The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is a must stop for any Harry Potter fans. As a major Potterhead myself, I (somewhat) patiently waited until my daughter was old enough to read her my beloved books. Before long, I got her as obsessed as I was with all things Harry Potter and it was only a matter of time before we found ourselves at Universal Orlando. I am sharing all the tips for spending a magical day at Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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Before You Go
Tickets and Passes
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is spread between Universal Studios where you can find London and Diagon Alley and Universal Islands of Adventures which house Hogsmeade. You will need a Park-to-Park ticket to visit both parks and hop on the Hogwarts Express (but more on that later). You can buy tickets on the Universal website or here at a slight discount.
Make sure to also download the Universal app to order food, get Virtual Line passes or check wait times. Talking about wait times, the Wizarding World is pretty popular at Universal and will always be crowded. If you can, purchase Express passes. Otherwise get there in the first hour of opening. Crowds also tend to disappear in the last hour before closing.
Before heading to the parks, find out which House you belong to by taking this quiz. You will want to proudly represent your House’s colors during your visit.
Covid-19 safety protocols
Warning: this blog post is for informational purpose. If you do decide to visit Universal, evaluate your risk of exposure and heed all the guidelines from federal and local health departments, especially as it pertains to quarantine. Furthermore, Universal Orlando Resort has specific safety protocols which I will highlight below.
We visited in December 2020 during peak season. Although the parks were very busy and reached capacity on a daily basis, I still felt safe thanks to the stringent safety measures adopted by Universal and the city of Orlando as a whole.
- masks must be worn at ALL times for guests ages 3+ and it is STRICTLY enforced (guests not abiding to this rule will be asked to leave)
- masks can be removed when actively drinking and eating (must be stationary and socially distanced)
- temperature checks every time you come into the parks
- clear floor markings everywhere
- increased cleaning and disinfection
- reduced capacity in the parks to allow social distancing
- constant reminders to social distance, wash hands and wear masks (signs, over the PA system, from Cast Members, etc.)
- all guests (of all ages) are required to use hand sanitizer before boarding a ride
- you will not be seated with other people outside your party on rides
Now with safety guidelines out of the way, let’s delve into the subject at hand.
London
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located in the back of both Universal parks. At Universal Studios, the entrance to Diagon Alley is… where else but in London. The magic starts here so do forget to check these out.
Dial the Ministry of Magic
Although the iconic red phone booth is a perfect photoshoot spot, don’t forget to actually get inside and dial 62442 (MAGIC) to hear a recording from the Ministry of Magic.
Spot Kreacher at Number 12 Grimmauld Place
Kreacher makes an apparition at one of the windows of 12 Grimmauld Place. So be sure to look up at the facade when passing by.
Meet-and-Greet with Stan Shunpike of the Knight Bus
You can’t miss the triple-decker purple Knight Bus parked by the London Waterfront. Stop by to chat with the conductor Stan Shunpike and the Shrunken Head. Your interaction is sure to be funny with the Head always putting together good puns. If you don’t know what to talk about, ask how to get to Diagon Alley or any sightseeing recommendations.
After your chat, hop on the back of the Bus for cool photo ops and to see the interior of the bus.
King’s Cross Station
A stunning replica of London’s King’s Cross station, guests will head to platform 9 3/4 to board the train to Hogsmeade. The queueing line will take you around the station and it’s fun to notice details from the movies. Once you round a certain corner, you can watch people disappear into a wall between platforms 9 and 10. The optical illusion is pretty impressive and only adds to the magic.
While there, ask Cast Members about platform 9 3/4 and the Hogwarts Express. They will stay in character and feign ignorance. It makes for a good conversation exchange.
Diagon Alley
Just like the books/movies, the entrance to Diagon Alley is through a brick wall. Once through the entry way, step into the magical world of Harry Potter!
Exchange money at Gringotts Money Exchange
Although totally optional but for a more magical experience, I suggest exchanging your Muggle money for Gringotts bank notes. They come in denominations of $10 and $20. You can use your Gringotts money anywhere within the Universal parks (note that you will get any change back in Muggle money)
While there, you can interact with the goblin. Ask him these questions if you are stumped on what to say:
- What’s your name?
- How old are you?
- What’s your favorite color?
- Are you a house-elf?
- Do you know Harry Potter?
- Has Gringotts had a break in?
Ollivander’s Experience
Highly interactive experience at this iconic shop. One wizard or witch will be chosen during the wand ceremony. He/she will be paired with a wand and will have the option to purchase it (or a different one) afterwards.
Cast spells with an interactive wand
Throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, there are interactive shop windows, fountains and statues to practice your spells. You will first need to purchase an interactive wand, then look for the bronze medallions on the ground that will show you which spells to cast and how to perform them. The wand also comes with a map telling you where all the spells are located. Additionally there are 2 secret spell locations in Diagon Alley.
Grab your Hogwarts uniform at Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions
You can shop for Hogwarts uniforms and other House accessories as well as Yule ball replica dresses here. Make sure to stand in front of the mirror to hear it talk back to you.
House robes are very pricey and will set you back $125. If you don’t want to pay that price, I found this robe on Amazon at a great price. The quality is great and my daughter got several compliments.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
This exhilarating mixture of indoor roller coaster and 3D ride is the only ride at Diagon Alley. The queue will take you through Gringotts bank then down to the vaults. From there, be prepared to get chased by Voldermort and Bellatrix.
Explore the shops
Part of the fun at Diagon Alley is to explore the different shops: stop at Quality Quidditch Supplies for brooms and other Quidditch apparel; You will find parchment, quills and other stationery at Scribbulus. Grab a pet (we love the owls!) at Magical Menagerie and last but not least, stop by Weasleys’ Wizards Wheezes for joke items.
Drink Butterbeer
If there is one thing you must absolutely do at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it is try Butterbeer! You can find Butterbeer in 4 forms (regular, hot, frozen, and as an ice-cream flavor) at several locations throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Grab a bite to eat at the Leaky Cauldron
Quick-service location offering traditional British food. After your meal, head to Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor for dessert (we love their soft serves!)
Don’t forget to head to Knockturn Alley
While shopping at Borgin and Burkes, you will find a boggart in a trunk near the cash register and the Vanishing Cabinet. If you get close to the Cabinet, you will hear birds chirping.
There are a few spells you can cast in Knockturn Alley. Read about them here.
Watch the dragon breathe fire
It occurs every 15 minutes and you will be warned by the low growl emanating from the dragon. It is real fire and you will feel warm if you are nearby (not to worry, you will not get incinerated). Really cool pyrotechnics that you cannot miss!
Hang Out at Carkitt Market
Grab a snack/drinks at the Hopping Pot and enjoy these 2 live shows at Carkitt Market: a vocal performance by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees (Mrs Weasley’s favorite band) and the Tales of Beedle and the Bard, a retelling of famous stories from wizarding fairytales.
Hop on the Hogwarts Express
Once you’re done visiting Diagon Alley, go back to London and make your way to King’s Cross Station to board the Hogwarts Express. The train will take you to Hogsmeade station at Universal Islands of Adventure. Once sitting in your compartment, enjoy the fully immersive views out of the windows and compartment doors. Be sure to travel in both directions as the storylines differ.
Hogsmeade
As you step out of the Hogsmeade station and make your way to the village of Hogsmeade, you will be greeted by rows of snow-capped roofs that will leave you in awe. Plenty to do here as well.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This thrilling 3D (or is it 4D?) ride is the signature attraction at Hogsmeade. It will simulate you riding on a broomstick and follow Harry and his friends while they show you around the castle and the grounds. You will encounter an array of magical creatures during your adventure. Note that younger kids might get spooked by the darker theme and close encounter with dementors.
Warning: visitors are often prone to motion sickness on this particular ride. Best to take some Dramamine beforehand if you feel the need to.
Tour Hogwarts Castle
The queueing line of the Forbidden Journey ride winds through Hogwarts Castle and is an attraction in itself. Soak up on all the amazing details!
- Locate the mandrakes as you make your way through the greenhouses
- Take your time in the dungeons so you can spot the hourglass cylinders displaying house points, the Potions classroom door, the One-Eyed Witch statue, the Mirror of Erised and the gargoyle at the entrance to Dumbledore’s Office
- Witness the portraits of Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw come to life in the portrait gallery
- Look for Dumbledore’s Pensieve in one of the cabinets in his office. You will also find the Sword of Gryffindor on one of the walls
- Spot Harry, Ron and Hermione in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom
- Spot the Fat Lady at the entrance of the Gryffindor common room
- Listen to the Sorting Hat dish out last minute advice before you get on the ride
Mandrakes 
Mirror of Erised 
Entry to Dumblodore’s office 
Portrait gallery 
Dumbledore’s Pensieve 
the Fat Lady 
House points
You can visit the Castle without getting on the ride. Just inform a Cast Member that you would like to do a walk through. You will still need to get in the same queue line as the Forbidden Journey but they will let you out towards the end.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
The newest attraction to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a thrilling roller coaster ride. Fly deep into the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Motorbike and keep your eyes open for magical creatures and objects (you might even spot a certain Ford Anglia). Riders must be at least 48″ tall. You will need to book a Virtual Line pass for this ride.
Flight of the Hippogriff
This gentle roller coaster is perfect for the little ones who can get spooked by the dark theme of the other rides. The Hippogriff ride swoops past Hagrid’s hut and around the pumpkin patch. Minimum height required is 36″.
Mail a letter at the Owl Post
The Owl Post is a cute shop selling a plethora of stationery, quills, seals, ink, special Wizarding World of Harry Potter stamps, and owl-related toys. You can even mail letters to the Muggle world complete with a special Hogsmeade postmark.
Hear Moaning Myrtle weep
Moaning Myrtle has moved out of the girls’ bathroom at Hogwarts. You can now find her at Hogsmeade in… where else but the restrooms.
Sit down for a meal at The Three Broomsticks
Just like the Leaky Cauldron, you will find standard British pub fare here. The food is surprisingly good and not terribly expensive (for a theme park). Don’t forget to grab Butterbeer or better yet, try Pumpkin Juice!
Honeydukes
Find all your favorite sweets from the books and the movies at this famous Wizarding candy shop. Shelves upon shelves of Chocolate Frogs, Cauldron Cakes, Candy Floss, Fizzing Whizzbees, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, Toffees, Pink Coconut Ice, Exploding Bonbons, Sugar Quills and more line up the walls of the shop. You will sure find something to like.
Stop by Dervish and Banges
Dervish and Banges sells everything from stationery to clothing. But the main attraction here is the caged Monster Book of Monsters. Don’t get too close or it might bite you!
Watch a show
The first show features the Hogwarts students’ choir accompanied by giant frogs. The second is the Triwizard Spirit Rally showcasing performances by the Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang students.
I hope you enjoyed reading all these tips about spending a magical day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Save this post for future travel to Universal Orlando (ideally in a post-pandemic world) Please let me know in the comment if you have a question or if you have another experience to share.
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