Which Park Is Better: Diagon Alley Or Hogsmeade
If youre looking for Harry Potter rides, the Hogsmeade area in Islands of Adventure has three of them compared to just one ride at the Diagon Alley area in Universal Studios Florida . On the other hand, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida has more shops and restaurants.
In the end, though, theyre both great and it probably comes down to personal preference. Do you have a favorite scene or location from the Harry Potter books? If so, you may find yourself drawn to one area more than another, but you should absolutely experience both parts of the Harry Potter theme park in Orlando.
Warner Bros’ New ‘harry Potter’ Exhibit Is A Must
You’re a traveling museum exhibition, Harry.
Putting together an expansive museum exhibition in the midst of a global health crisis takes a lot of planning, hours full of hard work, and perhaps just the tiniest swig of Felix Felicis . If you can actually pull it off, one might swear you were gifted with magical abilities. At least that’s how Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute must feel as the nearly 200-year-old gallery prepares for the grand opening of a brand-new Harry Potter experience this weekend.
“COVID-19, supply chain issues, transportation issues these are huge issues,” Franklin Institute President and CEO Larry Dubinski told SYFY WIRE during a special media preview this week. “And candidly, this team did an amazing job in overcoming all those issues to have this product ready to open this weekend, and at the quality theyve been able to do it .”
After two years of social distancing and staying at home, Dubinski is excited for a museum renaissance.
“People are ready to get out,” he added. “People love being able to come to experiences like this, at an institution like ours, where you can have fun, you can be curious, you can learn. Education and entertainment come together and I think people have missed this over the last two years … What a better way as we come out of this pandemic for families to come together, when school groups start visiting again?”
Universal Studios Harry Potter Attraction Indefinitely Closed Park Confirms
15:36, 28 March 2022 BST| Last updated 15:36, 28 March 2022 BST
It seems like hype for Harry Potter is spiralling a bit out of control lately, definitely thanks to that lengthy gameplay footage trailer for Hogwarts Legacy. The amount of people talking about their houses, wands, and all the other magical paraphernalia you could possibly imagine, youâd think weâd all fallen back into some time portal to the mid 2000s when the books were still being released, but no – we canât escape the 2020s that easily.
Anyway, with all that excitement in the air, thereâs no doubt that the destination that many fans will be hoping to visit sometime this year is none other than Universal Studiosâ Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If your wallet can withstand the cost, it promises a whole host of experiences perfect for any fan of the series. Unfortunately though, one of its most popular attractions has been removed, with no word on when it might return.
In case you missed it, be sure to check out the gameplay footage for Hogwarts Legacy below.
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As reported by ComicBook, the attraction, which is currently wearing an Invisibility Cloak, is the preshow for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which takes place as guests are boarding the ride. Its indefinite closure was confirmed by the official Universal Orlando account on Twitter, who responded to one concerned fan asking what had happened.
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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.
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.
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Buy Tickets In Advance And Go To Both Parks
The deluge of options at Universal Studios can be panic-inducing. There are multiple parks, and each requires its own ticket. Harry Potter attractions are split between two parksUniversal Studios and Islands of Adventuremeaning that you’ll need to buy two tickets to see it all, a double-whammy that starts at $115. And beyond the steep price, you know what super-sucks? You’ll absolutely want to visit both.
At Universal Studios, youll find Diagon Alley, the Escape From Gringotts ride, and the fire-breathing dragon that sits atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Over at Islands of Adventure, you can stroll through Hogsmeade, catch street performances , and ogle the massive Hogwarts Castle. This is also where youll find the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster, the Forbidden Journey ride, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, the newest Wizarding World ride.
The two parks are connected by the Hogwarts Express, which you can only ride if you have the two-park pass. If you love rides and can only visit one park, Islands of Adventures might be the way to go. But Gringott’s is a great ride, and Diagon Alley is a wildly impressive setting.
Since you want to see everything, its worth buying tickets in advance. Youll save a few dollars by doing so, and you can get a calendar view of admission prices, which vary by day. You’ll typically save money by going early in the week.
Love The New Harry Potter Exhibit Diagon Alley
Love the new Harry Potter Exhibit Diagon Alley! The Escape from Gringott’s ride is now my favorite in the whole park! As far as I’m concerned, they can shut down the rest of the park and just have it all be a wonderous Harry Potter land!!! I’d visit every weekend!
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Halloween horror nights is so much fun. The only down fall is the lines. I went on a Wednesday night thinking it would be dead but I was wrong. I do recommend to splurge on the fast passes and go during a weeknIght to get the most out of the event. Also prices for drinks are really high but it is a theme park. Either way it’s so much fun. Not for the faint of heart
My husband and I being BIG Harry Potter fans loved Diagon Alley we felt like Harry when he visited the first time. Gringots ride totally awesome. Butter beer great even at $5 a glass.
We really did have fun at this park but it wasn’t with out it’s flaws. We did a character breakfast and the food was cold & we ended up getting sick. My son loved the Simpson’s area and the rides. I on the other hand had much more fun at Islands on Adventure. The scenery is great and all the people we talked to that worked there were really friendly. Overall next time we would skip this park and just do Islands of Adventure.
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Dont Look At Your Phone Ever
Are those flying broomsticks near the ceiling in Hogsmeade shops? Is Crookshanks sleeping on a shelf in the Magical Menagerie? Is that Nagini in the window? Is the music referencing very specific movie moments based on where youre standing? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.
Seriously, dont look down. Theres something worth seeing wherever you are: silhouettes of characters having conversations in the windows, moving portraits, newspapers with moving pictures. If you spent too much time staring at your phone and taking pictures, you just might miss something amazing.
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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If You Want To See All Of The Harry Potter Orlando Theme Park Arrive Early And Make A Plan
The Hogsmeade area and Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure often open early for Universal hotel guests as part of Universals Early Park Admission perk. If youre staying onsite or can get to the park close to opening time, your best bet is to tackle Hogsmeade early in the morning. Its not as large as Diagon Alley and can get crowded as the day wears on. If it gets too crowded, hop over to Diagon Alley and come back to Hogsmeade in the early evening.
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What To Know About The Hogsmeade Shops At The Harry Potter Orlando Theme Park
There arent nearly as many shopping locations in Hogsmeade as there are in Diagon Alley, but there are more than enough to meet all your wizarding needs.
Honeydukes
Honeydukes sells many of the same treats found at Sugarplums Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley. If candy isnt your thing, go for the Butterbeer Fudge or Cauldron Cakes in the bakery case.
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Ollivanders Wand Shop
To ensure there are enough wands to go around, there are Ollivanders locations in both of the Harry Potter lands at Universal Orlando. Both locations have stacks upon stacks of interactive and non-interactive wands, and both hold wand selection ceremonies throughout the day.
Dervish and Banges
Dervish and Banges is your home for Golden Snitches, brooms, and Hogwarts clothing and accessories. Dont forget to check out the real live textbook, The Monster Book of Monsters. Luckily, its in a cage because this book bites!
Filchs Emporium of Confiscated Goods
This is another good souvenir stop where youll also find authentic-looking replica props from the Harry Potter films.
Owl Post
In addition to letter-writing supplies, you can mail letters and postcards to your friends and family with a real Hogsmeade postmark.
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Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey Exhibit At Universal Studios
ByDonna Beasley | Submitted On May 03, 2010
I’m a fan of Harry Potter having read most of the books and seen all the movies. So I’m anxiously anticipating the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter exhibit opening this June at Universal Orlando Resort. It promises, “from magical spells to magical creatures, from dark villains to daring heroes….Plus pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you.”
Well I admit my pulse is pumping right now just thinking about walking in to Hogwarts Castle. I’ll be able to visit Dumbledore’s office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom, the Gryffindor common room and the Room-of-Requirement with its hundreds of floating candles. I’ll even be able to soar over the castle.
But the absolute best thing I’m looking forward to is being swept into a Quidditch match. A Quidditch match is a wizarding sport played on broomsticks that’s popular among wizards and witches. I wonder if they’ll let me have my own broom. I want to be on Harry’s team. I would love to catch the “Golden Snitch,” after all its worth 150 points.
The technological innovations are supposed to be off the chart. Some of the technology was invented just for this exhibit. It’s a first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking – specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.
Here’s When Potter Fans Should Visit Universal Orlando’s Most Magical Attractions
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For those whove always wanted to walk the halls of Hogwarts or explore the shops of Diagon Alley , Universal Orlando offers the next best thing. The theme park opened every Harry Potter fans dream destination back in 2010.
For Potterheads everywhere, however, deciding when to make the trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and how to pay for it is no small feat. Because the themed lands of Harry Potter are found within Universals existing parks , admission to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley comes with a regular park ticket, and is therefore subject to Universals fluctuating ticket prices and crowd levels.
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A Celebration Of Harry Potter
For a weekend every January, Universal hosts A Celebration of Harry Potter. It’s the ultimate fan experience in the parks. Guests will join other diehard Potter fans for three days of panels, demonstrations, exhibits, and cast Q& A sessions in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
In 2018, Harry Potter film cast members like James and Oliver Phelps Stanislav Yanevski , and Bonnie Wright will join fans in all the Potter mania. For anyone who really loves the books and the films, this may be one of the best times of the year to visit.
Hogsmeade Restaurants At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In Orlando
Theres only one restaurant in Hogsmeade, but there are two Butterbeer carts and a pub, so you wont go thirsty.
Three Broomsticks
The rustic charm of Three Broomsticks lends itself to hearty fare like beef pasties and rotisserie chicken, or go for the full Harry Potter world experience by ordering The Great Feasta family-style meal with all the fixins.
Hogs Head
Located in the back of Three Broomsticks, Hogs Head serves Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, and alcoholic drinks, including the Hogs Head Brew thats only available in Hogsmeade at Universals Islands of Adventure.
Butterbeer Carts
There are two Butterbeer carts in Hogsmeade where you can get frozen or cold Butterbeer, water, and other Wizarding World beverages.
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Arrive Early To Have The Best Experience With The Interactive Wand Spots
Once you have your interactive wand from Ollivanders or Gregorovitch, open the box and youll find a map inside. The map marks the magical wand spots in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade where you can test your wizardry. Each spot is marked by a golden medallion on the ground that shows which direction to move your wand and what spell to recite.
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There are also hidden wand spots you wont see on the map. To find them, ask a witch or wizard working in the area if they can point you in the right direction . Team Members can also give you a few pointers if youre having trouble casting spells. If even that doesnt work, your wand may be faulty and you can get a free repair at Ollivanders.
What you really need to know about the interactive wands and wand spots, though, is that they quickly become crowded and overwhelming on a busy day . If casting spells is tops on your kids list of activities , make it a priority to arrive early to the Harry Potter lands and get your spellcasting in before the crowds really fill in . Nothing will make your magical experience feel less magical than waiting in line to cast a spell, and unlike the Harry Potter rides, there are no Express Passes for the wand spots.