The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is an incredible experience for all, but holds a special place in the hearts of Harry Potter fans of all ages.
The amount of detail and immersive surroundings will have you feeling like you stepped into another world and there can be so much to take in, so where to begin? Of course attractions, shopping and snacks abound, but what are those things that will truly make you feel like you are in the Wizarding World? We've picked our top must-do activities.
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| Entrance to Hogwarts/Forbidden Journey |
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| View from the Jurassic Park area |
Dine at The Three Broomsticks, Leaky Cauldron, Café L'air de la Siren, & Le Gobelet Noir
All 4 are quick service locations serving up delicious food in immersive Wizarding World environments. You can round out your meal with several specialty beverage (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well. Because these locations are often very busy, dining is really the best way to see the details inside. Honorable mention: next door to the Three Broomsticks is the Hogs Head, with a specialty beer you can only purchase there and is entirely worth a stop for the adults in your travel party!
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| Café L'air de la Sirène |
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| Leaky Cauldron |
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| Hogs Head |
Explore Hogwarts Castle
At the back of Hogsmeade Village is the stunning Hogwarts Castle, home to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, but the castle is an attraction all in itself. Be sure to take in all of the details that were put into the queue. You will truly feel like you are about to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There are many delights around every corner, which house is in the lead for House Cup? Did you find the Sorting Hat? If this ride seems like it may be a bit too intense for you, you can also walk through the queue to take in all the details... just ask a team member at the entrance to the attraction.
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| Golden hour at Hogwarts |
Watch the wand pick the wizard at Ollivander's or Cosme Acajor (and get your own wand after!)
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| Ollivander's in Hogsmeade Village |
Ollivander's exists both in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, but we recommend trying for the Diagon Alley experience for the shorter waits. Once inside, you will witness (or if you're really lucky, get to experience for yourself!) the magic of wands and how each one uniquely picks the wizard. After the show, you will end up in Ollivander's store where there are exclusive wands only available for purchase in those locations. Talk to any team member there for help identifying which wand will fit you best.
There is a wand shop called Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique in the Ministry of Magic area of Epic Universe's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It is located in Place Cachée. This shop specializes in interactive wands, including a new line of wands exclusive to the store. These wands are designed to interact with spell-casting locations throughout the Wizarding World!
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If you purchase an interactive wand, it can lead to many magical experiences throughout both parks which is an extra treat! If you do not purchase one, cast members will often use theirs to show you what happens!
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| Walls and walls of wands at Ollivander's |
Ride the Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express is how Harry Potter and his friends get to school each year and is a pinnacle part of the Wizarding World experience. You do need a Park-to-Park ticket to experience it, as it will physically take you from Kings Cross Station (Universal Studios) to Hogsmeade Station (Islands of Adventure) just like it did for the students in the movies (or books!) Be sure to ride this attraction in both directions, as you will have a different experience both ways.
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| This train is for photo ops |
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The Hogwarts Express ride pulling into the station |
Have a Butterbeer!
Having a Butterbeer seems to be the ultimate Harry Potter fan experience. There are multiple ways to experience this wonderful delight reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread. The classic is a cold Butterbeer but it also comes in frozen and hot (in winter only) beverages. It can also be found in the form of several desserts such as ice cream, fudge, and potted creme.
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| A classic cold butterbeer |
Photo Session at Shutterbuttons Studio
Tucked away in Diagon Alley is Shutterbuttons Studio where you can have your own magical photos taken as a great souvenir. This experience does cost extra but the photos you will have at the end are incredible! They will help you bring out your inner witch and wizard.
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| The sign for Shutterbuttons |
Experience the Attractions
Aside from the Hogwarts Express, the following attractions are must-dos! Let's be honest- it's why we go to Universal right?
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| Cirque Arcanus |
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| Diagon Alley - Escape From Gringotts |
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| Battle at the Ministry |
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| Battle at the Ministry |
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| Flight of the Hippogriff |
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| Hagrids |
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts - located in Universal Studios
- Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure - located in Islands of Adventure
- Flight of the Hippogriff- IOA
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - IOA
- Le Cirque Arcanus (show about Fantastic Beasts)- located in Epic Universe
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry - located in Epic Universe
- Various Live Shows such as Triwizard Spirit Rally, Frog Choir, and Celestina Warbuck to name a few
Get a Sweet Treat
Florean Fortescues Ice Cream has amazingly unique flavors over in Diagon Alley. K. Ramelle's Bakery has delicious macarons, and treats in the Ministry of Magic, and Honeydukes Sweet Shop has chocolate covered wands, many flavors of fudge, and much more over in Hogsmeade Village. They all carry classic Wizarding favorites such as chocolate frogs and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans.
Universal Orlando Resort is an incredible experience for all of you Harry Potter fans out there! Check out our other tips and reviews for Universal Orlando Resort.
Planning a visit to Universal can be a bit overwhelming, but have no fear, we are here to help! Your Kingdom Konsultant agent is well-versed in Universal Orlando and will be happy to assist you in booking a Universal trip. Submit a Quote Form for a fast, free, no obligation price quote for your trip!
Mischief Managed!👣
Maci is an avid foodie and loves trying out new restaurants and seasonal food offerings in the parks. You can Email her at maci@kingdomkonsultant.com.
Summer loves all things HP and you can find her in the Wizarding World sipping Butterbeer.
Email her at summer@kingdomkonsultant.com.
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