Things To Know Before You Go
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must-visit for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates magic and fantasy.
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Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, and be prepared to wait in long lines.
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Lockers are available for storing bags while on rides.
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A combo pass to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventures is needed to ride Hogwarts Express.
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To reduce your wait times for rides, buy a Universal Express Pass.
Harry Potter World Florida: Secrets For The True Fan
Enter Harry Potter World Florida theme park at Universal Islands of Adventure. Your ticket is your portkey into the storybook world of JK Rowling.
In the Harry Potter series, a portkey is an ordinary object that has been charmed to transport those who touch it to another place. Once you reach the enchanted world, youll need these Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips to ensure a magical day.
Make sure you read all the way through. Weve sprinkled in some Harry Potter secrets you wont find elsewhere and are sure to be a magical experience for Harry Potter fans!
Your portkey brings you to either Universal Studios Florida Diagon Alley, or Islands of Adventure Hogsmeade. Diagon Alley is the shopping mall of the wizarding world where young wizards go to get their schoolbooks and other supplies for the upcoming school year.
Hogsmeade is the wizarding village where upperclassman at Hogwarts go to enjoy some time away from their studies and do a little shopping for candy at Honeydukes or relax with friends over a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks.
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.
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Cost Of Harry Potter World Tickets
If youre wondering, just how much are tickets to Harry Potter World Orlando?, the answer is a little bit complicated. With Harry Potter lands in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, if you want to visit the entire Wizarding World in Orlando, you cant just buy standard Universal Orlando tickets. Youll need either a 2-Park 1 Day Ticket or a multiday ticket.
If you only have 1 day at Universal Orlando and you want to go to both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, Park-to-Park access is key, as it allows you to get into both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on the same day. 2-Park 1 Day Tickets start at $164 for adults and $159 for children ages 3 to 9.
If you have multiple days in the Wizarding World and the rest of the Universal parks, then getting a Park-to-Park ticket is nice, but not necessary. 2-Park 2-Day Tickets start at $106.50 per day for adults and $101.50 per day for children. 2-Park 2-Day Tickets start at $136.50 per day for adults and $131.50 per day for children.
In general, if youd like to spend some time in Harry Potter World as well as going on rides in the rest of the parks, especially if this is your first time visiting, wed recommend you spend at least one day each at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. If this isnt your first time to Universal Orlando and the Wizarding World, all you care about is Harry Potter World, or you simply dont have the time, then you can get by with only one day as long as you can park hop.
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.
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Escape From Gringotts Has The Best Ride Queue Of The Potter Rides And Is A Bit Darker Than The Other Rides
Ride length: Five minutesWait time when I rode: 20 minutes.
The first time I rode Escape from Gringotts in 2014, I was left wanting a little more from the ride. I guess I was expecting something closer to the actual adventure in the books where fans would be following Harry through the bank vaults. Instead, you’re on a tour with one of the Weasley brothers while Harry, Hermione, and Ron happen to be breaking in as well. What timing?!
Years later, the ride is much better than I remember with a welcome addition of Voldemort, who doesn’t appear on any other ride . Escape from Gringotts is the most high-stakes ride in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A drop in the coaster and some illusions make you feel like you’re free falling at points. The only downside? If you’re not a fan of 3D glasses, you do have to wear them on this ride.
Queue grade: A+
This is easily the best ride queue at either Universal Park in Florida. When the ride queue is long, you have to wait outside, but when you are finally let indoors you’re welcomed into the Gringott’s bank with working goblins and real chandeliers. It’s gorgeous and so unexpectedly breathtaking that you’ll probably be convinced for a moment that you’re actually at the wizarding bank.
What Is Early Park Admission
Guests with Early Park Admission have the benefit of entering either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure and, additionally, Volcano Bay an hour before the parks open to the general public. For most of the year, this early-entry period at the theme parks starts at 8:00 am, meaning everyone else will be allowed in around 9:00 am. During the busier seasons, Universal may open one or more of the parks an hour before that, with EPA starting at 7:00 am and allowing other guests in at 8:00. And during the peak season, Universal may opt to have EPA at both theme parks simultaneously.
Even with Early Park Admission, we recommend arriving at the turnstiles 30 minutes before the gates open, although you may want to get there 45 minutes or a full hour beforehand if youre heading to one of the most popular rides or if youre visiting during a busy period.
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Skull Island Reign Of Kong
This terrifying ride is at the top of many peoples Orlando Universal rides list. Board a ride vehicle and travel through Skull Island where all the nightmarish creatures of the movie come to 3-D life all around you.
Who loves it? Definitely for older kids, tweens and teens. This ride contains a lot of violence and unbelievably scary creatures so younger kids will want to stay away.
Height Requirements? Minimum height is 36 but anyone under 48 will need to have a supervising companion.
For additional vacation planning tips to Universal Orlando Resort be sure to check out our main Universal And for the latest Universal vacation package deals be sure to check out our partners The Park Prodigy!
Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey
The first big Harry Potter attraction at Universal absolutely understands where we most want to be within the Wizarding World, and that is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Walking into Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure doesnt carry the punch of a reveal that walking into Diagon Alley at Universal Studios does, but seeing the castle for the first time is a legitimately breathtaking experience. I have never been so delighted to stand for hours in a line as I was the first time I had the chance to walk through the corridors of Hogwarts. The ride itself is a motion-based dark ride taking you through some of the most exciting set pieces of the Harry Potter films. Quidditch and Dementors and dragons are all here! Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are also all here to reprise their famous roles, alongside many other members of the cast. Theres a really lovely friendliness to complement the thrills of Forbidden Journey: even as a Muggle, you are immediately welcomed within the halls and grounds of Hogwarts. As with several Universal attractions, a lot of the music comes from John Williams beautiful score, instantly transporting you into a world of magic.
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Three Broomsticks And Hogs Head Pub
Three Broomsticks is a rustic tavern where visitors to Hogsmeade come to dine on hearty fare. At the rear of the Three Broomsticks tavern is the Hogs Head pub. Here your attendees can enjoy Harry Potter favorites including Butterbeer, available cold or frozen, and Pumpkin Juice. On the wall behind the bar is a large stuffed hogs head, which periodically snarls at guests. Attendees can also sample the pubs selection of domestic and imported beers, specialty drinks, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks. In addition, the Hog’s Head pub also features its own Hog’s Head brew, a unique microbrew for adults.
Where To Buy The Must
You already know theres plenty of places to purchase wands, robes, sweets, and souvenirs in the Wizarding World, but if you want to be extra prepared you can purchase many of these items on Universals website before you even arrive at the Harry Potter theme parks.
You can also get them in your hotel, at the large souvenir stores at the entrance to both Universals Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, or at the Universal Studios Store at CityWalk. The biggest benefit to buying your merch outside of the park areas is that youll have more time to experience the rides and appreciate the attention to detail that went into making the areas feel like Harry Potters world. Window shopping and browsing is more fun than standing in line, anyway.
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Guide To The Harry Potter Rides In Diagon Alley
Theres only one ride in Diagon Alley, and it sits just below that fire breathing dragon inside Gringotts Bank. But what a ride it is!
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
The concept for this Harry Potter ride is that youre there to take a tour of Gringotts, but, as so often happens on theme park rides, things go awry. Thanks to ride vehicles that can tilt and spin, 3-D glasses, and other special effects, this Harry Potter ride is a step up from your everyday coaster. The minimum ride height is 42, but there is a child swap room where one parent can wait with anyone who is too young or doesnt want to ride.
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.
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Jurassic Park River Adventure
Is 75 feet not quite enough for you? Keep on strolling from Toon Lagoon into Jurassic Park for a drop ride with far more teeth. The Jurassic Park River Adventure absolutely captures both the awe and wonder as well as the terror of the original film. The ride begins as a pleasant little boat journey through Stegosaur Springs and Hadrosaur Cove, allowing you an up-close look at some great animatronic dinos. But this is Jurassic Park, so, sure enough, youre suddenly taking a wrong turn into the velociraptor containment area, where all hell has already broken loose. As you begin your ascent, youre menaced by raptors and dillophosaurus alike. Of course, though, these predators are just the warm-up act. Just before your boat plunges down 85 feet, the T-Rex herself appears from behind a waterfall and lunges at your raft.
It is, journalistically speaking, awesome.
Fun fact: the development of this ride began before the first Jurassic Park film was even in production!
The Best Order To Ride Islands Of Adventure Rides
If you want to ride all the best rides at Islands of Adventure, youre gonna need a game plan! Ill give you the order we suggest hitting the rides, for the shortest wait times.
My first tip is to arrive nice and early. Most people dont, which means youll be able to get on several rides before the crowds really start pouring in, and youll be that far ahead of them. It also helps if you go during a slower time of year and on a weekday.
If youd like, you can purchase Express passes one version allows you to jump to the front of the line once per ride, and the unlimited pass lets you do so as many times as you want. But these are a significant added expense and not an option for everyone.
Be sure to download the Universal app, so you can score some virtual queue passes! These virtual passes are free and allow you to choose a time to return to a ride later in the day. Usually Universal either offers a stand-by line OR virtual queue , so if a ride is currently offering virtual queue, you will need to get a pass to enter the line for the ride. Be sure to check first thing, as the park is opening, and if there arent any available, keep refreshing. More will appear throughout the day. And keep your eye on the app because sometimes a ride will transition to using virtual queue later in the day.
Heres the order I suggest hitting the rides, but of course you might need to adjust based on any virtual queue passes youve snagged or the current wait times.
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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.
How Many Rides Are At Universal Studios Islands Of Adventure
Another common question we receive when talking about the rides at Islands of Adventure is, how many rides are at Universal Islands of Adventure? Very simply, as of 2022 Universal Islands of Adventure has 16 rides for guests to enjoy in the theme park. Its also home to two of the newest rides at Universal Orlando with them being the VelociCoaster and Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
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Wizarding World Of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios, Florida.Or rather at the back of the park.
It is full of buildings, shops and even a certain bus that will be totally familiar if youve seen the movies. But the best part about it is the entrance .
Universal Studios recreated the brick wall behind the Leaky Cauldronthat leads into Diagon Alley!!! Remember, its three up and two across. Off you go!
Diagon Alley Rides
The Diagon Alley section of Harry Potter World only has one attraction that truly classifies as a ride. But boy, what a ride that is!
Im talking about the famed Escape from Gringotts ride featuring fire-breathing dragons, talking goblins and an appearance by the infamous Deatheater Bellatrix Lestrange and he who must not be named. Dont tell me I didnt warn you!
This is a ride you will not easily forget!
Hipster Power Tip: The Hogwarts Express is also considered an attraction in Diagon Alley.
The Entertainment in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios
With numerous shows lined up, there is hardly a lack of entertainment in Diagon Alley. From the glamorous Celestina Warbeck to a puppet show telling the Tales of the Beedle and the Bard, theres no way you will ever be bored.
If you have had your fill of shows, you can head to the only triple-decker purple bus you are ever going to see the Knight Bus. Here you can talk to the friendly conductor and his best bud a severed head!
The Diagon Alley Shops
Diagon Alley Food