Is The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Worth Visiting If You Dont Like Harry Potter
If you dont like Harry Potter or havent seen the Harry Potter films previously , then its unlikely the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to be the highlight of your trip to Universal Studios.
However, that doesnt mean you shouldnt visit altogether.
Both Universal Studios in Orlando and Universal Studios in Hollywood is made up of multiple areas and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just one of those areas.
As such provided you enjoy some of the other themed areas inside the park or are a fan of thrill rides you should still get value from visiting Universal Studios as a whole.
It doesnt cost any extra money, nor do you need an additional ticket to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as such you can experience it for as long or as short amount of time as you want during your visit.
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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Where To Get Butterbeer
Butterbeer is a famous drink from the Harry Potter books. It is a very sweet drink that is a cross between cream soda and butterscotch flavor. It is not alcoholic, unless adults specifically order an alcoholic version.
Butterbeer comes in several different varieties in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. These include:
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Cold Butterbeer (found at Leaky Cauldron, Hogs Head, The Hopping Pot, Fountain of Fair Fortune, Three Broomsticks and food service carts
- Butterbeer Ice Cream
- Butterbeer Fudge
You might be able to get your Butterbeer served in a souvenir tankard if you choose the cold or frozen varieties.
Be aware, you cannot buy butterbeer outside of Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are no other locations to purchase the drink at Universal Orlando Resort. You cannot buy butterbeer at Disney World, either.
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What To Know About The Hogsmeade Shops At The Harry Potter Orlando Theme Park
There arent nearly as many shopping locations in Hogsmeade as there are in Diagon Alley, but there are more than enough to meet all your wizarding needs.
Honeydukes
Honeydukes sells many of the same treats found at Sugarplums Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley. If candy isnt your thing, go for the Butterbeer Fudge or Cauldron Cakes in the bakery case.
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Ollivanders Wand Shop
To ensure there are enough wands to go around, there are Ollivanders locations in both of the Harry Potter lands at Universal Orlando. Both locations have stacks upon stacks of interactive and non-interactive wands, and both hold wand selection ceremonies throughout the day.
Dervish and Banges
Dervish and Banges is your home for Golden Snitches, brooms, and Hogwarts clothing and accessories. Dont forget to check out the real live textbook, The Monster Book of Monsters. Luckily, its in a cage because this book bites!
Filchs Emporium of Confiscated Goods
This is another good souvenir stop where youll also find authentic-looking replica props from the Harry Potter films.
Owl Post
In addition to letter-writing supplies, you can mail letters and postcards to your friends and family with a real Hogsmeade postmark.
Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey
The original Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction and still one of the most popular rides in Hogsmeade! Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is located inside of Hogwarts castle and is a one of a kind ride which will allow you to experience the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on your very own broomstick. This used to be the most popular attraction with the longest line in the parks however they have not been as bad ever since Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opened last year.
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Diagon Alley And London: Universal Studios Florida
The second phase of the Wizarding World opened in 2014. Diagon Alley is the fictitious wizarding district in London. Accessible only to wizards and witches, this secret street is lined with stores selling everything a wizard needs, from wands to robes to spellbooks to owls.
Guests enter Diagon Alley through a seemingly normal part of the London Waterfront, the first of five areas in this part of the Wizarding World.
Even though youre still technically in the muggle world, you can glimpse evidence of the magic around you, including spotting Kreacher the house-elf in the window of 12 Grimmauld Place, the phone booth entrance to the Ministry of Magic, and the magical Knight Bus.
Enter Diagon Alley in much the same way Harry Potter himself did, where your eye is immediately drawn to the fire-breathing dragon atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Youll see several familiar shops in the different towns here, such as:
- The dark wizards favorite, Knockturn Alley
Weve provided lots more details on all the shops and attractions below. First, though, lets look at tips and tricks for planning your visit.
Universal Studios Hollywood Harry Potter Restaurants
- The Three Broomsticks Head on into the rustic tavern for a quick service meal of shepherds pie, fish & chips or even The Great Feast. Inside the theming has beautiful cast-iron chandeliers, exposed wooden beams and the normal wizarding trinkets youd find laying about.
- Hogs Head Located on the backside of The Three Broomsticks, this pub offers Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, specialty drinks, wine, spirits and brews.
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Harry Potter World Ticket Prices
So, how much are tickets to Harry Potter World? Well, as we have been discussing this is an easy question to answer as all Universal Orlando tickets will grant guests access to one or both lands in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Ticket prices will start at $109.00 per person per day for one park tickets, and start at $165.00 per person per day for the park-to-park tickets. Below is the rest of the multi-day Universal Orlando ticket pricing.
Harry Potter World Rides Universal Florida Vs California
Soaring through the Forbidden Forest or roaming the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Universal Studios Harry Potter rides are amazing. So, to start our Harry Potter World coast to coast comparison, lets start with what rides are offered at Hogsmeade. The Harry Potter rides in both Universal parks are mostly the same when it comes to Hogsmeade, but Orlando definitely has gotten some updates over the years. So what are the difference in rides when comparing Harry Potter World Hollywood Vs Orlando?
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Is The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter The Same In Orlando & Hollywood
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is available at both Universal Studios in Orlando and Universal Studios in Hollywood.
In Orlando, the Wizarding World is split across the two theme parks Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure.
While in Hollywood, the Wizarding World is set within the Universal Studios Hollywood park.
However, thats not to say that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood isnt worth experiencing if youre on vacation in LA or live relatively local to the theme park.
So Here We Go With My Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Review Part 1
Upon entering Islands of Adventure with the masses of other early entrance muggles, it was clear everyone was headed for the same place. Just walking through the entrance gave me an insight as to why 66 million people travel to Orlando for the theme parks each year .
Up until then, my experience at theme parks had amounted to what was available on the Gold Coast of Australia, and while those times in Aussie are very fond memories, this was on another level!
We all jostled with the speed of an Olympic walker trying to keep calm while trotting up a storm towards the very back of the park where Hogsmeade beckoned.
There was a thrill in the air that had my adrenaline going which was lucky because we had been up since 6:30 after returning the rental car at midnight the night previous the perils of traveling but more on that later.
Having studied the maps and downloaded both the Universal map app and ride times app to my phone, I knew it was close. At this point my desire to photograph everything warred with my desire to be under that little spell limits sign I had seen in so many vlogs .
The first thing you see is the beautiful red train you know its all real then!
We headed towards the back where I knew the line for the Forbidden Journey started. They have masses of little lockers that are free, and you just register with your fingerprint.
But Im getting ahead of myself!
Turning on the water fountain with an interactive wand .
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The Shops At Islands Of Adventures
- Honeydukes: Exploding BonBons, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans
- Dervish & Banges: magical items, broomsticks, and your Hogwarts uniform
- Filchs Emporium of Confiscated Goods: treasures seized by the surly caretaker, plus more
- Owl Post: writing equipment and a place to mail letters with a Hogsmeade postmark
Complete Guide To Planning A Trip To Harry Potter Universal Orlando
Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Harry Potter Universal Orlando
Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Harry Potter Universal Orlando
This page is your complete guide to planning a trip to Harry Potter World in 2022! It is also the perfect starting point for any muggle getting ready for their Universal Orlando trip! Youll find that there is so much to do in Universal Orlando at Harry Potter World! With incredible restaurants, shops and attractions that bring you right into the Harry Potter Universe, it truly feels like youre in another world.
So, what is the best way to see Harry Potter at Universal Orlando? Thats exactly what we are about to break down for you. Well also fill you in on how to make the most of your time with Universal Early Park Admission.
So if youre planning a trip to Universal Studios Harry Potter World read on!
SPECIAL NOTE:If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal crowd calendar!
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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.
Hogsmeade Vs Diagon Alley: Based On The Shopping
No one goes to a theme park just to shop. But once youre there, its hard to say no to a souvenir or three. This is especially true at Universal, with all of its exclusive Harry Potter merchandise! And if youve been sorted into a Hogwarts house, you can choose from everything from hoodies to backpacks to school supplies in your colors.
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Phase : Universal Studios Florida
The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter saw attendance at Islands of Adventure rise by as much as 36% in 2010. According to Jason Garcia of the Orlando Sentinel, this saw resort executives pondering “when to expand Wizarding World and how to keep business balanced between Islands and Universal Studios Florida”. In April 2011, Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times speculated that an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter would see attractions such as Diagon Alley and a Gringotts-themed dark ride replace Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent themed area.
On December 6, 2011, Universal Parks & Resorts announced that they would be expanding The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The expansion was described as “significant” by officials however, no further details were released at the time. The announcement came just four days after Universal Studios Florida announced that they would be closing their Jaws ride on January 2, 2012. On January 25, 2012, the Los Angeles Times stated that Universal Studios Florida’s Jaws ride would be the site of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion. The aforementioned attractions would be complemented by a replica of the Hogwarts Express to transit guests between the two parks.
Planning A Trip To Universal Studios Harry Potter 2022
So now that you know what tickets to buy for Harry Potter World, lets plan your perfect Universal Studios Harry Potter Itinerary! Not everyones Harry Potter Itinerary will be the same though. Some might prefer to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day and others might have a full weekend. We are going to start with the basics tips for visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and then break down the best way to visit Harry Potter World based on your trip length.
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Guide To The Harry Potter Rides In Diagon Alley
Theres only one ride in Diagon Alley, and it sits just below that fire breathing dragon inside Gringotts Bank. But what a ride it is!
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
The concept for this Harry Potter ride is that youre there to take a tour of Gringotts, but, as so often happens on theme park rides, things go awry. Thanks to ride vehicles that can tilt and spin, 3-D glasses, and other special effects, this Harry Potter ride is a step up from your everyday coaster. The minimum ride height is 42, but there is a child swap room where one parent can wait with anyone who is too young or doesnt want to ride.
Universal Studios Plans To Expand The Wizarding World In Their New Epic Universe Park
It was first reported by Orlando Sentinel, last October, that Universal Studios planned to open a new theme park the first addition to Orlando in 20 years. Named Epic Universe, it was initially planned to open in 2023. There were few details available when it was first announced, but Universal confirmed this past January that Super Nintendo World would be a part of this new park.
Orlando Weekly analyzed the official Epic Universe concept art, and it seems there will likely be four different areas of the park, suspected to be Super Nintendo World, a section devoted to How to Train Your Dragon, one for Universal Classic Monsters, and the fourth to be centered around Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the new film series set in the Harry Potter universe. According to theories, the area will be themed around Paris, France, in the 1920s, a setting featured in the second film of the series.
Of course, the spread of COVID-19 put a real damper on all these plans, and now it’s unclear what Universal hopes to do with their Epic Universe. The construction is on hold indefinitely, and they will probably have to cut things, and shift their plans around. But given how successful the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been for them, Universal is likely to make the upcoming Fantastic Beasts expansion a high priority.
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Guide To Harry Potter World Tickets 2022
This article is your complete guide to Harry Potter World tickets 2022! Because we all know a trip to Universal Orlando is never complete without a stop into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, theres no doubt that it can be confusing when trying to figure out the best Universal Orlando ticket to see everything that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer. And thats why we put together this guide on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter tickets.
So if youre ready to learn all about Harry Potter World tickets read on!
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 spectacular.
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.
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