What If I Have Express Passes
Beginning July 2017, Universal added Express access to most attractions in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, including the Hogwarts Express . By using our plan, you will encounter the shortest possible wait times, so you can be strategic in your use of Express, especially if you have the basic pass, which only allows one usage per attraction. Consider using the standby queue while the lines are short, and use your Express Pass when lines get longer. Express Passes, of course, wont allow you to skip the lines for shops or avoid the general crowds, so early mornings and late evenings are still the way to go.
If you have Unlimited Express Passs, rejoice! You may visit the attractions at any time and re-ride as much as you want with significantly reduced wait times.
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
Harry’s fifth year begins with him being attacked by Dementors in Little Whinging. Later, he finds out that the Ministry of Magic is in denial of Lord Voldemort’s return. Harry is also beset by disturbing and realistic nightmares, while Professor , a representative of Minister for Magic , is the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Harry becomes aware that Voldemort is after a prophecy which reveals: “neither can live while the other survives”. The rebellion involving the students of Hogwarts, secret organisation , the Ministry of Magic, and the Death Eaters begins.
What To Know While Planning A Visit To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
We have found that families who have the best experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter always have a great plan going into their Universal Orlando trip. This includes knowing exactly how to use all of our Harry Potter early park admission tickets , which rides their family will want to go on, if they plan to have meals inside of Harry Potter World, and what they plan to do with their free time! Below are some of the most important things families should consider when planning a day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
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Q: Which Universal Studios Has Harry Potter Rides
Another popular question we receive is, which Universal Studios has Harry Potter rides? And guests can enjoy Harry Potter rides at both Universal Studios Orlando or Universal Hollywood.Its important to note that Universal Orlando will have the most Harry Potter rides split between the two lands of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Universal Studios Hollywood is only home to Hogsmeade and does not include the very popular Hogwarts Express which can be found on the east coast.
Other Forms Of Communication
Apart from the fake Galleons enchanted by Hermione for Dumbledore’s Army, there are a few other methods of closed-channel communications used in the books and films. Subjects painted into wizarding portraits are frequently used to carry messages between locations where their portraits hang. Phineas Nigellus is used to send messages between Dumbledore’s office and his other portrait in Grimmauld Place. Hermione takes Phineas from Grimmauld Place during and uses Phineas to obtain information about events at Hogwarts. Dumbledore also uses two other former headmasters in a similar fashion when Arthur Weasley is attacked by in the Ministry of Magic. A portrait is also seen carrying messages between the Minister for Magic and the Muggle Prime Minister in the opening of .
Another form of closed communication used in the books and films is a set of mirrors that belonged to Sirius Black. Sirius gives Harry one mirror in , with a note explaining to Harry that Sirius and James Potter used to use the mirrors to talk to each other when they were put in separate detentions. In , Harry uses a shard of his broken mirror to call for help from the Malfoy’s cellar, and later finds out that Aberforth Dumbledore had been watching over Harry using Sirius’ mirror, which he obtained from Mundungus Fletcher.
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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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Harry Potter Rides Universal Orlando 2022 Ranked
In this next section, we will be ranking Harry Potter rides at Universal. When we typically talk about the best rides in Universal, we rank them by assessing the storyline/theme, queue and overall experience that guests have while enjoying these attractions. So without further delay, here are the best Universal Studios Harry Potter Rides ranked!
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Where Can Interactive Wands Be Used
Universals interactive wands work in all Universal Parks, including Universal Studios Hollywood in California, Universal Studios in Florida, Universals Island of Adventure in Florida, Universal Japan.
In Florida, they can be used at eighteen different locations in Diagon Alley: 13 spells in the main area, at five locations in Knockturn Alley, and 9 in Hogsmeade.
To cast a spell, first, arrive at a spot where they can be cast by locating the marker on the ground. Then, just direct your wand toward this marker and cast the magical spell that corresponds to the symbol on your map.
Note that these interactive wands do not work at Warner Bros Studios, as they are particularly designed to be used at the Universal parks only.
What If A Ride Is Closed Or Delayed For Weather
Unfortunately, attractions do sometimes close for repairs or seasonal maintenance. On top of that, Florida weather is unpredictable, and outdoor shows and rides, such as Flight of the Hippogriff or, more especially, Hagrids Motorbike Adventure, must close during inclement weather. Should you arrive at an attraction to find that its closed, simply proceed with the other activities on your checklist and keep an eye on your app or the sign boards posted around Universal to see if the ride comes back online.
While we hope you will be able to see and do everything on offer at Universal, remember that if you miss something this trip, it will be something you can save for your next one!
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Can You Bring Your Own Wand To Universal
Yes, you can bring wands with you into Universal Studios.
There are inexpensive wands on Amazon that are perfect to bring if you dont want to cast spells.
You may be able to find discounted wands at thrift shops or on Ebay, too. If you are able to find an interactive wand for sale outside of the theme parks, they should still be able to work at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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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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.
Dining Shopping And Other Attractions
Other than the main rides, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also home to gift shops, restaurants and other tourist attractions. Several of these are re-creations of locations in the Harry Potter books while others have been created specifically for the park. A recreation of Hogsmeade exists in Islands of Adventure with a recreation of Diagon Alley currently under construction at Universal Studios Florida.
Ollivanders wand shop
In the book series, Ollivanders wand shop is located in Diagon Alley, not Hogsmeade however, installations of the shop are present in both areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Hogsmeade attraction re-created the shop as Ollivanders, portraying it as a branch of the original where Harry purchases his wand in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone . Unlike other shops in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visitors are admitted in groups of 20 to experience the premise from the Potterseries, that “the wand chooses the wizard”. Similar to the first film, the wand keeper and a selected guest test a variety of wands until the right one is found. Effects include flowers drying out or a thunder storm erupting inside the shop. After experiencing the attraction, souvenir wands can be purchased.
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“Watch in awe from Hogsmeade village as projections are cast against the majestic backdrop of the castle,” reads Universal’s description of the show. “Embrace your Hogwarts pride as the four houses are celebrated in stunning light and sound. Its a beautiful way to end your day at Universals Islands of Adventure.”
Universal Studios Hollywood is also bringing back its Special Effects Show from July 1 to August 16 . While not Harry Potter-themed, the show takes guests through how some of the effects seen in movies are done.
As in previous years, it will be at the park’s Castle Theater but will be updated to feature effects from some of the most recent films.
“The Special Effects Show has been a long established part of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Theme Park history,” Universal writes of the show. “With various different renderings over the years, the newest update features some fan favorites from past versions and some brand new, never-before-seen special effects, including a thrilling stunt performers by some of Hollywood’s best.”
How Do You Get Chosen At Ollivanders Wand Shop
It should be known that not everyone who visits Ollivanders store gets the opportunity to be chosen by a wand. There is no exact foolproof way to get chosen for this, but you can do some things to help, such as heading to Ollivanders as early as possible. This tip is especially useful if you have early passes. Your early pass will allow you one-hour early entry into the parks, so head straight to Ollivanders as soon as you arrive to increase your chances of getting picked. Standing right at the front of the crowd in your favorite wizarding outfit, especially that of Harrys own Gryffindor house might help get you some brownie points too!
Kids, especially those who look of age for the first year at Hogwarts, have a higher chance of getting picked over adults.
Does it cost more for the interactive Harry Potter wand buying experience? The wand-choosing experience itself does not cost you a penny, but if you do get chosen by a wand, you will have to pay if you wish to keep it.
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How To See More Of The Wizarding World In Less Time
I wont lie to you. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets very crowded.
We visited Universal at what is a slower time of year and the attractions in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were still jammed. If you want to see as much of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as possible in the shortest amount of time, there are some strategies you probably need to employ.
First, you can use Universal’s Express Pass. This is a skip-the-line pass that works on most attractions at Universal’s two theme parks. This includes within The Wizarding World, with the exception of Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
There are three ways to get an Express Pass. The easiest way is to book one of Universals on-site Premier hotels. If you stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, youll get a free Express Pass Unlimited to use throughout your visit. If you have a Premier-level Universal annual pass, youre entitled to Express Pass access beginning at 4 p.m.
Otherwise, you can purchase Express Passes:
Be aware that the list of participating rides and attractions is subject to change, so check with Universal Orlandos website before you purchase an Express Pass to make sure the rides youre most interested in are included.
The best strategy to ensure you do as much as possible within the World of Harry Potter, short of a VIP tour, is to rope-drop Hagrid’s at the park’s opening and then use your Express Pass for all the other attractions.
Harry Potter And The Escape Of Gringotts
This one of a kind indoor rollercoaster is themed exactly like the Gringotts wizarding bank found in the books and movies. Opening in 2014 it quickly became one of the most popular attractions in Universal Studios. On the downside because it is so popular it tends to have one of the longest wait times in the parks.
Thats why we recommend Early Park Admission to our clients so much! If you take advantage of entering the park one hour earlier than other guests you can ride Harry Potter and the Escape of Gringotts and save time later on in the day!
Be sure to check out our Universal Orlando tickets page to learn how we can help you get EARLY PARK ADMISSION without staying on Universal property!
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Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone
is an orphaned boy brought up by his unkind Muggle aunt and uncle. At the age of eleven, half-giant informs him that he is actually a and that his parents were murdered by an evil wizard named . Voldemort also attempted to kill one-year-old Harry on the same night, but his killing curse mysteriously rebounded and reduced him to a weak and helpless form. Harry became extremely famous in the as a result. Harry begins his first year at and learns about magic. During the year, Harry and his friends and become entangled in the mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone which is being kept within the school.
Hogwarts Express Kings Cross Station
When youve thoroughly explored Diagon Alley and the streets of Harry Potters London, its time to make your way to Kings Cross Station, where youll board the Hogwarts Express and ride the train to Hogsmeade. Remember: You can only ride the Hogwarts Express if you have a Park-to-Park ticket. If youve got one-day, one-park tickets, there is no way to experience this attraction.
The wait queue is convincing and it appears as if you are waiting for a train in London. Pay attention to everything as you near the train platform. A neat mirror trick makes it look like you burst through a brick wall to reappear unharmed on Platform 9 3/4. The train whistle builds excitement, and when you see steam escaping from the locomotive, youll know youre almost ready to board.
Eight passengers are loaded onto each car and it truly looks as if youre departing London on your way to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The rides spectacle takes place on the train windows. Be prepared to see some Dementors on the four-minute trip to Hogsmeade. The show is slightly different on the return trip, so be sure you ride it both ways.
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What About Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
With the runaway success of the newest family coaster in the Wizarding World, Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is not only regularly reaching capacity early in the day but is also requiring some extra maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The best way to find out what is happening with Hagrid on the day of your visit is to use the official Universal Orlando app for your smartphone, which will list the current wait time, whether the line is at capacity, or if its virtual queue has been activated in which case, you can get a spot in the virtual line right on your phone. You can even set an alert to be notified when the ride opens!
If you are intent on riding Hagrids Motorbike Adventure, our best advice is to try to keep an eye on what is happening every day via the app for a few days before your trip sometimes, the coaster opens later on in the afternoons. If the attraction is opening with the park, go straight there on your Islands of Adventure morning conversely, if you are okay with skipping Hagrid, proceed through our plan as follows.