Comparison of Universal Orlando Wizarding World vs Universal Hollywood Wizarding World

Comparison of Universal Orlando Wizarding World vs Universal Hollywood Wizarding World

Comparison of Universal Orlando Wizarding World vs Universal Hollywood Wizarding World

This is your complete guide to the differences in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Vs. Hollywood. Universal Orlando has more to offer regarding Wizarding World lands, with 2, soon to be three, of them coming to their parks! But, if you’d like to see the full comparisons of the Wizarding World Hollywood Vs Orlando, keep reading!

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 the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando, check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Crowd Calendar

What are the Differences Between Wizarding World in Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood?

With both Universal parks in the U.S. having Wizarding World lands, it might be confusing as to what you might experience in either. Especially because the Universal parks are not the same, with Universal Orlando having two different Wizarding World lands to choose from. Both parks do have a Hogsmeade land, and they are extremely similar – but there are differences there, too! But there is a Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, which adds another layer of fun for any Harry Potter fan.

What are the Main Differences Between the Orlando and Hollywood Hogsmeade?

• Orlando: Bigger- in all aspects, there are 2 (soon to be 3 with Epic Universe) Wizarding Worlds in 2 parks, with more rides and more to do for Harry Potter lovers
• Hollywood: Smaller with only one Wizarding World Land – Hogsmeade. The Hogsmeade section in Hollywood is smaller due to space constraints, as it’s built on a hillside adjacent to the Universal Studios movie lot.

Related Post: Best Tips for Visiting Harry Potter World

Harry Potter World Lands – Universal California vs. Florida

One of the most obvious differences between the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood is the lands. Both parks offer guests to experience Hogsmeade. Unfortunately, unlike Orlando, because of land size issues and where Universal Hollywood is located, there was no room for a second Harry Potter theme park like Diagon Alley.

Harry Potter World Lands – Universal Orlando Vs. Hollywood

Orlando:

• Hogsmeade
• Diagon Alley
• Ministry of Magic – (opening in 2025 at Epic Universe)

Hollywood:

• Hogsmeade

Harry Potter World in Universal Hollywood is missing Diagon Alley. Harry Potter World in Florida has an entire second theme park and a soon-to-be third with the 2025 opening of Epic Universe! In the current parks, guests can ride the Hogwarts Express back and forth from the two parks with a proper ticket. Although Universal Hollywood’s Hogsmeade is slightly smaller, you cannot tell the difference with the amazing theming. Universal Orlando’s Hogsmeade is also located in the Islands of Adventure park, whereas California’s is in Universal Studios Hollywood.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Harry Potter in Orlando

Harry Potter World Rides – Universal Florida vs. California

To start our Harry Potter World coast-to-coast comparison, let’s start with what rides are offered at Hogsmeade. The Harry Potter rides in both Universal parks are mostly the same when it comes to Hogsmeade, but Orlando has gotten some updates over the years. So what is the difference in rides when comparing Harry Potter World Hollywood Vs Orlando?

Orlando vs. Hollywood Harry Potter Rides

• Orlando:
  • Diagon Alley:
    • Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts: A roller coaster-type ride with 3D glasses to immerse you into the Gringotts bank
  •  Hogsmeade:
    • Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey – An exciting 4D adventure through the Hogwarts castle with a motion simulator-type ride.
    • The Flight of the Hippogriff – Introductory family-type coaster
    • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – This highly exciting and themed coaster is one of the best rides in Orlando
    • Hogwarts Express:  An interactive ride between the two theme parks in a replica of the Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park with Diagon Alley)

• Hollywood:
  • Hogsmeade:
    • Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey – An exciting 4D adventure through the Hogwarts castle with a motion simulator-type ride.
    • The Flight of the Hippogriff – Introductory family-type coaster

Related Post: How to get on Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

Harry Potter Restaurants – Universal California vs Florida

Next, let’s compare the Universal Studios Harry Potter World restaurants – Florida vs California. In both Wizarding World locations at Universal Orlando Vs. Hollywood, you can enjoy Butterbeer or a delicious Shepherd’s Pie. Let’s dive into the incredibly themed quick-service locations that are a must-do for a complete Potter trip!

Harry Potter Universal Hollywood vs Orlando Restaurants

Universal Studios Hollywood Harry Potter Restaurants

• The Three Broomsticks – A full, quick-service dining location with beautiful cast-iron chandeliers, exposed wooden beams, and normal wizarding trinkets you’d find lying about.
• Hogs Head – Located on the backside of The Three Broomsticks, this pub offers Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, specialty drinks, wine, spirits, and brews.

Harry Potter World Orlando Restaurants

Hogsmeade –

• The Three Broomsticks – Grab a meal of shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, or even ‘The Great Feast.
• Hogs Head – This pub also offers Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, specialty drinks, wine, spirits, and brews.

Diagon Alley –

• The Leaky Cauldron – Guests can get English breakfast or even some bangers & mash for lunch or dinner!
• The Hopping Pot – Pick up some beef pasties with your Fishy Green Ale or Butterbeer.
• Florean Forescue’s Ice Cream Parlour – Try many different flavors of hard-packed or soft-serve ice cream from the Wizarding World at this shop.
• The Fountain of Fair Fortune – There are specialty drinks or just another glass of your favorite butterbeer!

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal’s Butterbeer

Looking for a cauldron, magical creature, or your very own wand from the famous Ollivander? Both Universal Studios and Harry Potter Worlds offer a variety of shops to get all of your witchy needs! But which shops are better – California or Florida? Let’s compare Wizarding World shops in Florida and California.

Universal Studios Hollywood Harry Potter Shops

• Ollivanders
• Honeydukes
• Owl Post
• Zonko’s
• Dervish and Banges
• Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
• Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
• Gladrags Wizardwear
• Hogsmeade Station

Overall, the Hogsmeade in Universal Studios Hollywood uses its space to allow more shopping for guests.

Harry Potter World Orlando Shops

Hogsmeade – 

• Honeydukes
• Dervish and Banges
• Owl Post
• Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
• Ollivanders

Diagon Alley –

• Ollivanders
• Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes
• Gringotts Money Exchange
• Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley Universal
• Globus Mundi
• Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions
• Magical Menagerie
• Quality Quidditch Supplies
• Scribbulus
• Shutterbutton’s
• Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop
• Wands by Gregorovitch
• Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment

Here is where we are going to see the biggest difference between Florida and California’s Harry Potter Worlds. While a lot of shopping is jammed into Hogsmeade in Hollywood, these shops are spread out a lot more in Orlando between the two parks. So, if you’re planning on only visiting Hogsmeade in Florida, you will miss out on some shops that are in Hollywood’s Hogsmeade.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Harry Potter Robes

Which Harry Potter World is Better, Orlando or Hollywood?

Based just on the rides alone, we have to go with Universal Orlando for the Best Harry Potter World park. Mostly because it’s home to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures, Motorbike Adventure, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, which you can’t find in California. We also love the fact that Universal Orlando offers Early Park Admission to save time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Is Universal Hollywood Worth Visiting?

• Yes! Harry Potter World in Universal Studios Hollywood is perfect if you’re looking for a more concise trip. Hollywood Hogsmeade has more shops within it and only one park to explore.

Traveling between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley feels like the real deal. It is important to note that you do need separate entry tickets to both Harry Potter parks in Florida and to ride the Hogwarts Express. You may need two full days to experience all of Harry Potter Orlando, which can add up in cost!

Related Post: Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Harry Potter Universal Orlando

Universal Florida Vs. California Harry Potter World FAQ

Q: Where is Harry Potter World?

A: In the United States, there are two different locations you can visit Harry Potter World. In California, Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Universal City, CA. While in Florida, Universal Orlando Resort is located in Orlando, FL. 

Q. Is there a Harry Potter World in California?

A: Yes! You can find Hogsmeade located in Universal Studios Hollywood.

Q: Is Harry Potter World in Florida bigger than California?

A: Yes! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is much bigger in Orlando, Florida, as it is spread out between the two lands of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Universal Orlando, Florida, also has the Hogwarts Express to transport guests back and forth between the Harry Potter lands.

Q: Which Universal Park has more Harry Potter?

A: Harry Potter World California only has 1 Harry Potter Land – Hogsmeade Village, while Universal Orlando has Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley across two parks connected by the Hogwarts Express.

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 break down 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!