Hogsmeade Restaurants At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In Orlando
Theres only one restaurant in Hogsmeade, but there are two Butterbeer carts and a pub, so you wont go thirsty.
Three Broomsticks
The rustic charm of Three Broomsticks lends itself to hearty fare like beef pasties and rotisserie chicken, or go for the full Harry Potter world experience by ordering The Great Feasta family-style meal with all the fixins.
Hogs Head
Located in the back of Three Broomsticks, Hogs Head serves Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, and alcoholic drinks, including the Hogs Head Brew thats only available in Hogsmeade at Universals Islands of Adventure.
Butterbeer Carts
There are two Butterbeer carts in Hogsmeade where you can get frozen or cold Butterbeer, water, and other Wizarding World beverages.
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Going Along For The Harry Potter Ride
The Potter-clueless, however, need not worry. If you don’t know a Whomping Willow from a weeping willow, you’ll still be charmed by the discoveries at every turn. And when you enter the castle’s portrait gallery and discover the paintings come to life, you’ll be captivated by the talking characters, even if you don’t have a clue what they’re saying. The seamless theme park magic we referred to earlier is abundant in the gallery. Of course, oil paintings can’t really come to life yet, the effect is so well done, guests can’t help but go along for the ride.
Going along for the ride is the whole point of Forbidden Journey. Professor Dumbledore, Hogwarts’ headmaster, has opened the school to the outside world for the first time and has invited muggles to learn about its history. Guests enter his office, and the professor welcomes them. Dumbledore’s ultra-high-resolution, high-frame-rate projected image is somewhat realistic, if a bit ethereal.
The headmaster sends his visitors along to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom for what he promises will be a rapturous lecture. However, Harry, Hermione, and Ron doff their cloak of invisibility in the classroom to warn the visitors about the boring lecture that awaits them.
Plan Your Vacation To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
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About Lindsay Brookshier
Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the editor of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and writing Disney culture pieces on DisneyDose.com- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.
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Warner Brothers Studio Tour In London
Although this isnt a theme park in a traditional sense of the word it is definitely worth mentioning. The tour of the studio is an amazing experience for any fan of the series.
The tour offers a unique look into the process of filming the movies. As the visitors walk around the studio they can see most of the sets used in the movies.
Most of them are also filled with different props and costumes from beloved characters. One of the most popular sets on the entire tour is The Great Hall, which always looks exactly as it does in the movies.
An interesting addition is a small souvenir you get once you actually get inside. The Harry Potter passport is a small booklet introducing the visitors to what theyll see ahead accompanied by interesting facts about the exhibits.
The tour also features a model of the Hogwarts castle which you can walk through a few times to make sure you got all the details. Another model feature on this tour is the Kings Cross train station completed with platform 9 3/4 and a perfect photo opportunity for any Potterhead, a wall with half of the luggage cart making you look like someone caught you right as you were rushing to catch Hogwarts Express.
Express Pass At Universal Studios
If you are only going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and already springing for the park to park ticket, the Express Pass is something you should just skip. While its pretty much the equivalent of the fast pass at Disney and will get you through the line faster, its easier to just get to the important rides at rope drop and save some money.
For us the cost of this pass, in addition to the park to park, just made it feel crazy-expensive and we can easily wake up a little earlier to get to those rides first, which is what we recommend.
That being said, if youre not an early riser, or dont have access to Early Park Admission, the Express Pass can be useful. Be aware that it is very expensive on its own though. The Express Pass at Universal Studios can be used for the Hogwarts Express, Escape from Gringotts and Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey, so if you have it, youll really only have to wait in line for Hagrids Magical Creatures. If youre a Premier Passholder or if youre staying in a Premier Resort at Universal though, you will automatically get Express Pass which can be super helpful especially during busier times.
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The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Hollywood And Universal Orlando
One of the best additions ever made to the Universal Studios theme parks was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando have areas dedicated to the Boy Who Lived. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an immersive experience so that once fans step foot into the land, they will feel like they have stepped into the movies and books.
Universal Orlando has two Harry Potter themed lands: Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. The Hogwarts Express connects both of these Harry Potter themed lands- you will need a Park-to-Park ticket in order to ride though since it transports you between the two main theme parks at Universal Orlando.
Universal Studios Hollywood only has Hogsmeade but with a larger amount of shops to compensate for Hogsmeade being the main focus. Universal Studios Hollywood is a working studio and doesn’t have the same capacity as Orlando to expand. Despite that, the experience of Hogsmeade at Universal Studios Hollywood is just as amazing and immersive as its counterpart in Florida.
Our guide covers everything you need to know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both the locations in California at Universal Studios Hollywood and in Florida at Universal Orlando. From British dining options to magical rides to the castle of Hogwarts guests can partake in their own Harry Potter themed adventure.
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Musts
When youre visiting the Wizarding World, there are a couple of things that you should try if you have the chance for the quintessential Hogwarts student experience: Butterbeer and interactive wands. As youre reading, youll also want to keep an eye out for my Magical Tips for Muggles for helpful hints on how to make the most of your time in the Wizarding World and bits of Harry Potter-inspired hidden magic to look for as youre exploring.
Butterbeer
Butterbeer is an iconic treat in the magical world created by J.K. Rowling and the signature drink of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In the real world, this popular brew tastes like a mix between butterscotch and cream soda topped with a thick, whipped foam which lends the drink most of its sweetness. And dont let the name fool you, Butterbeer is non-alcoholic.
As a beverage, you can get either Cold or Frozen Butterbeer, while Hot Butterbeer becomes available in the colder months (which tastes akin to butterscotch-flavored hot cocoa. You can also get the popular flavor in Butterbeer Ice Cream both soft-serve and hard-packed as well as Butterbeer Potted Cream and Butterbeer Fudge.
Interactive Wands
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Arrive To The Park Early
Get there early. Like, before-it-opens early. Leave now if you can. Once the park opens, walk directly to the Harry Potter area without stopping for anything. I cant stress this Harry Potter theme park tip enough: If you want to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, you must arrive before everyone else does. Theres no other way.
With the Universal Express Pass, you can get onto virtually every ride in both parks in pretty short order. But Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley arent ridestheyre open areas with shops, restaurants, vendors, and all of the design details you dream about when you imagine your visit. So naturally they are quickly overwhelmed by the crowds.
Casting a successful spell in a virtually empty Diagon Alley is magical being 10th in line to perform the same trick is frustrating and a bit ludicrous.
When you arrive at the parks, go directly to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, wander around, take it all in, maybe browse the shopsenjoy the scenery and the atmosphere of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter before everyone else gets there. Then, once the rest of the world arrives, use your Express Pass to quickly hop on the various Harry Potter-themed rides.
Cost Of Harry Potter World Tickets
If youre wondering, just how much are tickets to Harry Potter World Orlando?, the answer is a little bit complicated. With Harry Potter lands in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, if you want to visit the entire Wizarding World in Orlando, you cant just buy standard Universal Orlando tickets. Youll need either a 2-Park 1 Day Ticket or a multiday ticket.
If you only have 1 day at Universal Orlando and you want to go to both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, Park-to-Park access is key, as it allows you to get into both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on the same day. 2-Park 1 Day Tickets start at $164 for adults and $159 for children ages 3 to 9.
If you have multiple days in the Wizarding World and the rest of the Universal parks, then getting a Park-to-Park ticket is nice, but not necessary. 2-Park 2-Day Tickets start at $106.50 per day for adults and $101.50 per day for children. 2-Park 2-Day Tickets start at $136.50 per day for adults and $131.50 per day for children.
In general, if youd like to spend some time in Harry Potter World as well as going on rides in the rest of the parks, especially if this is your first time visiting, wed recommend you spend at least one day each at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. If this isnt your first time to Universal Orlando and the Wizarding World, all you care about is Harry Potter World, or you simply dont have the time, then you can get by with only one day as long as you can park hop.
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Harry Potter World Differences
One of the biggest questions we get here is: which Universal park has Diagon Alley? Because when youre trying to pick a park at Universal, a lot just depends on whether you want to go to Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade.
Although they are both part of the same Potter-verse, they are completely different experiences, with different rides, restaurants, and shops. Well break it down for you so that you can decide: is Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley better for your trip to Universal.
Early Admission Ticket At Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios Early Admission Ticket is the best way to get a head start on your day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You dont have to stay on-site for this perk, but if you choose to stay off-site, you will need to book your vacation including accommodations and tickets through a Universal Vacation Package. If youre an annual passholder with preferred or premier status, you get access to this benefit with your pass!
We have stayed offsite and onsite to utilize this benefit. And when we stayed offsite at a nearby partner hotel that was a 4-minute drive from Universal, it saved us hundreds of dollars while still getting early admission. You can find the early admission calendar here, to see which park is opening early, at what time on what days. Having this will make a HUGE difference in wait times whether you are arriving early or at Park opening. Depending on which season youre traveling in can make a difference in which Park will offer Early Admission so its very important that you check before you plan.
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Hop On The Hogwarts Express From Kings Cross To Hogsmeade
Just like 1st through 7th years heading to Hogwarts for the school year, the easiest way to get between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is to take the Hogwarts Express. In Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Express leaves from Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross Station. To take the Hogwarts Express from either station, you must have a Park-to-Park Universal ticket.
The Hogwarts Express is a ride-meets-transportation. Dont expect any thrills here, however. This slow-moving ride recreates the experience of taking the Hogwarts Express. Leaving Kings Cross, youll see the streets of London give way to the English countryside just outside your window. Keep your chocolate close by though, because the dementors have been known to stop the train from time to time.
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Visiting Springfield, the Universal Studios section dedicated to all things The Simpsons, prepare to enter a cartoon world come to life. The vibrant colors and over-the-top designs are a true showcase of this animated classic. Eat at Krusty Burger or grab a drink at Moes. Then, go on a 4D adventure with The Simpsons on an action-packed virtual ride. We continue to be as impressed by this ride as we were when we first rode it the summer it debuted. From the queue entertainment to the truly zany adventures of The Simpsons family, this over-the-top virtual reality experience is engaging from start to finish.
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Tips For Harry Potter Wizarding World
A few things to remember when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Guests must use the lockers for any loose items, including purses and wands, for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Escape from Gringotts.
If you are staying at an on-site resort like Universals Cabana Bay, Endless Summer Surfside Inn and Suites, or another partner resort you may have early entry into the parks.
Early entry opens the park an hour early for on-site guests. If this is the case during your visit take advantage of it and visit the early entry park first.
A day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an amazing addition to your Universal Orlando vacation.
Best Indoor Coaster: Revenge Of The Mummy
Revenge of the Mummy technically wins this category by default as its the only indoor coaster at Universal Studios. But, that doesnt mean its any less awesome! Regardless of whether you were a Mummy franchise fan or not, this attraction is entirely entertaining. As you try to ward off the evil of Imhotep, the indoor coaster plunges into darkness as huge fireballs, swarms of scarab beetles and an army of warrior mummies attack you. Its like a movie come to life but without the simulator effect so many other Universal Studios attractions rely on.
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Harry Potter Theme Park Tips
The mass of people didnt diminish the experience for me, but it did get me thinking about the Harry Potter theme park tips I wish Id known before my first visit. I made a few rookie mistakes my first time, but maybe you wont have to. Here are my best tips for visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando.
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Get ready to hulk-out on The Incredible Hulk Coaster®, the soaring, loop-filled Islands of Adventure attraction. The cant-miss green steel coaster bursts out the gate, reaching speeds up to 40mph in two seconds flat. Its such an amazing attraction, its one of our favorite coasters not just at Universal Orlando Resortbut anywhere.
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Other Items Of Interest
- Bathrooms The voice of Moaning Myrtle can be heard speaking to guests in the Hogsmeade Wash-rooms.
- Dance Performance Students from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute perform a dance ” rel=”nofollow”> film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) called the “Triwizard Spirit Rally” on the grounds of Hogwarts.
- Hogsmeade station At the Hogsmeade Station there is a cheery Conductor who welcomes guests to Hogsmeade.
- Interactive Wands Using a map and special interactive wands sold at Ollivander’s, guests can go to different shop windows and use the designated spells to activate magical special effects.