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What Harry Potter World Is Better

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What Park Is Harry Potter World In At Universal

Harry Potter World Is Better Than Disney World

First, lets be really clear on the most important question: what park is Harry Potter world in? There are two parks at Universal Orlando: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. And both of them contain theWizarding World of Harry Potter! So whichever park you go to, youll get to experience the Harry Potter universe.

Worse: How Ron And Hermione Got Together

The movies cut out Hermiones S.P.E.W. exploits, which meant we never got the sense Hermione had any sympathy for House-elves in the films. In the books, Hermione was obsessed with giving freedom to House elves and the fact that Ron was the one who thought about protecting them in the Battle of Hogwarts was what finally motivated Hermione to leap into his arms.

It made complete sense according to characterization, but Deathly Hallows Part 2 instead had Ron and Hermione embrace simply because they destroyed a Horcrux not because Ron acted noble or anything.

The New Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In Hollywoodin Pictures

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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 conceit 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.

But First A Little Refresher On How Diagon Alley Differs From Hogsmeade From The Books:

Exclusive Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tour

Both are wizarding settlements, both have shops selling magical goodies and both have insanely fun rides you could try out.

The difference between them, however, begins in the movies. Diagon Alley is basically a shopping mall/alley.

There are restaurants selling robes, books, ingredients to make potions, magical instruments, pets and of course, wands. There are bars and restaurants dotted around the shopping area, selling all kinds of liquor and food.

Diagon Alley basically is everything a wizard could want and anything a Muggle could dream of.

Oh, and it has a bank to help you easily acquire more Galleons to spend!

Harry first went to Diagon Alley to pick up supplies for his first year at Hogwarts. Ever since it has been the site of many adventures for him and his friends.

Hogsmeade on the other hand is a village.

In fact, it is the only all-wizard village in Britain! Along with the iconic quaint Old English houses, it contains all the usual British village must-haves coffee shops, cobbled streets, a good bar and a shady bar, the occasional snowfall and even a creepy haunted house!

Harrys first visit to the village was the highlight of the Prisoner of Azkaban. I mean, Malfoys face when he got a face full of snow? It was priceless.

Hogsmeade has seen the emotional side of Harry Potter his first date, first DA meeting, last time talking to Dumbledoreokay, Im going to leave it at that or Ill tear up.

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Better: Harry And Hermiones Time Without Ron In Deathly Hallows

The book and movie are almost around the same level in this regard, but well have to hand it to the film version because it gave us that great dancing scene between Harry and Hermione. While the two were wallowing in despair for Rons loss in both versions, it felt lacking in the novels as Harry and Hermione didnt show us a reason why they could co-exist fine.

The film version proved why they were best friends by having Harry cheer her up with an upbeat track on the radio and then jam to it with her. It was a sweet display of friendship and affection.

The Single Reason Harry Potter Is Better Than The Marvel Mcu

Ive been having a heated discussion with a friend about why I can only take Marvel movies so seriously, and why its objectively lower quality entertainment than Harry Potter.

There are spoilers below for Harry Potter, Infinity War, Deadpool 2, and The Bible.

The answer is death.

Humans, as a rule, dont value that which they cannot lose, and our lives are the ultimate case in point. We care about death because its final and thats what makes it matter. Its the same in any good story because good stories mimic reality.

It was sad that Dumbledore died in Harry Potter not because it happened, but because it was permanent. Same with Hedwig, and Dobby . And Snape died to save Harry because of his love for Harrys mother.

Its not the dying that makes death significant. Its the utter permanence of the condition.

This is also the entire foundation for caring about action and danger. Action doesnt matter much if it doesnt involve risk. And there is far less risk if you cannot die.

That brings us to the Marvel Universe.

We just watched Thanos kill half of the franchise. They all disappearedinto literal dustkilled by the most powerful weapon in the universe.

Except they didnt.

Its disgusting.

The difference between Potter and Marvel is that Potter is a story and the MCU is a soap opera.

Dumbledore is dead. Snape is dead. Dobby is dead. And these sacrifices cannot be reversed or undone. Thats what makes them meaningful.

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Honeydukes & Sugarplum’s Sweetshop

The most immersive shops in Universal’s Wizarding World might be the candy shops Honeydukes in Hogsmeade and Sugarplum’s Sweetshop in Diagon Alley. They’re both recreations of the shops in the Harry Potter films, though Honeydukes is larger and arguably more famous.

The candy shops are bright, colorful delights that always smell like sugar. Inside are shelves of Wizarding World candies and little else that signals the outside world. The most popular confections are Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Cauldron Cakes. The Chocolate Frogs are especially popular, as each box comes with a collectible card of great wizards and witches such as Albus Dumbledore and the Hogwarts founders.

Honeydukes and Sugarplum’s also sell Acid Pops, chocolate skeletons and wands, Exploding Bon-Bons, Fizzing Whizzbees, Fudge Flies, Jelly Slugs, Pumpkin Juice, Sugar Quills and other sweets made famous by the books and films. They both have bakery cases of various flavors of fudge , cupcakes and chocolate-dipped pretzel wands.

Honeydukes first appeared in the “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” book and film when Harry uses the Marauder’s Map and invisibility cloak to sneak into the shop in Hogsmeade to hang out with his friends. Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop is seen briefly in the “Chamber of Secrets” and the “Half-Blood Prince” films.

Bring A Small Backpack

20 Ways Harry Potter MOVIES Are Better than the BOOKS

You can bring backpacks and snacks into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park areas of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, but you cant bring bags with you on most of the rides.

The park offers free lockers for use during the ride, but there are a few things you should know. First, the lockers are fairly smallso only bring a small backpack or purse with you to the park. Second, the lines to use the lockers can be long and the area around them crowded. If you can avoid bringing a backpack to the park, youll save yourself some time and hassle.

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Where To Buy The Must

You already know theres plenty of places to purchase wands, robes, sweets, and souvenirs in the Wizarding World, but if you want to be extra prepared you can purchase many of these items on Universals website before you even arrive at the Harry Potter theme parks.

You can also get them in your hotel, at the large souvenir stores at the entrance to both Universals Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, or at the Universal Studios Store at CityWalk. The biggest benefit to buying your merch outside of the park areas is that youll have more time to experience the rides and appreciate the attention to detail that went into making the areas feel like Harry Potters world. Window shopping and browsing is more fun than standing in line, anyway.

Universal Studios Hollywood: The Studio Tour

The iconic Universal Studios Tour is not offered at Universal Orlando making it a must visit attraction for all guests. Jimmy Fallon acts as the video host in conjunction with the live tour guide that offers insight into the various sets and sound stages along the tour.

There is no guarantee that you will see anyone famous but because its a working studio lot, it is possible. We saw George Eads from the tv show CSI once while taking the tour. There is always TV shows and movies filming so theres always a chance you can see a famous actor at work. The tour guide will point out active sets during the tour.

The one hour tour has been upgraded over the years and now includes a few 3D experiences including one from the Fast & the Furious franchise. Personally I am not a huge fan of 3D/4D rides but I think this addition is great for everyone else.

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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.

What Do I Need To Know Before I Plan My Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Trip

Top 10 Must

To conquer the crowds and experience the best of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, weve outlined the ideal itinerary for a busy day at Universal Orlando Resort. Our goal is to have you be prepared for the worst crowds with a solid plan on how to make your way through Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade by understanding crowd-flows and peak crowd times when planning your vacation, these two points will help you decide how to arrange your days.

First, study up on Early Park Admission, which is available to any guest staying at one of Universal Orlandos hotels or who books a vacation package at a partner hotel that also offers Early Park Admission.

Second, plan on entering the Wizarding World at least four times, either at the very beginning of the day or in the last three hours before the park closes. The basic strategy is to have a morning and evening in Hogsmeade, and a morning and evening in Diagon Alley. This is what you will do during your visits:

  • Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • Visit the shops, shows, and dining of Diagon Alley
  • Ride the Hogwarts Express

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Harry Potter: Solid Conclusion

Harry’s journey had a specific ending that fans knew was coming. The showdown with Voldemort was what everyone was waiting for. After years of close calls, going on the run, and destroying the last Horcruxes, Harry finally defeated Voldemort.

The movie’s final minutes tie up loose ends, explaining that Harry was the Elder Wand’s true owner after disarming Draco. Then, it jumps to 19 years in the future, proving that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all got happy futures. Although it’s not universally loved, there is a satisfaction to closing the final chapter.

Pm Stock Up On Hogwarts Equipment

Spend some time exploring Diagon Alley. If you have a Hogwarts student equipment list, this is the place where you can find everything you need, including robes, broomsticks and quidditch gear, and even Spectre-specs! Here are some of the shops you can check out in Diagon Alley:

  • Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions if you need to snag some Hogwarts robes or other attire.
  • Quality Quidditch Supplies all the broomstick and other quidditch gear you need for your collection.
  • Weasleys Wizard Wheezes magical trickery and plenty of muggle magic tricks too.

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Tips For Your First Visit To Diagon Alley

Grab lunch at The Leaky Cauldron: I was incredibly impressed with the quality of food at Universal Parks and especially at the Leaky Cauldron. They make their bread fresh daily and even import food from the UK for authenticity.

Get dessert at Florean Fortescues Ice-Cream Parlour: Try a scoop of strawberry peanut butter with a scoop of salted caramel blondie, then thank me later.

Of course, dont forget to try Butterbeer! You can try it at both parks in Orlando. But, if youre up for it, try all four ways its served in Diagon Alley: cold, frozen, hot or as ice cream! (PS its non-alcoholic so kids can enjoy too!

Get an Interactive Wand: Interact with all kinds of shop windows and props throughout both parks. You can make fountains squirt water, turn lights on and off in shop windows and even try the Wingardium Leviosa spell to float a feather. Its a ton of fun for both kids and adults!

And, the dragon atop Gringotts breaths fire every ten minutes, so you wont miss it! Youll first hear a low rumble then prepare yourself for the heat!

Check out more photos from my experience at WWoHP in Orlando here!

How Crowded Will The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Be

How to Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The first step to successfully planning your vacation to Universal Orlando Resort is to be aware of the season in which you are visiting. If you havent already, check out our free 12-month Universal crowd calendar to learn how crowded we expect the theme parks to be during your visit. Make a note of what time the parks will open and close, bearing in mind that Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida may shutter at different times and may have different special events taking place.

Below, we will discuss the ideal setup for your visit to Universal and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Please be aware that the advice given on this page is based on two fundamental assumptions: that fully experiencing Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley is your primary objective at the resort, and that you are going to Universal when crowd levels are expected to be busy or very busy when the headline attractions, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, have wait times over two hours and the newest ride, Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, regularly reaches capacity.

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People Play Quidditch Competitively

In Harry Potter, magical folk play a sport called Quidditch, while riding flying broomsticks. In the real world, people run around on the ground with broomsticks between their legs, imitating the positions of beater, chaser, seeker and keeper. It happens all over the world, and theres now a Quidditch World Cup that takes place every two years.

Star Wars: Galaxys Edge

Lets kick things off here with the theming. In Star Wars: Galaxys Edge, youll be transported to the planet of Batuu, which Disney added to Star Wars canon when building the land. The land isnt themed to a particular movie, but its set in the timeline of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

On the whole, Galaxys Edge doesnt feel like the rest of Hollywood Studios, considering most of the park is Hollywood themed. The land transition is a little startling between Batuu and the neighboring Toy Story Land. However, once youre inside Galaxys Edge, you truly feel like youre transported to a different place its themed down to even the tiniest details, including droid tracks embedded in the ground and bullet holes in the sides of some structures.

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The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split into two parts across Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Each land has unique theming, but both seem to be copies directly out of the movies, truly immersing guests into their favorite stories.

In fact, Diagon Alley is completely hidden from the other sections of the park so that when you step through the brick wall, the land has an impressive reveal. Throughout your time in the lands, youll be able to walk the same streets as the Harry Potter characters, stepping into the same stores and even visiting Hogwarts castle.

Top Ride: Escape From Gringott’s

Win A Magical Vacation to the " Wizarding World of Harry ...

Despite the rich details, most early-arriving Muggles rush toward the area’s signature ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a cutting-edge attraction featuring probably the best queue in the park.

A magnificent chandelier greets visitors inside the opulent lobby of Gringott’s Bank, a goblin-run financial institution. The creatures, known for their astute accounting abilities, work silently at podiums on either side of the lobby. At the far end, the head goblin invites you inside for a tour of the vaults.

From there you head down corridors strewn with newspapers filled with false accusations against the boy wizard, a backstory right from the books and movies. Harry and his friends appear in silhouette behind frosted glass, talking about their predicament. And it gets better from there, thanks to high-tech wizardry that makes filmed characters come alive.

But all thats just window dressing compared to the ride, a slick combination of roller coaster and motion simulator thats utterly astounding. The cars roll, rumble and spin along a journey just short of four minutes.

Walking out, you know youve experienced the future of high-tech attractions. The only thing keeping you from jumping back in line is the two-hour wait.

And thats the biggest problem with Diagon Alley. Darn Muggles are everywhere.

The narrow confines, necessary to the illusion, make it difficult to get around.

Alternatively, visit an hour or two before the park closes. Its busy but manageable.

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