Which Universal Park Is Best For Harry Potter
Which Universal park is best for Harry Potter? Youre probably already familiar with the iconic characters from the Harry Potter films.
But which of the four Universal parks offers the best Harry Potter experience?
Here are a few tips that may help you decide.
- A trip to Universal Studios is a must for any Harry Potter fan! There are shops in Diagon Alley, and visitors can see the castle of Hogwarts. You can also enjoy butterbeer and muggle food at the Hogsmeade Cafe.
- Universal Studios Orlando Harry Potter features two large rides and several smaller attractions. The Hogsmeade area contains half of the Wizarding World attraction and offers more rides than the rest of the park combined. The Hogwarts Express runs between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade and is kid-friendly.
- Another ride at Universal Studios Orlando Harry Potter is the Flight of the Hippogriff, which is a junior roller coaster that travels at 28.5 miles per hour. However, this ride is not recommended for the youngest Harry Potter fans because it has no advanced components.
The Universal parks Florida and Islands of Adventure both have Harry Potter theme areas. For a magical Harry Potter experience, visit both theme parks.
To avoid long lines, visit early in the day.
Its best to plan for two days in this area. Spend the day exploring the magic of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Then come back in the evening to see Hogwarts Castle lit up for nighttime.
Harry Potter Rides Universal Overview
Witches, wizards, muggles, and alike are drawn to Universal Orlando Resort from all over the world, specifically to see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Wizarding World offers two different themed lands designed after iconic Harry Potter locations. Between two magical Harry Potter lands, there are a variety of Universal Studios Harry Potter rides for everyone to enjoy. Some of which are the most imaginative and entertaining rides to ever be made! Islands of Adventure has a Harry Potter land designed after Hogsmeade Village, filled with shops, restaurants, and of course, rides. The Harry Potter rides at Islands of Adventure are a completely different sets of attractions than in the other Harry Potter Land, Diagon Alley, which is located in Universal Studios Florida. Diagon Alley only has one Harry Potter ride at Universal but is still rather popular among the wizarding and muggle folk.
Rides And Attractions Have An Entertainment Theme
Universal parks primarily feature rides based on the companys film and television catalog. Attractions are based on films such as Revenge of the Mummy,Transformers and Harry Potter.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in Orlando in 2010. Universal Studios Florida revealed another Harry Potter attraction, Diagon Alley, in 2014. That same year, the Wizarding World opened in Japan, and the Hollywood park added the attraction in 2016.
Universal Studios Hollywood plans to open Super Nintendo World Feb. 17, a themed land based on Nintendo video games with a ride based on the series using augmented-reality technology and projection mapping.
Universals Studios Florida held its first Halloween event, Fright Nights, in 1991. Four of Universals parks host the annual event, now known as Halloween Horror Nights.
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So Which Harry Potter Park Is Better
It comes down to personal preference.
Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Park is best for people who want to take in the atmosphere and those who have always wanted to explore the world of Harry Potter for themselves.
Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure is for thrill-seekers looking for groundbreaking, jaw-dropping attractions.
No matter which way you go, youll get an amazing Harry Potter experience.
What Time Can You Get Into Harry Potter World
For a majority of the year guests, who are using Early Park Admission can get into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at 8:00 AM. And the main reason we say a majority of the year is because there are certain times when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will actually open up earlier than that. Hopefully you can see what a huge advantage this extra time in the parks can be, especially since the Harry Potter rides thend to be some of the most popular in the parks.
So one of the first steps to planning a trip to Harry Potter is to figure out how early to arrive at Universal Studios. We always recommend arriving 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.
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Can You Bring Your Own Wand To Universal
Yes, you can bring wands with you into Universal Studios.
There are inexpensive wands on Amazon that are perfect to bring if you dont want to cast spells.
You may be able to find discounted wands at thrift shops or on Ebay, too. If you are able to find an interactive wand for sale outside of the theme parks, they should still be able to work at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
This hack is just one of our 37 Universal Tips and Tricks you need to know before your next visit!
Phase : Islands Of Adventure
Construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter began seven months after the official announcement, in January 2008. By July, the Flying Unicorn and Enchanted Oak Tavern were closed. The Flying Unicorn then began an almost two-year refurbishment which transformed it into the Flight of the Hippogriff. The Enchanted Oak Tavern was later demolished. A bridge was built to connect The Lost Continent with Jurassic Park allowing guests to avoid the construction zone that was to become the Wizarding World. Construction progressed with the Hogwarts Castle slowly taking shape. By September 2008, the Dueling Dragons entrance was moved to Jurassic Park to make room for construction of Hogsmeade. One month later, the old entrance was demolished. By September 2009, the top shell of Hogwarts Castle was completed. On September 15, an announcement was made detailing what was going to be included in the Wizarding World. In early 2010, Universal increased its marketing of the area, which included newspaper advertisements, billboards and television commercials. The Dueling Dragons were closed for some maintenance before being transformed into the Dragon Challenge. Construction was completed by June 1, 2010, when the area began soft openings.
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What Does Each Park At Universal Orlando Have To Offer Harry Potter Fans
Even though both Universal Studios Florida and Universals Islands of Adventure do an amazing job of bringing The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life, they each have distinctive features that could sway fans one way or the other.
This section breaks down each parks magical offerings to make the decision easier.
Which Rides Are In Each Harry Potter Park
It is important to know which attractions are in each of the Harry Potter parks so that you can see which you would prefer to experience if you can only visit one park.
The question of which Universal Park is better for Harry Potter really is ultimately personal preference but that is going to have a lot to do with the rides in each area.
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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.
Universal Studios Has Huge Harry Potter News
- Publish date: Jun 17, 2022 3:31 PM EDT
Harry Potter is a major part of the Universal Studios franchise. Opened in 2011, the Wizarding World section in Orlando was so popular that a similar version was built in California by 2016.
The coaster “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure” recently also earned the title of “best rollercoaster in Florida.”
“It was more than a new ride,” TheStreet’s Dan Kline wrote in January 2022. “Wizarding World was an immersive, fully themed land, and it set off a theme park arms race.”
Right now, Comcast – Get Free Report-owned Universal Studios is in the midst of constructing a new Orlando theme park known as Epic Universe slated to open by the summer of 2025.
While Universal Studios is yet to confirm it, speculation that it will contain a Harry Potter section is growing. The new section would be alongside Classic Universal Monsters and How To Train Your Dragon areas.
“We have seen the Wizarding World of Harry Potter spread like wildfire at Universal in regards to Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and Diagon Alley all attracting Guests every day,” writes one post from Inside The Magic blog. “With the incredible demand still flowing through the J.K. Rowling created franchise, it is not surprising … that Epic Universe may house the next land.”
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Does Universal Studios Orlando Include Harry Potter
Yes, Universal Studios Orlando does include Harry Potter.
There are several different attractions and experiences that are based on the Harry Potter series, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
This area of the park is designed to replicate the wizarding world as seen in the films, and it includes a number of different rides, shops, and restaurants.
Guests can also purchase tickets to see a live show called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which is located in Hogwarts Castle.
This theme park is a must-visit for fans of popular books and films, so dont miss it!
Located in the second theme park at Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure will bring the magic of the Wizarding World to life.
It will be a unique journey through the world of Harry Potter, with the help of actors Stuart Craig and Alan Gilmore.
Those who are interested in the renowned wizarding world will be thrilled to learn that Universal Orlando has opened Diagon Alley, the first themed shopping center in Universal Studios Orlando Harry Potter.
This area includes restaurants, gift shops, and recreations of locations from the books, including Diagon Alley.
For the ultimate Harry Potter experience, dont miss a visit to Diagon Alley, where you can dine, buy merchandise, and enjoy magical shows.
Get Your Wand From Ollivanders
After youve enjoyed the fun rides, it is time to get your wand at Ollivanders.
You will be able to choose from a massive collection of character wands. Our one daughter snapped up Hermiones wand, whilst our youngest decided to go with Ginnys wand.
One thing to keep in mind is that those who choose a Wand Magic will get the opportunity as they walk around Hogsmeade to be able to cast spells.
It really adds to the magic of it all!
There are about 10 magic stations throughout the area where wand owners can cast spells.
Our girls loved making a chimney fire up, as well as open some suitcases at the train. They loved it!
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Linger And Take In The Ambiance
Rather than rushing to the Forbidden Journey attraction and skedaddling on to another area at Universal Studios Hollywood after it’s over, visitors, especially diehard Potter fans, should take the time to linger in Hogsmeade Village. The level of immersive themeing is incredible. You’ll feel as if you have truly entered the Scottish village depicted in Rowling’s books and the movies they inspired.
There are actual props from the movies embedded around the land. The “ancient” buildings look as if they have endured centuries of wear and lean this way and that from settling. Window displays spring to life when activated by specially equipped wands that are available for purchase. Even the bathrooms are themed. Tanks are mounted above the toilets as if they were installed eons ago. And if you listen carefully, “Moaning Murtle” can be heard lurking in the loos.
At the front of the land is Hogsmeade Station and the Hogwarts Express. Stationed in front of the train’s smoking engine, a conductor greets guests as they enter. The train, however, never leaves the station. Inside the station is a reproduction of a Hogwarts Express passenger compartment in which guests can have their photos taken.
Universal Studios Harry Potter Tickets Ideas
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What Ride Is In Hogwarts Castle
The primary Harry Potter ride, located in Hogwarts castle, is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Guests will enter this attraction through the towering castle gates and make their way down the familiar passageways and corridors of Hogwarts. Then each guest will soar above the castle grounds as they join Harry and his friends on a thrilling adventure. Its important to note that the queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is almost as cool as the ride itself and something that every Harry Potter fan will want to see. Guests taking advantage of the Universal Orlando single-rider linewill not be able to experience the entire walk-through inside of Hogwarts castle.
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Can I Do Both Harry Potter Worlds In One Day
Yes, you can visit both the Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade areas of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day.
They are of course connected by Hogwarts Express so you dont have to walk all the way out of one park and into another.
Remember though that you do have to have a valid ticket for both Universal Orlando parks to visit both areas of Wizarding World as they are in separate parks.
Dont worry if you arrive with a ticket for just one of the Universal parks. There are places at each Hogwarts Express Station where you can upgrade your ticket if you decide that you want to visit both parks.
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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.
Harry Potter Early Park Admission Tickets
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Which Universal Orlando Park Is Better For Harry Potter Fans
Attention all witches and wizards!
Weve received a question straight from the Owl Post and are ready with our answer.
Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure both channel the magic of the Wizarding World but guests who can only visit one have a big decision to make.
Harry Potter fans who must choose between the Universal Orlando Parks will need to consider the kind of experience theyre looking for. For thrill-seeking Potterheads, Islands of Adventures Hogsmeade might be the better choice. For Potterites craving an authentic and nostalgic experience, Universal Studios Diagon Alley might just fit the bill.
While both parks have magical rides, immersive worlds, and mystical amenities, they each offer unique experiences.
To help park-going witches, wizards, and muggles decide between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, weve compiled a summary of what each park offers and tips for making this tough choice.
Snacks And Drinks In Wizarding World
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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