The ULTIMATE Guide to Wizarding World of Harry Potter

So, you’re going to Wizarding World Of Harry Potter? I’m SO EXCITED for you! You can find Wizarding World Of Harry Potter (more commonly called Harry Potter World) at Universal Studios in both Californian and Florida. I’m a huge Potter nerd! I love it all, the books, the movies, Pottermore, and Fantastic Beasts. I’ve been to Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando a few times now. It’s an amazing place that every Potter nerd should visit at least once. I’ve compiled all the best ideas I’ve got to make your visit to Wizarding World epic! Don’t let the muggles get you down!

Pandemic 2021 Information:

Here are some of the new rules, regulations, and requirements:

• Everyone is required to wear a face covering during their visit.
• Temperature checks will be required upon arrival, and guests with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be admitted.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds.
• Practice social distancing and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) between your travel party and others.
• When present, please stand on the floor markings until the group in front of you moves forward.
• At select locations including prior to boarding ride vehicles, guests will be required to use hand sanitizer.
• Please follow directions from our team members and have patience as we work through these new operational procedures.

Aside from the practical tips, such as:

• Wear comfy shoes (because if your feet hurt, I would most definitely suspect the nargyles)

I wanted to share some of the other tips I’ve gathered to help prepare you for the awesomeness that is Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Tip: This won’t be applicable to everyone, but if it is to you, make sure you check out Universal Orlando’s Military Discount Program. You get insanely good deals on everything! I highly recommend it.

The Basics:

Which Park Has Wizarding World Of Harry Potter?

Wizarding World is actually divided between two parks, Universal Studios and Island Of Adventure. This means you will need park to park passes to experience all that Wizarding World has to offer (but more on that in a few). Let’s break it down even further…

Universal Studios:

Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley, The Leaky Cauldron, 12 Grimmauld Place, and Escape From Gringotts.

Island Of Adventure:

Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, The Three Broomsticks, Hogs Head Pub, and The Forbidden Journey.

How Do I Get Back And Forth Between The Parks?

The Hogwarts Express, of course! It’s easy to find the train to Hogwarts in either park. In Universal Studios you will get to experience Kings Cross Station, but don’t ask any of the employees for Platform 9 3/4, they will look at you like your crazy! Make sure to talk to the conductor!

Once aboard the train you’ll find your compartment and enjoy the view as you move between parks.

Tip: Make sure to ride the Hogwarts Express both ways because the view is different!

Where Should I Start?

This is obviously complete up to you! I’ve found that most people start at Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, just be prepared for lines right away in the morning. Most people seem to start at Diagon Alley and it gets very crowded early in the day. I’ve started in both parks, and honestly, I prefer starting at Hogsmeade.

Where Should I Stay?

I highly recommend staying on property because there are TONS of perks! Here are your options if you choose to stay on property…

Deluxe (With All The Perks):

• Loews Portofino Bay
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Really Nice: 

• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

A Bit More Affordable: 

• Cabana Bay Beach Resort (this one has SUCH a cute retro theme!)
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Bargain: 

• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort Surfside Inn and Suites

Let me just say, that ALL of the hotels I’ve seen on property at Universal Orlando are SO nice and you really can’t go wrong! There are so many perks to staying on property at Universal Orlando but here are a few of my favorites:

Perks Of Staying On Property:

Complimentary Unlimited Express Passes –

One of the biggest and best perks to staying on property is that you get an Unlimited Express Pass as part of your stay. Unfortunately, it is only complimentary if you are staying at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, or Royal Pacific Resort.

• If you stay at one of the other hotels (or not on property at all) you can still purchase the Express Passes. I highly recommend it. Keep in mind that the Express Passes do not include theme park admission. You will still need to purchase park tickets. You can buy Express Passes HERE.
• Both Escape From Gringotts and The Forbidden Journey are participating in Express Pass lines now, but these are subject to change without notice. These are by far the most popular rides in Wizarding World and those passes will help.

The Water Taxi Service –

Without a doubt, my favorite perk was the water taxi that took me to and from the park. Not only do you get to skip the security lines at the park entrance but you get a nice easy ride to and from the park.

You will still be checked before boarding the water taxi but this is so much easier than at the front entrance security. The water taxis run until 2 am, no need to rush back to your room after the parks close. Take advantage of City Walk! 

Wizarding World Before Parks Open –

If you stay on property you get the advantage of early admission into Wizarding World of Harry Potter an hour before the parks open.

To be completely honest, I didn’t think this was worth the early wake up because everyone who stays on property gets this same perk. And although it’s not as packed as during peak park hours, you will need to stand in line for the popular attractions, including entering the park.

Complimentary Delivery –

It goes without saying that if you are at Universal you are going to be bringing home ALL the things. Tell me who doesn’t leave with some Harry Potter wands, wizarding robes, and tons of candy? Maybe a muggle? haha! The nice thing about staying on property is that all of your purchases can be delivered straight to your room. Which means you don’t have to worry about lugging your wizarding house sweater through the park. And that’s just awesome. 

Next, let’s go over things you shouldn’t miss at Wizarding World. If you will, 

The Muggles Guide to 9 ¾ Things You Shouldn’t Miss At Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

1. Butterbeer!

This is a given, but Butterbeer is pretty amazing. And at Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is an absolute must! They’ve got hot Butterbeer in the winter months, regular Butterbeer, and frozen Butterbeer. You’ve gotta try this butterscotch flavored fizzy goodness. Oh, and pumpkin juice is pretty great too, it’s basically fall in a cup.

2. Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream

You may remember Florean Forescue’s from The Prisoner Of Azkaban and yes, it really is that good! After all, while Harry was practically living in Diagon Alley before his 3^rd year, Fortescue sent him a sundae every half hour while he studied. You can get in on that ice cream goodness too! My favorite flavor was Butterbeer, but they also offer Earl Grey & Lavender and Sticky Toffee Pudding, yum! 

3. The Performances

Catch at least 1 show during your visit to Wizarding World. There are different shows depending if you are in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. You can choose from the Frog Choir, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, the Triwizard Rally, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. I suggest The Tales of Beedle the Bard, while it is very kid-oriented it’s still pretty cool. 

4. Specialty Drinks At Hog’s Head

If you are an adult visiting Wizarding World, you do NOT want to skip Hog’s Head Pub. The pub in the back of the Three Broomsticks is the perfect place for a Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice. But they also offer domestic and imported beers, including the pub’s exclusive Hog’s Head Brew. But the specialty drinks are where it’s at when it comes to Hog’s Head! Firewhiskey, anyone? Hog’s Head Brew is also made exclusively at Universal and worth a try!

Check Out: 9 Tips For Adult’s Only Trip To Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

5. Shopping

I mean, the shopping at Wizarding World Of Harry Potter in one word: EPIC! You get to shop everywhere that Harry, Ron, and Hermione do and that’s just magical in itself. Let’s break this down in terms of park…

Shops In Diagon Alley:

• Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes – You’ll see that famous Weasley mug the moment you step into Diagon Alley. Make sure to take in all the small details in the shop.
• Ollivander’s – If you are an adult, you and skip the show and just enter the shop itself.
• Magical Menagerie

Tip: Don’t skip Knockturn Alley in Diagon Alley. You have to check out Borgin & Burkes!

Shops In Hogsmeade:

• Honeydukes – grab yourself a chocolate frog!
• The Owl Post
• Dervish And Bangs

6. The Props

Here’s the thing – you don’t have to ride the rides to see the props. You can just go through the ride lines to see some of your favorite props from the movies! If you are looking for the flying Ford Anglia from Chamber of Secrets, you will find it in the line for the Dragon Challenge.

If you are looking for Hagrid’s Hut or Buckbeak head to Flight of the Hippogriff. This is a very kid ride so you may just want to walk through the line and then opt out when you get to the actual ride. 

7. A Tour Of Hogwarts Castle

Not everyone enjoys riding rides, and for those who don’t, you can still see everything Hogwarts has to offer! That’s right, you can tour Hogwarts without riding the Forbidden Journey. The ride itself causes motion sickness for a lot of people. It didn’t have that effect on me and I actually thought it was the coolest ride in the park. 

8. Hogsmeade At Night

Is there anything more charming than Hogsmeade Village at night? I don’t think so! Hogsmeade really clears out around 6:30-7 pm. I can tell you from experience, that it is awesome to have the village almost entirely to yourself. It gives Hogsmeade a more magical feel to see everything all lit up too! Universal’s Islands of Adventure closes at 8 pm but the employees tend to let you linger until around 9ish. Don’t take advantage though! 

9. Take The Hogwarts Express Between Parks

I know, we’ve covered this, but it’s important! Remember that Wizarding World of Harry Potter is actually in 2 different parks. Diagon Alley is part of Universal Studios while Hogsmeade is part of the Universal’s Islands of Adventure. You will need park to park passes to enjoy both. One of the perks of those park to park passes is that you can ride the Hogwarts Express between parks. It is the easiest and BEST way to go between the parks.

9 3/4. The Disappearing Mirror At Kings Cross Station

The disappearing mirror that makes it appear as if you are disappearing onto Platform 9 ¾ is at a very awkward location. It’s easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention and are in a rush to catch the train. But don’t let the muggles get you down and take the time to really take in all of the details in Kings Cross Station.

Now let’s go over some secrets of Wizarding World that will make your visit even more magical, if that’s even possible. These secrets help to provide a more immersive experience. Make sure you pay close attention to all of the little details. 

Well, my fellow Potter nerds, I hope this helps to plan your upcoming trip. All I can say is, have THE best time. It’s been a few years since I’ve been able to visit Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and I can’t wait to return to the Wizarding World. Have you been to Wizarding World Of Harry Potter? Did you love it?

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*Please note, this is not a sponsored post. I was not compensated in any way for this content. I just love Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Orlando!!