wand really is a must! It’s so fun to be able to try out the spells- a must do for a Harry Potter fan!

    • It is so much fun! It is easier if the kids are older, though we went last year when our youngest was 5 and he loved it. He did like being tall enough to ride the castle ride this year, though!

  8. I remember reading Harry Potter when the first book came out (still have that 1st edition) and I have watched it turn into this giant trend over the years. Really cool to watch. I don’t have this strong desire to go to Disneyworld but going to Universal Studio to the Harry Potter portion would be a lot of fun.

    • I read from the beginning, too. It’s amazing how much it has grown! The park is a must-see for a Harry Potter fan!

  9. Oh my gosh. Believe it or not, I am JUST NOW getting around to reading the first Harry Potter book – the kids and I read a chapter each night before bedtime. I’ve told them we can watch the movie, but only after we’ve read the book. It has become my favorite part of the day!

    Thanks for the comprehensive guide, Shell – I think this is definitely a stop we’ll have to make with the boys pretty soon. 🙂

    • They will absolutely love it! It’s so magical, truly.

      And of course, Universal also has Transformers and Super Hero Island with tons of superhero rides/characters.

  10. *Ducks down*

    I don’t like Harry Potter. I’ve tried. I promise! I just can’t. But these pictures still look awesome. I’d still have fun there.

    • Okay, we can still be friends. 😉

      Not everyone we were with was a huge Harry Potter fan. My husband knows some about it, but he’s never read the books and has only seen pieces of the movies. But it’s still fun anyway- you just don’t get all the inside references.

  11. We’re just starting to introduce our seven year old son to Harry Potter via the books and movies. He doesn’t know about the park at Universal – or else he’d be begging us right now to take him!

    • My oldest had been asking since the park first opened. And as a fan, I wanted to go immediately, too! But it took us until last year to go and then again this year to see the new part- it’s amazing!

  12. Despite their grandma trying desperately to get them interested in Harry Potter, they haven’t yet. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time. Maybe we should plan a trip to Universal Studios and then they’ll be inspired to read it!

    • It’s even cooler if you have some background on it! But still enjoyable if you only know the basics. Definitely an inspiration for kids who haven’t read the books.

    • If he’s a fan, then it’s a must-go! They did such a fabulous job with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

  15. Harry Potter is awesome! The books were amazing, the movies were spectacular, and the job Universal did with their attraction is phenomenal. Love it!

  16. Awesome defined! I am an absolute Harry Potter nut. I love it. I’ve read all the books a few times, seen all the movies several times, and now I need to go see the World of Harry Potter to complete my Harry Potterness.

    • It’s a Harry Potter lover’s dream! There’s also a ton to do in the park for those who aren’t fans. 😉

  19. True Story – My husband tried to talk me into going here for our 10 year anniversary so he could visit Harry Potter’s world. I vetoed only because of the long drive but I’m sure we’ll go soon. Without kids since ours are too young to know Harry Potter.

    • Oh, I would have loved that as an anniversary trip! Not sure if my husband would have gone for it, either! But as a family trip, he was on board and was even excited to go back.

  21. My son is obsessed with Harry Potter, he went to universal few years ago but now he keeps begging to go back now that the new area is built.

  24. Oh my word I can’t wait to get back to Universal! We’ve been twice but never crossed into Harry Potter land.. I’m not gona miss it this next time!

    • I could spend an entire trip just in the Harry Potter areas of the parks! There’s so much to see and do.

  28. What an amazing description of the Harry Potter events in Orlando! The pictures send a visual reminder that is actually looks real. I appreciate the hints about rides where the Express Pass isn’t valid.

  29. I don’t know much about Harry Potter but this place does look magical. I know my oldest would love to go one day, she loves Harry Potter, always has

  30. My daughter Ki is a huge Harry Potter fan, she read all of the books like wicked fast! I know she would enjoy going to a place like this, but it’s a wee bit too far. I think Florida is about a 24 hour drive, that’s straight through without stopping. Ki did write to the author of the books and has a response from her, which is totally cool!

    • That is a far drive! For us, it’s about 9 hours, which isn’t super fun, but it’s doable. How awesome about the letter!

  32. I REALLY need to visit this place! The fire breathing dragon on the bank looks amazing. Adding it to my bucket list for sure.

  33. The last time I went to Universal was before Harry Potter took over! 😉 It was my favorite park. We had season passes and went nearly every weekend.

  36. See, I haven’t read the books so as cool as I thought it was, I know you probably picked up on details I didn’t notice at all. It’s a pretty incredible place.

    • I definitely think even though who aren’t HP fans can enjoy it. But us HP dorks notice all the little details. 😉

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