Planning A Trip To Universal Studios Harry Potter World 2022
There is no doubt that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in all of Orlando. But with this increased popularity can sometimes come increased lines, and families left overwhelmed trying to figure out which rides to go on and when. While there is so much involved with planning a trip to Harry Potter World, the most important thing is to remember to have fun! And thats why we have created this guide to the best way to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Including all of our tips and tricks for using Harry Potter early park admission tickets to get on the most popular rides with very little wait!
The Harry Potter Wands At Universal Orlando Are Pretty Cool Right
Buying your own Harry Potter wand is part of the experience of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. Even though it is one of the pricer souvenirs you can buy in the parks, it offers so much in terms of the experience it offers.
Did you buy a Harry Potter wand on your last visit to Universal Orlando? If so, let us know which type you got, and dont forget to for all the latest Universal Orlando news, tips, and tricks.
Awards Honours And Recognition
The Harry Potter series has been recognised by a host of awards since the initial publication of Philosopher’s Stone including a platinum award from the Whitaker Gold and Platinum Book Awards , three , two Book Awards , the inaugural , the , among others. In 2000, was nominated for a , and in 2001, won said award. Honours include a commendation for the , a short listing for the , and numerous listings on the notable books, editors’ Choices, and best books lists of the , The New York Times, , and .
In 2002, sociologist Andrew Blake named Harry Potter a along with the likes of and . In 2003, four of the books were named in the top 24 of the BBC’s survey of the best loved novels in the UK. A 2004 study found that books in the series were commonly read aloud in elementary schools in . Based on a 2007 online poll, the U.S. listed the series in its “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children”. named Rowling as a runner-up for its 2007 award, noting the social, moral, and she has given . Three of the books placed among the “Top 100 Chapter Books” of all time, or children’s novels, in a 2012 survey published by : Sorcerer’s Stone ranked number three, Prisoner of Azkaban 12th, and Goblet of Fire 98th. In 2012, the of the in featured a 100-foot tall rendition of Lord Voldemort in a segment designed to show off the UK’s cultural icons. In November 2019, the listed the Harry Potter series on its list of the .
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Shows At Diagon Alley
The joy of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is seeing the stories and characters you know and love come to life. As such, head to the stage at the back of the park, behind Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. Here you can see the performance of The Tales of Beedle the Bard by professional actors in a marionette style. And even experience a song and dance number from the famous Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.
Get There Super Early
Youre on vacation. You dont want to set an alarm. Thats understandable. But if you want a couple of rides on Escape From Gringotts, beat the crowds and arrive early to enjoy shorter lines during the park’s morning hours.
If seeing the sunrise isnt your jam, theres always the Express Pass, which allows you to jump to the front of lines that would otherwise require an hour-plus wait on weekdays. While it undoubtedly improves the experience, the Express Pass does make for an even more expensive trip , so know that you can still get through both parks in a single day without it.
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What Christmas Food Is At Harry Potter World 2022
- Holiday Feast Located at both The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broom Sicks, this two-course meal serves traditional British holiday fare.
- Butterbeer This treat is available all year round. But hot butterbeer is only available during the holiday season!
- Soups The Leaky Cauldron has a spellbinding butternut squash soup to warm you up on chilly Orlando evenings.
- Pudding This tantalizing Christmas Pudding is drizzled with hot brandy butter and topped with a citrus glaze.
Buy An Interactive Wand
Don’t think this one is just for kids! If you’re going to go to Ollivander’s to get a wand of your own, be sure to get the interactive version!
Throughout both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, there are interactive shop windows, fountains, and statues where you can wave your wand and bring something to life.
It was so fun to watch faces of both kids AND adults light up when they made something move or made a fountain spring to life with the correct flick of a wand.
I didn’t know about this feature of the parks before arriving the first time , but thought it was genius and a fantastic way to make people feel like they were really part of the magical world.
Once I got a wand of my own, it only made the Harry Potter parks feel more magical. I had so much fun following my map to all the spots where I could cast a spell and cause it to rain or make a feather float. So. Much. FUN.
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Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade is located at Universals Islands of Adventure. It is lined with snow covered shops and dining, and at the end your will find Hogwarts Castle.
Hogwarts Castle has the ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This ride is not for the weak stomach and if you get motion sickness you want to proceed with caution.
I try to ride it before lunch because that keeps the motion sickness at bay. If you do not want to ride the attraction or have a young child with you there is an option to use child swap or walk the line to see the inside without riding the attraction. Ask the ride attendant when entering the attraction.
After riding Forbidden Journey we will ride Flight of the Hippogriff which is a kid friendly coaster that most will enjoy. Then I like to order a Butterbeer from the stand across from Hogwarts before the lines get too long.
Butterbeer comes in Frozen, Hot or Cold. I prefer the frozen and like to share it. It is very sweet! You can also purchase Butterbeer fudge and Butterbeer ice cream at both parks.
The most popular ride at Islands of Adventure is Hagrids Magical Motorbike Adventure. Lines will be very long and should be your first stop if you want to ride.
It does not have express pass options. Express Pass is a ride reservation system that allows you to skip the line. This is a purchased add-on to your ticket. Check out this post to learn more about express pass at Universal.
The 2022 Magic Of Christmas At Hogwarts Castle Lights
Harry Potter Christmas in the Wizarding World is unlike any other with its exclusive castle shows. Lighting up the Hogwarts castle with glistening lights and gentle snowfall, the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is a dazzling projection map show played every night once the sun sets. This Universal Harry Potter Christmas light show is captivating as is projects a magically large Christmas tree, twirling Yule Ball dances, snowman building, and the Hogwarts ghosts ringing out Christmas carols.
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What Harry Potter World Ticket When Visiting On The Same Day
The only ticket that will allow guests to visit both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeadein the same day is the Universal Orlando park-to-park ticket. Its important to note that this is also the only ticket which will allow guests to ride the Hogwarts express!
Its important to note that if you are looking for the least expensive tickets will allow you to visit one theme park per day. We suggest asking these questions when deciding which ticket is the best fit for your family. Do you plan on going and exploring the other rides at each Universal theme park? If so, then you will have plenty to do while visiting one park per day. Or do you plan on spending all of your time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? If so, you might be better off purchasing a Universal park-to-park ticket so you can explore both Harry Potter World lands.
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Guide To Diagon Alley In The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Florida
Welcome, Harry, to Diagon Alley. Heres where you get your quills and your ink, and over there all your bits and bobs for doing your wizardry. Rubeus Hagrid, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Just like Diagon Alley was one of Harry Potters first glimpses of the Wizarding World, working the VIP Preview for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida was one of my first experiences as a team member at Universal Orlando Resort. Ill never forget the moment I first passed through the bricks and saw the iconic street all aglow!
Theres so much to see and do here, from the thrilling ride beneath Gringotts Wizarding Bank, to the Wizarding Worlds most famous shops. You wont want to miss a thing, so heres everything you need to know.
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Hogsmeade To King’s Cross
At the entrance of the queue, ticket inspectors check passengers’ tickets for Universal Studios. The line then leads into a forested area which leads into the Hogsmeade station building. Upon climbing a flight of steps, travelers reach the Hogsmeade station platform. Once the arriving passengers on the Hogwarts Express have left the platform, passengers waiting may then board the train and enter one of the twenty-one passenger compartments within the train.
Passengers then disembark onto Platform 9¾ of King’s Cross and proceed down some stairs into a 2010-era King’s Cross station, before arriving at the London waterfront area, adjacent to Diagon Alley.
- Hogwarts Express stations
Accio Tips And Tricks
More than a decade into its existence, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has become a must-visit attraction at Universal Studios Orlando. For the Potter devout, its Mecca. For people who honestly don’t give a damn, the park’s enormous castle and winding streets are still magical. And whether you grew up alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione or can barely pronounce petrificus totalus, it’s guaranteed to be a wildly immersive experience.
As any muggle might expect after being cast into the world of wizards, theres a lot to take in, and your first trip can be more overwhelming than discovering your pet rat is actually an old man. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks that’ll help you discover the best of the Wizarding World. Here’s what to know.
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Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle, on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the wizarding worlds rarest magical creatures. To be honest, I have been a Walt Disney World annual pass holder for years and this ride single handedly convinced me to purchase a Universal annual pass. ITS THAT GOOD! It is a must when youre figuring out what to do at Universal Studios Harry Potter.
How To Celebrate The Holidays In Diagon Alley 2022
- Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees At the stage located in the canopied area of Diagon Alley, youll find spellbinding performances from Molly Weasleys favorite singer, Celestina Warbeck! She sings chart smashing hits 9 times throughout the day about every hour from 10:30am until 7:30pm.
- Sip Hot Butterbeer Butterbeer comes in many forms, but the best version of this creamy drink is best served hot. You can find butterbeer in 3 spots in Diagon Alley. The Hopping Spot, The Leaky Cauldron, and The Fountain of Fair Fortune.
- Take a Stroll Through the Alleyways Diagon Alley is filled with winding pathways that are decorated to the brim with Christmas cheer. Dont be afraid to also take a stroll through Knockturn Alley if youre feeling brave enough to do so!
The best way to experience Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in our opinion, is to visit the parks with a park to park ticket. That way you can experience the entirety of the Christmas in the Wizarding World fully. But if youre wondering which is better for Christmas, Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley 2022? Our answer is Hogsmeade. If visiting one park is the best option for your vacation, we would recommend only visiting Islands of Adventure.
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When Is The Best Time To Plan A Visit To Harry Potter World
Picking the best time to plan a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter isnt too difficult. As a general rule we typically say to avoid any major school breaks whenever possible. Next we have found one the best ways to visit Harry Potter World and plan around the crowds is to use our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar. This free tool breaks down the expected crowds, average temperature, and eventheme park ticket prices. We find that the least crowded times of year tend to be early fall and right after New Years Eve!
One of our favorite tips is also to pay attention to Universal Orlando theme park ticket pricing. Just like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando theme park tickets now fluctuate based on the time of year you visit. So one of the easiest ways to pick the best time to visit Universal is to compare the cheapest Universal Orlando ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks wont be as crowded during that time of year. If you prefer a few great dates we have outlined them below.
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
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Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Cost
How much does it cost to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Here are the items to consider in your Wizarding World Budget.
- Wizarding World Tickets- Park to Park. $100- $170/per person, per day.
- Parking Fees at Universal Orlando Resort. $27-$30/per day
- Express Passes. $80- $100/ per person, per day.
- Resort Lodging. $90- $400/ night. Explore Hotels.
- Food and Drinks. $15- $25/ per person, per meal.
- Souvenirs and Misc.
We typically recommend buying your ahead of time. As well as any Harry Potter outfits, so you can save money in the shops. And if youre looking for ways to save even more money check out our Wizarding World of Harry Potter on a Budget post.
Shops In Diagon Alley
- Globus Mundi- A Wizarding Travel Agency, Hogwarts Express merchandise, travel accessories.
- Gringotts Money Exchange- Gringotts banknotes, and souvenirs
- London Taxi Hut Store souvenirs, Hogwarts uniforms, apparel, costumes.
- Madam Malkins Robes wizarding robes for all occasions. Uniforms, scarves, cardigans, hats, and jewelry.
- Magical Menagerie Magical creatures of all kinds. Hedwig, ferrets, pygmy puffs, ad plush.
- Ollivanders Wand Shop wands, character wands, and interactive wands.
- Owl Post a post office meant for sending gifts back home. Stationery, quills, seals, ink, stamps.
- Quality Quidditch Supplies Quidditch brooms, nitches, apparel, and more.
- Scribbulus authentic Harry Potter writing supplies, journals, pens, parchment.
- Sugarplums Sweet Shop Bertie Botts Beans, Cauldron Cakes, Butterbeer fudge, and more can be found here.
- Wands by Gregorovitch. Wands, interactive wands, and character wands.
- Weasleys Wizard Wheezes Novelty joke shop, tricks and toys, games, and novelties.
- Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment collectibles, wizarding supplies, crystal balls, moon charts, apparel.
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Exchange Money At Gringotts
You’ll find Gringotts in Diagon Alley , but the Gringotts building itself is home to a ride. Not far away, though, you’ll find the Gringotts Money Exchange, where you can exchange your Muggle money for Gringotts bank notes.
I was slightly disappointed that you don’t get handed a bag full of galleons, but it was fun nonetheless, especially since there’s a goblin inside to interact with .
And don’t worry, this isn’t something you spend any money on. You actually exchange money for Gringotts money, and you can use the Gringotts money just about everywhere within the Universal parks.