Sunday, March 24, 2024

Where To Park For Harry Potter World

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Ride Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

FULL TOUR of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Universal Studios Orlando

If you have early entry to Islands of Adventure, I would start the day by heading straight for Hagrids Motorbike Adventure. The line for this ride is always long, but by making it our first stop, we were able to get on the ride in less than 30 minutes.

If you really love this ride like we did, youll have plenty of time during the day to come back and ride it again. Be sure to check wait times on the app, but in my experience the lines for this ride tend to be shorter later in the day.

> > Universal Orlando Insider Tip: You will need to keep your belongings in a locker for this ride using your park ticket as the key. My ticket was on my phone, but I had to store my mini backpack in the locker. I ended up holding my phone in my pocket for the ride , which was really dangerous. The ride is fast, and it would have been easy to lose my grip on the phone in my pocket and drop it. Learn from my mistake and keep a fanny pack with you to hold your phone on the ride, or get a paper ticket when you enter the park.

Tips For Visiting Diagon Alley At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In Orlando

Your Harry Potter Orlando experience actually begins outside of Diagon Alley in the London waterfront area of Universal Studios Florida. Its worth spending a few minutes in this area adjacent to the Harry Potter world to chat with the Knight Bus conductor and search for Kreacher the house-elf in the upstairs window of 12 Grimmauld Place before heading into Diagon Alley.

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When youre ready to enter the Wizarding World, you may be wondering where to find the entrance to Diagon Alley. To better keep out muggles, its hidden behind a brick wall just past Leicester Square Station.

Once inside the Harry Potter theme park, youll be staring right at the large Ukranian Ironbelly dragon that sits atop Gringotts Bank. It really does breathe fire . If you want to catch a photo or video of the fire-breathing dragon in action, listen for the dragons low growl and youll know hes warming up for his next performance.

THEME PARK MAGIC:7 Things You Didnt Know You Could Do at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Harry Potter Theme Park England

  • The Making of Harry PotterWarner Bros Studio Tour Londonexplore

Harry Potter Theme Park England, known as the Warner Bros Studio Tour London, is one of the worlds most popular attractions for Harry Potter fans! Step into the world of witches and wizards and go behind the scenes to see how the 8 Harry Potter movies were made. Highlights of a visit include riding a broomstick, standing on platform 9 ¾ and getting onboard Hogwarts Express! This is an amazing day out for all family members and the Harry Potter Theme Park England is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to London. We offer awesome Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tours departing daily from Central London that also includes pickup and transfer to the studio!

Discover a world of Harry Potter and book tickets today! Tickets can be collected directed at the Studio Tour or taken with transportation from Central London.

Top tip: If you cannot find tickets on your travel dates, please check out our useful last-minute guide for finding tickets.

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What Is The Best Way To Do Harry Potter World

Everyone has their own way that they enjoy exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, however below are some of the best tips and tricks we have learned over the years to get the most out of your day. As youll see there is so much more to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter than just rides and having a solid game plan is key to seeing everything these two lands has to offer.

  • Always use Early Park Admission
  • Start out at Islands of Adventure over Universal Studios Florida if only visiting for one day
  • Always start with Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
  • Upgrade to the Park-to-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express
  • Be sure to ride the Hogwarts Express both ways
  • Dont forget about the interactive wands
  • Make sure you leave room for a Butter Beer
  • Be sure to make a visit to Knockturn Alley in Diagon Alley

Planning A Trip To Harry Potter World Orlando

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Both areas dedicated to Harry Potter share their respective train stations and Ollivanders. In this store, in addition to selling wands, Ollivanders himself will entertain guests with a little show by having one of you choose a wand .

Follow these tips to get the most out of visiting the Orlando Parks :

  • Choose lodgings near the parks and avoid sleeping in Orlando city. There are plenty of options for all budgets and prices are lower than in other American metropolises. To find out more, in addition to our previously reported tips on Universal Studios accommodations, you can also check out our general overview of where to sleep in Orlando.
  • Dedicate 2 to 4 full days to visit more or less one park per day between Disneyworld and Universal Studios Florida .
  • Specifically, if you dont have an Express pass, the Harry Potter park requires a full day on the busiest days. Its best to spend the first few hours of the morning or the last few hours of the evening before closing to avoid long lines.
  • If you purchase a Park-To-Parkticket , take the train ride on the Hogwarts Express in both directions because the outdoor scenery youll see will be different.
  • The busiest times are June-July-August, December around New Years Eve and during Spring Break .
  • Bonus tip: pair Orlando with Miami or a tour of the Florida Keys!

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    The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley

    The highlight of the trip to Diagon Alley is surely the thrill of the breath-taking escape from Gringotts. See the goblins at work as you make your way through Gringotts marble lobby before heading deep underground through passage-ways and subterranean vaults. Come face to face with trolls, Voldemort and Bellatrix as you make your escape back to Diagon Alley. This ride is both a thrilling roller coaster and a motion simulator, delivering an unforgettable 4D experience.

    A visit to Diagon Alley would not be complete without stopping at Ollivanders Wand Shop. Share the excitement as a young wizard experiences the explosions and near misses as they go through the process of choosing their first wand or does it choose them? The wands available at Ollivanders can be used throughout Diagon Alley so wizards and witches can practice some spells as they become more familiar with their new wands.

    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.

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    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.

    Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlor

    How to Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

    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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    Getting To Wizarding World From Disney World

    Universal Orlando Resort is about a 20-minute drive from Walt Disney World, depending on where youre coming from. If you have your own car or rented a car, youll be able to drive and park just outside the CityWalk complex . From there you walk through security, then through CityWalk, and to either of the two Universal Orlando parks.

    Otherwise your best option is going to be to rideshare with Uber or Lyft. These services are very easy to use at both Disney World and Universal. Again, youll be dropped off near the CityWalk entrance, go through security, through CityWalk, and to the two parks.

    Keep in mind Uber Car Seat only allows kids 2 and older. If you have a baby under 2, youll either need your own car, a car seat , or to book a private car service with a car seat.

    Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Cost

    How much does it cost to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Here are the items to consider in your Wizarding World Budget.

    • Wizarding World Tickets- Park to Park. $100- $170/per person, per day.
    • Parking Fees at Universal Orlando Resort. $27-$30/per day
    • Express Passes. $80- $100/ per person, per day.
    • Resort Lodging. $90- $400/ night. Explore Hotels.
    • Food and Drinks. $15- $25/ per person, per meal.
    • Souvenirs and Misc.

    We typically recommend buying your ahead of time. As well as any Harry Potter outfits, so you can save money in the shops. And if youre looking for ways to save even more money check out our Wizarding World of Harry Potter on a Budget post.

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    Which Has Better Food When Comparing Hogsmeade Vs Diagon Alley 2023

    • Diagon Alley Universal Studios

    The Verdict: Diagon Alley wins this round only because of the amount of options you have to choose from! The classic spots are in Hogsmeade, yes, but we also have to give honorable mention to Weasleys Wizard Wheezes! Not only do they serve trinkets and souvenirs, but most candy that can be found at Honeydukes! But it was a close call, we would say dont decide which Harry Potter park is better at Universal Studios based on the Harry Potter food!

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    The First Studio Tour

    Harry Potter World, Orlando, USA

    In 1914, German American immigrant Carl Laemmle bought the Taylor Ranch in the San Fernando Valley and founded Universal City as a gigantic studio with a zoo, its own police and mayor and native Americans living on the premises. On March 14, 1915, Laemmle opened Universal Studios in a two-day grand opening event with 10,000 attendees. He later invited the general public to see all the action for an admission fee of just five cents, which also included a boxed lunch with chicken. There was also a chance to buy fresh produce, since then-rural Universal City was still in part a working farm. This original tour was discontinued around 1930, due to the advent of sound films and the stages being not sufficiently soundproofed.

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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.

    Related Page: Discount Harry Potter Tickets

    Q: How Many Rides Are At Harry Potter World

    There are 5 Harry Potter rides at Universal Orlando Resort split between the two main theme park which are Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Islands of Adventure is home to 3 Harry Potter rides, and Universal Studios is home to one Harry Potter ride with both parks sharing the last ride with it being the Hogwarts Express.

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    How Late Can You Park Hop In Universal Orlando

    On our final day as the sun was setting counting down the minutes until the parks closed, we were in Hogsmeade on the Hogwarts Express trying to go see Diagon Alley at night. Unfortunately, the train had technical difficulties so we had to get off.

    We decided to book it over to the neighboring park instead of waiting for the train. But with less than an hour to park closing, I was worried they had a cut off time for park hoppingmeaning they wouldnt admit people past a certain time.

    Well, thankfully I was wrong. Im happy to report that you can enter the park even minutes before it closes.

    Whew!

    All this to say, dont be afraid to park hop late in the day.

    Snacks And Drinks In Wizarding World

    EVERY RIDE at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Universal Studios Orlando

    There are lots of choices of snacks and drinks in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

    The Hogshead in Hogsmeade, is much better than the pub in Diagon Alley, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, given that its a place weve actually seen in the Harry Potter movies.

    Plus, there are more places to sit.

    Both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have a number of stands that serve Butterbeer.

    An advantage that Diagon Alley has over Hogsmeade is its very own ice cream parlor.

    Florean Fortescues Ice-Cream Parlor serves a variety of unique flavors including Butterbeer, Orange Marmalade, Toffee, and many more.

    In case it sounds familiar, Harry Potter spends a lot of time at Fortescues in the third book Prisoner Of Azkaban while he is staying at the Leaky Cauldron.

    Thats what I love about Wizarding World: it has a good mix of both books and movies, meaning that every fan will be satisfied in some way.

    Overall, I prefer the dining at Diagon Alley given that there are couple more options and there are more locations based on the movies and books.

    Diagon Alley wins!

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    Restaurants In Diagon Alley

    Diagon Alley consists of the main restaurant, The Leaky Cauldron, and a variety of smaller eateries, and carts.

    Offering quick service dining, The Leaky Cauldron offers classic English foods, like Cottage Pie, Fishermans Pie, a full English Breakfast, and more. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there are minimal plant-based dishes here. Check out the Leaky Cauldron Menu.

    And if youre looking for a sweet treat then the Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlour should be on your list. This restaurant serves up unique ice cream flavors you would expect to find in the world of Harry Potter. Chocolate chili, sticky toffee pudding, and lavender are on the menu. Choose your favorites before you visit on the Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlour Menu.

    Home to the Gillywater, and four specialty elixirs, this is a stop to make for the true Harry Potter fan. Eternelles Elixir of Refreshment includes Fire Protection Potion, Babbling Beverage, Draught of Peace, and Elixir to Induce Euphoria.

    Fishy Green Ale, Wizards Brew, and Dragon Scale can be found at Fountain of Fair Fortune, and you can also grab Butterbeer Ice Cream here if you dont want to wait in line at Florean Fortescues.

    The Hopping Pot is found in the Carkitt Market and serves up Pumpkin Juice, Peachtree Fizzing Tea, Otters Fizzy Orange Juice, and more.

    Splurge On The Universal Express Pass If You Can

    The Universal Express Pass works on every ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter except Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It can be pricey if you have a large party or are visiting for multiple days, but since its included with Universal Premier hotels, you might actually save money by staying at one of Universals high-end properties.

    At any attraction that accepts Universal Express, you simply show your ticket to the attendant and they will direct you through a separate line for Express passholders. Because theyll need to scan your ticket, make sure you dont leave it behind with your other belongings on rides that require you to store your belongings in a locker.

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    Where Is The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In Universal Studios Orlando Resort

    One of the more confusing parts of getting to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has nothing to do with traveling to Florida! In fact, finding it within the walls of Universal Studios Orlando is your first task to tackle.

    To be clear Universal Studios Orlando Resort is separated into three parks Volcano Bay,Universal Studios Florida, and Universals Islands of Adventure. These three parks include many different areas, rides, lands, and more. But for the purpose of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you only need to know two Universal Studios is where youll find Diagon Alley, and Universals Islands of Adventure houses the village of Hogsmeade. Each park includes different Harry Potter shops, restaurants, and rides.

    To truly experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter you will need to visit both parks.

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