Q: Is Harry Potter World In Florida Bigger Than California
So, is the Harry Potter World in Florida bigger than California? And, very simply yes. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is much bigger in Orlando Florida as it is spread out between the two lands of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Universal Orlando Florida also has the Hogwarts Express to transport guests back and forth between the Harry Potter lands.
Harry Potter World Lands Universal California Vs Florida
One of the most obvious differences between the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood are the lands. Both parks offer guests to experience Hogsmeade, which has the Hogwarts castle and the various shops and rides throughout the village. Unfortunately, because of size issues and where Universal Hollywood is located, there was not room for another Harry Potter theme park.
It is important to note that while comparing the two, Harry Potter World in Universal Hollywood is missing Diagon Alley. Harry Potter World in Florida has an entire second theme park where guests can ride the Hogwarts Express back and forth from the two parks with a proper ticket. That is one of the major disadvantages of Universal Hollywood when comparing both Harry Potter parks.
When it comes to the layout of Hogsmeade, it is nearly identical in both parks. Although Universal Hollywoods Hogsmeade is slightly smaller, you cannot tell the difference with the amazing theming. Universal Orlandos Hogsmeade is also located in the Islands of Adventure park, where Californias is in their Universal Studios Hollywood.
What Can You Actually Do There
The Wizarding Worlds village-like Hogsmeade portion features shops and restaurants pulled straight from the Harry Potter universe while the Hogwarts section features two rides.
On summer nights, you can see the four houses of Hogwarts come to life on the castles exterior during the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle projection show. The five-minute show occurs multiple times toward the end of the evening. Theres a similar show during the holiday season dubbed the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
Read Also: Who Dies In The Last Harry Potter
Getting To The Ride Is A Journey
Rounding the bend at the end of The Wizarding World’s impeccably detailed Hogsmeade village, the sight of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry punctures the sky and stirs the senses. The mythic building, which had previously only existed in the minds of adoring readers and on-screen as part of the film series, looks picture-perfect in person. To board Forbidden Journey, guests pass through its gates and into the majestic castle.
Ambling through Hogwarts castle is, in itself, an immersive attraction. Nestled throughout the queue are artifacts from Rowling’s world that will delight ardent fans. Hey! There’s the Mirror of Erised. And look! We’re entering Professor Sprout’s Herbology gardens. In California, there are stunning views of the Hollywood hills to add to the ambiance.
Where Is Diagon Alley In Universal
How to Get There. Diagon Alley is located in the very back of the Universal Studios Orlando theme park. The entrance to the area isnt marked, but youll know youre close when it looks like youve arrived in London. Theres a big sign announcing Kings Cross Station, and a red British phone box sits just outside.
Also Check: What Is Harry Potter’s Son’s Name
The Filmed Sequences Are An Ingenuity
The vehicles’ freedom of movement combined with the enveloping screens gives a “you-are-there” dimensional quality. Among the many design mysteries that had us scratching our heads was the fact that the vehicles are constantly moving forward on a track through the ride building, yet the screens remain fixed in front of the benches for at least 20 seconds at a time for each of the filmed sequences. Each ride vehicle has its own mini domed screen that follows it for the duration of each sequence and the vehicle and screen follow a circular path for each scene. Considering the number of vehicles in the high-capacity ride, that’s a lot of screens. And a testament to the ingenuity and level of attention lavished on Forbidden Journey.
In the original Forbidden Journey at Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, the filmed sequences were not rendered or presented in 3D. At Universal Studios Hollywood, however, they were originally shown in 3D. There, passengers were given “Quidditch goggles” prior to their journey. The added depth and intimacy made the experience more immersive.
How Crowded Will The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Be
The first step to successfully planning your vacation to Universal Orlando Resort is to be aware of the season in which you are visiting. If you havent already, check out our free 12-month Universal crowd calendar to learn how crowded we expect the theme parks to be during your visit. Make a note of what time the parks will open and close, bearing in mind that Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida may shutter at different times and may have different special events taking place.
Below, we will discuss the ideal setup for your visit to Universal and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Please be aware that the advice given on this page is based on two fundamental assumptions: that fully experiencing Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley is your primary objective at the resort, and that you are going to Universal when crowd levels are expected to be busy or very busy when the headline attractions, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and the newest ride, Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure have wait times over two hours. In addition, during high crowd levels and due to the lands replicating the cozy feel of the wizarding worlds boutique shops, the stores can get very packed and may even develop their own queues and wait times.
You May Like: Watch Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone Free
Filchs Emporium Of Confiscated Goods
Once off the ride, you can peruse items taken from students who got on the wrong side of the schools resident caretaker, Argus Filch. From t-shirts, bags, caps, and scarves to plush toys, stationery, and mugs, every fan will find at least one must-have item here.
PRO TIP: There are plenty of authentic movie prop replicas stationed throughout the store. Plan to spend some time pointing out your favorites. Mine is the Marauders Map complete with moving footprints!
Riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey feels like flying through the scenes that have lived in your imagination for years great for both hard core and casual fans of the Harry Potter films. Ill never be able to express how immersed I felt when I first got on board and realized everything Ive always wanted to see was coming to life in front of me.
What are you most looking forward to seeing inside Hogwarts castle? Tell us in the comments below!
Get Your Wand From Ollivanders
After youve enjoyed the fun rides, it is time to get your wand at Ollivanders.
You will be able to choose from a massive collection of character wands. Our one daughter snapped up Hermiones wand, whilst our youngest decided to go with Ginnys wand.
One thing to keep in mind is that those who choose a Wand Magic will get the opportunity as they walk around Hogsmeade to be able to cast spells.
It really adds to the magic of it all!
There are about 10 magic stations throughout the area where wand owners can cast spells.
Our girls loved making a chimney fire up, as well as open some suitcases at the train. They loved it!
Don’t Miss: What Are The Names Of Harry Potter’s Kids
Totally In Love With Harry Potter Castle
We spent half day in Harry Potter castle!! Love the butterscotch drink and I’m totally missing it now…We bought our USJ and express pass tickets online from USJ Japanese website. It was a great choice to buy the express pass as we do not need to wait for too long for the rides. Totally in love with the Harry Potter 4D ride, which was not scary at all.When we were there, there’s the display of Guinness World Record Christmas tree. The lights changes colors according to the songs and the transitions were just breathtaking. Overall, very good experienced in USJ
3,1623,16710,735
USJ Japan is one of the must see places in Osaka as it offers incredibly amazing amusement to people of all ages. The rides are fantastic. My favorite ride is the Happy Potter. I have been there a number of times as I have a year pass.If you love going to amusement park like this, I suggest you buy a one year pass so can have great deal.Have fun and be amused!
Advanced Robotics Are A Dark Ride First
The Hogwarts kids hatch a plan to save guests from the tedious talk by inviting them along for an extracurricular adventure. The means of egress are “enchanted benches” and the Floo Network (a kind of magical transportation system in the Wizarding World. So, it’s off to the Sorting Hat to get boarding instructions for the not-all-that-forbidden journey.
The vehicles seat four riders and are on an Omnimover-style, constantly-moving track. Over-the-shoulder restraints hold guests snugly in placea necessity given the wild ride that ensues.
While it is hidden from view in the loading area, each vehicle is attached to a robotic arm. A dark ride first , the advanced robotics enable the vehicles to pivot, swoop, and otherwise move with an astonishing degree of flexibility heretofore unavailable to attraction designers. After Hermione sprinkles the benches with Floo powder, they magically rise, and guests are flyingand I mean flyingalongside Harry and his pals.
The ride alternates between filmed sequences projected onto mini domed screens and actual sets adorned with all kinds of mechanical dark ride “gotchas.” The scare tactic of elements jumping out at vehicles is as old as the classic Pretzel dark rides that used to wreak havoc at places like Coney Island in the early 20th century. But the high-tech wizardry Universal employsparticularly the fluid, sudden, every-which-way movements of the robot-driven vehiclesgives Forbidden Journey a decidedly 21st-century spin.
You May Like: Who Plays Hagrid In Harry Potter
Which Universal Park Is Best For Harry Potter
When it comes to which Harry Potter park is better at Universal, Diagon Alley in Islands of Adventure is the clear winner. They have more shops, more merchandise, and the fun of trading your money for Gringotts bank notes. Plus, the younger kids will love the stuffed animals at the Magical Menagerie!
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.
Read Also: Harry Potter On Netflix 2021
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Hogsmeade At Universal’s Islands Of Adventure
Its the one-and-only, all-wizarding village of Hogsmeade, and youll only find it at Universals Islands of Adventure! The main attraction here is Hogwarts castle, which comes to majestic life on select evenings for The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.
Looming over Hogsmeade, Hogwarts also features Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an attraction that will take you soaring high above the castle grounds. For more airborne adventures, hop aboard the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster, which youll find at Hagrids hut.
Speaking of Hagrid, he takes center stage in Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Sending you deep into the Forbidden Forest for up-close encounters with a menagerie of wondrous creatures, this innovative attraction combines state-of-the-art coaster technology and gripping storytelling for one of Universal Orlando Resorts most incredible experiences yet!
High Street a popular hangout for Hogwarts students and professors alike is brimming with enchanted shops. Send magical mail to family and friends at Owl Post, load up on sweets at Honeydukes, or get your very own Sneakoscope at Dervish and Banges, among other arcane retailers.
Harry Potter Land Shops Universal Orlando Florida Vs California
Double, double toil and trouble! Looking for a cauldron, magical creature or your very own wand from the famous Ollivander? Both Universal Studios Harry Potter Worlds offer a variety of shops to get all of your witch-y needs! But which shops are better California or Florida? Lets compare Wizarding World shops in Florida and California.
Read Also: Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Movies
What If A Ride Is Closed Or Delayed For Weather
Unfortunately, attractions do sometimes close for repairs or seasonal maintenance. On top of that, Florida weather is unpredictable, and outdoor shows and rides, such as Flight of the Hippogriff or, more especially, Hagrids Motorbike Adventure, must close during inclement weather. Should you arrive at an attraction to find that its closed, simply proceed with the other activities on your checklist and keep an eye on your app or the sign boards posted around Universal to see if the ride comes back online.
While we hope you will be able to see and do everything on offer at Universal, remember that if you miss something on this trip, it will be something you can save for your next one!
Additional Reporting By Caroline Reid
Anyone who has visited Universals theme parks in Orlando will at some stage have wondered whether sorcery was actually used to create what they have seen. From roller coaster seats that seem to float to a full-size replica of a London street, the parks often leave adults more slack-jawed than their kids. They save the best till last.
Theme parks are famous for their night time shows. Usually featuring fountains and fireworks synchronized to a stirring score, they are designed to be so spectacular that they keep guests in the parks until the end of the day and convince them to come back for a repeat showing.
Theme park operators have attempted to outdo each other by adding more fountains, lasers and even fireworks which explode into elaborate shapes. It has created a more extravagant experience but not a fundamentally different one. Until recently.
Over the past decade parks have pioneered the use of projections in their night time shows and it has been a game-changer. Some shows already featured projections onto fountains which fan out into a fine mist but this yields a faint image with a narrow viewing angle. It has been transformed by two breakthroughs.
The first was the development of high resolution projectors which can beam bright and crystal-clear images over long distances.
You May Like: Where Is The Castle In Harry Potter
Hogwarts Castle Universal Studio Harry Potter Drawings Harry Potter Castle Harry Potter Decor
Hogwarts Castle Universal Studio Harry Potter Drawings Harry Potter Castle Harry Potter Decor . Hogwarts Castle Universal Studio Harry Potter Drawings Harry Potter Castle Harry Potter Decor is an ancient practice that has been around for centuries. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that has been proven to offer numerous benefits. Whether youre a beginner or a seasoned , there are many advantages to be gained from a regular practice. Harrypotter illustration hogwarts castle- 19 2019 art hogwartscastle Jan
Hogwarts Castle Universal Studio Harry Potter Drawings Harry Potter Castle Harry Potter Decor
Edited Pic Of Hogwarts Castle Edited With Snapseed Harry Potter Tattoos Harry Potter Castle
Come inside hogwarts castle for a glimpse of what goes on before boarding harry potter and the forbidden journey!dreamsunlimitedtravel and movingtoorland. Hogwarts castle universal studio harry potter drawings harry potter castle harry potter decor. today is a beautiful day filled with possibilities. today is a beautiful day filled with possibilities. after months of staying inside, people are finally able to start venturing out and enjoying the outdoors again. Jan 19, 2019 #hogwarts #illustration #art #hogwartscastle #harrypotter #castle.
How To Draw Hogwarts Castle, Universal Studios Hollywood
Missing Rides And Differences In The Shows
The most obvious difference from the Florida version of the park is the lack of Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the Hogwarts Express. The latter allows you to move quickly between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley at the Universal Studios in Orlando.
Unlike Universal Studios Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood no longer has the Nighttime Lights at HogwartsCastle. However, in its place, it has Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle, a show of music, lights, and special effects that will materialize before your eyes the darkest creatures of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the villain par excellence, Lord Voldemort. Currently, this experience is exclusive to Universal Studios in Hollywood.
Don’t Miss: How To Watch The Harry Potter Series For Free
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.