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
Is There Anything Else Open In The Theme Parks Besides The Wizarding World
Yes! When Early Park Admission is at Universal Studios Florida, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem will be open to delight guests when its at Islands of Adventure, meanwhile, early attendees can hop on Jurassic World VelociCoaster . Remember that these are the attractions available in addition to all those within The Wizarding World.
Which Harry Potter Park Should I Go To First
For the most authentic Harry Potter experience, head to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios firstjust like Harry did in the first book. Its a great gateway into the Wizarding World, and you can stock up on all your souvenirs and wizarding supplies at the lands many shops. Then, head to Hogsmeade for your first awe-inspiring view of Hogwarts Castle .
Don’t Miss: Who Plays Cho Chang In Harry Potter
Restaurants In The Wizarding World
Hogs Head Pub
The Hogs head pubs specialty is Butterbeer. Butterbeer is a non-alcoholic drink with flavors of shortbread, cream soda and butterscotch. It comes in frozen or regular form. For $8.50 you can get it in a souvenir mug as shown.
Which ever type you choose, it is certainly refreshing on a hot Florida day!
Over 21s can enjoy a refreshing beer. Choices include Bud Light, Budweiser, Stella, Newcastle, Guiness, Boddingtons and a specially made Hogs Head brew.
Insider tips! Listen carefully near the stairs to the left of the bar you might hear some voices from upstairs.
Go to the back of the pub and you can take your Butterbeer outside. There is a large outdoor covered seating area where you can take a load off and people watch for a bit.
Three Broomsticks
The Three Broomsticks is next door to the Hogs Head. Its a much bigger establishment. Here youll find a variety of British food including fish & chips, sheperds pie, BBQ ribs, Cornish pasties and turkey legs. Deserts include apple pie and chocolate trifle. There is also a childrens menu.
Insider tip to get a higher quality glass souvenir mug instead of a plastic one, order a Hogs Head brew. The Hogs Head brew comes with a glass engraved souvenir mug.
Rumors And Official Announcement
In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a “highly credible source” that the Lost Continent area within Universal’s Islands of Adventure park was to be re-themed “to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children’s franchises”. Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation the new area would involve Harry Potter, and was being developed under the name “Project Strong Arm” in reference to the KUKA robotic arm technology it would utilise.Nikki Finke reported her own confirmation of the Potter park plans in April, followed shortly by a story in The Scotsman both reports were widely relayed by other media sources. On May 31, 2007, Universal officially announced the 20-acre addition recreating Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade, with a planned opening in 2009.
You May Like: What Is The First Book In The Harry Potter Series
How Many Days Do You Need At Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
If youre traveling to Universal Orlando Resort and trying to figure out how many tickets, or how many days you need at Universal Studios, heres our take. If youre on a time crunch or working with a tight vacation budget, then wed highly recommend fitting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in One Day. However, if youre a devoted Harry Potter Fan, and hope to really immerse yourself, then you should plan for one park per day. One day at Diagon Alley and one day at Hogsmeade. Two days total. Though a third day, with a park-to-park ticket, could help you get to all the magic you didnt have time for the first two days.
Rides In Diagon Alley
One of the best rides in the Wizarding World is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. This ride combines a roller coaster, a dark ride, and simulated experiences. As a result, this ride offers twists and turns in a multi-dimensional experience filled with Harry Potter characters helping you escape the bank. It also includes a drop at the beginning of the ride.
Read Also: Where Is Harry Potter Playing On Broadway
What Stayed And What Disappeared
The Lost Continent is the only part of Universal Island of Adventure to have changed as a result of the new Harry Potter theme park.
The Enchanted Oak restaurant has gone to make way for the new Three Broomsticks restaurant in Hogsmeade.
Dueling Dragons The iconic two Dueling Dragons have gone from the entrance to the Dueling Dragons ride. However, the good news is that the ride itself has remained. It is now called the Dragon Challenge and it has been re-themed to suit the new Harry Potter land.
The Flying Unicorn a kids roller coaster has remained. It has been re-styled and renamed to become the The Flying Hippogriff.
The Poseidon Adventure, Eighth Voyage of Sinbad and the bazaar of the Lost Continent remain unchanged.
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios, Florida.Or rather at the back of the park.
It is full of buildings, shops and even a certain bus that will be totally familiar if youve seen the movies. But the best part about it is the entrance .
Universal Studios recreated the brick wall behind the Leaky Cauldronthat leads into Diagon Alley!!! Remember, its three up and two across. Off you go!
Diagon Alley Rides
The Diagon Alley section of Harry Potter World only has one attraction that truly classifies as a ride. But boy, what a ride that is!
Im talking about the famed Escape from Gringotts ride featuring fire-breathing dragons, talking goblins and an appearance by the infamous Deatheater Bellatrix Lestrange and he who must not be named. Dont tell me I didnt warn you!
This is a ride you will not easily forget!
Hipster Power Tip: The Hogwarts Express is also considered an attraction in Diagon Alley.
The Entertainment in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios
With numerous shows lined up, there is hardly a lack of entertainment in Diagon Alley. From the glamorous Celestina Warbeck to a puppet show telling the Tales of the Beedle and the Bard, theres no way you will ever be bored.
If you have had your fill of shows, you can head to the only triple-decker purple bus you are ever going to see the Knight Bus. Here you can talk to the friendly conductor and his best bud a severed head!
The Diagon Alley Shops
Diagon Alley Food
Don’t Miss: Universal Studios Theme Park Harry Potter
Stay At A Universal Orlando Hotel
The first method is to stay at one of Universals hotels, which include Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, Sapphire Falls Resort, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Aventura Hotel, and Endless Summer Resort. All guests staying at a Universal resort, regardless of how they booked their rooms or which venue they chose, will get EPA as a benefit, including on both their check-in and check-out days. Just make sure to have your room key-card ready to show as you enter the park.
Things To Do At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Rides the Hogwarts Express between parks: this rides at The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is a fun ride and it saves you the trouble of walking from park to park.
Enjoy the rides: The golden goblin statue in Diagon Alley marks the entrance that will take you to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The interior of Gringotts and Forbbin Journey are some of the most immersive scenery youve have ever seen.
Use a Wand: You can buy standard wands that are wands certain characters use through the movie series. You can also buy interactive magic wands in also from various gift shops of the theme Park. If you head to Olivanders wand shop, you can experience the magic just like Harry Potter did in the movie when selecting a wand. Purchasing the wand selected for you is not necessary.
Go to the gift shop: Youll find a variety of fantastic books and magical items in the gift shops. You can find many souvenirs from the movie series. The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade stores are almost as fun as the rides. Get acquainted with practical jokes in Weasleys Wheezes and get ready for the dark arts in Borgin and Burkes, which is in the darkness of Knockturn Alley.
Butterbeer: Butterbeer, is a sweet and irresistible drink that is delicious to all magicians. Available in frozen, cold, or hot, even as ice cream or fudge, butterbeer sure quenches the thirsty palate. You can even get a souvenir cup for your drink.
Also Check: Did They Take Harry Potter Off Of Peacock
Best Place To Eat: Thunder Falls Terrace Or Three Broomsticks
Both of these eateries are solid options you cant go wrong with when dining at Islands of Adventure. Thunder Falls Terraces menu features crowd-pleasers like chicken, ribs, and wraps.
Its a quick-service restaurant so you can catch a snappy meal and get right back to all the fun. If you save room for dessert, you wont be disappointed by the Signature Key Lime Cheesecake.
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.
MAGICAL READS:33 Books Like Harry Potter to Binge on Your Next Vacation
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
Read Also: What Were The Horcruxes In Harry Potter
When Will It Open
If you have your heart set on visiting The Making of Harry Potter, the first thing you should know is that itll be located in Tokyo. It will be on the grounds of the Toshimaen Amusement Park.
Now, if youre OK with booking a flight to Tokyo, it looks like there will be a limit to how many people can enter in a day. Because the park wont be operating at max capacity, it seems likely that tickets will sell out, especially in the first few months after opening!
But take heart, Harry Potter fansyouve got a while to plan and save up. The park isnt set to open until 2023. You can stay stateside and experience Harry Potter with these secret spots in Universal Orlandos Wizarding World park.
What You Missed the First Time You Read Harry Potter
Hidden Messages in the Harry Potter Books
What Tickets To Buy For Harry Potter World In 2022
Another one of the most common questions we receive is, what tickets do I need for Harry Potter World? As we discussed, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is in two different parks which means you will need the right tickets to allow you entry to both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. We believe the most important aspect if you want to get on all of the Harry Potter rides is to have the Park-to-Park ticket however that is not the only way to enjoy the parks.
Below are the most common questions we receive when purchasing Universal tickets to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
You May Like: What Happened To Crabbe In Harry Potter
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.
What Harry Potter World Ticket When Visiting On Separate Days
The best fit ticket for anyone looking to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on two separate days is the Universal Orlando standard one park per day ticket. Interesting enough this ticket can actually be a great option if you are visiting Universal Orlando during peak season. The reason being is Universal will actually open both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios for early park admission. This will allow you to experience both parks separately for early park admission during your vacation.
Read Also: Magical Beasts From Harry Potter
One Day One Park For A Harry Potter Fan Which One
We only have one day in the area and can only afford one park pass for each family member, which Universal park would be best for my 15 yr old Harry Potter fan? This is her only birthday wish.
Universal. Diagon Alley is way bigger than Hogsmeade. She’ll miss the castle but she’ll have lots of amazingly cool things to see: Knockturn Alley, tons of shops, fire breathing dragon, the Knight Bus, #12 Grimmauld Place and Kreacher, Gringotts…totally fun. Do try and swing buying a $50 interactive wand. It really does make the visit extra fun!
Another vote for islands of adventure 🙂
IOA for a HP fan? Just curious about why. Especially with Dragon Challenge being closed. There are only 2 stores, a tiny Ollivanders, The Three Broomsticks and Hogshead Inn, a junior roller coaster and castle and Forbidden Journey ride. Over in Universal, loads more shops plus all the things I listed.
I admit that I’m partial to the other rides at Universal so I won’t claim not to give those some weight. MIB, Mummy, RRR, Transformers, fun shows, the Simpsons area .
Universal studios has a bigger HP area. but if your 15 year old, in addition to being a harry potter fan, loves thrill rides then IOA.
personally i’d do IOA because of the rides. HP area is bigger in universal. But the best rides are in IOA.
But I would also suggest you take a look at their list of rides/attractions it’ll definitely help you decide.
We were at Universal and IOA last week, both sides were busy in HP
That’s just my opinion 🙂
How Did The New Harry Potter Theme Park Fit Inside Islands Of Adventure
Universal Island of Adventure has 5 distinct lands around a central lake. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was built partly over some of the Lost Continent island, partly over the employee parking lot and some unused ground at the very back of the theme park.
The Harry Potter theme park land covers 20 acres, which is bigger than all the existing individual lands.
Also Check: Which Female Harry Potter Character Are You
Epic Universe What We Know
Lets start with a basic primer on what we DO know about Epic Universe. In terms of its location, the new park wont be attached to Universal Orlandos existing theme parks. Instead, itll be located closer to the Orange County Convention Center, about 2 miles from Universal Orlando Resort.
Details are still pending in terms of how individuals could get from the existing resort to/from Epic Universe. But we do know that a Brightline train station is set to be built near here, connecting this general area to the Orlando Airport.
Back in 2021, NBCUniversals CEO, Jeff Shell, indicated that attractions at the park would be based on some of the Illumination and DreamWorks content but especially Nintendo.Illumination worked on films like DespicableMe, and DreamWorks is behind properties like Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon.
It has been reported that there could possibly be a hotel inside the theme park that could give guests direct access to the park. This is reportedly a 500-unit, full-service hotel set to be completed by Q4 of fiscal year 2023. Another hotel is also set to be built for Epic Universe, which would be a 750-room hotel that will be built along Universal Boulevard.
Alright, now that weve gone over the basics, we can take a look at the concept art and construction.
The above is the concept art originally shared for Epic Universe a number of years ago. Lets break down the potential areas and secrets hidden within!
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.
Also Check: What Is The Harry Potter Game Like Pokemon Go