Can You Do Islands Of Adventure In One Day
Yes you can!
Do keep in mind that this journey will be challenging, but if you stick to the Islands of Adventure 1-day itinerary, then youre bound to see it all.
keep in mind that ALL is very subjective.
This list has some of the top hitting attractions on it, but you can eliminate or add any item you feel fits your type of day.
The key to accomplishing this one-day venture is to arrive at Islands of Adventure early and reviewing the map below.
If you have a special early entry option, then take advantage.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Tickets
How many tickets do you need to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Well, if you want to see it all then you will need 2 tickets. One ticket for Universal Studios Florida, and one ticket for Universals Islands of Adventure. And of course, there are pros and cons to which tickets you get when. Of course, if youre visiting multiple days, and dont need to ride the train, then you can purchase individual tickets, one for each park, each day. But, if you hope to do the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in One Day then you will need the Park to Park Ticket to cover access to both parks and use of the Hogwarts Express. Check out current Universal Orlando Resort Park Ticket Prices.
The Rides At Diagon Alley Overview:
The main Harry Potter rideat Universal Studios Florida is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. This ride is just beautifully imagined, down to every last detail. If the line is really long, youll be waiting outside for a while. But once you get inside, oh my! Its a breathtaking replica of Gringotts, the bank of the goblins. If youve ever wondered what is Harry Potter world like? this is it! Every breathtaking detail is perfectly rendered to make you feel like youve been transported into the magical world.
This ride isnt a roller coaster in the truest sense, however. Most of the time, you are watching 3-D screens that simulate the drops, twists, and turns. And it does take place in the dark, with some close encounters with bad guys, so there is a thrill factor.
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Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts
Height Requirement: 42 inches
The detail on this ride is incredible! There is an actual fire breathing dragon on the top of the bank. It is unreal!
As you enter the ride you will be entering Gringotts. The detail is phenomenal. The dwarfs are so realistic. The ride is fun but in my opinion it is not as fun as the two rides at Islands of Adventure The Forbidden Journey and Hagrids. It is still amazing!
Hotels Near The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
If youre traveling to the Universal Orlando Resort its important to be strategic about where you stay. For instance, if youre hoping to get access to Early Theme Park Admission for the parks, consider staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel. We loved Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, which was both within walking distance and has boat transportation available. Plus, the Walking Path from Universal Studios to Resort Hotels connects other local hotels as well and offers a budget-friendly way to avoid parking fees. But of course, there are plenty of places nearby to stay. If youre also doing Walt Disney World during this stay, you can easily stay at any Disney Resort and simply drive over on your Wizarding World day.
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Tips For Visiting Hogsmeade At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In Orlando
In the Harry Potter series, Hogsmeade Village is the charming snow-capped village near Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At Universal Orlando Resort, Hogsmeade is located inside the Islands of Adventure park theme park.
In addition to shops, dining, and rides, theres a small stage near Hogwarts Castle where you can watch the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally shows multiple times each day.
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Make A Splash In Toon Lagoon
Toon Lagoon is where you should ride Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Blutos Blige-Rat Barges.
The Toon Lagoon area focuses around the classic Comic Strip Lane characters.
This street is filled with restaurants and shops themed around classic cartoons such as Popeye, Beele Bailey, Krazy Kat and more!
Read: SMACKDOWN! Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure: Which is Better?
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Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Ride Time: 3 Minutes
Hagrids Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure is the newest addition to the Harry Potter area of Islands of Adventure. This ride is a roller coaster. It is fun and unlike any other roller coaster you will ever go on! The design and execution of this ride is one you do not want to miss.
Take In A ‘harry Potter’
While youre finishing breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, take a look at the Universal Orlando app and find out when the shows in Diagon Alley will take place.
During our trip, we saw two shows here, including “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” complete with puppets and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Theres seating around the stage if you arrive early enough, or theres always plenty of standing room.
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Which Park Has The Better Piece Of The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
This is a tough one. On the one hand, entering Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and seeing the Wizarding World open in front of you leading to the fire-breathing Gringotts dragon is an unmatchable experience.
The shops are better in Diagon Alley as is the wand-choosing experience. I think the Leaky Cauldron is preferable to the Three Broomsticks. The Hallows puppet show, Tales of Beedle the Bard, is significantly superior to anything in Hogsmeade. Diagon Alley has a lot going for it.
Hogsmeade located in the Islands of Adventure doesnt have quite the awe upon entrance. Thats partly because you cant see it all, whereas Diagon Alley is uphill and more easily viewed. Hogsmeade, however, does have more Harry Potter rides including Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Flight of the Hippogriff.
The Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts rides cancel each other out, but Hagrids ride is among the best in Orlando.
Hogsmeade does have the Hogwarts Castle, but the execution isnt as successful as say the Cinderellas Castle in Disney in terms of the forced perception. It looks like the Camelot model in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
The Hogsmeade train station is vastly superior to the Kings Cross station due to Hogsmeades clever theming and more open-air queue. The Hogwarts Express queue at Kings Cross is more soul-sucking than a Dementors kiss.
Hogsmeade Vs Diagon Alley For Early Park Admission
Did you know that everyone who purchases their discount Universal Orlando Ticketsfrom The Park Prodigy receives EARLY PARK ADMISSION to Harry Potter? Yep, thats right you will get into either Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley one hour before regular park guests. But which one is better to use for Early Park Admission?
When trying to decide between Diagon Alley Vs Hogsmeade for early park admission we are going to look at which park will help you save the most time later on in the day. Because thats the whole point of using the Harry Potter Early Park Admission ticketanyway!
Overall we would always lean towards Hogsmeade for early park admission. The main reason is Hogsmeade is home to two of the most popular rides at Universal: Hagrids Magical Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Taking advantage of that extra hour in the morning can save you up to three hours later on in the day!
Special Note: Be sure to check out our Universal Orlando ticketpage for all of the latest deals and promotions!
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Oh The Stories You’ll Hear
Youre invited to an adorable read-along at this wonderful show. Set on a small stage, it features big performances from some of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters: Sam from Green Eggs and Ham The Cat in the Hat along with Thing One and Thing Two The Grinch, and the Lorax. Watch them happily dance and be a part of a truly original story time, where Dr. Seuss beloved tales jump off the pages and onto the stage.
How Do I Get To Harry Potter At Universal Studios
Top Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips
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Can You Wear Harry Potter Robes To Universal
Another popular question we receive is, can you wear Harry Potter robes from home to Universal? And, yes you can bring your own Harry Potter robe from home to the theme parks. You will of course still have to follow the safety guidelines when it comes to wearing your Harry Potter robe on some of the rides at Universal!
The High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
There are twin tracks on this trolley ride, offering two different experiences. One track gives you all the Seuss Landing scoop, while the other track continues with the Sneetches storyline introduced in the queue. Either way, its loads of light-hearted fun! You may even get a chance to circle diners from above at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous.
Height restrictions: 36 inches . Children under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
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Hogsmeade Oi Fun Facts
In addition to the information offered on this page, we have so much more to share in the OI Insiders Guide to the Wizarding World, which is packed with tons of insider tips, tricks, and secrets. And then be sure to check out the world-famous OI Wizarding World of Harry Potter touring plan, to boot!
Can You Wear A Harry Potter Robe Inside Of Universal Studios
This question is common because of Universal Orlando Resorts costume policy, which can ban certain items from entering the park. Lucky for you, all Hogwarts alumni are allowed to wear their Universal Studios Ravenclaw robes or Universal Studios Slytherin robe at the parks! You arent restricted to only wearing your Harry Potter robes inside of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter either. Just know due to safety reasons, you may have to remove your Universal Hogwarts robes on certain rides.
Make sure to check out Universal Orlandos costume guide to make sure you arent breaking any rules with other props. Wands are allowed, but larger items like brooms are not.
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Can You Do Both Harry Potter Parks In One Day
You can do both Wizarding World of Harry Potter worlds into one day but it would leave little time for other attractions within Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure. However, if you get a 2-day park to park ticket use one day with Harry & friends and the other seeing the rest of the attractions.
When To Visit The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
There is no bad time to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, just times of the year when it may be more crowded or pretty darn hot. Dont overly stress over the choice of dates. Just check expected crowd levels at calendars like the ones from Undercover Tourist and TouringPlans.com and then use some strategies like skip-the-line passes, VIP tours and early starts to evade crowds if you need to .
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First Stop: Diagon Alley At Universal Studios Or Hogsmeade At Islands Of Adventure
Alright, youve got your tickets now, which park should you visit first? It really depends on you and what youd like to see first. If going on the Wizarding Worlds newest ride, Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, is a priority , then wed recommend going to Islands of Adventure first so you can get that out of the way first as the line can get exceptionally long.
Otherwise, I like going to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios first, then ending the day at Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. Why? Well, because its the same thing Harry did, of course! Think of this as your introduction to the magical world before experiencing the wonders of Hogwarts.
Remember, whichever park you decide to go to first, as long as you have a Universal ticket with park-hopping, getting to the other part of the Wizarding World is easy with the Hogwarts Express.
Universal Studios Vs Islands Of Adventure Winner Is
In the battle of Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure Harry Potter World show category. Its a tie!!! Universal Studios wins with the two shows in Diagon Alley, but the Hogwarts Castle show is amazing and happens to be at the Islands of Adventure. Harry Potter fans will enjoy all of them.
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Holidays At Universal Orlando
Anyone can Ho-ho-ho and Fa-la-la for the holidays. But if you want to scream and laugh your jingle bells off, youve got to awesome up your holiday at Universal Orlando Resort. Join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with festivities in both lands. Catch the larger-than-life balloons of Universals Holiday Parade Featuring Macys. Enjoy The GrinchmasTM Who-liday Spectacular starring the GrinchTM. And top it off with a stay at one of Universals spectacular hotels. From the parks to the hotels to Universal CityWalk, theres themed entertainment, food and fun around every corner. Its the biggest, loudest, awesomest holiday celebration of the season. And its only at Universal Orlando Resort.
Flight Of The Hippogriff
This thrilling, yet kid-friendly roller coaster takes its riders through the Forbidden Forest, diving around a pumpkin patch and giving riders a nice look at Hagrids hut.
Who loves it? This roller coaster is great for all ages, providing slight thrills without any chills.
Height Requirements? Minimum height is 36 but anyone under 48 will need to have a supervising companion.
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Best Adventure: Jurassic Park River Adventure
Find more wild water thrills at Jurassic Park River Adventure. Youre already wet from the last ride, so why not? On this one, float past colossal dinosaurs before being taken off-course into a restricted Raptor Containment Area. Encounter a close call as the T-Rex nearly captures you in his jaws before plunging 85 feet into total darkness to just barely make it out alive.
Is It Cheaper To Get A Universal Orlando Resort Annual Pass
If visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter more than once throughout the year then a Universal Studios Annual Pass may be more budget-friendly. With such cheap annual season passes you would definitely save money not only on park tickets but also on Universal Orlando Resort Hotels. Check out all the perks you get with a Universal Studios Orlando Annual Pass.
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Should I Go To Diagon Alley Or Hogsmeade First
Hogsmeade should definitely be your first destination. Not only does it have more rides, but it also has the most popular rides. In order to beat the rush, you should get there as soon as possible and check it off your list!
However, if you want to do it the way Harry first did it, then you should start in Diagon Alley.
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Purchase Your Tickets In Advance
Purchase tickets online, download a park guide, and map out your day prior to coming to Islands of Adventure.
This will help you maximize your time at the park and it will allow you to come up with the perfect Islands of Adventure itinerary for your day.
Sign up and get your FREE Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park Travelers Planner and Guide. Click the image to get started.
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Hogsmeade Vs Diagon Alley: Based On The Rides
A big part of the fun at Universal is the roller coasters. Unlike Disney or other parks, which mostly focus on family-friendly rides, Universal is known for its thrilling coasters. Not just in the Wizarding World, but all throughout the parks, there is an emphasis on adrenaline-fueled coasters that speed, flip, and twist. So when comparing Diagon Alley vs. Hogsmeade Universal, it just makes sense to start with the rides.
Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Ride Time: 4 minutes
The Forbidden Journey takes you inside the castle of Hogwarts. It is almost as fun to stand in line as it is to ride the ride. As a huge Harry Potter fan I find it difficult for me to describe because it is so detailed and perfect! It brings me such happiness and joy.
The ride is just as wonderful! I love every aspect of it. In fact I could ride it over and over again. However, Some people get a little motion sick, so keep that in mind.
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