Wizards and Muggles will love being immersed into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Orlando Resort-but it helps to prepare yourself with what to expect. In this post I share Harry Potter Universal tips and how to plan your visit to these parts of the Universal theme parks.
Before you can plan your Harry Potter day you need to know a few details about the parks. “Harry Potter Land” is actually The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and there are 3 different Harry Potter areas at 3 different theme parks.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley is located at Universal Studios Florida. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade Village is located at Universal Islands of Adventure. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic is located at Epic Universe.
Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are connected by the Hogwarts Express train. Guests can take this to experience bother Harry Potter themed areas but they will need a park-to-park ticket.
Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, is not connected to the other two Universal parks and is not currently included in a park to park ticket.
If you want to visit all 3 Harry Potter areas during your trip you need to have at least 2 days planned for your trip. The first day you could do The Wizarding World areas at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The second day you would experience The Wizarding World at Epic Universe.
If you only have one day and want to do all three you would have to purchase a 1-day park to park ticket and a 1-day Epic Universe ticket. I would not recommend this.
All three lands offer immersive themes, rides, and dining experiences. Let’s get into what to expect at each park and tips for visiting Harry Potter lands at Universal.
Insider Tip: Purchase tickets before you arrive to get the best deal and save time!
Universal Studios Florida Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley is located at Universal Studios. It includes the streets and area of Diagon Alley as well as the London area seen in the films.
The Diagon Alley entrance is hidden among the brick walls and on our first visit, we walked right by it. As you walk through the brick wall to enter Diagon Alley you will be immersed into the Wizarding World.
The London area is on the outside of Diagon Alley. This is where you will find the Knight Bus and the Hogwarts Express.
Diagon Alley has one ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. This is a 3D indoor family friendly rollercoaster. It is located in Gringotts Bank, towards the back of Diagon Alley. A fire-breathing dragon is on top of the bank so you can’t miss it.
Hogwarts Express is a train ride in the London area. The experience is different depending on if you are traveling from London to Hogsmeade (Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure) or Hogsmeade to London (Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios).
Diagon Alley does a really great job of making you feel like you are part of The Wizarding World and not just visiting a theme park. It is so immersive and one of my favorite areas of Universal Studios Florida.
Islands of Adventure Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade is located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It is lined with snow covered shops and dining, and at the end your will find Hogwarts Castle.
There are three rides at Hogsmeade plus the Hogwarts Express. They are Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has the longest lines at the park and I suggest following my Early Park admission strategy to ride with a shorter wait time.
Inside Hogwarts Castle you will find the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. This ride is not for the weak stomach and if you get motion sickness you want to proceed with caution.
If you do not want to ride the attraction or have a young child with you there is an option to use child swap or walk the line to see the inside without riding the attraction. Ask the team members when entering the attraction.
Hogsmeade feels less immersive to me than the other two Wizarding World areas but it has two really great rides and a walk through Hogwarts Castle should be on your list, even if you don’t ride Forbidden Journey. I also love Three Broomsticks for lunch and we always try to include it in our visit.
Epic Universe Harry Potter
Epic Universe introduces guests to the newest Harry Potter inspired land: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic. This Wizarding World is set in Paris in the time of Fantastic Beasts.
There is one ride and one show set among shops and dining. This area is so immersive some might think you are actually walking the streets of Paris.
The headline attraction is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This screen and animatronic based attractions sends guests through the Ministry trying to capture Dolores Umbridge on the day of her trial.
It is a technologically advanced attraction but can cause motion sickness, so be prepared. One of our favorite things to do at the Ministry of Magic is see the show: La Cirque Arcanus. This show has puppets and special effects that will be entertaining to guests of all ages.
There is also a Bieraubeurre Cart (Butterbeer) and casual dining options available to guests.
Harry Potter Universal Tips & Must-Do
I wanted to share some of my favorite things throughout all three locations to be used as a go-to list for what you should include in your day as well as the best Harry Potter Universal Tips. Screenshot it!
- Try different Butterbeer options. They offer frozen, cold, hot, ice cream, fudge, and a crepe.
- Explore the London area a bit before you enter Diagon Alley. Talk with the Knight Bus Driver.
- There are 5 rides across all the parks. Plan to ride those early in your day and explore the areas when lines are longer.
- Purchase an interactive wand to use throughout your visit. These can be used at all three locations.
- Take time to see a few shows. My favorites are Tales of Beedle the Bard and La Cirque Arcanus
- If you are going park to park, Hogwarts Express is not always the fastest. If the wait is under 20 minutes take the train, if it is over you may want to exit one park and enter the other. This does take you out of the “Harry Potter” world but can be faster. Do what works best for your interests.
- Backpacks, water bottles, and other items must be stored in a locker for Forbidden Journey, Hagrid’s and Gringotts. There are small free lockers available to guests during their ride time.
- Consider reading the books or watching the Harry Potter movies before you arrive to become familiar with the characters and settings.
- You don’t have to purchase a wand but take some time to explore the lands and watch others use their wands to activate the window displays.
- Consider visiting in the evening hours when it is less busy and you can explore more of the areas without the crowds. Afternoon times will be the busiest.
FAQ’s about Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando
There are a few questions I often hear about visiting the Harry Potter attractions at Universal.
Is Harry Potter at Walt Disney World?
Harry Potter is not at Disney World. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and all Harry Potter attractions are at Universal theme parks.
Is It Possible to Do Wizarding World in One Day?
No. With the opening of Epic Universe it is not really possible to do all three Wizarding Worlds. You could do it but it wouldn’t really work as an immersive day. This may change once they allow park-to-park at Epic Universe.
I recommend at least 2 days to see and do all of the Harry Potter experiences. How long it takes to do the Harry Potter rides, watch the shows, take the train ride to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, and experience everything will be different for everyone.
Also I assume you will be doing other things at the parks that are not Harry Potter related. For this reason at least 2 but maybe 3-Day Itinerary is recommended.
Which Harry Potter rides use Express Pass?
All Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions across all three theme parks accept Express Pass.
Where to Stay When Visiting Harry Potter at Universal?
Universal offers a variety of on-site resorts ranging in price. There are no Harry Potter themed resorts but we always stay on property for the perks of being a Universal guest.
All of the resorts offer early park admission and complimentary transportation to and from resorts and parks. A select few of signature resorts include express pass with your stay. Learn more about where to stay at Universal.
Can you meet Harry Potter at Harry Potter Land in Universal?
No there are not specific Harry Potter characters walking around and there is no meet and greet for Harry Potter or Voldermort.
Guests can meet the Knight Bus Driver, the Train Conductor, the Frog Choir students, and during the Halloween season Death Eaters. At Epic Universe there are students of the French Ministry of Magic walking around to interact with but not specific people like Harry Potter or Ron.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando allows guests to step into the stories and it is an immersive experience. From dining at places themed straight out of the book to experiencing thrilling attractions. I hope these Harry Potter Universal tips help you plan an awesome Harry Potter day.
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Leah has been planning and writing about Universal trips since 2016. She loves finding the best places to eat and stay during her visits to the park. Leah enjoys the little details that make visiting the parks so immersive and special, and sharing that with her readers.
