Butterbeer: Offered In A Few Varieties
- Cold Butterbeer
- Diagon Alley: Leaky Cauldron, The Hopping Pot
- Hogsmeade: Three Broomsticks, Hogs Head, Butterbeer Street Carts
- Hogsmeade: The Three Broomsticks and Hogs Head
But First A Little Refresher On How Diagon Alley Differs From Hogsmeade From The Books:
Both are wizarding settlements, both have shops selling magical goodies and both have insanely fun rides you could try out.
The difference between them, however, begins in the movies. Diagon Alley is basically a shopping mall/alley.
There are restaurants selling robes, books, ingredients to make potions, magical instruments, pets and of course, wands. There are bars and restaurants dotted around the shopping area, selling all kinds of liquor and food.
Diagon Alley basically is everything a wizard could want and anything a Muggle could dream of.
Oh, and it has a bank to help you easily acquire more Galleons to spend!
Harry first went to Diagon Alley to pick up supplies for his first year at Hogwarts. Ever since it has been the site of many adventures for him and his friends.
Hogsmeade on the other hand is a village.
In fact, it is the only all-wizard village in Britain! Along with the iconic quaint Old English houses, it contains all the usual British village must-haves coffee shops, cobbled streets, a good bar and a shady bar, the occasional snowfall and even a creepy haunted house!
Harrys first visit to the village was the highlight of the Prisoner of Azkaban. I mean, Malfoys face when he got a face full of snow? It was priceless.
Hogsmeade has seen the emotional side of Harry Potter his first date, first DA meeting, last time talking to Dumbledoreokay, Im going to leave it at that or Ill tear up.
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
For the most up-to-date information on Universal Orlando Resort safety guidelines, please visit: New Safety Guidelines. Same Fun.
So, you never got that letter from Hogwarts? Youre not alone. If youve ever fantasized of ditching your Muggle status and joining the ranks of wizards and witches and surrounding yourself with all things Harry Potter in the process prepare to have your dreams come true at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort!
Save on discount tickets: Universal Orlando Resort
Too wildly imaginative and expansive to be contained by any one theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Universals Islands of Adventure, with the Hogwarts Express connecting the two. Before you know it, youll be casting spells, quaffing Butterbeer, going to a Quidditch match and even facing off against Lord Voldemort himself.
In short, its the fantasy adventure of a lifetime and its waiting for you exclusively at Universal Orlando!
Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified. Learn more about healthy travel, and check with your favorite Universal Orlando Resort theme parks and other venues for their current status.
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The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley
At the far end of Universal Studios, past Hollywood and the Simpsons Springfield area, you are suddenly transported to London. The replicated streets of the city are complete with Kings Cross Station, Leicester Underground Square Station and red phone booths. The purple triple decker Knight Bus towers amid the scenery, welcoming you into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visitors are invited to walk up and take pictures with the conductor and talking shrunken head from the film.
Diagon Alley is hidden just beyond the London Walls. The village is colorful and wonky, with signs that advertise wands and Quiddich supplies, like Dickens through a fun house mirror as it was described in AAAs C& T magazine back when it first opened.
Some of the stores are real, others only storefronts. Among them are Weasleys Wizard Wheezes for your love potions and gag gifts, Madam Malkins selling wizard robes for all occasions and a dark corridor which leads to Knockturn Alley, filled with sinister and dark arts objects.
For food, theres The Leaky Cauldron, an exact copy of the eatery in the movies that serves authentic British Pub Food, Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlour and vendors throughout that sell quintessential Harry Potter fare such as Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.
Complete Guide To Planning A Trip To Harry Potter Universal Orlando
Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Harry Potter Universal Orlando
Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Harry Potter Universal Orlando
This page is your complete guide to planning a trip to Harry Potter World in 2022! It is also the perfect starting point for any muggle getting ready for their Universal Orlando trip! Youll find that there is so much to do in Universal Orlando at Harry Potter World! With incredible restaurants, shops and attractions that bring you right into the Harry Potter Universe, it truly feels like youre in another world.
So, what is the best way to see Harry Potter at Universal Orlando? Thats exactly what we are about to break down for you. Well also fill you in on how to make the most of your time with Universal Early Park Admission.
So if youre planning a trip to Universal Studios Harry Potter World read on!
SPECIAL NOTE:If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal crowd calendar!
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Flight Of The Hippogriff
Ready to take flight on a wondrous creature? Well on Flight of the Hippogriff you are able to do just that. Brace yourself for the experience of your life as it is a rare quest to be able to take to the skies on the back of a Hippogriff. The hippogriff has the body of a horse with the head of an eagle and is one of the wizarding worlds most mysterious creatures that youll be able to come face to face with. A family friendly coaster, this wicker designed ride provides fun for all ages and will be an experience you wont soon forget. Have no fear as you bow for the Hippogriff for it will surely allow you to mount its back as Hagrid instructs you the whole way through. Youll soar straight through the school pumpkin patch and past Hagrids Hut into the skies on this adventure where nothing stands in your way. So prepare to have a good time on this once in a lifetime journey as long as you flow with the swoops and turns of the hippogriff as you let him lead the way to a good time. So go ahead, take flight upon the hippogriff, just be sure to bow first.
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.
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How To See More Of The Wizarding World In Less Time
I wont lie to you. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets very crowded.
We visited Universal at what is a slower time of year and the attractions in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were still jammed. If you want to see as much of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as possible in the shortest amount of time, there are some strategies you probably need to employ.
First, you can use Universal’s Express Pass. This is a skip-the-line pass that works on most attractions at Universal’s two theme parks. This includes within The Wizarding World, with the exception of Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
There are three ways to get an Express Pass. The easiest way is to book one of Universals on-site Premier hotels. If you stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, youll get a free Express Pass Unlimited to use throughout your visit. If you have a Premier-level Universal annual pass, youre entitled to Express Pass access beginning at 4 p.m.
Otherwise, you can purchase Express Passes:
Be aware that the list of participating rides and attractions is subject to change, so check with Universal Orlandos website before you purchase an Express Pass to make sure the rides youre most interested in are included.
The best strategy to ensure you do as much as possible within the World of Harry Potter, short of a VIP tour, is to rope-drop Hagrid’s at the park’s opening and then use your Express Pass for all the other attractions.
Hogsmeade Village Islands Of Adventure
Guests will walk side by side with super heroes, beasts and magical creatures to enter lands where imagination becomes real. Hogsmeade Village is also home to two of the most popular rides in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and also Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
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Diagon Alley At Universal Studios Florida
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the most popular attraction at both Universals Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. It takes guests on a journey to the amazing world of Harry Potter and features some of the most epic facets of the storied series. Guests will see Hogwarts off in the distance which is a major part of the parks appeal. It is the home of one of the greatest rides in the park, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also home to the rides Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. These rides are a great way to get the blood flowing and are perfect for the thrill seekers in the family. Universal did not skimp on the details when they created this magical place. They jumped right into the movies and stories and harnessed the magic which made them so popular in our culture. There is so much to do, see, and interact with in Harry Potters magical world. One would have to come and see it to believe it. Rides are not the only appealing part of this great themed area either
What To Know While Planning A Visit To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
We have found that families who have the best experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter always have a great plan going into their Universal Orlando trip. This includes knowing exactly how to use all of our Harry Potter early park admission tickets , which rides their family will want to go on, if they plan to have meals inside of Harry Potter World, and what they plan to do with their free time! Below are some of the most important things families should consider when planning a day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
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Hogwarts Express Kings Cross Station
When youve thoroughly explored Diagon Alley and the streets of Harry Potters London, its time to make your way to Kings Cross Station, where youll board the Hogwarts Express and ride the train to Hogsmeade. Remember: You can only ride the Hogwarts Express if you have a Park-to-Park ticket. If youve got one-day, one-park tickets, there is no way to experience this attraction.
The wait queue is convincing and it appears as if you are waiting for a train in London. Pay attention to everything as you near the train platform. A neat mirror trick makes it look like you burst through a brick wall to reappear unharmed on Platform 9 3/4. The train whistle builds excitement, and when you see steam escaping from the locomotive, youll know youre almost ready to board.
Eight passengers are loaded onto each car and it truly looks as if youre departing London on your way to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The rides spectacle takes place on the train windows. Be prepared to see some Dementors on the four-minute trip to Hogsmeade. The show is slightly different on the return trip, so be sure you ride it both ways.
Explore The Shops Of Diagon Alley
Once youve tried casting spells in Knockturn Alley, go back out into the bright Orlando sun to finish exploring Diagon Alley.
Visit all the shops, and be on the lookout for a few “magic moments.” Among them is a snake speaking Parseltongue in the window of the Magical Menagerie and a talking mirror in Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions. Be forewarned, she isn’t always complimentary of your wardrobe choices.
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And maybe get an ice cream at Florean Fortescues Ice-Cream Parlour, or a Butterbeer at The Fountain of Fair Fortune or The Hopping Pot.
One word of caution: Harry Potter souvenirs are pretty expensive. You may want to set a budget with your kids before exploring the shops or explain to them why you wont be purchasing certain items. Robes with the emblem of your house stitched on them will set you back $125. A Gryffindor Quidditch robe replica is $150, while Hermione Grangers Yule Ball Gown in youth sizes is $99.95. Yowza. No wonder many parents bring robes from home.
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Harry Potter World Orlando Tickets 2022 Overview
Lets start with the most important and probably the most common question we receive which is, is Harry Potter World included in a Universal Studios ticket? And the answer is, yes! All Universal Orlando tickets will include one of the Harry Potter lands. Guests can even visit both lands in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the same day with the park-to-park ticket.
Take A Break And See A Show
After enjoying the rides, it might be a good time to see one of the shows staged in Hogsmeade throughout the day.
When we visited, we saw the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally. The stage is small but we never had trouble getting a close-up spot as long as we arrived a few minutes before showtime. Check the paper guide given out at the park entrance or the Universal Orlando app for showtimes.
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What Credit Card To Use At Universal
There is no one answer to the question: Which credit card should I use at Universal Orlando? The answer depends on how and where you purchase your theme park tickets and how that credit card codes purchases.
Data points from many travelers tell us that tickets bought at an on-site Universal hotel and charged to the hotel room have coded as travel, but tickets and VIP tours purchased directly from Universal have coded as entertainment.
If you know your charge will code as travel, youll do well to use any of the best credit cards for general travel purchases, including:
Is The Universal Express Pass Worth It
Are you planning to skip the line at any of the rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? If so, you will need an Express Pass. That said, this extra pass ranges from $80-$110 dollars per person per day! Read more to review all the pros and cons on whether or not the Universal Express Pass is or isnt Worth It.
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What Attractions And Shows Are In The Wizarding World
The Wizarding World comprises some of the most ambitious and immersive attractions in the world. Experiences range from intimate stage shows to multi-million dollar, award-winning thrill rides. We consider each ride a Must See and the shows are worth your time if you have a relaxed touring schedule.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure
Dine At The Leaky Cauldron
If you didnt eat breakfast before heading to Diagon Alley, now may be the right time to grab a table at the atmospheric Leaky Cauldron. Breakfast is pricey, but where else can you dine among witches and wizards? Breakfast plates for adults all ring in at $17.99 and include a small beverage .
- Traditional Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, sausage links, black pudding, English bacon, baked beans, grilled tomato, sauteed mushrooms and breakfast potatoes.
- American Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, potatoes, crisp bacon, sausage link and a croissant.
- Pancake Breakfast: Three buttermilk pancakes, crisp bacon, sausage link and a croissant.
- Egg, Leek and Mushroom Pasty: Pastry-wrapped scrambled eggs, mushrooms and leeks served with potatoes and fruit.
- Apple Oatmeal Flan with Yogurt & Fruit.
The kids breakfast plate traditional, pancake or American is $12.99. Pumpkin juice will set you back $4.99.
If youre not a breakfast eater, leave this stop for lunchtime instead where you can order things like fish n chips , a ploughmans lunch for two , bangers and mash or a beef, lamb and Guinness stew . Kids entrees include things like mac n cheese and fish n chips for $7.29. Desserts sticky toffee pudding, Butterbeer potted cream or chocolate potted cream shouldnt be missed.
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