Can You Just Go To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split across two parks at the Universal Studios Resort Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, and while you can just visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, youll still need a ticket for the entire Universal Studios park that you choose to visit.
If youve only a ticket for Universal Studios, then youll only be able to access the Diagon Alley half of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Meanwhile, if youve only a ticket to Islands of Adventure, then youll only be able to access the Hogsmede half.
Therefore, most Harry Potter fans find themselves purchasing a ticket to both parks, either as a single ticket to each or as a park-to-park ticket which provides you with the ability to ride the Hogwarts Express between parks.
Hotels Near The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
If youre traveling to the Universal Orlando Resort its important to be strategic about where you stay. For instance, if youre hoping to get access to Early Theme Park Admission for the parks, consider staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel. We loved Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, which was both within walking distance and has boat transportation available. Plus, the Walking Path from Universal Studios to Resort Hotels connects other local hotels as well and offers a budget-friendly way to avoid parking fees. But of course, there are plenty of places nearby to stay. If youre also doing Walt Disney World during this stay, you can easily stay at any Disney Resort and simply drive over on your Wizarding World day.
Check Out The Knight Bus And 12 Grimmauld Place
Once youve seen everything on Diagon Alley, leave this part of The Wizarding World through the opening in the brick wall. Directly across youll see the Knight Bus. Here you can meet the conductor and the shrunken head that hangs at the front of the bus. Kids and adults love interacting with these two. Sit by the fountain to listen in.
Then, look across the way and youll see a replica of a London street. Upon closer inspection, youll see 12 Grimmauld Place, the home of Sirius Black . He gifted the property to the Order of the Phoenix, which used it as a headquarters. Look up toward the second floor and you may catch a glimpse of Kreacher, the Black family house-elf, peering at you from the window.
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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
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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There Are Many Types Of Butterbeer At Universal Orlando Resort
Though cold and frozen Butterbeer are the most popular versions , there are even more ways to enjoy this butterscotch and shortbread-flavored treat. You can get Butterbeer Fudge at Honeydukes and Sugarplums, Butterbeer Potted Cream at Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks, and Butterbeer Ice Cream at Three Broomsticks, Leaky Cauldron, Florean Fortescues The Hopping Pot, and various snack carts.
What Is Early Park Admission
Guests with Early Park Admission have the benefit of entering either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure and, additionally, Volcano Bay an hour before the parks open to the general public. For most of the year, this early-entry period at the theme parks starts at 8:00 am, meaning everyone else will be allowed in around 9:00 am. During the busier seasons, Universal may open one or more of the parks an hour before that, with EPA starting at 7:00 am and allowing other guests in at 8:00. And during the peak season, Universal may opt to have EPA at both theme parks simultaneously.
Even with Early Park Admission, we recommend arriving at the turnstiles 30 minutes before the gates open, although you may want to get there 45 minutes or a full hour beforehand if youre heading to one of the most popular rides or if youre visiting during a busy period.
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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
Top Things To Do At Diagon Alley
- Ride the Hogwarts Express# between Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade Station at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- Enter Gringotts bank for the ride of your life on the groundbreaking thrill ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Cast spells around Diagon Alley with an Interactive Wand from Ollivanders wand shop
- Sample unique and wonderful ice-cream flavours at Florean Fortescues Ice-Cream Parlour
- Visit Weasleys Wizard Wheezes and pick up some magical jokes and tricks of your own!
- Take home a magical creature from the Magical Menagerie
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Take A Break And See A Show
After enjoying the rides, it might be a good time to see one of the shows staged in Hogsmeade throughout the day.
When we visited, we saw the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally. The stage is small but we never had trouble getting a close-up spot as long as we arrived a few minutes before showtime. Check the paper guide given out at the park entrance or the Universal Orlando app for showtimes.
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Orlando Frequently Asked Questions
Going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Resort in Orlando can be as exciting as it can be stressful.
On the one hand, youre excited to experience all the magic. On the other, youre fearful that youll miss out on vital attractions or experiences during what is likely a once in a lifetime experience.
Weve been there.
And now, were pleased to say that weve visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando multiple times over the past decade.
So to make your life easier, and hopefully, your trip run smoothly, weve put together this list of answers to the most frequently asked questions so you can be fully prepared for your trip.
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Is The Universal Express Pass Worth It
Are you planning to skip the line at any of the rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? If so, you will need an Express Pass. That said, this extra pass ranges from $80-$110 dollars per person per day! Read more to review all the pros and cons on whether or not the Universal Express Pass is or isnt Worth It.
Is The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter A Separate Ticket
It is important to know if youre planning a trip to Harry Potter World, access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with any valid Universal Orlando ticket. It is important to know that, if you purchase a one day ticket ticket to Universal Studios, then your entry to Diagon Alley will be included in that ticket. If you purchase a one day ticket to Islands of Adventure, your entry to Hogsmeade will be included in that ticket.
If you want to visit both parks in the same trip, consider buying a park-to-park ticket to Universal Orlando. Plus all of discount one day Universal Orlando tickets that we sell will include Early Park Admission to the Harry Potter rides!
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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
What Is The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the overarching name for the themed areas, attractions, shops, restaurants, and entertainment based on the Harry Potter books and movies. Hogsmeade opened in 2010 at Islands of Adventure and features the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, nearby Hogsmeade Village, and the events of the Goblet of Fire. Diagon Alley opened shortly after in 2014 and includes the London-based aspects of the world such as the Knight Bus, 12 Grimmauld Place, Kings Cross station, and the aforementioned Diagon Alley.
The lands are dense and sometimes overwhelming your attention will be pulled in all directions with unique sights and sounds. With something around each corner, every nook and cranny is worth exploring.
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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.
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package
Vacation Package Includes:
- 5-Night Hotel Accommodations
- 3-Park 4-Day Park-to-Park Promo Ticket1 to Universal Studios Florida AND Universals Islands of Adventure AND Universals Volcano Bay
- Early Park Admission2 to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universals Volcano Bay one hour before the park opens .
- Special Themed Keepsake Box§ with items to get started, including:
- Travel Planning Guide
- Set of Luggage Tags featuring Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger one set of three per package
- Hogwarts Railways Lanyard one per person
For Package Arrivals after December 18, 2020Package will include a 3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park Ticket9 which includes admission to Universal Studios Florida AND Universals Islands of Adventure AND Universals Volcano Bay
The below pricing does not include airfare. For airfare pricing3, please select Air + Hotel + Ticket on the booking tool on the left side of this page.
Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card
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How To Use Points To Buy Universal Tickets
Savvy parkgoers might want to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou points to buy their Universal Orlando theme park admission. But, at least for now, this option may not be available when you search.
If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents per point. Or, if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, you can redeem for travel through the portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.
Historically, Univeral Orlando tickets have often been available through the Chase travel portal at rates comparable to Universals direct pricing. However, as of writing this article, we weren’t able to find any Universal Orlando tickets bookable through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal. So, although it’s worth checking, don’t get your hopes up.
If youve got a stash of Citi ThankYou points, you can use them through the Citi ThankYou travel portal to redeem for activities, including tickets to select attractions and theme parks. However, as of writing, we didn’t find any options to redeem for Universal Orlando tickets. This may change though, so check out the Citi ThankYou portal to review your options.
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Harry Potter Early Park Admission Tickets
We offer some of the best Universal Orlando vacation packages and discounted tickets! Not only do our experts know all of the best deals, there are a ton of perks and benefits that come with booking with our small business.
Receive EARLY PARK ADMISSON to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and purchasediscounted Universal Orlando theme park tickets with The Park Prodigy! All of our tickets are the exact same tickets you receive if purchasing from Universal directly. The best part is you can combine our Universal Orlando ticket deals with any vacation package booked through our travel agency.
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Universal Studios Hollywood Vacation Packages
You can also bundle your cheap tickets with 43 different hotelsfrom budget to luxury in a vacation package. There are a lot of benefits to choosing nearby hotels, including skipping notorious L.A. traffic.
Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and other famous attractions are short distances away from Universal City as well.
How Do I Go About Using Early Park Admission On My Check
The answer to this question depends on whether you are staying at a Universal property or at one of the independent partner hotels.
If you are at the former and want to use Early Park Admission on your check-in day, we recommend arriving at your resort one to two hours before early entry officially starts. Although your room will most likely not be available just yet, guests may still check in to receive a room key for each member of his party, to serve as proof of your hotel stay . Leave your cell number with the front desk so that they can text you when your room is ready, and drop your bags at luggage services. If you need theme-park admission, you can visit the Universal ticket desk at the venue to purchase them . Thats it youre ready to hit the parks!
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