Q: Which Universal Studios Has Harry Potter Rides
Another popular question we receive is, which Universal Studios has Harry Potter rides? And guests can enjoy Harry Potter rides at both Universal Studios Orlando or Universal Hollywood.Its important to note that Universal Orlando will have the most Harry Potter rides split between the two lands of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Universal Studios Hollywood is only home to Hogsmeade and does not include the very popular Hogwarts Express which can be found on the east coast.
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.
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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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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Harry Potter Rides Universal Overview
Witches, wizards, muggles and alike are drawn to Universal Orlando Resort from all over the world, specifically to see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Wizarding World offers two different themed lands designed after iconic Harry Potter locations. Between two magical Harry Potter lands, there are a variety of Universal Studios Harry Potter rides for everyone to enjoy. Some of which, are the most imaginative and entertaining rides to ever be made!
Islands of Adventure has a Harry Potter land designed after Hogsmeade Village, filled with shops, restaurants, and of course, rides. The Harry Potter rides at Islands of Adventure are completely different set of attractions than in the other Harry Potter Land, Diagon Alley, which is located in Universal Studios Florida. Diagon Alley only has one Harry Potter ride at Universal, but is still rather popular among the wizarding and muggle folk.
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The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Vacation
In a common misconception that has floated around since opening day, many guests believe that both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are their own theme parks, a misunderstanding probably born from the fact that, in Universals initial marketing push back in 2010, it referred to Hogsmeade as a theme park within a theme park. Its since dropped that language, thankfully enough, and you do not need to buy an additional ticket to visit the Wizarding Worlds. However, if you wish to ride the Hogwarts Express between the two lands, you will need to purchase a park-to-park ticket. Fortuitously enough, Universal has installed ticket booths at the entrances to each station, where guests can upgrade their tickets if they happened to overlooked this caveat.
For our very best vacation planning tips, check out the wealth of informational pages in our Insiders Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including how to beat the crowds, the full rundown on early park admission, and where to find the best food and souvenirs on offer and more!
Can You Do Both Wizarding Worlds Of Harry Potter In One Day
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter spans across two theme parks at the Universal Studios Orlando Resort in Florida Universal Studios and Islands Of Adventure.
This leaves many Harry Potter fans questioning as to whether or not its possible to experience everything the Wizard World of Harry Potter has to offer in just one day.
Weve found that you can experience everything inside both Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day. However, doesnt leave much time for other attractions within the Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure parks.
As such, we would recommend you purchase a two-day, two-park ticket to ensure that you maximise your visit.
If you dont have two days available, consider adding an Express Pass to your park ticket either by purchasing one online or in the parks on your arrival or by staying at an on-site premier hotel which offers them complimentary for guests.
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How Many Days Do You Need To Plan At Harry Potter World
Another popular question we receive, is how many days should I plan at Harry Potter World? And as you can imagine there are so many amazing things to do in each section, you should give yourself at least two days to experience everything the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer. Thats not saying that you cant see a ton of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day, however we find the best way to see Harry Potter in Universal Studios is to not feel rushed. As even guests who purchase the Universal park-to-park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express will want to ride the train twice as the attraction is different going both ways.
Two days at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will also allow families to enjoy some of the other experiences such as the Harry Potter interactive wands and also all of the fun themed shops. Taking your time will allow your family to take everything in and bring the magic of Wizarding World of Harry Potter home.
What Harry Potter World Ticket When Visiting On Separate Days
The best fit ticket for anyone looking to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on two separate days is the Universal Orlando standard one park per day ticket. Interesting enough this ticket can actually be a great option if you are visiting Universal Orlando during peak season. The reason being is Universal will actually open both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios for early park admission. This will allow you to experience both parks separately for early park admission during your vacation.
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Whats The Difference Between The Wizarding Worlds In Orlando And Hollywood
While just as magical, Universal Studios Hollywoods version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter only features the Hogsmeade area and is significantly smaller than the Harry Potter world in Orlando. Theres still plenty of shopping, you can dine at Three Broomsticks, get a drink at Hogs Head, and ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff at the Hollywood park, though.
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Best For Families: Flight Of The Hippogriff
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Inspired by Harrys flight on the Buckbeak, the Hippogriff friend from the Prisoner of Azkaban, this family-friendly ride offers a short and sweet ride that’s perfect for younger visitors, clocking in at just over a minute on the rails, and with a relatively short line to tackle. Expect to peek at Hagrid’s Hut as you wait , get a close up with the huge animatronic Buckbeak right next to the track, and score an epic view of Hogwarts Castle. Each carriage takes two people, so theres someone to hang on to during the steep climb and tummy-flipping drop at the very start of the ride. From there, its all easy turns and gentle loops, so you have plenty of time to admire the view of the park and rooftops of Hogsmeade.
Wait time: 4/5
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The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Hogsmeade: A History
The first slice of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was announced by Universal in May 2007, after author J.K. Rowling signed a deal to bring her popular book and film franchise to Islands of Adventure, the second theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. The new lands development and construction would be overseen by two Harry Potter movie franchise alumni Stuart Craig, the production designer of all eight installments, and Alan Gilmore, the art director for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . Ground would break on the project that summer, with a scheduled opening date of late 2009.
The news could not have come at a better time for Universal between 2004 and 2007, attendance had been dropping at its resort, with many criticizing the company for not introducing new excitement after completing its Orlando expansion just a few years before . In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, the president of Universal Orlando, Bill Davis, stated that we think is going to have a huge impact on all our constituencies: our guests, our team members, our management team everybody. This is absolutely huge. Were just thrilled and excited we were selected for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The plans Ive seen look incredibly exciting, Rowling herself said in a prepared statement. I dont think fans of the books or films will be disappointed.
Best Rides For Thrill Seekers And Older Kids:
Revenge of the Mummy: Enjoy being wrapped in fear? Plunge into darkness as you attempt to escape the Mummy Imotep.
Men in Black Alien Attack: Defend New York against intergalactic invaders as you zap aliens with your laser gun.
The Simpsons Ride: This virtual reality roller coaster ride takes your imagination through Springfield and beyond, with cameos from Bart, Homer and the rest of the Springfield gang.
Transformers:The Ride-3D: In this 3D/4D adventure, youll defend the planet against Megatron and his evil Decepticons, alongside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: Universals Diagon Alley brings the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life. On this thrill ride, youll encounter Harry and his pals as you try to elude the evil Voldemort and Bellatrix.
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Guide To The Harry Potter Rides In Hogsmeade
Hogsmeade is the Harry Potter theme park land to visit in Orlando if youre most interested in experiencing the different Wizarding World-themed rides. There are three of them here.
Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
The Wizarding Worlds newest ride is arguably the best of them all. Billed as a story coaster, this Harry Potter ride follows a haphazard motorbike lesson with Hagrid. Ride it twice so you can experience both the motorcycle and the sidecar.
This is the only attraction in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that doesnt utilize Express Pass, but it does often use a virtual queue rather than a typical line. Check the Universal Orlando app or ask a Harry Potter world team member for assistance joining the virtual queue. The minimum height for Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is 48 and, as with most of the other Wizarding World rides, child swap is available.
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Flight of the Hippogriff
This kid-size coaster has a minimum height requirement of only 36, but its thrilling for kids of all ages . Its a very quick ride and the wait to board through the normal queue can stretch for hours on busy days. With an Express Pass, though, you can often do the ride as many times as you want with very little waiting.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Head Straight For Diagon Alley
There are loads of worthwhile attractions at both parks. Nonetheless, skip the Flaming Moe and head straight for Diagon Alley. The level of immersion here is unlike anything else youll find at the park. Stand by the opening into the alley near the Leaky Cauldron and watch the unbridled joy that spreads across each visitor’s face as they enter. Its that stunning.
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Seuss Landing Universal Rides For Kids
Rides for kiddos are plenty at Seuss Landing. Its also so visually stunning, adults will be charmed. Look around carefully and take some time to explore a little. Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated 45 fanciful childrens books. As you travel through Seuss Landing, youll see creatures from many of his stories.
In keeping with the Seuss stories, you wont spot a straight lines or 90 degree angle anywhere.
High in The Sky Seuss Trolley Train RideThe High in The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride trundles slowly along its track above Seuss Landing and attractions below. Its a relaxing sit down for Moms and Dads and gives a Birdseye view of the area.
There are two different tracks. The Beech track is to your left and the Star track is to your right.
Category: Kid FriendlyHeight: Must be at least 36in . Children between 36-48 must be accompanied by a supervising companion.Express Pass: Yes
Caro-Seuss-ElEven tiny tots can enjoy this ride, its a traditional merry-go-round with the addition of Dr Seuss Characters.
All characters have moving parts the rider controls. The kiddos will be able to make eyes blink, ears wiggle and heads turn. Some of the creatures you can ride include elephant birds from Horton Hatches the Egg, cowfish from McElligots Pool, Mulligatawnies from If I Ran the Zoo.
Theres nothing at all scary about this ride. Unless you have a Scraggle-Foot Mulligatawny phobia, then youd best give it a miss.
Universal Water Rides
Are You Ready To Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip
If youre ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits which can help save you up to three hours in the parks!
And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners atThemeparktoday.com!
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Best Adventure: Jurassic Park River Adventure
Find more wild water thrills at Jurassic Park River Adventure. Youre already wet from the last ride, so why not? On this one, float past colossal dinosaurs before being taken off-course into a restricted Raptor Containment Area. Encounter a close call as the T-Rex nearly captures you in his jaws before plunging 85 feet into total darkness to just barely make it out alive.
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley At Universal Studios Florida
Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley as you walk the familiar streets of London, passing buskers, red telephone booths and Kings Cross Station. You will know youre close to Diagon Alley once you see the Knight Bus. Just pass through the brick archway and catch your first glimpse of this hidden magical marketplace.
Once inside, grab a cup of Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice from iconic establishments like Leaky Cauldron, the Hopping Pot and other themed dining options, or even from a passing street vendor. Several Diagon Alley venues also have wizard-friendly eats.
Of course, its not the wizarding world without adventure, and youll find plenty of it at Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Keep a watchful eye on the roof of Gringotts Money Exchange while youre there, though the 60-foot Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon is known to breathe fire!
Next, its time to gear up on everything youll need to make your time at Hogwarts a success. Find the perfect wand at Ollivanders, get sized for your school uniform at Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions, prepare for the big game at Quality Quidditch Supplies, or just stock up on side-splitting gags at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, among other shopping opportunities. And if you have the nerve to brave Knockturn Alley, Borgin and Burkes is your source for Death Eater masks and other merchandise coveted by members of House Slytherin.
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Filchs Emporium Of Confiscated Goods
Take a peek inside this captivating grotto and youll see all kinds of weird and wonderful confiscated items from the world of wizards!
Youll also find movie prop replicas including Death Eater masks, character walking sticks and themed chess sets, as well as Hogwarts and Quidditch clothing and more.
Top Tip
This is also where you can purchase a photo of your experience on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
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.
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