Hogsmeade Vs Diagon Alley: Based On The Food
To honest, the food doesnt make much of a difference from one Wizarding World to the next. In the Universal Hogsmeade vs Diagon Alley debate, dining wont be much of a factor.
At Universal Studios,you have the Leaky Cauldron the small pub and inn where Harry spent several weeks one summer. They offer traditional British fare plus kids meals .
Over at Islands of Adventures, you can dine at the charmingly decorated Three Broomsticks. The food offerings here are pretty similar, a little less British and with the addition of a couple of more American items .
The Verdict: Its a toss-up. Dont decide which Harry Potter park is better at Universal Studios based on the Harry Potter food!
Here’s When Potter Fans Should Visit Universal Orlando’s Most Magical Attractions
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For those whove always wanted to walk the halls of Hogwarts or explore the shops of Diagon Alley , Universal Orlando offers the next best thing. The theme park opened every Harry Potter fans dream destination back in 2010.
For Potterheads everywhere, however, deciding when to make the trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and how to pay for it is no small feat. Because the themed lands of Harry Potter are found within Universals existing parks , admission to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley comes with a regular park ticket, and is therefore subject to Universals fluctuating ticket prices and crowd levels.
The Rides At Hogsmeade Overview:
If youre going to determine which Harry Potter world is best solely on rides, well have to give it to Islands of Adventure! For starters, there are three rides, compared to Universal Studios having just one. And of the three, two are actual roller coaster type rides. For this reason we also recommend starting your day here for anyone looking to buy discount Harry Potter world tickets.
The most exciting of the three is Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Visually, it isnt nearly as stunning as Escape from Gringotts. But once the ride starts, whoa! On Hagrids motorbike or in its sidecar, youll twist, turn, drop, and roll onto your side. The 1-mile track makes it the longest coaster in Florida. If youre an adrenaline junkie, this ride alone could decide the question of which is the best Harry Potter theme park for you.
Next up is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, another mostly 3-D ride. This time, Harry, Ron, and Hermione save you from a boring lecture about the Defense of the Dark Arts and take you on an adventure through Hogwarts. The ride is fun, but the really exciting part is entering Hogwarts. Its a dream come true for any Potter fan, and for many people this alone settles the question of which Harry Potter world is the best.
For younger riders, or those who prefer a milder ride, the Flight of the Hippogriff is ideal. Its a bit of a kiddie coaster, but it does go high enough to give you great views of the Hogwarts castle.
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Warner Bros New Harry Potter Exhibit Is A Must
Youre a traveling museum exhibition, Harry.
Putting together an expansive museum exhibition in the midst of a global health crisis takes a lot of planning, hours full of hard work, and perhaps just the tiniest swig of Felix Felicis . If you can actually pull it off, one might swear you were gifted with magical abilities. At least thats how Philadelphias Franklin Institute must feel as the nearly 200-year-old gallery prepares for the grand opening of a brand-new Harry Potter experience this weekend.
COVID-19, supply chain issues, transportation issues these are huge issues, Franklin Institute President and CEO Larry Dubinski told SYFY WIRE during a special media preview this week. And candidly, this team did an amazing job in overcoming all those issues to have this product ready to open this weekend, and at the quality theyve been able to do it .
After two years of social distancing and staying at home, Dubinski is excited for a museum renaissance.
People are ready to get out, he added. People love being able to come to experiences like this, at an institution like ours, where you can have fun, you can be curious, you can learn. Education and entertainment come together and I think people have missed this over the last two years What a better way as we come out of this pandemic for families to come together, when school groups start visiting again?
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
For the most up-to-date information on Universal Orlando Resort safety guidelines, please visit: New Safety Guidelines. Same Fun.
So, you never got that letter from Hogwarts? Youre not alone. If youve ever fantasized of ditching your Muggle status and joining the ranks of wizards and witches and surrounding yourself with all things Harry Potter in the process prepare to have your dreams come true at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort!
Save on discount tickets: Universal Orlando Resort
Too wildly imaginative and expansive to be contained by any one theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Universals Islands of Adventure, with the Hogwarts Express connecting the two. Before you know it, youll be casting spells, quaffing Butterbeer, going to a Quidditch match and even facing off against Lord Voldemort himself.
In short, its the fantasy adventure of a lifetime and its waiting for you exclusively at Universal Orlando!
Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified. Learn more about healthy travel, and check with your favorite Universal Orlando Resort theme parks and other venues for their current status.
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Eat At The Three Broomsticks Or The Leaky Cauldron
Lines for butterbeer can be nearly as long as the rides. If youre going to eat in the park, know that you can get a butterbeer with your meal at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade or the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. The level of detail inside these locations is also wonderful and makes up for how much the fish and chips costs.
Also, you might expect the actual beer to be crap. Thats reasonable. But while the park wont disclose who brews their beer for them, they’re exclusive and actually pretty good. Trust us: you wont be disappointed you skipped the Stella and went for the Dragon Scale Red Ale.
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In One Day
If youre wondering how you can squeeze the Wizarding World in during your Walt Disney World vacation, are only able to afford one days worth of tickets, or just really dont feel like spending a ton of time in a theme park, never fear. Its actually not that difficult to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day. Heres how we recommend you do it!
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Phase : Islands Of Adventure
Construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter began seven months after the official announcement, in January 2008. By July, the Flying Unicorn and Enchanted Oak Tavern were closed. The Flying Unicorn then began an almost two-year refurbishment which transformed it into the Flight of the Hippogriff. The Enchanted Oak Tavern was later demolished. A bridge was built to connect The Lost Continent with Jurassic Park allowing guests to avoid the construction zone that was to become the Wizarding World. Construction progressed with the Hogwarts Castle slowly taking shape. By September 2008, the Dueling Dragons entrance was moved to Jurassic Park to make room for construction of Hogsmeade. One month later, the old entrance was demolished. By September 2009, the top shell of Hogwarts Castle was completed. On September 15, an announcement was made detailing what was going to be included in the Wizarding World. In early 2010, Universal increased its marketing of the area, which included newspaper advertisements, billboards and television commercials. The Dueling Dragons were closed for some maintenance before being transformed into the Dragon Challenge. Construction was completed by June 1, 2010, when the area began soft openings.
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The Shops At Universal Studios
- Weasleys Wizard Wheezes: Puking Pastilles and other prank items devised by the Weasley twins
- Gringotts Exchange: trade U.S. currency for Gringotts bank notes, which can be used in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade
- Borgin & Burkes: Death Eater masks and movie replicas
- Globus Mundi: passport holders, luggage tags, and other necessities for your magical travels
- Madame Malkins Robes for All Occasions: clothing and jewelry
- Magical Menagerie: plush toys featuring magical creatures, including fan fave Buckbeak
- Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment: unique house merchandise
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Warner Bros’ New ‘harry Potter’ Exhibit Is A Must
You’re a traveling museum exhibition, Harry.
Putting together an expansive museum exhibition in the midst of a global health crisis takes a lot of planning, hours full of hard work, and perhaps just the tiniest swig of Felix Felicis . If you can actually pull it off, one might swear you were gifted with magical abilities. At least that’s how Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute must feel as the nearly 200-year-old gallery prepares for the grand opening of a brand-new Harry Potter experience this weekend.
“COVID-19, supply chain issues, transportation issues these are huge issues,” Franklin Institute President and CEO Larry Dubinski told SYFY WIRE during a special media preview this week. “And candidly, this team did an amazing job in overcoming all those issues to have this product ready to open this weekend, and at the quality theyve been able to do it .”
After two years of social distancing and staying at home, Dubinski is excited for a museum renaissance.
“People are ready to get out,” he added. “People love being able to come to experiences like this, at an institution like ours, where you can have fun, you can be curious, you can learn. Education and entertainment come together and I think people have missed this over the last two years … What a better way as we come out of this pandemic for families to come together, when school groups start visiting again?”
A New Harry Potter Exhibit May Come To A City Near You In 2022
We cant seem to get enough of all things Harry Potter, whether its collecting wands or drinking LOTS of Butterbeer.
Even though you can step inside the world of Harry Potter for yourself in Universal parks, now you can go behind-the-scenes of the films with a new exhibition coming soon!
London may be home to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter, but fans everywhere will be able to experience the magic of Harry Potter: The Exhibition in 2022! According to Attraction Magazine, Imagine Exhibitions has teamed up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to debut a Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts experience that will tour around the world.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition will celebrate the iconic moments, films, and stories from the Harry Potter franchise by giving fans a look behind-the-scenes through the new immersive experience. The exhibition will be between 10,000 square feet and 20,000 square feet with the announcement of its initial venue coming soon.
Guests will be able to view authentic props and original costumes as they interaction with environments and installations straight from the Wizarding World. Theyll even be able to explore spots like the Hogwarts Castle or the Ministry of Magic, see their favorite characters or creatures from the films, and even explore the filmmaking magic that helped bring them to life.
Have you been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter recently? Let us know in the comments below!
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando
If youre not sure when to plan your next Universal vacation, Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.
Guests can also beat the crowds with our Universal Orlando tickets! All guests who purchase their tickets from The Park Prodigy will get Early Park Admissionto Universal Orlando! This could save you a ton of time in the parks and avoid buying express passes!
A Celebration Of Harry Potter
For a weekend every January, Universal hosts A Celebration of Harry Potter. Its the ultimate fan experience in the parks. Guests will join other diehard Potter fans for three days of panels, demonstrations, exhibits, and cast Q& A sessions in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
In 2018, Harry Potter film cast members like James and Oliver Phelps Stanislav Yanevski , and Bonnie Wright will join fans in all the Potter mania. For anyone who really loves the books and the films, this may be one of the best times of the year to visit.
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Get The Park To Park Pass At Universal Studios
This is really non negotiable. The only way to see all of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day is to have the park to park pass. If you dont, youre going to miss one of the parks, its that simple. You will need a park to park ticket to ride the train between Hogsmeade Station and Kings Cross Station.
Rumors And Official Announcement
In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a “highly credible source” that the Lost Continent area within Universal’s Islands of Adventure park was to be re-themed “to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children’s franchises”. Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation the new area would involve Harry Potter, and was being developed under the name “Project Strong Arm” in reference to the KUKA robotic arm technology it would utilise.Nikki Finke reported her own confirmation of the Potter park plans in April, followed shortly by a story in The Scotsman both reports were widely relayed by other media sources. On May 31, 2007, Universal officially announced the 20-acre addition recreating Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade, with a planned opening in 2009.
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Dont Look At Your Phone Ever
Are those flying broomsticks near the ceiling in Hogsmeade shops? Is Crookshanks sleeping on a shelf in the Magical Menagerie? Is that Nagini in the window? Is the music referencing very specific movie moments based on where youre standing? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.
Seriously, dont look down. Theres something worth seeing wherever you are: silhouettes of characters having conversations in the windows, moving portraits, newspapers with moving pictures. If you spent too much time staring at your phone and taking pictures, you just might miss something amazing.
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley At Universal Studios Florida
Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley as you walk the familiar streets of London, passing buskers, red telephone booths and Kings Cross Station. You will know youre close to Diagon Alley once you see the Knight Bus. Just pass through the brick archway and catch your first glimpse of this hidden magical marketplace.
Once inside, grab a cup of Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice from iconic establishments like Leaky Cauldron, the Hopping Pot and other themed dining options, or even from a passing street vendor. Several Diagon Alley venues also have wizard-friendly eats.
Of course, its not the wizarding world without adventure, and youll find plenty of it at Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Keep a watchful eye on the roof of Gringotts Money Exchange while youre there, though the 60-foot Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon is known to breathe fire!
Next, its time to gear up on everything youll need to make your time at Hogwarts a success. Find the perfect wand at Ollivanders, get sized for your school uniform at Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions, prepare for the big game at Quality Quidditch Supplies, or just stock up on side-splitting gags at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, among other shopping opportunities. And if you have the nerve to brave Knockturn Alley, Borgin and Burkes is your source for Death Eater masks and other merchandise coveted by members of House Slytherin.
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Where To Go At Universal: Diagon Alley Or Hogsmeade
In an ideal world, youd be going to both parks and your only worry whether to visit Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley first. But, since thats not always possible, well help you out with our recommendation. We pick Hogsmeade / Islands of Adventure.
Why did we pick Hogsmeade?
- The rides are so much better theres really no comparison there. Hagrids Motorbike Adventure alone makes this an easy choice.
- Who could turn down the chance to actually walk into Hogwarts Castle? The fact that theres a really great ride inside just makes it even more fun.
We hope our Harry Potter World comparison helps you decide which Harry Potter theme park is best. They are both excellent parks and you will have fun wherever you go, but in our opinion, Hogsmeade is the clear winner!