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 2024! You’ll 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 you’re in another world. For now, guests can enjoy two Universal Studios Harry Potter-themed lands themed after Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

So if you’re 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!

 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Planning a Trip to Harry Potter World at Universal Orlando

While there is so much involved with planning a trip to Harry Potter World, the most important thing is to remember to have fun and feel the magic! And that’s why we have created this guide to the best way to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Including all of our tips and tricks for using Harry Potter early park admission tickets to get on the most popular rides with very little wait!

The Basics of Your Harry Potter Trip:

Universal Orlando captivates Harry Potter fans with magical experiences in both of its parks (and soon be the third park Epic Universe). Universal Studios Florida hosts Diagon Alley, featuring magical shops and the Escape from Gringotts ride. Over at Islands of Adventure, visitors can explore Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle. Additionally,  a third Harry Potter-themed land at the forthcoming EPIC Universe, potentially themed around the Ministry of Magic. Universal promises a fulfilling adventure for every Potterhead, blending existing enchantments with the anticipation of new attractions.

Choosing Your Universal Park for Harry Potter:

• Universal Studios Florida: Explore Diagon Alley, featuring the Escape from Gringotts ride.
• Islands of Adventure: Wander through Hogsmeade Village and visit Hogwarts Castle.
• Coming Soon: A third Harry Potter-themed land at EPIC Universe, themed around the Ministry of Magic in 2025.

How Many Days Do You Need to Plan at Harry Potter World?

Two days at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will also allow families to enjoy some of the other experiences such as the Harry Potter interactive wands and all of the fun-themed shops. Taking your time will allow your family to take everything in and bring the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter home. Especially if you’re planning on visiting both Harry Potter-themed lands between the parks!

Related Page: Discount Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tickets

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

The original and first land of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade is located in Universal Islands of Adventure, and you will want to head right over to this section as soon as the park opens. For the fastest entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is to go to the right as soon as you enter the park and take a left once you hit Seuss Landing.

For fans of the books and movies you will recognize Hogsmeade as the charming town covering in snow, and home to the famous butterbeer! You will also find some of the best attractions, stores, and restaurants in all of Universal Orlando.

You can also find the newest and coolest Harry Potter World attraction in Hogsmeade: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure which is included with all of our Universal Early Park Admission tickets! 

Related Page: Early Park Admission Universal Tickets

Hogsmeade – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Attractions

In Universal Orlando’s Hogsmeade, part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visitors can immerse themselves in magical adventures through several iconic rides:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Dive into the heart of Hogwarts castle for a unique ride that simulates flying on a broomstick, exploring various scenes from the Harry Potter series. Once the park’s most popular attraction, it’s located inside Hogwarts castle, offering an immersive experience into the Wizarding World.
• Flight of the Hippogriff: A family-friendly roller coaster that provides a fun, albeit brief, experience suitable for all ages. Positioned near the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, it’s a gentle ride with a usually short wait time, perfect for early park visits.
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: Venture into the Forbidden Forest beyond Hogwarts on this exhilarating coaster. Encounter some of the series’ rarest magical creatures on a ride that has swiftly become a fan favorite for its depth of immersion and thrill, turning even the most loyal Disney fans into Universal enthusiasts.
• Hogwarts Express: Essential for park-to-park ticket holders, this train not only offers a unique experience with different scenarios in each direction between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley but also serves as a rapid transit system connecting the two Harry Potter worlds. Riding the Hogwarts Express is a must for any Harry Potter fan, offering a magical journey complete with views of Platform 9 ¾.

Each attraction offers its own unique slice of the Harry Potter universe, from the spellbinding interior of Hogwarts castle to the whimsical journey aboard the Hogwarts Express, ensuring visitors a magical experience unmatched anywhere else.

Related Page: Complete Guide to all Harry Potter Rides

Guide to Harry Potter World Hogsmeade Shops

In our opinion one of the coolest aspects of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is how much attention to detail went into everything. This couldn’t be more true for the shops located in Hogsmeade as they are right out of the books and movies. Here is a list of the shopping things to do at Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

What are all of the Harry Potter Universal Shops in Hogsmeade?

1. Ollivander’s Wand Shop: Step into the place where every wizard and witch finds their perfect wand companion.
2. Honeydukes: Satisfy your sweet tooth with magical candies and confections.
3. Dervish & Bangs: A must-visit for all your magical souvenirs and themed merchandise.
4. Zonko’s Joke Shop: Dive into the whimsical world of wizarding pranks and discover some of the most enchanting merchandise and souvenirs Orlando’s Harry Potter World has to offer.
5. Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods: A unique collection of items that tell tales of mischievous Hogwarts students.
6. Owl Post: Send your loved ones an official postcard from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and let them in on the magic!

For those venturing into Orlando’s Harry Potter World, these Hogsmeade shops offer a magical immersion unlike any other

Related post: Our Guide to Hogsmeade Village at Universal Studios

Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Restaurants 2024

A Universal Orlando Harry Potter land would not be complete without dining options for witches and wizards to try some British fare. Perhaps, you’d even fancy a butterbeer, which comes in many different shapes and sizes throughout the lands. No matter what you’re craving, Hogsmeade has something for you with one of the food carts or restaurants.

What are the Universal Orlando Harry Potter restaurants in Hogsmeade?

• The Three Broomsticks
• Hog’s Head
• Butterbeer stand
• Fresh fruit and snacks stand

The Three Broomsticks

The main restaurant in Hogsmeade offers up a variety of classic British food inspired by the books and movies. The Three Broomsticks serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and begin serving guests around 9:30 AM. This restaurant is a must do whenever we plan a trip to Harry Potter World. 

Hog’s Head

This bar serves up classic drink choices such as pumpkin juice, butterbeer, and other grown up drinks. One of our best tips is heading to Hog’s Head to get your butterbeer. You’ll typically have a shorter wait than at any of the carts outside!

Butterbeer Stand

You can also grab your favorite butterbeer drink at various stands throughout Hogsmeade. This classic drink comes in two varieties of cold butterbeer and frozen butterbeer!

For a additional information on the restaurants be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Dining at Harry Potter World! 

Diagon Alley at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2024

The second land added to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Diagon Alley (located in Universal Studios). If you are entering from the front of the park walk straight until you hit the Revenge of the Mummy attraction and make a right, then continue until you see the Knight Bus. The area outside of Diagon Alley is themed to fill like London, and you will need to make your way through the brick wall until it opens up as Diagon Alley.

Be prepared especially if you are a die hard Harry Potter fan as the attention to detail is unmatched in Diagon Alley. You will be in the middle of shops and cooked buildings, as well a fire breathing dragon nestled over Gringotts Bank!

Where is Diagon Alley in Universal?

Diagon Alley is located in the back left corner of Universal Studios. Directly to the right of Kings Cross Station and to the left of the Knight bus.

Related post: The Complete Guide to Hogsmeade vs Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Attractions

So now that you have arrived you are probably wondering what are the best things to do at Harry Potter Universal Diagon Alley. As of right now, and besides the Hogwarts express there is only one ride, but it is amazing!

What is the Harry Potter ride Universal has in Diagon Alley?

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Harry Potter and the Escape of Gringotts

This one of a kind indoor rollercoaster is themed exactly like the Gringotts wizarding bank found in the books and movies. Opening in 2014 it quickly became one of the most popular attractions in Universal Studios. On the downside because it is so popular it tends to have one of the longest wait times in the parks.

That’s why we recommend Early Park Admission to our clients so much! If you take advantage of entering the park one hour earlier than other guests you can ride Harry Potter and the Escape of Gringotts and save time later on in the day!

Be sure to check out our Universal Orlando tickets page to learn how we can help you get EARLY PARK ADMISSION without staying on Universal property!

Related post: Complete Guide to Knockturn Alley at Universal Orlando

Guide to Harry Potter World Diagon Alley Shops 2024

Although we don’t like to pick favorites, the shops in Diagon Alley are simply magical. The attention to detail that went into not only the inside of the buildings but the outside is amazing. There is also a secret for those looking in the shadows, perhaps where Death Eaters may dwell in Knockturn Alley. Guests can find this section of Diagon Alley by following signs, or even looking for the spooky, dark streets that lead there.

1. Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes: A must-visit for novelty gifts, magic jokes, and pranks, with Professor Umbridge amusingly featured.
2. Ollivander’s Wand Shop: Offers a magical wand selection experience in two locations, essential for every witch or wizard.
3. Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions: Find all your favorite Harry Potter house apparel for a complete wizarding look.
4. Quality Quidditch Supplies: The ultimate destination for Quidditch fans, offering gear, brooms, and team jerseys.
5. Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop: A delightful candy shop offering whimsical and enchanting treats from the Harry Potter series.
6. Magical Menagerie Shop: Adopt your own magical creature from a selection of mystical pets.
7. Shutterbuttons: Create moving picture photos to capture magical memories in Diagon Alley.
8. Gringotts Money Exchange: Exchange Muggle money for Wizarding currency to spend within the Wizarding World.
9. Borgin & Burkes: Located in Knockturn Alley, this shop specializes in dark artifacts and sinister tales from the wizarding world.

Each shop provides a unique piece of the Harry Potter universe, from interactive experiences to memorable souvenirs

Related post: Complete Guide to Knockturn Alley at Universal Orlando

Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley Restaurants 2024

Diagon Alley offers an enchanting dining experience with a mix of one main restaurant and various smaller stalls for quick bites, all inspired by J.K. Rowling’s magical universe.

Main Dining:

• The Leaky Cauldron: The centerpiece of Diagon Alley dining, this restaurant serves traditional British fare reminiscent of the Harry Potter series. It offers breakfast until 10:30 AM, and lunch and dinner with a menu that blends comfort food with magical touches. A visit here provides an immersive experience into the wizarding world’s ambiance and flavors.

Treats and Snacks:

• Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor: A favorite for unique ice cream flavors inspired by the Harry Potter books, including Salted Caramel Blondie, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate Chili, and, of course, Butterbeer ice cream.
• The Fountain of Fair Fortune: For a quick drink, this cart offers a selection of beverages, including pumpkin juice, butterbeer, and options for adults.

Related post:  Complete Guide to Dining at Harry Potter World

What Tickets to Buy for Harry Potter World in 2024

It is important to know if you’re 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.

What Universal ticket will I need when doing both Harry Potter Worlds on the same day?

The only ticket that will allow guests to visit both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in the same day is the Universal Orlando park-to-park ticket. It’s important to note that this is also the only ticket which will allow guests to ride the Hogwarts express!

It’s important to note that if you are looking for the least expensive tickets will allow you to visit one theme park per day. We suggest asking these questions when deciding which ticket is the best fit for your family. Do you plan on going and exploring the other rides at each Universal theme park? If so, then you will have plenty to do while visiting one park per day. Or do you plan on spending all of your time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? If so, you might be better off purchasing a Universal park-to-park ticket so you can explore both Harry Potter World lands.

Related post: How Much Should I Budget for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Planning a Harry Potter Trip FAQ

Q: Do you need park-to-park tickets for Harry Potter?

A: Very simply, if you want to ride every single Harry Potter ride at Universal Orlando yes. The reason being is the park-to-park ticket is required in order to ride the Hogwarts express between the two parks.

Q: Which Universal park is best for Harry Potter?

A: That depends on what you’re looking for when it comes to the Harry Potter universe. If you want to visit Hogwarts, then you have to visit the Universal Studios Harry Potter World in Islands of Adventure. If you want to go into the mines of Gringotts or see a fire breathing dragon, you’ll have to head to the Universal Studios Florida Harry Potter land.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!