Top Things To Do At Diagon Alley
- Ride the Hogwarts Express# between Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade Station at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- Enter Gringotts bank for the ride of your life on the groundbreaking thrill ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Cast spells around Diagon Alley with an Interactive Wand from Ollivanders wand shop
- Sample unique and wonderful ice-cream flavours at Florean Fortescues Ice-Cream Parlour
- Visit Weasleys Wizard Wheezes and pick up some magical jokes and tricks of your own!
- Take home a magical creature from the Magical Menagerie
Take A Trip To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Experience J.K. Rowlings remarkable world in real life.
For two decades, the wizarding world of Harry Potter has captured the imaginations of young adults and adults alike. And if you thought the books and movies were magical, you should see the Universal Studios theme parks.
Back in the late nineties when Harry Potter made its debut, it quickly began to take the world by storm of course, all I knew was that it was popular in the halls of my middle school, which at the time, basically was the world to me. For years, the series of novels were a staple of book bags everywhere as kids anticipated each new revelation in the story of the courageous young wizard with a funny forehead scar, his friends and You-Know-Who, the evil Lord Voldemort.
I remember reading the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, and being transported to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on the Hogwarts Express. In my head, the magical world of Harry Potter unfurled itself a place accessed through invisible train platforms, with spells and wands and chocolate frogs. It was the first book that I can remember feeling totally absorbed in, in a cant-put-it-down, lose-track-of-time type of way.
I recently got to see it for myself. I was on the Hogwarts Express, I flew with Harry Potter on the Quidditch field and I drank Butterbeer like nobodys business . Fiction became reality.
Get There Super Early
Youre on vacation. You dont want to set an alarm. Thats understandable. But if you want a couple of rides on Escape From Gringotts, beat the crowds and arrive early to enjoy shorter lines during the park’s morning hours.
If seeing the sunrise isnt your jam, theres always the Express Pass, which allows you to jump to the front of lines that would otherwise require an hour-plus wait on weekdays. While it undoubtedly improves the experience, the Express Pass does make for an even more expensive trip , so know that you can still get through both parks in a single day without it.
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Are There Any Blockout Dates For Early Park Admission
Early Park Admission is always at the discretion of Universal and is subject to change, so be sure to check with the company for any updates on which park are eligible for early entry during your vacation. But with that said, yes, Preferred annual passholders do have seasonal blackout dates when it comes to EPA, as outlined by Universal.
Ride The Hogwarts Express In Both Directions
As long as were on the topic: ride the Hogwarts Express in both directions. This magical train is more than just transportation between parks: Youll pass through a pillar to enter Platform 9¾ and the sights you’ll see are different in both directions, making it well worth riding twice, even if you dont have to.
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The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Ride
The Hogwarts Express: Visitors can ride Hogwarts Express as a method of transportation between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. It takes you from one park to the other, plus it recreates the train in such great and amazing detail. You do need a Park to park ticket.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: This ride takes you on a magical ride through Hogwarts as you fly through a Quiddich match, are chased by a dragon, and more.
Flight of the Hippogriff: A lower intensity roller coaster that is ideal for younger children. This is a thrilling ride for young magicians that will take you pretty high off the ground.
Harry Potter and Escape from Gringotts: Undoubtedly the jewel of Diagon Alley. The big fire-breathing dragon that sits atop of the Gringotts bank is a hard-to-miss landmark. Approximately every 15 minutes the Gringotts dragon roars and blows a fireball. Once inside, you see all of the goblins that work hard to keep the ledgers and balance accounts. This is an amazing experience you dont want to miss!
Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: It is definitely worth the wait. Experience high-speed action while riding. This is truly a unique experience. You fly, fall, see beasts, and even do a little magic.
Can You Just Go To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split across two parks at the Universal Studios Resort Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, and while you can just visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, youll still need a ticket for the entire Universal Studios park that you choose to visit.
If youve only a ticket for Universal Studios, then youll only be able to access the Diagon Alley half of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Meanwhile, if youve only a ticket to Islands of Adventure, then youll only be able to access the Hogsmede half.
Therefore, most Harry Potter fans find themselves purchasing a ticket to both parks, either as a single ticket to each or as a park-to-park ticket which provides you with the ability to ride the Hogwarts Express between parks.
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If I Use Early Park Admission Do I Still Have To Get To The Park Early
Yes, we cant stress this enough! In the case of Diagon Alley, and with the intention of riding Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, we recommend that you get to the turnstiles at least 30 minutes before Early Park Admission starts. Universal occasionally begins to let guests into the park a little before the official opening time, and you dont want to be at the back of the pack, especially if youre trying to hit a headliner first thing.
Planning A Trip To Universal Studios Harry Potter 2022
So now that you know what tickets to buy for Harry Potter World, lets plan your perfect Universal Studios Harry Potter Itinerary! Not everyones Harry Potter Itinerary will be the same though. Some might prefer to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day and others might have a full weekend. We are going to start with the basics tips for visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and then break down the best way to visit Harry Potter World based on your trip length.
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Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts
Once youve entered Diagon Alley, walk straight to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts indoor steel roller coaster ride. You cant miss it its the building with the fire-breathing dragon perched on the roof.
Tip: Find any wizard or witch working in Diagon Alley and ask when the dragon will breathe fire next. The schedule is sporadic so asking is your best bet. Also, when you hear a low growl, thats your signal that this Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon is about to spew some fire.
There are free and paid lockers to the right of the line so you can stash your belongings before the ride.
Children must be 42 inches to ride be sure your party meets that requirement so you don’t get to the head of the line only to be turned away. There is also a “child swap” room where parents can take turns alternating riding or waiting with kiddos not tall enough to ride.
There is also a test seat in front of the building where you can confirm whether or not the seating configuration will work for your body style.
Wait times can get long for this ride, but it does have an Express Pass line throughout most of the day. Theres also a lot to look at while in line since youll snake through the Gringotts bank lobby and see a multitude of goblins at work. The four chandeliers that hang inside the banks lobby are made up of 62,000 individual crystals.
There is a photo opportunity in the line as you pass through Gringotts security. You can purchase the photo after the ride if youd like .
Things To Do At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Rides the Hogwarts Express between parks: this rides at The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is a fun ride and it saves you the trouble of walking from park to park.
Enjoy the rides: The golden goblin statue in Diagon Alley marks the entrance that will take you to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The interior of Gringotts and Forbbin Journey are some of the most immersive scenery youve have ever seen.
Use a Wand: You can buy standard wands that are wands certain characters use through the movie series. You can also buy interactive magic wands in also from various gift shops of the theme Park. If you head to Olivanders wand shop, you can experience the magic just like Harry Potter did in the movie when selecting a wand. Purchasing the wand selected for you is not necessary.
Go to the gift shop: Youll find a variety of fantastic books and magical items in the gift shops. You can find many souvenirs from the movie series. The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade stores are almost as fun as the rides. Get acquainted with practical jokes in Weasleys Wheezes and get ready for the dark arts in Borgin and Burkes, which is in the darkness of Knockturn Alley.
Butterbeer: Butterbeer, is a sweet and irresistible drink that is delicious to all magicians. Available in frozen, cold, or hot, even as ice cream or fudge, butterbeer sure quenches the thirsty palate. You can even get a souvenir cup for your drink.
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Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station
When youre ready to leave this part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, walk through the arch toward Hogsmeade Station and get in line for the Hogwarts Express.
The train will take you back to London at Universal Studios. The experience is a bit different in each direction, so be sure to hop on even if you rode the train from London to Hogsmeade earlier in the day.
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Quick Overview Of The Universal Orlando Theme Parks
Universal Studios Florida has rides and shows based on various movie and TV properties, including Harry Potter , Transformers, Minions, The Simpsons, and Jurassic Park, among many others that transport visitors into a highly imaginative world where they can become heroes of their adventure.
Universals Islands of Adventure is considered to have the most innovative rides and attractions ever made on seven spectacularly themed islands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Seuss Landing and Port of Entry.
Volcano Bay is the Universal Orlando water park which features rides and experiences ranging from thrilling to serene.
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Accio Tips And Tricks
More than a decade into its existence, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has become a must-visit attraction at Universal Studios Orlando. For the Potter devout, its Mecca. For people who honestly don’t give a damn, the park’s enormous castle and winding streets are still magical. And whether you grew up alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione or can barely pronounce petrificus totalus, it’s guaranteed to be a wildly immersive experience.
As any muggle might expect after being cast into the world of wizards, theres a lot to take in, and your first trip can be more overwhelming than discovering your pet rat is actually an old man. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks that’ll help you discover the best of the Wizarding World. Here’s what to know.
Start Here When Buying Harry Potter World Tickets
We know that planning a trip to Universal Orlando can be overwhelming so we recommend to start with these questions to make sure you are getting the right fit ticket for your next trip.
- Which Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands should I visit?
- Should I visit both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in the same day?
- Should I plan to visit Universals Volcano Bay?
- Is it best to buy Harry Potter World Tickets online or at the park?
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Are Rides Free In Universal Studios
All rides at Universal Studios in Orlando are free as long as you have an entry ticket to the park.
As a result, after the initial ticket purchase, you wont have to spend any additional money to go on the rides and attractions within the park.
The only exception to this is if you need to purchase an extra park ticket , an additional day at the park or upgrade to a park-to-park ticket to travel between the two parks on a single day using the Hogwarts Express.
This includes food and drink, accommodation, parking, souvenirs, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Flight Of The Hippogriff
Ready to take flight on a wondrous creature? Well on Flight of the Hippogriff you are able to do just that. Brace yourself for the experience of your life as it is a rare quest to be able to take to the skies on the back of a Hippogriff. The hippogriff has the body of a horse with the head of an eagle and is one of the wizarding worlds most mysterious creatures that youll be able to come face to face with. A family friendly coaster, this wicker designed ride provides fun for all ages and will be an experience you wont soon forget. Have no fear as you bow for the Hippogriff for it will surely allow you to mount its back as Hagrid instructs you the whole way through. Youll soar straight through the school pumpkin patch and past Hagrids Hut into the skies on this adventure where nothing stands in your way. So prepare to have a good time on this once in a lifetime journey as long as you flow with the swoops and turns of the hippogriff as you let him lead the way to a good time. So go ahead, take flight upon the hippogriff, just be sure to bow first.
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Where To Buy Universal Tickets
You can purchase your tickets directly from Universal. Alternatively, you can buy from well-respected third-party vendors like Undercover Tourist. This can be an especially good idea right after a ticket price hike. Often, Undercover Tourist will have some tickets left over at the lower price for a few days or weeks after a ticket price increase.
Additionally, ticket purchases from Undercover Tourist typically code as travel for the purposes of earning or redeeming credit card points. Bookmark that site and comparison shop whenever you are buying tickets for Universal or other theme parks like Walt Disney World.
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Where Is Harry Potter World Located
First lets start out with the basics and that is where exactly is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter located? And guests might be surprised to learn that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located between two parks being Diagon Alley which is located in Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade Village is located in Islands of Adventure.
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Diagon Alley At Universal Studios Florida
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the most popular attraction at both Universals Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. It takes guests on a journey to the amazing world of Harry Potter and features some of the most epic facets of the storied series. Guests will see Hogwarts off in the distance which is a major part of the parks appeal. It is the home of one of the greatest rides in the park, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also home to the rides Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. These rides are a great way to get the blood flowing and are perfect for the thrill seekers in the family. Universal did not skimp on the details when they created this magical place. They jumped right into the movies and stories and harnessed the magic which made them so popular in our culture. There is so much to do, see, and interact with in Harry Potters magical world. One would have to come and see it to believe it. Rides are not the only appealing part of this great themed area either
Explore The Shops Of Diagon Alley
Once youve tried casting spells in Knockturn Alley, go back out into the bright Orlando sun to finish exploring Diagon Alley.
Visit all the shops, and be on the lookout for a few “magic moments.” Among them is a snake speaking Parseltongue in the window of the Magical Menagerie and a talking mirror in Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions. Be forewarned, she isn’t always complimentary of your wardrobe choices.
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And maybe get an ice cream at Florean Fortescues Ice-Cream Parlour, or a Butterbeer at The Fountain of Fair Fortune or The Hopping Pot.
One word of caution: Harry Potter souvenirs are pretty expensive. You may want to set a budget with your kids before exploring the shops or explain to them why you wont be purchasing certain items. Robes with the emblem of your house stitched on them will set you back $125. A Gryffindor Quidditch robe replica is $150, while Hermione Grangers Yule Ball Gown in youth sizes is $99.95. Yowza. No wonder many parents bring robes from home.
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