Different Lands Included With Your Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Tickets
The second most popular question we receive is, which lands are included with my Harry Potter World ticket? And the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are separated into two lands being Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley. With Hogsmeade Village being located in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley being located in Universal Studios Florida.
Halloween In The Wizarding World
Lastly , the Halloween season also makes for a magical visit to the Wizarding World. Although the Harry Potter parks dont go through much of a spooky transformation, Universals main Halloween event, Halloween Horror Nights, yields a special Harry Potter-related opportunity.
Guests can enjoy smaller daytime crowds during their September or October visit to begin with, but they can also find a quiet haven in Diagon Alley during the nighttime festivities.
While most guests are wrapped up in the late-night Halloween Horror festivities at the Universal Studios park, Diagon Alley remains open to visitors much later than usual.
True Potter fans will relish the chance to walk the streets of this wizarding marketplace in peace and quiet.
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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Buy A Wand But Skip The Robes
The stores throughout the park are beautiful, and inside each, there are a lot of magical, alluring toys for sale. But transforming yourself into a wizard gets mighty expensive.
Wands are one of the few toys that might be worth the price. They run around $55, but you get more than a run-of-the-mill souvenir: At both parks, brass markers indicate spots where you can cast a spell and “magically” make things happen. Youre essentially buying an extra attraction.
The wands are fun, but you can skip the show in Ollivanders Wand Shop. Only one person in each group is selected to be paired with their wandeveryone else just has to watch. Go into the store next door to discuss what kind of wand you want with, uh, one of Ollivanders assistants. You arent missing much.
Although it’s tempting to complete your Hogwarts uniform with a robe, they cost about $114, dont get you anything special in the park , and you can find one for much cheaper online. You should still visit the talking mirror inside Madam Malkins for a nice confidence boost, though.
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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Harry Potter World Lands Universal California Vs Florida
One of the most obvious differences between the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood are the lands. Both parks offer guests to experience Hogsmeade, which has the Hogwarts castle and the various shops and rides throughout the village. Unfortunately, because of size issues and where Universal Hollywood is located, there was not room for another Harry Potter theme park.
It is important to note that while comparing the two, Harry Potter World in Universal Hollywood is missing Diagon Alley. Harry Potter World in Florida has an entire second theme park where guests can ride the Hogwarts Express back and forth from the two parks with a proper ticket. That is one of the major disadvantages of Universal Hollywood when comparing both Harry Potter parks.
When it comes to the layout of Hogsmeade, it is nearly identical in both parks. Although Universal Hollywoods Hogsmeade is slightly smaller, you cannot tell the difference with the amazing theming. Universal Orlandos Hogsmeade is also located in the Islands of Adventure park, where Californias is in their Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universals Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience
Its the perfect climactic finale to a day of blockbuster thrills at Universal Studios®. Make it an evening to remember with the exceptional cuisine and unforgettable movie moments of the Universals Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
2Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins one hour prior to regular scheduled park opening to either Universal Studios Florida or Universals Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando and Universals Volcano Bay. Valid at select attractions at each park. Attractions are subject to substitutions without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
§Upon full payment for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package we will send an E-Travel Document to the e-mail provided at the time of booking. The E-Travel Document will include confirmation instructions, destination information and details about the Special Themed Keepsake Box. Guests will have their Special Themed Keepsake Box delivered to the hotel within twenty-four hours of arrival and guests should follow ticketing instructions contained within the E-Travel Document. Maximum of eight lanyards per Special Themed Keepsake Box.
5Based on average price of a 2-Park Universal Express Unlimited pass ranging between $84.99 and $189.99.
6Reservations required. Transportation schedule and availability are subject to change without notice. Excludes Orlando International Resort Club.
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Q: Can You Buy Tickets To Just Harry Potter World
A: No, to visit any Wizarding World of Harry Potter land, you must purchase the full Universal theme park ticket. There are three different theme parks in the United States where you can visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood.
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!
Have Your Wands Ready
Early entry is only available at Universals Islands of Adventure, so even though youre heading to Diagon Alley over in the Universal Studios Florida park, youll still kickoff the day with an hour in Hogsmeade.
Come ready to cast spells with your Harry Potter interactive wands. Today is about taking things slow and embracing the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While other people are waiting in line at Ollivanders or for the rides during early entry, your kids will be reciting spells throughout Hogsmeade.
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The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Hollywood And Universal Orlando
One of the best additions ever made to the Universal Studios theme parks was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando have areas dedicated to the Boy Who Lived. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an immersive experience so that once fans step foot into the land, they will feel like they have stepped into the movies and books.
Universal Orlando has two Harry Potter themed lands: Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. The Hogwarts Express connects both of these Harry Potter themed lands- you will need a Park-to-Park ticket in order to ride though since it transports you between the two main theme parks at Universal Orlando.
Universal Studios Hollywood only has Hogsmeade but with a larger amount of shops to compensate for Hogsmeade being the main focus. Universal Studios Hollywood is a working studio and doesn’t have the same capacity as Orlando to expand. Despite that, the experience of Hogsmeade at Universal Studios Hollywood is just as amazing and immersive as its counterpart in Florida.
Our guide covers everything you need to know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both the locations in California at Universal Studios Hollywood and in Florida at Universal Orlando. From British dining options to magical rides to the castle of Hogwarts guests can partake in their own Harry Potter themed adventure.
Rumors And Official Announcement
In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a “highly credible source” that the Lost Continent area within Universal’s Islands of Adventure park was to be re-themed “to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children’s franchises”. Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation the new area would involve Harry Potter, and was being developed under the name “Project Strong Arm” in reference to the KUKA robotic arm technology it would utilise.Nikki Finke reported her own confirmation of the Potter park plans in April, followed shortly by a story in The Scotsman both reports were widely relayed by other media sources. On May 31, 2007, Universal officially announced the 20-acre addition recreating Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade, with a planned opening in 2009.
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The Making Of Harry Potter
In March 2011, Warner Bros. announced plans to build a tourist attraction in the United Kingdom to showcase the Harry Potter film series. The Making of Harry Potter is a behind-the-scenes walking tour featuring authentic sets, costumes and props from the film series. The attraction is located at , where all eight of the Harry Potter films were made. Warner Bros. constructed two new sound stages to house and showcase the famous sets from each of the British-made productions, following a £100 million investment. It opened to the public in March 2012.
Diagon Alley Restaurants At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In Orlando
Theres only one sit-down restaurant in Diagon Alley, but there are plenty of spots to get Butterbeer, Fishy Green Ale, sweet treats, and even beers specially brewed for the Harry Potter land.
Leaky Cauldron
Fashioned after the pub and inn from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Leaky Cauldron is Diagon Alleys only table-service dining option. You can order traditional British fare such as bangers and mash, fish and chips, and a full English breakfast. Dont worry, there are also plenty of picky-eater-approved options like pancakes and macaroni and cheese. To save time, place a mobile food order before you arrive at the restaurant. When you arrive, your server will find you a table and fill your order.
Florean Fortescues Ice-Cream Parlour
Butterbeer ice cream is certainly the most popular menu item, but dont sleep on the shops other unique flavors like Earl Grey and Lavender, Sticky Toffee Pudding, and Chocolate Chili. Better yet, spend a few days exploring Harry Potter world in Orlando and try all the flavors.
The Fountain of Fair Fortune
When youre ready for something a bit stronger than Butterbeer, stop at the Fountain of Fair Fortune. Theres a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, but adults can pop in here for a Wizards Brew or Dragon Scale beer, which are only available in the Diagon Alley area at Universal Studios Florida.
The Hopping Pot
Eternelles Elixir of Refreshment
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What Rides Are Open With A Harry Potter Early Admission Ticket
- Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Flight of the Hippogriff
The best part is you do not have to be staying at a Universal Orlando hotel in order to get early park admission. In fact all guests who buy their Universal Orlando tickets from our friends at The Park Prodigy will receive Early Park Admission absolutely FREE!
We also find early park admission tickets to be the best bet for families regardless of if you are trying to figure out if the express pass tickets are worth it or not. The main reason is Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and also the newest ride the VelociCoaster are not included as part of the Universal Express Pass.
Experience Dessert At The Chocolate Emporium On Universal Citywalk
As you enter Universals Islands of Adventure, you cannot ignore the towering smokestacks, cogs, and gizmos of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. This full-service restaurant, bar, and confectionary serves an all-day brunch menu that is beyond enticing after a day in Diagon Alley and Universal Studios Florida.
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Entertainment In The Wizarding World At Universal Studios Hollywood
On the Hogsmeade stage, you will find some entertainment throughout your visit. Some of the Hogwarts choir students perform with their large croaking frogs. Ribbit, ribbit! The show can vary during the holidays.
You can also cheer on the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students as they get the crowd excited for the Triwizard Tournament. After each performance, you can take photos with the singers and dancers.
Be sure to check the show times for these shows early in the day. The times appear at the USHWaitTimes site under “Music.” You can always ask a team member in The Wizarding World for show times. That site and the Universal Studios Hollywood app are a good source to check ride and Ollivanders wait times, as well.
During certain seasons, mostly summer and the Christmas season at Universal Studios Hollywood, there is a nighttime show at the castle once the sun sets. With music, projection and lights, it’s pure magic. The theme of the show varies per season.
There are many other magical surprises and hidden gems waiting for you in Hogsmeade. We dont want to spoil all of them. But if you are a true Harry Potter fan like we are, you will appreciate all of the storied details in the store windows and the magical folk working in the shops.
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Hoppy planning!
Start Here When Buying Harry Potter World Tickets
We know that planning a trip to Universal Orlando can be overwhelming so we recommend to start with these questions to make sure you are getting the right fit ticket for your next trip.
- Which Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands should I visit?
- Should I visit both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in the same day?
- Should I plan to visit Universals Volcano Bay?
- Is it best to buy Harry Potter World Tickets online or at the park?
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Choosing A Wand In The Wizarding World At Universal Studios Hollywood
As all wizards know, the wand chooses the wizard. And where do wizards buy their wands? At Ollivanders, of course ! In this unique, interactive experience, you can watch one child or young adult selected from the audience work with the wandmaker to be paired with just the right wand for them. Brace yourself if your tadpole gets chosen. He or she may want to buy the custom interactive wand that lets you cast spells around the Wizarding World. The interactive wands are about $52, so you might want to set up expectations before entering.
There is usually a wait to take part in a wand-choosing ceremony, so keep your eye on that. We find that the wait time is highest in the morning and dips in the afternoon. Find out more about choosing a wand in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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. If the notices you receive when a route starts you leave, you have the option to leave the line before surrendering. Go for a walk even if you plan to leave the line. Its good to see the detailed interiors of Gringott, the goblin, and everything else!
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 April fools jokes in Weasleys Wheezes and get ready for Halloween in Borgin and Burkes, which is in the darkness of the Knockturn Alley.
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Tips For Visiting Diagon Alley At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In Orlando
Your Harry Potter Orlando experience actually begins outside of Diagon Alley in the London waterfront area of Universal Studios Florida. Its worth spending a few minutes in this area adjacent to the Harry Potter world to chat with the Knight Bus conductor and search for Kreacher the house-elf in the upstairs window of 12 Grimmauld Place before heading into Diagon Alley.
When youre ready to enter the Wizarding World, you may be wondering where to find the entrance to Diagon Alley. To better keep out muggles, its hidden behind a brick wall just past Leicester Square Station.
Once inside the Harry Potter theme park, youll be staring right at the large Ukranian Ironbelly dragon that sits atop Gringotts Bank. It really does breathe fire . If you want to catch a photo or video of the fire-breathing dragon in action, listen for the dragons low growl and youll know hes warming up for his next performance.
Turn right after you enter to visit Carkitt Market or go straight back toward the bank and youll hit Horizont Alley. You can also see the seedier side of Diagon Alley if you follow the dark pathway past the Leaky Cauldron into Knockturn Alley. Each has shops, dining, and magic wand spots , and Carkitt Market has a stage where you can watch live entertainment from Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees or The Tales of Beedle the Bard throughout the day.
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