You Might Want To Repeat The Rides
Opinions vary on which is the best ride inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, but my kids loved Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts the best. My personal favorite was Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which takes you inside Hogwarts. Even waiting in line for the Harry Potter rides is a fun experience for Potter fans, because the walls inside the castle are alive with moving portraits and other interesting set pieces.
Its worth noting that the Universal Express line and the standard entry line inside Hogwarts take different routes to the rides starting point. If youre a huge fan, you might want to wait in the standard line at some point just for the experience. Get there early for the standard line entry and then go again with your Express Pass.
Hogsmeade Vs Diagon Alley: Based On The Rides
A big part of the fun at Universal is the roller coasters. Unlike Disney or other parks, which mostly focus on family-friendly rides, Universal is known for its thrilling coasters. Not just in the Wizarding World, but all throughout the parks, there is an emphasis on adrenaline-fueled coasters that speed, flip, and twist. So when comparing Diagon Alley vs. Hogsmeade Universal, it just makes sense to start with the rides.
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.
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Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle, on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the wizarding worlds rarest magical creatures. To be honest, I have been a Walt Disney World annual pass holder for years and this ride single handedly convinced me to purchase a Universal annual pass. ITS THAT GOOD! It is a must when youre figuring out what to do at Universal Studios Harry Potter.
Hogwarts House Reversible Sequin Tees $37 Each
Each tee is the houses main color, with the house name and traits below the crest in the center.
The sequins making up the crest change to show either the letter of the house or the house mascot.
For example, the Gryffindor shirt is red, and the crest changes from a red and gold G to a lion.
The Slytherin shirt is green. The crest changes from an S to a snake.
The Ravenclaw crest changes from an R to a raven.
And the Hufflepuff shirt changes from an H to a badger.
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Get Lost In Hogsmeades Storefronts
The curved main street of Hogsmeade Village is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Universal Orlando Resort, with its cobblestone road and haphazard shop windows. Ironically, it may also be, given its well-trodden status as the theme-park lands main artery of traffic, one of its most overlooked aspects.
Stopping and taking in all of the many wonderful details that are to be found in the various storefronts is an enterprise that can easily take hours of your time and yield lots of rewards. A replica of Hermione Grangers Yule Ball dress is proudly on display in one at another, you can find a Howler, a magical letter that, well, howls the senders displeasure at its recipient. At Scrivenshafts Quill Shops window, you can watch a quill record the names of newly born wizarding babies, while over in Spintwitches Sporting Needs, Quidditch equipment struggles to break free.
Its hard to find a better way to get completely absorbed in Harrys wondrous world and that goes double if you do it at night, when the storefronts are beautifully lit.
Take Advantage Of Hogsmeades Nightly Shows
When theyre in operation , the nightly performances at Hogwarts Castle are a sight to behold and a spectacle to take in. This is especially true when the standard bearer, The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, makes way for its two seasonal siblings: Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, which mark some pretty spectacular ways to celebrate their respective holidays.
What may not be as well known, however, is the effect these projection-mapping productions have on the surrounding Hogsmeade attractions. As the crowds gather in front of Hogwarts , they empty out of the queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which is located inside the iconic castle meaning you could potentially make one of the most popular rides at Islands of Adventure a walk-on. The same is also true for the next-door Flight of the Hippogriff, which, yes, may only be a kiddie coaster, but which is simply sublime to ride when one of the light shows is going on youll be hard-pressed to have a better experience at the entire resort, hands down.
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Which Harry Potter World Is Better
One of the biggest questions we receive here when deciding if you should visit Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade is, should I visit both parks or just one? And its a tough question because 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: if Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley is better for your trip to Universal.
Well also help you decide if you should buy Universal Orlando Tickets with the park-to-park option which will allow you to ride the Hogwarts express!
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.
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Christmas At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers many breathtaking sights to see that transport you right to the holiday celebrations in the movies and books. The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle features classic Christmas scenes from the books like the grand Christmas trees in Hogwarts Hall and the Yule Ball. This past year the addition of nightly snowfall was added to Hogsmeade making the experience even more magical. Guests can also enjoy traditional holiday food straight from the pages of Harry Potter and enjoy seeing Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley decorated to the max with snow-capped roofs and all the holiday trimmings.
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!
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Best Place To Eat: Fast Food Boulevard Or The Leaky Cauldron
For us, its a tie! Fast Food Boulevard is an excellent option for food court-style dining if youre in the mood for items like burgers, chicken fingers, and fried seafood. It has a Simpsons theme, so Krusty Burger, Cletus Chicken Shack, and The Frying Dutchman are the featured restaurants. Outside, the Bumblebee Mans Taco Truck serves — you guessed it — tacos.
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The Leaky Cauldron is a good option if youre looking for more of a slower, sit-down meal. Youre guaranteed an experience that is anything but run-of-the-mill, as the British fare certainly isnt your typical theme park food. Choose from menu items like bangers and mash or cottage pie.
The Problems With Ultra
Wizarding World’s impressive immersion, however, sometimes comes at the expense of theme park practicality. Hogwarts Castle, the Forbidden journey ride, and Hagrids coaster have been designed to handle enormous crowds. But the shops are all built to scaleto serve the story, no doubtand the tight quarters can’t comfortably accommodate the hordes of muggles who visit on busy days.
Another quibble: The coaster, Flight of the Hippogriff, seems a bit out of place in the otherwise meticulously themed land. It is a repurposed holdovers from Wizarding World’s previous incarnation as Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent.
We also suspect that the remains of the park’s truncated Lost Continent is destined to be lost forever, since Universal is likely to have more Potter plans up its robed sleeve. Should that happen, muggles will no doubt clamor to be immersed in more of The Wizarding World.
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Can I Use Early Park Admission On My Check
If you are eligible for Early Park Admission through your hotel, you can use it each day you are checked in to the venue, including your check-in and check-out days. If you book one night at, say, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you will get the benefit of two days with early entry: both the morning you check in and the morning you check out. We have helped many guests book one night at a resort even an economy partner hotel just for the two days worth of EPA to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay.
Is There Early Park Admission At Universals Volcano Bay
Early Park Admission is now offered at Volcano Bay for any Universal hotel guests or for those staying at a partner hotel with an eligible vacation package. The whole process is similar to that for the original two theme parks, where you will show either your room key or E-Travel Document.
We should emphasize that EPA at the water park isnt a typical benefit for annual passholders, even those with a three-park pass. It still, however, may be offered at certain times during the year to confirm your dates and AP benefits, visit Universal Orlandos page.
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What Attractions Are Open During Volcano Bays Early Park Admission
The following slides are available to start your morning with a good soaking when you arrive at the Waturi peoples island oasis, Volcano Bay:
- Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
- Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Honu of the Honu Ika Moana
- ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Tot Tiki Reef
Does Disney Have A Harry Potter Park
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area spanning two theme parksIslands of Adventure and Universal Studios Floridaat the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. The area is themed to the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the film series and novels by J. K. Rowling.
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Wands At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Guests can purchase interactive wands at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. These work at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. They also can be used on multiple visits.
We have had our wands that we purchased in 2018 and have used on many visits since. If you have issues with your wand, and it is not working properly, you can talk to someone at Ollivanders Wand Shop to assist you.
There are Ollivanders locataions in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. You can also experience an interactive wand experience where one lucky guest will get picked by a wand.
As of writing this wands cost $55.00 each. If you are traveling with a large group you can share the wands. It may take a bit more time as you stop at each spell station but it will allow you to save on the cost of the wands.
There are numerous spell locations in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. There is a map of the Wizarding World you will receive when you purchase your wand to assist you in finding the spell locations.
The Rides At Universal Studios :
The main Harry Potter rideat Universal Studios is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. This ride is just beautifully imagined, down to every last detail. If the line is really long, youll be waiting outside for a while. But once you get inside, oh my! Its a breathtaking replica of Gringotts, the bank of the goblins. If youve ever wondered what is Harry Potter world like? this is it! Every breathtaking detail is perfectly rendered to make you feel like youve been transported into the magical world.
This ride isnt a roller coaster in the truest sense, however. Most of the time, you are watching 3-D screens that simulate the drops, twists, and turns. And it does take place in the dark, with some close encounters with bad guys, so there is a thrill factor.
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Is Ollivanders In Diagon Alley Or Hogsmeade
Trick question! Ollivanders is now in both Diagon Alley and in Hogsmeade! So, if you couldnt get your want in one place, you can always go to the other! You can also try your luck at being chosen for the Wand Ceremony twice!
And there you have it!
A full guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios! I hope this article was useful.
If you have any questions, please comment them below and I will answer you!
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Hogsmeade Vs Diagon Alley: Based On The Food
To honest, the food doesnt make much of a difference from one Wizarding World to the next. In the Universal Hogsmeade vs Diagon Alley debate, dining wont be much of a factor.
At Universal Studios,you have the Leaky Cauldron the small pub and inn where Harry spent several weeks one summer. They offer traditional British fare plus kids meals .
Over at Islands of Adventures, you can dine at the charmingly decorated Three Broomsticks. The food offerings here are pretty similar, a little less British and with the addition of a couple of more American items .
The Verdict: Its a toss-up. Dont decide which Harry Potter park is better at Universal Studios based on the Harry Potter food!
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What Universal Orlando Ticket Should I Buy When Visiting Diagon Alley And Hogsmeade Village 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.
Is The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter A Separate Ticket
It is important to know if youre planning a trip to Harry Potter World, access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with any valid Universal Orlando ticket. It is important to know that, if you purchase a one day ticket ticket to Universal Studios, then your entry to Diagon Alley will be included in that ticket. If you purchase a one day ticket to Islands of Adventure, your entry to Hogsmeade will be included in that ticket.
If you want to visit both parks in the same trip, consider buying a park to park ticket to Universal Orlando. That will allow you unlimited access between the two parks for the length of your ticket.
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What Time Does Harry Potter World Open
The first step is to decide how early to arrive at Universal Studios for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? We always recommend to arrive as early as possible to avoid long lines later on in the day. This is true even if you are spending a few days at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Typically, the Wizarding World Hours are the same as park open hours, meaning, as soon as the gates are open, guests are allowed to enter.
This is why Early Park Admission is so important as it allows you entry into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to one hour before regular park guests! Your family can hop on a ride such as Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and save two to three hours later on in the day.
Dont forget that staying at a Universal hotel isnt the only way to get Early Park Admission. All of the Park Prodigy tickets included Early Park Admission, check out our Universal Orlando Tickets Page!
Harry Potter Restaurants Universal California Vs Florida
Next, lets compare the Universal Studios Harry Potter World restaurants Florida vs California. Craving fish n chips or an ice cold butterbeer? Dont worry, you can find all sorts of delicious wizards fare at both Wizarding World locations at Universal Orlando Vs Hollywood. Both parks have incredibly themed quick service locations that are a must do for a complete Potter trip!
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