What Park Is Harry Potter World In At Universal
First, lets be really clear on the most important question: what park is Harry Potter world in? There are two parks at Universal Orlando: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. And both of them contain theWizarding World of Harry Potter! So whichever park you go to, youll get to experience the Harry Potter universe.
Islands Of Adventure For Fans
This Universal Orlando theme park is home to Jurassic Park .
Theres also Marvel Superheroes and the many comic book characters of Toon Lagoon like Betty Boop and Popeye.
Category Winner: Its up to you! Since we cant tell you which fandoms to like best, the choice is really in your hands! Are you more of a superhero park hopper, or are the Simpsons more your thing? You can let us know in the comments below!
And P.S. Potterheads, dont sweat it. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is featured in both parks!
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Which Park Has The Most Harry Potter Rides
Another popular question we receive is, which park has the most Harry Potter rides? And, Islands of Adventure in Universal Orlando has the most Harry Potter rides with it being home to four rides. These four rides are Flight of the Hippogriff, The Hogwarts Express, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Its also important to note that technically both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida share the Hogwarts Express.
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Universal’s Islands Of Adventure
| May 28, 1999 23 years ago |
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| Islands with myths, legends, dinosaurs, cartoons, superheroes, children’s stories, and Universal franchises |
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Universal’s Islands of Adventure , originally called Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida. It opened on May 28, 1999, along with CityWalk, as part of an expansion that converted Universal Studios Florida into the Universal Orlando Resort. The resort’s slogan Vacation Like You Mean It was introduced in 2013.
Islands of Adventure is modeled after a journey of exploration, where guests embark on an adventure to visit a variety of themed islands. Initially, the park featured six islands. A seventh, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, was added in 2010, themed to the highly successful Harry Potter franchise. It was Universal’s largest investment since the resort’s founding in 1990. The expansion led to a significant increase in attendance, and in 2013, Islands of Adventure ranked seventh domestically and eleventh internationally after hosting approximately 8.1 million guests. The eighth island, Skull Island, opened on July 13, 2016, and is themed to the King Kong franchise.
Ride The Indoor Rides
There aren’t a *ton* of rides in the Harry Potter parks in fact, there’s only ONE in Diagon Alley and 3 in Hogsmeade. Meaning it’s pretty easy to ride them all if you want to. My personal favorites? It was the innovative indoor rides that really blew me away.
The Forbidden Journey, located inside Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade , is a grown-up motion simulation ride in which you feel like you’re following Harry around on a broomstick, dodging dragons and dementors.
And the Escape From Gringotts ride in Diagon Alley is a mixture of an indoor roller coaster and a 3-D ride where you get chased by Voldemort and Bellatrix through the vaults. Both were unlike any ride I’ve ever been on before!
*Be warned: The Forbidden Journey ride made me feel a bit sick, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, I’d definitely take some Dramamine for this one!*
And, pro tip: don’t be scared by wait times. Wait times of up to 30 minutes will seem like nothing once you get inside, because the lines have you winding your way through Hogwarts and Gringotts respectively, complete with talking photos, animatronic goblins, and some appearances by Harry Potter characters.
The first time we went on the Forbidden Journey the line was only 10 minutes long and I felt like we actually missed out on part of the experience because we went through the line so fast!
There’s also a kid-friendly coaster in Hogsmeade , and the new Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in the same area of the park.
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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.
Smackdown Universal Studios Vs Islands Of Adventure: Which Is Better
Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure: Do you know the difference and which is better for you?
Well today, Im going to help you answer those EXACT questions.
And while Ive already covered the ULTIMATE theme park showdown: Disney vs. Universal here, today Im going to take on an even tougher debacle: Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure.
Which park has more of what youre looking for? Which park fits your ThemeParkHipster checklist for the perfect theme park day?
So lets use our 7 favorite theme park categories to finally settle this age old challenge!
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Hogsmeade Spell Locations For Your Interactive Wand
This park has 9 spell locations and all are easily accessible! Be sure to explore and find the spell markers throughout, so you can make your own magic!
- Incendio- Zonkos Joke Shop, window
- Arresto Momentum- Mchavelocks, wall mounted cauldron
- Revelio- Honeydukes, window display
- Herbivicus- Dogweed and Deathcap, window display
- Ascendio and Descendo- Gladrags Wizardwear, window
- Locomotor Snowman- Madam Puddifoots, window
- Locomotor and Arresto Momentum- Dervish and Bangs, in the back
- Alohomora- Tomes and Scrolls Specialist Bookshop, window
- Wingardium Leviosa- Spintwiches, window
Two Amazing Lands At Two Theme Parks
Please note that youll need admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universals Islands of Adventure to experience all of the wonders of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A Park-to-Park admission ticket or an Annual Pass will grant you access to both parks, as well as the Hogwarts Express.
Travel Tip: Staying at one of Universal Orlando Resorts official hotels will allow you to enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to one hour before the parks open with Early Park Admission.
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Wizarding World Of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade
Now we come to the second part of Harry Potter World.
Just hop on the Hogwarts Express and choo-choo your way into Islands of Adventure! Let me give you a glimpse of what awaits:
- Quaint, snow-capped houses under the shadow of the Hogwarts Castle.
- Kids and grown-ups alike laughing and screaming as they go on adventures
- All the restaurants and shops youve read about or seen in the books.
Excited? Lets explore!
Hogsmeade Rides
The Hogsmeade section has many more rides than Diagon Alley which is more of a shopping area.
- Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
Hogsmeade Entertainment
Ever heard frogs singing? Well, naturally Hogsmeade has a choir of frogs! They are a student-led group at Hogwarts and go by the name Hogwarts Frog Choir.
Dont forget to watch out for the Triwizard Spirit Rally. Each of the three elite schools Beauxbatons, Dumstrang and Hogwarts showcase their support for their champions through dance!
Hogsmeade Shops
Theres a shop for everyone visiting Hogsmeade in this Wizarding World of Harry Potter Guide.
- Got a sweet tooth? Go to Honeydukes!
- Feel like a rebel? Head over to Filchs Emporium of Confiscated Goods
- Solemnly swear youre up to no good? Dervish and Banges will throw its doors open for you!
- Feeling nostalgic? Send an Owl post!
- You can even get your very own wand at Ollivanders!
Hogsmeade Food
There is only one restaurant at Hogsmeade , And it is the Three Broomsticks.
What Park Is Harry Potter World In
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split across both parks at the Universal Studios Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Inside Universal Studios youll find Diagon Alley complete with Gringotts Bank and Florean Fortescues Ice-Cream Parlour.
Meanwhile, over in Islands of Adventure, youll find Hogsmede complete with the Leaky Cauldron, the Hogwarts Castle and Ollivanders wand shop.
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are connected by the entertainment district of CityWalk.
However, if you have a park-to-park ticket I highly recommend hopping on the Hogwarts Express between the two instead.
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Restaurants In Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley consists of the main restaurant, The Leaky Cauldron, and a variety of smaller eateries, and carts.
Offering quick service dining, The Leaky Cauldron offers classic English foods, like Cottage Pie, Fishermans Pie, a full English Breakfast, and more. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there are minimal plant-based dishes here. Check out the Leaky Cauldron Menu.
And if youre looking for a sweet treat then the Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlour should be on your list. This restaurant serves up unique ice cream flavors you would expect to find in the world of Harry Potter. Chocolate chili, sticky toffee pudding, and lavender are on the menu. Choose your favorites before you visit on the Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlour Menu.
Home to the Gillywater, and four specialty elixirs, this is a stop to make for the true Harry Potter fan. Eternelles Elixir of Refreshment includes Fire Protection Potion, Babbling Beverage, Draught of Peace, and Elixir to Induce Euphoria.
Fishy Green Ale, Wizards Brew, and Dragon Scale can be found at Fountain of Fair Fortune, and you can also grab Butterbeer Ice Cream here if you dont want to wait in line at Florean Fortescues.
The Hopping Pot is found in the Carkitt Market and serves up Pumpkin Juice, Peachtree Fizzing Tea, Otters Fizzy Orange Juice, and more.
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!
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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.
Which Harry Potter World Is Better
One of the biggest questions we receive here when deciding if you should visit Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade is, should I visit both parks or just one? And its a tough question because although they are both part of the same Potter-verse, they are completely different experiences, with different rides, restaurants, and shops.
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Which Park Is Hogwarts Castle In
Another common question we receive is, which park at Universal Orlando has Hogwarts castle? And Hogwarts castle would be at Islands of Adventure which is Hogsmeade. Theres even a ride that takes place inside Hogwarts castle, so youll actually be able to enter the hallowed halls of Harrys alma mater.
The Ultimate Guide To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Orlando
From Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley, here’s everything you need to know about the Harry Potter rides, restaurants, and shops at Universal Orlando.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort consists of two immersive lands based on the Harry Potter books and films. The Diagon Alley area is located in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade is located in Islands of Adventure. The two Harry Potter theme park lands are connected by the Hogwarts Express.
Both of the Harry Potter lands at Universal Studios have themed shops, rides, dining, and entertainment, and the best way to travel between the two is on the Hogwarts Express train. If you want to hop on the train or visit both lands in one day, youll need to purchase Park-to-Park tickets that include both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure for your visit.
Both Harry Potter Orlando theme park lands accept Express Passes, an add-on to your regular park ticket that lets you skip the line on many rides and attractions. You can purchase Express Passes online or inside the park, and its included as a free perk if youre staying in a Universal Premier hotel.
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Why Islands Of Adventure Is Better
While both parks are great for any family and have something to offer everyone we feel that Islands of Adventure is better suited to families, especially those with smaller children and infants. There are a number of different lands that are perfect for younger children and kids who want to take part in activities, go on rides and know more about the characters.
Islands of Adventure also has more action and superhero-based theme which is perfect for those who love marvel and the Fantastic Four franchise. As they are films, franchises and characters that are known by a number of age groups it makes a great place for all in the family as everyone can enjoy the theme, rides and attractions.
How Many Days Do You Need For Harry Potter World
Plan to spend parts of at least two days at the Harry Potter theme parks in Orlando if you want the complete experience. Arrive early, try to see and do as much as you can before the crowds fill in, then enjoy the other parts of Universal Studios Florida and Universals Islands of Adventure for parts of the afternoon before returning to the Harry Potter theme parks for the evening. After all, you havent fully experienced Harry Potter world until youve seen Hogwarts Castle lit up at night.
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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.
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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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!
Which Park Ticket You Need For The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Given that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split across the two parks at the Universal Studios Resort youll need a two-park ticket to visit all of it.
If youre coming to Universal Studios for one day, and want to visit both Hogsmede inside Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley inside Universal Studios this will be a one-day, two-park ticket.
However, if youre able to spend longer at Universal Studios this may be a two-day, two-park ticket.
If you want to ride The Hogwarts Express or move between parks on the same day then its essential you purchase a park-to-park ticket.
Without a park-to-park ticket, you will be limited to one park per day and be unable to ride The Hogwarts Express.
You can upgrade your base tickets to a park-to-park ticket at Guest Services inside the park during your visit should it be required.
When it comes to purchasing your park tickets we recommend using AttractionTix if youre based in the UK.
This company consistently offers the best prices and has incredible customer service to help you navigate the different ticket options available.
Alternatively, if youre based in the US or Canada we recommend buying your Universal Studios tickets from Get Your Guide who provide you with the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
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