The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World – Universal Orlando vs Hollywood 2023

The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World – Universal Orlando vs Hollywood 2023

The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World – Universal Orlando vs Hollywood 2023

This is your complete guide to the differences in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Vs Hollywood. Fans all over the world have been able to experience the magic of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando since 2010. The success of the Harry Potter land in Orlando had fans wondering does Universal California have Harry Potter? And just like that, a Hogwarts California was born. Both of the Harry Potter Universal parks are full of fantastic rides, spell binding shops and wickedly delicious food. But which park is better – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando or California? 

In this article, we are going to break down exactly what both Harry Potter Universal Studios parks have in terms of rides, dining options, shops and more. This way, we can lay it all out to see which Harry Potter World California vs Florida is better. Both Harry Potter Universal parks host themed rides that are great for all ages. Harry Potter Universal Studios California and Orlando also have food that seemingly has jumped straight from the pages of the Harry Potter books!

We hope you find this Florida vs California Harry Potter Worlds post helpful and that you learn more about Harry Potter Universal parks in Orlando Vs Hollywood! 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 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

Harry Potter World California Vs Florida Overview

It’s no secret that Universal Orlando is the flagship theme park for Universal Studios. It sets the standard for what the other Universal parks around the world will look like and rides they will have. But that get’s a lot of people asking is Harry Potter World in California the same as Florida? The quick answer is no, there are no two Universal parks that are the same. But on the grand scale of a Harry Potter theme park, they are extremely similar. Before we get too deep into our comparison of the Universal Orlando Vs Hollywood Harry Potter Worlds, let’s gather information on the two parks.

What is Harry Potter World – Universal Orlando Vs Hollywood?

• Harry Potter World, or the official name, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is a themed area within the Universal Studios theme parks. These lands are brought to live through state of the art immersive design that is virtually lifted off the pages of the Harry Potter book franchise. Currently, there are 5 different harry potter theme parks around the world. You can find 2 of them at the Universal parks in Orlando as well as Hollywood, Japan, and Beijing. 

Which is Bigger: Harry Potter Land at Universal Orlando or Universal Hollywood

• Harry Potter World California is significantly smaller than its Orlando counterpart. And it’s not because Californians don’t love Harry Potter! The main reason Harry Potter Universal Studios California is smaller is due to space to build. If you haven’t been to Universal Hollywood before, it is a unique park as it is attached to the back side of the actual Universal Studios movie lot. The only space there was to build a theme park was up the side of the hill the studio calls home.

Is Harry Potter in Disney World?

• No, a disney harry potter world does not exist. Although Disney was approached first by JK Rowling and her team to create a Harry Potter theme park at Disney World. At the time, Disney only offered a small section of Fantasyland at Disney World and thankfully for us, her team turned them down. If it weren’t for their rejection, we could have possibly never had the full scale Wizarding World of Harry Potter that we do today!

One important thing to note as we move forward is that Universal Orlando Harry Potter World has two parks. In Orlando, Islands of Adventure has Harry Potter World, the main land, Hogsmeade. While Universal Studios Florida is home to Diagon Alley. This was the expansion of the Wizarding World was built in 2014 and changed the game in theme park experience at Harry Potter World Florida. Although in two separate parks, guests can take the Hogwarts Express to and from each land (with a Park to Park Ticket) and experience both lands simultaneously.

So, let’s start to find out if Universal Studios Hollywood Harry Potter World better or Universal Orlando Harry Potter World!

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 the Universal Studios Hollywood are the lands. Both parks offer guests to experience Hogsmeade. This is the iconic snow capped roof topped land which is also home to the Hogwarts castle. As well as various shops and rides throughout the village. Unfortunately, unlike Orlando, because of land size issues and where Universal Hollywood is located, there was not room for a second Harry Potter theme park. 

Harry Potter World Lands – Universal Orlando Vs Hollywood

Orlando –

• Hogsmeade
• Diagon Alley

Hollywood –

• Hogsmeade

It is important to note that while comparing the two, 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 second park, guests can ride the Hogwarts Express back and forth from the two parks with a proper ticket.

When it comes to the layout of Harry Potter parks, Hogsmeade, it is nearly identical in both parks. 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, where California’s is in their Universal Studios Hollywood.

Where is Hogwarts Castle Located at Harry Potter Land?

• The Hogwarts castle is located in the Hogsmeade Village area in all 4 versions of the land around the world. The only land that does not have the Hogwarts Castle is Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Park in Orlando, Florida.

Don’t worry though, if you’re wondering, “Where is Hogwarts located?” both parks have the famous towering castle for the perfect Potterhead photo-op. Both Universal Studios Hogwarts castles offer immersive theming, but there is a slight difference on what guest will experience. Guests at Universal Orlando enter the Hogwarts castle right out of Hogsmeade, where Universal Hollywood guests get to enter from the Forbidden Forest. You can even see parts of Arthur Weasley’s crashed flying car in Universal Hollywood, which we think is pretty cool!

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

Harry Potter World Rides – Universal Florida vs California

Soaring through the Forbidden Forest or roaming the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Universal Studios Harry Potter rides are amazing. So, 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 definitely has gotten some updates over the years. So what are the difference in rides when comparing Harry Potter World Hollywood Vs Orlando? 

Harry Potter World California Rides

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Hollywood – Soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on a thrilling adventure.
• Flight of the Hippogriff – This family-friendly roller coaster spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch before swooping past Hagrid’s hut.

Harry Potter World Orlando Rides

Hogsmeade – 

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – A thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the Wizarding World’s rarest magical creatures. Experience Universal’s most highly themed, immersive Harry Potter ride in Orlando—only at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on a thrilling adventure.
• Flight of the Hippogriff – This family-friendly roller coaster spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch before swooping past Hagrid’s hut.
• Hogwarts Express – All aboard! Catch a slow-moving ride on the amazing Hogwarts Express at Universal as your way between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade with your park to park ticket!

Diagon Alley –

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – As you navigate perilous subterranean vaults, you’ll encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermione while evading the wrath of villains Voldemort, Bellatrix, trolls and other creatures that stand between you and a safe return.
• Hogwarts Express – All aboard! Catch a slow-moving ride on the amazing Hogwarts Express at Universal as your way between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade with your park to park ticket!

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. Craving fish n’ chips or an ice cold butterbeer? Don’t worry, you can find all sorts of delicious wizard’s fare at both Wizarding World locations at Universal Orlando Vs Hollywood. Both parks have incredibly themed quick service locations that are a must do for a complete Potter trip!

Universal Studios Hollywood Harry Potter Restaurants

• The Three Broomsticks – Head on into the rustic tavern for a quick service meal of shepherd’s pie, fish & chips or even ‘The Great Feast.’ Inside the theming has beautiful cast-iron chandeliers, exposed wooden beams and the normal wizarding trinkets you’d find laying 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 – Head on into the rustic tavern for a quick service meal of shepherd’s pie, fish & chips or even ‘The Great Feast.’ Inside the theming has beautiful cast-iron chandeliers, exposed wooden beams and the normal wizarding trinkets you’d find laying about.
• Hogs Head – Located on the backside of The Three Broomsticks, this pub offers Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, specialty drinks, wine, spirits and brews.

Diagon Alley – 

• The Leaky Cauldron – Start right where Harry did at this charming British pub! You can grab an English breakfast here, or even some bangers & mash for lunch or dinner! This is perfectly themed after the movie and worth a stop in for the reasonably priced food.
• The Hopping Pot – This is a mostly drinks kind of stop, but you can pick up some beef pasties with your Fishy Green Ale. It is also a stop for butterbeer or even regular draft beer on tap.
• Florean Forescue’s Ice Cream Parlour – Strawberry and Peanut Butter sundae? Earl grey, lavender or clotted cream? You can try many different flavors of hard-packed or soft serve ice cream at this shop.
• The Fountain of Fair Fortune – Inside a curious looking tavern, you can grab specialty drinks or just another glass of your favorite butterbeer!

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal’s Butterbeer

Harry Potter Land Shops – Universal Orlando Florida vs California

Double, double toil and trouble! Looking for a cauldron, magical creature or your very own wand from the famous Ollivander? Both Universal Studios Harry Potter Worlds offer a variety of shops to get all of your witch-y 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 StationOverall, the Hogsmeade in Universal Studios Hollywood uses its space to allow more shopping for guests. You will not find Zonko’s, Gladrags Wizardwear or Hogsmeade Station Shop over in Orlando’s Hogsmeade.

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 our biggest difference between Florida vs California 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 2023?

So now that we have broken everything down, which Harry Potter World is better Orlando or Hollywood? And just on the rides alone we do have to go with Universal Orlando as it is home to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts which they do not have in California. We also love the fact that Universal Orlando offers early park admission to save time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Which Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Better: Universal Orlando Vs Hollywood

• Universal Orando has the better Wizarding World of Harry Potter Park. However, 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. While that could be less of a hassle over traveling between two parks, you do miss out on quite a bit in Harry Potter Universal Studios California.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando is the full magical experience. With the addition of Universal Studios Florida Harry Potter park, 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 really add up in cost!

Related Post: Discounted Universal Harry Potter Tickets

Early Park Admission at Harry Potter 2023 Universal Studios Hollywood Vs Orlando

So, when deciding between Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando for early park admission, which one is better? Well, this is actually an easy one as only Universal Orlando offers a Harry Potter early park admission. But should this be the deciding factor between the two? 

Overall we would say don’t make the decision to visit Harry Potter World Orlando or Hollywood just based on an extra hour in the morning. But we would pay more attention to the actual rides that are included with the early park admission. Specifically the Universal Orlando early park admission does include some of the most popular Harry Potter rides including Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts which is not a ride that can be found at Universal Hollywood.

Universal Florida Vs California Harry Potter World FAQ

Q: Where is Harry Potter World?

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

Q. Is there a Harry Potter World in California?

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

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

So, is the Harry Potter World in Florida bigger than California? And, very simply 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?

Harry Potter World California only has 1 Harry Potter Land – Hogsmeade Village, while Universal Orlando has Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley across 2 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 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’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! All Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets will get you into the park one hour before regular park guests with Universal Early Park Admission! And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!