Stay At Universal For Early Park Access
One of my biggest tips for visiting Universal Orlando is to stay at one of the park-associated hotels. There are seven of them the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, the Aventura Hotel, and the new Endless Summer Resort Surfside Inn and Suites.
Staying at any of these hotels will give you access to both Universal parks one hour before they officially open meaning this is the best way to see Diagon Alley without any people, or to get in line for the Gringotts ride when there’s no wait.
I love staying at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which is a funky, family-friendly hotel that opened in 2015. It has two pool areas, a lazy river, a Starbucks right inside the hotel, and a free shuttle bus to take you to CityWalk and back that operates from 7 a.m. 2 a.m. every day. And the prices are more than reasonable we paid an average of $125 per night.
See A Wand Choose A Wizard At Ollivanders Wand Shop
There is nothing more essential to a witch and wizard than their wand. Nows your chance to witness the unforgettable moment when a wand chooses a wizard it could even be you! Browse through unique wands, wand sets, character wands, and Interactive Wands and check out our Guide to Wands in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Park To Park Tickets With Shuttle Transportation
One of our favorite tickets is the 1 or 2 Day Park to Park Tickets with Shuttle Transportation. You will get round trip transportation from your Disney or Orlando Hotel to Universal Orlando. This also includes your theme park tickets. It is the perfect ticket combo if you are staying outside of Universal Orlando Resort.
Besides these ticket options, we can also book Florida Resident discount tickets and Annual Passes.
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Universal Studios Early Admission
Universal Studios Orlando Resort Guests and other select guests get access to Early Admission at Universal Orlando Resort. Which season youre traveling can make a difference in which Park will offer Early Admission so its very important that you check before you plan. Especially if youre hoping to make the most of your days at Wizarding World.
Hogwarts Express Kings Cross Station
This train station is just near the Diagon Alley entrance and features a neat trick you can capture from the top landing, of someone walking through the doorway beyond as they disappear. Lines are typically long at this station, so have your phone, or camera, ready at the top landing if you hope to grab a photo of it happening.
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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.
Sing Along With Celestina Warbeck And The Banshees
As a singer myself, I love seeing a wizarding legend performing some of her greatest hits including A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love and You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me. If you watch close to the stage, you may even get picked to be a part of the show! During the Holidays at Universal, you can catch a fun, seasonal performance.
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Dont Look At Your Phone Ever
Are those flying broomsticks near the ceiling in Hogsmeade shops? Is Crookshanks sleeping on a shelf in the Magical Menagerie? Is that Nagini in the window? Is the music referencing very specific movie moments based on where youre standing? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.
Seriously, dont look down. Theres something worth seeing wherever you are: silhouettes of characters having conversations in the windows, moving portraits, newspapers with moving pictures. If you spent too much time staring at your phone and taking pictures, you just might miss something amazing.
Shows At Diagon Alley
The joy of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is seeing the stories and characters you know and love come to life. As such, head to the stage at the back of the park, behind Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. Here you can see the performance of The Tales of Beedle the Bard by professional actors in a marionette style. And even experience a song and dance number from the famous Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.
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Free Early Park Admission
For a limited time, book your Universal Orlando tickets with us and get FREE Early Park Admission. The Early Park Admission treats you like a VIP. You get into Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure one hour before the gates open to the general public.
You can visit Wizarding World of Harry Potter or ride VelociCoaster without a wait. It is the best time to visit Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
You cannot get this free perk with Universal Orlando or at the ticket windows. You can only get this free perk when you pre-order your tickets with us.
If you are ready to book your tickets, call Destinations in Florida at 877-918-8941 or message them on FB Messenger.
Slink Around The Infamous Knockturn Alley
Youre a mess, Harry, skulking around Knockturn Alley. Dodgy place. Dont want no one to see you there. Rubeus Hagrid, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
If the Dark Arts are your thing, youll love wandering these dark corridors. Be sure to stop by the notorious Borgin and Burkes, home to powerful Dark Arts objects. In the courtyard around the corner from the shop, look for a bird in a cage in a window and use your Interactive Wand to see the magical effects on the bird. More on Borgin and Burkes and Interactive Wands below.
PRO TIP: Knockturn Alley is the coolest place in Diagon Alley, literally. The sun never seems to shine on this dark street, which means its nice and cold. The perfect spot to come to and escape the heat.
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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.
The Hogwarts Express Both Ways
The Hogwarts Express train is a super convenient way to get between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure allowing the two sections of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to feel like one cohesive and fully immersive experience. However to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express you will need a two park ticket. You catch the train at either the Kings Cross Station in the London section of Universal or the Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure. You will ride in a train compartment with 4-6 other passengers but no matter where you sit it will feel like Harry and friends are just outside the cabin doors. Keep your eyes peeled for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named outside Draco Manor.
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Shows At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Whether at Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, dont discount the shows. During our visit there were two at each location. Diagon Alley had a concert by the well-known wizarding group Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, and a puppet show that told the Beetle the Bard story of the Fountain of Fair Fortune . At Hogsmeade is the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally .
Dont miss the projection light show on the castle. There are different shows depending on the time of year. During our visit was arguably one of the best the Darks Arts show. The bridge into Hogsmeade is a great place to watch.
Planning to visit other areas of Universal Orlando Resort? Youll want to read this excellent article from our friends at Global Munchkins.
If you want to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, we recommend reading this article first.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO FLORIDA
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.
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Are You Ready To Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip
If youre ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits which can help save you up to three hours in the parks!
And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners atThemeparktoday.com!
Which Universal Park Is Best For Harry Potter
Which Universal park is best for Harry Potter? Youre probably already familiar with the iconic characters from the Harry Potter films.
But which of the four Universal parks offers the best Harry Potter experience?
Here are a few tips that may help you decide.
- A trip to Universal Studios is a must for any Harry Potter fan! There are shops in Diagon Alley, and visitors can see the castle of Hogwarts. You can also enjoy butterbeer and muggle food at the Hogsmeade Cafe.
- Universal Studios Orlando Harry Potter features two large rides and several smaller attractions. The Hogsmeade area contains half of the Wizarding World attraction and offers more rides than the rest of the park combined. The Hogwarts Express runs between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade and is kid-friendly.
- Another ride at Universal Studios Orlando Harry Potter is the Flight of the Hippogriff, which is a junior roller coaster that travels at 28.5 miles per hour. However, this ride is not recommended for the youngest Harry Potter fans because it has no advanced components.
The Universal parks Florida and Islands of Adventure both have Harry Potter theme areas. For a magical Harry Potter experience, visit both theme parks.
To avoid long lines, visit early in the day.
Its best to plan for two days in this area. Spend the day exploring the magic of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Then come back in the evening to see Hogwarts Castle lit up for nighttime.
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Where Is Harry Potter World Located
First lets start out with the basics and that is where exactly is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter located? And guests might be surprised to learn that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located between two parks being Diagon Alley which is located in Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade Village is located in Islands of Adventure.
Related Page: Discount Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tickets
Get Lost In The Plot Of The Tales Of Beedle The Bard
Youre never too old for storytime! The Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts uses a trunk full of props and puppets to retell the famous wizarding fairytales: The Fountain of Fair Fortune and The Tale of the Three Brothers.PRO TIP: Download The Official Universal Orlando Resort App to see the latest showtimes and find out when you can catch a concert or a story.
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Ranking All Of The Harry Potter World Rides 2022 Worst To Best
Ranking all of the Harry Potter World Rides 2022 Worst to Best
Ranking all of the Harry Potter World Rides 2022 Worst to Best
This article is your best guide for ranking all of the 2022 Harry Potter rides! Wingardium Leviosa! If you are a Harry Potter lover and a travel enthusiast, making the trip to Universal Orlando might be in your future. Universal Orlando Resort is a bucket list destination for all Harry Potter fans looking for an imaginative vacation destination. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an impressive addition to Universal Orlando that is full of Harry Potter icons like Hogwarts Castle, Ollivanders Wand Shop and more!
A Harry Potter World wouldnt be complete without Universal Studios Harry Potter rides and we are going to rank them for you in this article. Whether its flying through the Forbidden Forest or breaking out of the safest place on Earth, we are going to tell you all of the UniversalHarry Potter rides, best to worst.
We hope you find this post helpful. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation. This includes access to the cheapest Universal Orlando tickets, as well as FREE park plans to save up to three hours in the parks!
So if youre ready to find out everything you need to know about all Universal rides read on!
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.
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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!
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Tickets
How many tickets do you need to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Well, if you want to see it all then you will need 2 tickets. One ticket for Universal Studios Florida, and one ticket for Universals Islands of Adventure. And of course, there are pros and cons to which tickets you get when. Of course, if youre visiting multiple days, and dont need to ride the train, then you can purchase individual tickets, one for each park, each day. But, if you hope to do the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in One Day then you will need the Park to Park Ticket to cover access to both parks and use of the Hogwarts Express. Check out current Universal Orlando Resort Park Ticket Prices.
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What Universal Park Is Best For Harry Potter
The first thing you need to know about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida is that it is at two different theme parks located right next to each other. Diagon Alley is at Universal Studios theme park and Hogsmeade is at Islands of Adventure. Visit both for a perfect Florida weekend getaway.
Both have incredible Harry Potter theming and offer slightly different experiences. Im just a tiny bit partial to Hogsmeade, but well talk about that later in the article.
Guests can ride the Hogwarts Express in between the two parks, which is more than just transportation its a ride in itself with a different experience each way.
However, to do this, you must have a ticket that allows you to visit both lands within a single day.
Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlor
This is one of my favorite treat spots in all of Universal Studios. Guests can snack on different ice cream flavors inspired by the Harry Potter books and movies.
You can pick from Salted Caramel Blondie, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate Chili, Early Grey and Lavender, Chocolate and Raspberry, Granny Smith, and clothed Cream. Oh and of course Butterbeer!
The Fountain of Fair Fortune: A cart carrying a variety of different beverages from pumpkin juice, butterbeer and adult beverages.
For a additional information on the restaurants be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Dining at Harry Potter World!
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