So, you’re planning your trip to the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter? I’m so excited for you! Wizarding World at Universal Studios and Island of Adventure in Orlando, Florida is nothing short of magical. Since you are entering the world of wizards you can imagine that there are tons of secrets within Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. I’m not giving them all away but these are some of the juicy secrets, the 5 souvenirs you shouldn’t skip, and a sips & eats guide to prepare you for your trip to this magical Wizarding World…
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Let’s just get into all those juicy secrets…
Secrets Of Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Universal Studios – Diagon Alley Secrets
- At Universal Studios you will find 12 Grimmauld Place, where you can catch a glimpse of surly house-elf, Kreacher, in the window. Make sure you are looking at 12 Grimmauld Place. Some silly muggles take pics in front of 11 Grimmauld Place.
- The phone booth outside of Kings Cross Station will connect you to the Ministry of Magic. You just have to dial 62442 (MAGIC).
- If you stop by the Knight Bus in front of Kings Cross Station you can snap a picture with both the bus conductor and the talking shrunken head. The shrunken head is also interactive.
- Ask any employee at Kings Cross Station how to find Platform 9 ¾ they will respond accordingly. Most likely with a sarcastic remark about how you are crazy.
- Visit Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes and pay attention to the music that is playing. It’s the exact music that plays in the movie during the Wizarding Wheezes scene. Don’t forget to look up! Also, the giant Weasley twin on the exterior isn’t just tipping his hat. Sometimes a rabbit pops out and disappears back into his hat.
- The Leaky Cauldron has an impressive 80 pieces of art on the walls and they are exact replicas from the movies.
- If you dare to venture into Knockturn Alley (and you should), make sure that you go into Borgin and Burkes. The store itself is incredibly cool but you will also find that the vanishing cabinet has a special surprise. Just listen closely. Also, while you are in Knockturn Alley don’t miss the dancing skeleton or the singing shrunken heads.
- The Gringotts dragon breathes real fire every 15 minutes. Don’t worry you can hear a roar when it’s warming up!
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts has some subtle differences depending on when you ride it. (I rode once in the morning and once in the evening).
- Speaking of Gringotts you can get actual money from the Gringotts Money Exchange. You can exchange smaller bills for Wizarding Bank Notes that can be used around the parks. Also, the Goblins at the money exchange will reply to your questions.
- At the Magical Menagerie Animal Shop, the snake in the window will speak to you in parseltongue (of course) if you listen closely.
Island Of Adventure – Hogsmeade Secrets
- Moaning Myrtle haunts the bathrooms in Hogsmeade.
- Head to the Owl Post in Hogsmeade you can actually send a letter to someone complete with the Hogsmeade postmark.
- If you pay close attention while eating at the Three Broomsticks you will notice the shadows of owls swooping in and out of the windows.
- Pay attention to all the details when in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. If you find yourself in front of the Potions Classroom door you can hear lecturing going on.
- In the Hogs Head Pub, you will see the talking shrunken heads from the Prisoner of Azkaban.
- If you find yourself hanging out on the streets in Hogsmeade pay attention to the Owlery. An owl pops out occasionally, kinda like a cuckoo clock.
Now, I don’t want to give away all the secrets but I also don’t want you to miss all of these so I think this is a pretty decent little list to start!
5 Best Wizarding World Souvenirs
1. Wands –
Interactive or not? Well, that’s up to you. For kids (and kids at heart) I absolutely recommend interactive wands. However, if you are looking for a cool bookshelf piece save yourself some money and just get the regular wand. I have so many!
Interactive Wands – run somewhere around $55 and regular wands run somewhere around $35 depending on the wand.
2. House Scarf –
Chances are, if you are visiting the Wizarding World that you know which Hogwarts house you’ve been sorted into, Hufflepuff here! But just in case you don’t, you can take THIS QUIZ on Pottermore to figure out your house.
House scarves run about $38.95.
3. Honeydukes Candy –
What’s not to love about Honeydukes? They have all of the best sweets the Wizarding World has to offer. Chocolate frogs are iconic but when it comes to taste, I highly recommend Berty Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, Pumpkin Pasty, and the butterbeer fudge.
4. Postcards & Stamps From The Owl Post –
Buy some postcards for your favorite people (and yourself) and send them through the Owl Post. That way your postcards will be stamped and mailed right from the park. It’s a pretty cool souvenir!
5. Magic Potions –
C’mon, you can’t go to this magical place and not come home with a magic potion. Whether you are looking for a love potion or some luck (Felix Felicies anyone?) the best place to get your potions in Weasely’s Wizarding Wheezes. And trust me, they’ve got you covered.
After all of this magical goodness you are sure to have the appetite of Ron Weasley! But I’ve got you…
Sips & Eats Guide: Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Butterbeer!
I know every list has butterbeer as their number 1 must try but it’s for a good reason! Butterbeer is amazing and is prepared in a variety of different ways. There is a regular old butterbeer, frozen butterbeer, and even hot butterbeer. It is non-alcoholic and delicious! I’ve never had the opportunity to try it warm because it’s always been hot when we have been to Universal, BUT I bet it’s amazing.
The Leaky Cauldron/The Three Broomsticks
Leaky Cauldron. I suggest you go in the morning and try the full English breakfast. While it’s not exactly like the real deal, it’s still really good. I’ve also been here for lunch and loved the fish and chips and bangers and mash. The sticky toffee pudding is amazing too. Remember if you get the pea soup, make sure you eat it before it eats you!
I had dinner at the Three Broomsticks one night and tried smoked turkey leg, it was really good! I also tried Hog’s Head Brew and Dragon Scales, both were great!
Hogs Head Pub
This pub is known for attracting interesting clientele and you can be one of them. If you have a hard time finding it that’s because it’s located IN the Three Broomsticks. It’s famous for Hog’s Head Brew that you have to try but they also offer, Newcastle, Boddingtons, and Guinness. Non-alcoholic beverages are available as well.
All Things Pumpkin:
Pumpkin Juice
If you love fall inspired drinks you will love pumpkin juice. It’s just so good. Remember that quote from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Harry spits out the Skele-Gro and Madame Pomfrey says,” What d’you expect? Pumpkin juice?” It’s that good.
Pumpkin Fizz
Yep, another pumpkin-inspired drink. You can go into the Three Broomsticks and order a pumpkin fizz (it’s on the secret menu). This drink is straight from the pages of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It’s basically carbonated pumpkin juice, yes, please!
Eternelle’s Elixirs
This is a kiosk that you can find in Diagon Alley that features different potions that can be added to water. You can purchase elixirs by themselves or buy a Gilly Water to add them to. Either wait the Fire Potion (strawberry – watermelon combo) is awesome!
Wizarding World is such a magical place and knowing a few of these secrets will help to make your visit even more special. Enjoy your butterbeer and your wand and don’t forget to listen for Moaning Myrtle in the Hogsmeade bathrooms! Have the best time!
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