Eat At Either The Leaky Cauldron Or Three Broomsticks
There’s one restaurant in each Harry Potter park . You’ll find the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley and the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade.
Both serve traditional British pub food I had a plate of mini meat and fish pies and a range of Harry Potter-inspired drinks and beers. The prices actually aren’t terrible, and it’s a fun atmospheric thing to do.
My tip? Go for lunch instead of dinner and the lines won’t be as long.
The Rides At Hogsmeade Overview:
If youre going to determine which Harry Potter world is best solely on rides, well have to give it to Islands of Adventure! For starters, there are three rides, compared to Universal Studios having just one. And of the three, two are actual roller coaster type rides. For this reason we also recommend starting your day here for anyone looking to buy discount Harry Potter world tickets.
The most exciting of the three is Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Visually, it isnt nearly as stunning as Escape from Gringotts. But once the ride starts, whoa! On Hagrids motorbike or in its sidecar, youll twist, turn, drop, and roll onto your side. The 1-mile track makes it the longest coaster in Florida. If youre an adrenaline junkie, this ride alone could decide the question of which is the best Harry Potter theme park for you.
Next up is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, another mostly 3-D ride. This time, Harry, Ron, and Hermione save you from a boring lecture about the Defense of the Dark Arts and take you on an adventure through Hogwarts. The ride is fun, but the really exciting part is entering Hogwarts. Its a dream come true for any Potter fan, and for many people this alone settles the question of which Harry Potter world is the best.
For younger riders, or those who prefer a milder ride, the Flight of the Hippogriff is ideal. Its a bit of a kiddie coaster, but it does go high enough to give you great views of the Hogwarts castle.
Tips For Riding The Hogwarts Express At Universal Orlando
The Hogwarts Express connects the two theme park areas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Because it technically takes you from one of Universals parks to the other, youll need a Park-to-Park ticket to ride the train. While the ride itself lasts less than five minutes, the lines can also grow pretty long as the day wears on, but a Universal Express pass will cut your wait time drastically.
You can board the train at Hogsmeade Station in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure or Kings Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios Florida. Each train cars windows are not actually windows, but screens that make you feel as if youre actually making the same journey Harry did to and from school. Because of this, the experience is a bit different in both directions, but both have scenery, characters, and magical creatures from the films. Take the train both directions if you can.
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How Many Rides At Islands Of Adventure Are Open For Early Park Admission
Universal Islands of Adventure is also included in the early park admission hours. Luckily guests can enjoy some of the most popular rides in all of Universal during these early park hours. The rides included with Islands of Adventure early park admission are Flight of the Hippogriff, Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the VelociCoaster.
Universal Studios Vs Islands Of Adventure Which Is Best
Universal Studios Orlando has two major parks Universal Studios Florida and Islands Of Adventure. They both have plenty to offer everyone within the family but if you only have one day to see one of the parks, you might be wondering which to visit.
As there are more child-friendly lands and rides catered to a younger audience, Islands of Adventure it is better suited to children and families. Whereas Universal Studios Florida is better suited to older children, teens and adults as the rides are bigger and scarier with more mature themes.
While you can visit both parks in one day with a park to park ticket, you may find it a stretch. So in this post, we will be highlighting the different places to eat, different rides and attractions to help you decide which is better for you and your family.
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Ranking All Of The Harry Potter World Rides 2022 Worst To Best
Ranking all of the Harry Potter World Rides 2022 Worst to Best
Ranking all of the Harry Potter World Rides 2022 Worst to Best
This article is your best guide for ranking all of the 2022 Harry Potter rides! Wingardium Leviosa! If you are a Harry Potter lover and a travel enthusiast, making the trip to Universal Orlando might be in your future. Universal Orlando Resort is a bucket list destination for all Harry Potter fans looking for an imaginative vacation destination. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an impressive addition to Universal Orlando that is full of Harry Potter icons like Hogwarts Castle, Ollivanders Wand Shop and more!
A Harry Potter World wouldnt be complete without Universal Studios Harry Potter rides and we are going to rank them for you in this article. Whether its flying through the Forbidden Forest or breaking out of the safest place on Earth, we are going to tell you all of the UniversalHarry Potter rides, best to worst.
We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation! If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando ticketswhich include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter:
This is a huge part of the Islands of Adventure vs Universal Studios decision, because the Wizarding World of Harry Potter boosted these parks immensely. Its hard to judge which section of Harry Potter world is better honestly. If you grew up reading the books like I did and wish you were a wizard, just seeing any part of the park is completely magical. So lets break it down a little bit.
First of all, if you have a 2-park ticket, you can ride the Hogwarts Express between the two Harry Potter worlds.
Hogsmeade & the Hogwarts Castle
This part of Harry Potter World was the first section built and is found at Islands of Adventure. You can see the Hogwarts Castle from far away in the park and it just makes it exciting to walk up to it. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the ride that is located inside the castle and as youre waiting to get on the ride, you get to walk through the castle to see different rooms. The ride itself is phenomenal and really creative.
Hagrids Motorbike Adventure is the newest ride there and I havent gotten a chance to ride it yet, but Im sure its equally as great. Theres also a hippogriff ride for kids.
The other part of this section is the town of Hogsmeade and its adorable. The crooked town buildings are snowcapped and really transport you to that snowy, Christmas time of Hogwarts even though its likely 90° outside.
Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley in Universal Studios.
Which is better: Islands of Adventure vs Universal Studios?
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Where Is The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Located
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Join Ron, Harry, and Hermione on a flying adventure around Hogwarts Castle, where youll visit the Quidditch pitch, face down a dragon, head into the Forbidden Forest, and escape the dark Dementors. This one-of-a-kind ride system combines huge practical sets and effects with immersive screen elements for a ride that is unlike anything else in Orlando.
Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
A Care of Magical Creatures lesson with Hagrid goes awry as you ride this family coaster in either the motorbike or sidecar seats. Multiple launches have you zooming through the Forbidden Forest to encounter the flora and fauna from the Harry Potter books and movies.
The Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station
Board Hogwartss eponymous steam train for transportation from Hogsmeade Village to Kings Cross Station in London. Once onboard, relax and enjoy the two-minute ride with scenes from the British countryside and appearances from well-loved Wizarding World characters.
Guide To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Orlando
The first thing to know about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando is that it is split among two different theme parks. Diagon Alley is found at Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade is in Universals Islands of Adventure.
Check here for more tips and tricks for your visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando or here to cast spells like a pro at Universal Orlando.
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Which Park Is Better Universal Studios Or Islands Of Adventure
Both parks have such a wonderful quality to them, so when deciding on Universal vs. Islands of Adventure, it almost seems unfair to pick a favorite. If you have the time and affordability, we say go to one per day, this way you dont have to choose between Universal or Islands of Adventure. However, if you only have a day, we recommend purchasing a park-to-park pass, allowing you to access both parks in a day, which is another great day to help ease the decision of Universal Orlando vs Islands of Adventure.
Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts
Height Requirement: 42 inches
The detail on this ride is incredible! There is an actual fire breathing dragon on the top of the bank. It is unreal!
As you enter the ride you will be entering Gringotts. The detail is phenomenal. The dwarfs are so realistic. The ride is fun but in my opinion it is not as fun as the two rides at Islands of Adventure The Forbidden Journey and Hagrids. It is still amazing!
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The Shops At Universal Studios
- Weasleys Wizard Wheezes: Puking Pastilles and other prank items devised by the Weasley twins
- Gringotts Exchange: trade U.S. currency for Gringotts bank notes, which can be used in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade
- Borgin & Burkes: Death Eater masks and movie replicas
- Globus Mundi: passport holders, luggage tags, and other necessities for your magical travels
- Madame Malkins Robes for All Occasions: clothing and jewelry
- Magical Menagerie: plush toys featuring magical creatures, including fan fave Buckbeak
- Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment: unique house merchandise
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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Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Musts
When youre visiting the Wizarding World, there are a couple of things that you should try if you have the chance for the quintessential Hogwarts student experience: Butterbeer and interactive wands. As youre reading, youll also want to keep an eye out for my Magical Tips for Muggles for helpful hints on how to make the most of your time in the Wizarding World and bits of Harry Potter-inspired hidden magic to look for as youre exploring.
Butterbeer
Butterbeer is an iconic treat in the magical world created by J.K. Rowling and the signature drink of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In the real world, this popular brew tastes like a mix between butterscotch and cream soda topped with a thick, whipped foam which lends the drink most of its sweetness. And dont let the name fool you, Butterbeer is non-alcoholic.
As a beverage, you can get either Cold or Frozen Butterbeer, while Hot Butterbeer becomes available in the colder months (which tastes akin to butterscotch-flavored hot cocoa. You can also get the popular flavor in Butterbeer Ice Cream both soft-serve and hard-packed as well as Butterbeer Potted Cream and Butterbeer Fudge.
Interactive Wands
Which Has More Rides Universal Studios Or Islands Of Adventure
Lets take a look at another important question which is, does Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios have more rides? And, Islands of Adventure does have more rides than Universal Studios. Islands of Adventure has 19 rides vs Universal Studios 13 rides. It is important to know that although Islands of Adventure has slightly more rides than shows, Universal Studios Florida does have more shows than rides.
If you are contemplating Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios for adults, then you would consider Islands of Adventure more. However, if you want fun for the whole family, Universal Studios is perfect for slightly more shows and kid-friendly attractions .
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Overall Theme & Atmosphere
Universal Studios Florida is the park we always love to start off in, mainly because we love walking through the large gate and seeing the Universal Studios Orlando Globe.
Diagon Alley is probably my favourite part as the whole area is very unique and highly decorated to look just the part. It is also very immersive and so as you are within the land you are limited on seeing any of the other parts of the park which makes you feel more like you are within the real Diagon Alley.
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Guide For Your First Visit
Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando for the First Time can be confusing! Between the planning and choosing what to do, see and eat, there is enough to fill at least one day, if not two! Here is your first-timers guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
If this is your First Visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there is a lot to learn! Because its about so much more than just showing up with your wizard robes. If youre hoping to take in all the magic of Wizarding World then settle in, and take notes. Butterbeer, Ollivanders Wand Shop, and the Frog Choir await!
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Islands Of Adventure Quality Of Rides And Attractions
This park is definitely the place to be when it comes to ride diversity! From water rides, to intense roller coasters, to interactive shooting games, your day at Islands of Adventuredefinitely wont feel monotonous.
Plus, the scenery is always changing, from Marvel Superhero Island, to Jurassic Park, to Seuss Landing, to Toon Lagoon, to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and more!
Basically, what were trying to say is Islands of Adventure certainly lives up to its name!
Category Winner: Islands of Adventure for a smorgasbord of different ride opportunities!
Best Water Ride: Dudley Do
If youre looking to escape the Florida heat, climb aboard Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls®, a themed log-flume ride set in the Canadian mountains. Experience a 75-foot drop, then plummet below water level for a real rush! Be warnedthis ride will leave you soaked.
Still haven’t made your decision yet? Try perusing our Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Resort for the best coupons, discounts and deals to help save you time and moolah.
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Best Overall: Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts
This 4D ride brings one of the classic movie scenes to life. As the featured attraction of the Diagon Alley section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you wont want to miss it.
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After you get your adrenaline rush on the ride, youll be ready to explore the rest of Diagon Alley, preferably with a Butterbeer in hand. Grab an English bite at The Leaky Cauldron before heading to Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, where youll be picked out by your wand. Yes, we said that right — only true fans will know what we mean.
High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train
Take a slow trolley ride about Seuss Landing to get a birds-eye view of it all while listening to classic Dr. Seuss stories.
Who loves it? Anyone who wants to just sit back and relax will enjoy winding around on these elevated tracks.
Height Requirements? Minimum height is 36 but anyone under 48 will need to have a supervising companion.
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What Are The 3 Harry Potter Rides At Universal Islands Of Adventure
Another common question we receive is, what are the 3 Harry Potter rides at Universal Islands of Adventure? The 3 Islands of Adventure Harry Potter rides are Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Its also important to note that Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida share a ride in the Hogwarts Express.
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