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.
Both Are Resorts With Multiple Theme Parks
Walt Disney World has Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disneys Hollywood Studios, and Disneys Animal Kingdom. Universal Orlando Resort has Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Epic Universe This can get a little confusing because both resorts have a studio-themed park. At both Disney World and Universal Orlando, you can buy tickets for each theme park or a Park Hopper. With a Park Hopper pass at Disney World, you can hop from one park to another. At Universal, it is a Park to Park ticket.
Is Harry Potter Land At Disney World
People are often confused about where Harry Potter land is located.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located at Univeral Orlando Resort and spans over two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. There are no Harry Potter-themed areas or attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.
Lets take a closer look at where you can find Harry Potter attractions in Orlando.
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Take Advantage Of Early Park Admission
Guests who book a vacation package, stay at one of the Universal Resort on-site hotels, or have a Preferred or Premier Annual Pass have the opportunity to enter one of the parks an hour before scheduled park opening with Early Park Admission. During this time, you will be able to enter Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley and ride all of the rides except the Hogwarts Express. This time is incredibly valuable to maximize your time in the parks and experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions with shorter waits.
There Were A Number Of Shows And Parades Happening At Universal On The Day Of My Visit
Universal’s Superstar Parade, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, the Minions, and other popular characters, was running during my visit.
Comedic stage shows, like the Horror Make-Up Show, were also available throughout the day.
At night, Hogwarts Castle came to life with a dazzling projection-light show that was worth seeing, even for a novice Harry Potter fan like me.
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I Would Never Drive To Universal Because The Parking Area Is Cramped And Crowded
I would never suggest driving your own car to Universal Orlando, especially if you’re trying to get to the park for opening. The main entrance is compact and often severely backed up.
Since Universal provides its resort guests with free transportation options, I was able to avoid this.
My preferred method of transportation is the walking paths connecting the hotels to the parks. The 15- to 20-minute walk ends at an entrance that’s reserved for resort guests, allowing for expedited security and smaller crowds.
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.
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Is The Wizarding World Or Star Wars Land Better For Adults
Its no secret that Universal parks cater to an older crowd. I even have a blog post with 5 things for adults to do in Universal.
Most of the Disney Parks are very obviously geared towards children, but Hollywood Studios isnt quite as kid-focused as Magic Kingdom.
If youre comparing Universal vs. Disney for adults as a whole, Universal will probably win. However, when comparing Galaxys Edge vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there is no clear winner.
Both Galaxys Edge and the Wizarding Worlds offer entertaining rides for adults, adult beverages, and more.
Adults might have appreciated Galaxys Edge more if it had been set in an earlier time, but we already talked about that.
Things To Do At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Rides the Hogwarts Express between parks: this rides at The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is a fun ride and it saves you the trouble of walking from park to park.
Enjoy the rides: The golden goblin statue in Diagon Alley marks the entrance that will take you to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The interior of Gringotts and Forbbin Journey are some of the most immersive scenery youve have ever seen.
Use a Wand: You can buy standard wands that are wands certain characters use through the movie series. You can also buy interactive magic wands in also from various gift shops of the theme Park. If you head to Olivanders wand shop, you can experience the magic just like Harry Potter did in the movie when selecting a wand. Purchasing the wand selected for you is not necessary.
Go to the gift shop: Youll find a variety of fantastic books and magical items in the gift shops. You can find many souvenirs from the movie series. The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade stores are almost as fun as the rides. Get acquainted with practical jokes in Weasleys Wheezes and get ready for the dark arts in Borgin and Burkes, which is in the darkness of Knockturn Alley.
Butterbeer: Butterbeer, is a sweet and irresistible drink that is delicious to all magicians. Available in frozen, cold, or hot, even as ice cream or fudge, butterbeer sure quenches the thirsty palate. You can even get a souvenir cup for your drink.
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The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Schedule
Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure are open 365 days a year. Opening hours usually start at 9:00 am and closing times vary. Arrive early and try to be the first person. If they open at 9 am, wait in line at 8:30 a.m. Make sure that your admission ticket is ready beforehand. You do not need to book a Universal hotel, but youll want to apply for the Universal Studios packages, which include accommodations in Orlando hotels, and vacation homes rentals.
Visiting Harry Potter World From Disney World
In this post, were going to discuss everything you need to know about visiting Harry Potter world as part of your Disney World vacation. Well start with the basicslike what the land is actually called and where its locatedbefore diving into how you should go about preparing for and planning your day visit. Read on to learn all about visiting Harry Potter world from Disney World!
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Is Harry Potter At Disney Or Universal
Another common question we receive on this topic is, is Harry Potter Disney or Universal? And Harry Potter can be found at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Hollywood. Hogsmeade village can be found between Islands of Adventure park in Orlando and Universal Hollywood. And Diagon Alley can be found at Universal Studios Florida.
What To Know About The Diagon Alley Shops At The Harry Potter Orlando Theme Park
There are quite a few shops in Diagon Alley and they are many of the same ones you see in the Harry Potter books and movies. Pop into a few even if you dont plan on making a purchase because the theming is so on point. Here are the shops you can visit in Diagon Alley.
Weasleys Wizard Wheezes
Fred and George Weasley are well known for their mischievous pranks. This shop has love potions, Bombtastic Bombs, and everything else you need to pull off your own practical jokes.
Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions
Youll look like you stepped right off the pages of J.K. Rowlings books in the robes, school uniforms, and other finery available here.
Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment
Wiseacres is a great shop for souvenirs like Harry Potter T-shirts, ornaments, mugs, and glassware. The shop also carries a selection of must-have wizarding world supplies.
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Magical Menagerie
This is the place inside the Harry Potter theme park to adopt your very own unicorn, owl, or Pygmy Puff. Dont miss the large snake in the window outside the store.
Quality Quidditch Supplies
If your family is looking for an alternative to matching Hogwarts robes, why not matching Quidditch jerseys? Get them here along with other sporty paraphernalia.
Scribbulus
From parchments to journals to quills and ink, this Harry Potter theme park shop is a writers dream.
Shutterbuttons
Sugarplums Sweet Shop
Wands by Gregorovitch
Gringotts Money Exchange
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Q: Should I Go To Hogsmeade Or Diagon Alley First
A: Now that we have discussed the best Harry Potter park, you might be wondering should I go to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley first? And as a general rule of thumb we always suggest visiting Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure first. This is especially true when using early park admission as the wait times for Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will always be longer than the Escape from Gringotts later in the day.
Why Is Harry Potter Not Disney
So after all of that you might be wondering, why is Harry Potter not Disney? And originally J.K. Rowling did sign a letter of intent with the Walt Disney Company to develop a Harry Potter section in Disney World. However, J.K. Rowling did have strict creative guidelines which caused Disney to back out of the deal.
For additional vacation planning tips to Universal Orlando Resort be sure to check out our main Universal And for the latest Universal vacation package deals be sure to check out our partners The Park Prodigy!
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Star Wars Land Vs Harry Potter World
Before I start comparing Star Wars Galaxys Edge vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, lets go over how I will compare them.
One more thing, this is not comparing Disneys Hollywood studios vs. Universal Orlando. That is another post that might happen later we will see. Speaking of Hollywood Studios, make sure to check out the best things to do at Hollywood Studios.
I am also not comparing The Wizarding World vs. Hollywood Studios as a whole. Im not sure how that could possibly be a fair comparison.
I will use ten factors to compare Harry Potter World vs. Star Galaxys Edge. They include:
- Better for adults
If some of the factors dont make sense, dont worry. I will explain more below. When youre done here, dont miss our 2023 Universal Orlando Planning Guide.
What Are The Two Harry Potter Parks To Choose From 2023
- Hogsmeade Islands of Adventure
- Diagon Alley Universal Studios
Putting a Wizarding World in both of the Universal Orlando parks makes planning your visit a breeze. The hard part then becomes finding out which Harry Potter park will be best for you! As we continue, lets go over some determining factors that will help you decide which is better, Hogsmeade vs Diagon Alley?
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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.
Which Has The Best Shops When Comparing Diagon Alley Vs Hogsmeade 2023
- Diagon Alley Universal Studios
The Verdict: As tempted as you may be by the chocolate frogs, theres really no contest here. When it comes to which Harry Potter park is better at Universal, Diagon Alley in Islands of Adventureis 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!
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Each Has Its Own Outdoor Shopping Dining And Entertainment District
Walt Disney World has Disney Springs while Universal has CityWalk. Each of these districts has amazing restaurants, shops, clubs, and movie theater complexes. CityWalk has a miniature golf course within its district, bars, and a new Escape Room. Disneys mini-golf courses are located at the Swan and Dolphin Resort and Blizzard Beach Waterpark. However, Disney Springs does have bowling, tethered balloon rides, boat rentals, and a few other things to do.
How Far Is Harry Potter Land From Disney World
According to Google Maps, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is8.7 miles from Disney World. It takes roughly 15-30 minutes to travel between the two locations.
Be sure to check out our article about how to go between Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. This page explains how to travel from Disney World to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without a car. Options include Uber, taxi, shuttle bus, and more.
Here are the directions from Disney World to Universals Harry Potter World:
- Walt Disney World® Resort
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What Is The Best Harry Potter Park In Universal Orlando 2023
- Hogsmeade Islands of Adventure
Why did we pick Hogsmeade?:
- Rides To put it simply, no other ride in Orlando can come close to the experience you receive from Hagrids Motorbike Adventure. This ride is worth a trip to Universal alone!
- Food There is nothing like walking into, and dining in The Three Broomsticks. The Leaky Cauldron , is fantastically themed. But any true Potter-Head has always dreamed of sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade at The Three Broomsticks.
- Shopping Although Diagon Alley won this round individually, we really like that the shops are more spread out in Hogsmeade. It gives a better shopping experience in our opinion.
- Overall Experience Who could turn down the chance to actually walk into Hogwarts Castle? The fact that theres a really great ride inside just makes it even more fun.
We hope ourHarry Potter World comparison helps you decide which Harry Potter theme park is best. They are both excellent parks and you will have fun wherever you go, but in our opinion, Hogsmeade is the clear winner!
The Food At The Wizarding World Vs Galaxys Edge
This is another one with a clear winner, especially with the special diets crowd. I have Celiac disease , so you might feel differently than I do.
The Three Broomsticks and The Leaky Cauldron offer traditional British eats at the Wizarding World. Guests tend to rate the food as okay while giving props to the ambiance.
Neither restaurant in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is vegan or allergy-friendly. Yes, the Chef will make you something, but that consists of vegetables and potatoes for vegetarians.
Fortunately, there are plenty of vegan options at Universal outside of the Wizarding World. There are also plenty of gluten-free options at Universal, primarily outside of the Wizarding World.
Disney has always been popular for those with allergies or special diets. Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7 in Galaxys Edge are no exception, and each has menu options for those who are plant-based, gluten-free, etc.
Even though Galaxys Edge is the clear winner, Universal makes great strides in accommodating special diets. We recently attended and were surprised by the number of vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options.
Dont worry I didnt forget about Butterbeer or the Milk Stand thats coming up next.
Winner: Galaxys Edge
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The Tree Broomsticks Best Quick
This rustic tavern is the place to go in Hogsmeade for good food, friendly conversation, and of coursea Butterbeer. Take a seat and have your fill of tasty British fare including The Great Feast, Fish And Chips, Shepherds Pie, Beef Pasties, Turkey Legs, and fresh vegetables. This quick-service style restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Visit During Special Events
While always magical, a few times during the year the Wizard World becomes even more magical. First, you have the Celebration of Harry Potter, which include celebrity guests, panel discussions, and more.
Around the holiday season, you will also see Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as a part of the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. This includes not only beautiful decorations, but also special food options and performances.
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