The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Hogsmeade At Universal’s Islands Of Adventure
The original Wizarding World soft-opened in late May 2010, following a 2007 announcement that Universal has secured the theme park rights to J.K. Rowling’s characters and would be bringing them to the Universal Orlando Resort. Themed to the village of Hogsmeade from the Harry Potter books and films, original Wizarding World land was designed by Universal Creative in consultation with author J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter film production designer Stuart Craig. It includes one new attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, as well as two rethemed rides and multiple shops and restaurants.
Universal Orlando Announce Details Of New ‘harry Potter’ Thrill Ride
Universal Orlando Resort announce new Harry Potter thrill ride, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike… Adventure, opening June 13th 2019.
Today Universal Orlando Resort announced the official opening date for a new Harry Potter thrill ride coming to the park this year as well as the long-anticipated name of the ride.
After plans for the coaster were reportedly leaked, Universal Orlando Resort confirmed today that at the core of the concept of the ride is Hogwarts’ Gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures Professor, Rubeus Hagrid. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventurepromises to be one of the most highly-themed coaster experiences across Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and will open on June 13th, 2019. The ride will replace the Dragon Challenge previously on the site at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.
Universal Orlando Resort’s official press statement on the ride reads:
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.
Related Page: Discount Harry Potter Tickets
Also Check: What Are First Edition Harry Potter Books Worth
Traveling To Orlando Florida
If you are traveling to Orlando to see the Harry Potter Theme Park, consider going with a package deal. From $285 per adult, you’ll have a 4-day vacation including hotel and admission to Universal Studios.
The Orlando International Airport is centrally located to many attractions in the area, including the Orange County Convention Center – should you have business travels that will take you to the Sunshine State.
Of course, overall, most people that fly to Orlando are there to enjoy a vacation! If that’s the case for you, I hope you enjoy the magic at the Harry Potter Wizarding World. If you’ve been there, be sure to share in the comment section below!
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
In June 2010, Universal Orlando Resort opened their newest attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
And the verdict? It does not disappoint. People of all ages are raving about the detail that the designers put into the area. Its being hailed as the best theme park addition in history! Harry Potter fans are coming in droves to enter this new attraction. On opening day, crowds gathered outside for hours in advance just to be among the first to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in person.
You really feel like you are in the wand store where Harry and his special wand found each other. What an experience! Even though the crowds are usually dense and the lines are long, dont get discouraged. If you are a Harry Potter fan, or even a casual fan, this is worth the wait. Universal has done its best to make the waiting experience as entertaining as possible. There is really a lot to see while moving through the lines.
Don’t Miss: What’s The Third Harry Potter Movie
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Ride
The Hogwarts Express: Visitors can ride Hogwarts Express as a method of transportation between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. It takes you from one park to the other, plus it recreates the train in such great and amazing detail. You do need a Park to park ticket.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: This ride takes you on a magical ride through Hogwarts as you fly through a Quiddich match, are chased by a dragon, and more.
Flight of the Hippogriff: A lower intensity roller coaster that is ideal for younger children. This is a thrilling ride for young magicians that will take you pretty high off the ground.
Harry Potter and Escape from Gringotts: Undoubtedly the jewel of Diagon Alley. The big fire-breathing dragon that sits atop of the Gringotts bank is a hard-to-miss landmark. Approximately every 15 minutes the Gringotts dragon roars and blows a fireball. Once inside, you see all of the goblins that work hard to keep the ledgers and balance accounts. This is an amazing experience you dont want to miss!
Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: It is definitely worth the wait. Experience high-speed action while riding. This is truly a unique experience. You fly, fall, see beasts, and even do a little magic.
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.
Read Also: When Did They Start Filming Harry Potter
‘harry Potter’ Attraction At Universal Orlando Closed Indefinitely
Muggles planning a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort will unfortunately have to miss out on some of the magic. A popular attraction at the theme park, based around J.K. Rowlings’ popular book series and the film franchise, is currently closed. The Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure preshow, a popular pre-ride event, is closed “indefinitely,” with no indication as to when the show may resume.
Universal Orlando Resort confirmed the news earlier this month after a fan of the attraction inquired about the preshow. In a March 13-dated tweet, the Harry Potter fan asked the theme park if there was “any ETA on when the pre show will play again.” Unfortunately for fans, though, Universal responded by confirming, “We apologize for any disappointment. This experience is currently not available, and we do not have information on when it will return, at this time.”
Located at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure allows fans of the franchise to embark on a magical ride. Before riders board the immersive coaster and start their journey “deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest” and “beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle,” they have the opportunity to enjoy a preshow in the showroom. The preshow, according to InsideTheMagic.com, “features Author and Hagrid attempting to prep the motorbikes before you ride through the Forbidden Forest.”
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter To Open At Universal Studios On April 7
- Copy Link URLCopied!
Harry Potter fans wont have to wait much longer for their Hogwarts letter. Universal Studios Hollywood said Tuesday that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open April 7.
The highly anticipated addition to the theme park will feature Hogwarts Castle and the wizard village of Hogsmeade, along with several of the shops and eateries featured in the books and movies.
The land will also include the parks first outdoor coaster, called Flight of the Hippogriff, and the signature ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which will be similar to one at Universals Orlando theme park, but will also be enhanced by 3D technology.
The addition is expected to boost revenue and park attendance.
After the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in 2010 at Islands of Adventure and expanded to Universal Studios Florida in 2014, the parks parent company reported an increase in merchandise sale and attendance.
Universal Studios Hollywood raised the prices of annual passes in November.
A 2015 annual pass with no blackout dates had cost $139 online, or $159 when purchased at the park. A value pass with blackout dates ran $119.
The new annual pass program with blackout dates will cost California residents $139 for 182 days of access to the theme park, or $199 for 244 days. A pass that can be used 312 days costs $299 and is available to all parkgoers.
For more business news, follow .
Recommended Reading: Why Did Voldemort Kill Harry’s Parents
Use An Interactive Wand
When Diagon Alley opened, they also introduced Interactive Wands in addition to the existing stock of replica wands. These wands, while they do cost a little more money, interact with the environment at special marked spots . There are a variety of options, and the best selection is at Ollivanders. Bonus tip: Universal also allows you the opportunity to order your wand in advance, so you can start making magic in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter right when you arrive.
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!
You May Like: Why No Harry Potter On Netflix
Guide To Harry Potter World Hogsmeade Shops
In our opinion one of the coolest aspects of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is how much attention to detail went into everything. This couldnt be more true for the shops located in Hogsmeade as they are right out of the books and movies. Here is a list of the shopping things to do at Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
When Did Harry Potter World Open
Since June 18, 2010, at Universals Islands of Adventure theme park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened to the public. A new version of Hogsmeade is performed as well as three rides. Visitors to the theme park can visit Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the leading attraction and re-creation of The Harry Potter School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
You May Like: What Harry Potter Character Am I Male
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.
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Hogsmeade: A History
The first slice of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was announced by Universal in May 2007, after author J.K. Rowling signed a deal to bring her popular book and film franchise to Islands of Adventure, the second theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. The new lands development and construction would be overseen by two Harry Potter movie franchise alumni Stuart Craig, the production designer of all eight installments, and Alan Gilmore, the art director for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . Ground would break on the project that summer, with a scheduled opening date of late 2009.
The news could not have come at a better time for Universal between 2004 and 2007, attendance had been dropping at its resort, with many criticizing the company for not introducing new excitement after completing its Orlando expansion just a few years before . In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, the president of Universal Orlando, Bill Davis, stated that we think is going to have a huge impact on all our constituencies: our guests, our team members, our management team everybody. This is absolutely huge. Were just thrilled and excited we were selected for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The plans Ive seen look incredibly exciting, Rowling herself said in a prepared statement. I dont think fans of the books or films will be disappointed.
You May Like: What Is The Longest Harry Potter Book
Universal Studios Opens The Harry Potter Wizarding World
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been open to Muggles in Orlando since June 2010. After two years of construction and building excitement, the attraction was finally revealed within the larger “Islands of Adventure” in the Universal Studios Orlando.
Harry Potter fans will be thrilled by the three exciting rides at the theme park: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff. Six new Potter-based stores include items from the Weasley twins’ mischievous magic and every flavor of beans. You can even enjoy a unique dining experience at Three Broomsticks and raise a Butter Beer to Harry and the gang.
Simply walking into the Wizarding World is an experience in itself. The world of Harry Potter has been so amazingly recreated that you may even forget you’re in a theme park, and not actually transported to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle. Talk about magic!
Just watch this video:
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter To Open At Universal Studios Hollywood Next Spring
Just announced: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming Spring 2016! #WizardingWorldHollywood
Universal Studios
In addition, Universal has confirmed that the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster will be coming to Hollywood, which would be the park’s first outdoor coaster. In addition, the park will be getting the 3D version of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, which recently debuted at Universal Studios Japan.
Hogwarts Castle, under construction at Universal Studios Hollywood
From the park’s press release:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potters epicurean world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including: Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head pub, as well the Magic Neep and Butterbeer carts.
A foray through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail shops and locations, including Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Owl Post, Zonkos Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filchs Emporium of Confiscated Goods.
Update: Here is the official announcement video:
In it, Universal officials say that the land will open in “less than a year,” suggesting an opening in May or earlier, as opposed to the June “spring” opening at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
You Might Also Like:
I hope upgraded means 3D for the Forbidden Journey.
Read Also: Which Harry Potter Ship Are You
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!
Why Isnt The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Walt Disney World
Many people wonder why The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not at the nearby Disney World Resort. You may be interested to know that Disney and J.K. Rowling were in talks for a period of time to bring the boy wizard to Disney World however, Rowling demanded more creative control over the project than Disney was willing to give, and the company surprisingly wasnt willing to commit as much money and resources to the proposed land as Universal would end up bringing. Once their talks died out, Universal was more than happy to step in and agree to the authors terms, setting in motion a new era of development and success at Universal Orlando Resort .
Also Check: What House Is Harry Potter