How to Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Like a Pro

Do you want to feel the magic of Hogwarts like Harry Potter and his friends? Then you’ll need to make a visit to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida and buy the park-to-park ticket. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter allows you to journey through two magical worlds - Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley - via the iconic Hogwart’s Express. From the Triwizard Tournament, to butterbeer tasting, to spellbinding entertainment, to themed thrill rides - this is the ultimate fan experience and you won’t want to miss it. In this article, you’ll learn all the details you need to plan your visit, from ride options to restaurant recommendations. So buckle up and hold on, it’s time to experience the adventure of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
 
Step inside the story of Harry Potter when you walk the streets of Dragon Alley where hidden dangers are located beneath Gringotts bank, then travel to the village of Hogsmeade and into Hogwarts castle for a spellbinding journey.

Two Lands to visit

​Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade is located in Islands of Adventure. In this land you can be at the foot of the castle, enchanting shops, explore classrooms of Hogwarts and ride Harry Potter themed rides. Don’t forget to watch the Nighttime Lights at the Hogwart’s Castle, it is a light and music show projected on the castle. The other land is called Diagon Alley and is located Universal Studios, here you can dine in the famous Leaky Couldon, pick out your own want at Ollivanders and travel deep below to Gringotts bank for thrill ride.

​Rides
 

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Thrill and Motion Simulation) Height: 48”
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Ride-thrill) Height: 48”
• Flight of the Hippogriff (Ride-thrill and kid friendly) Height: 36”
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Thrill and Motion Simulation) Height: 42”
• Hogwarts Express: Homemade Station (Ride-kid friendly) Height: Under 48” requires supervising companion
• Hogwarts Express: King’s Crossing (Same train ride, just located at both lands.)

​Dining Options
 

• Hog’s Head-Quick Service, snacks and beverages
• Three Broomsticks-Quick service, snacks and beverages
• Leaky Cauldron-Quick service
• Eternell’s Elixir of Refreshment: small beverage kiosk
• Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlous-ice cream flavors of all kinds including butter beer
• The Fountain of Fair Fortune-Variety of beers and other beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.)
• Hopping Pot-walk up counter to order beverages
• Honeydukes- candy store

 
*Many ways to try out the famous Butterbeer: cold, hot, frozen, ice cream and even fudge.

​Things to do while exploring the lands
 
Gringotts Money Exchange: Ask Gringotts goblin any questions you have, and trade your U.S. currency for Gringotts bank notes in $10 or $20 denominations. The bank notes can be used for purchases within Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
 
Knight Bus: Parked on the London embankment is the purple, triple-decker bus, which stranded witches and wizards flag down in emergencies.
 
Ollivanders: Here you can purchase your own wand that is special just for you. The walls are covered from top to bottom with different options. You can also use your wand to do different spells of your own at 34 different spots in both lands.
 
Dervish and Banges: this store sells all kinds of different magical things like broomsticks, quidditch supplies and a variety of Hogwarts apparel.
 
Magical Menagerie: this is a store full of plush fanatics beasts from the Harry Potter books and movies.
 
Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes: this store is full of toys and different items from the book and movies.
 
Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions: in this store you can find all kinds of different apparel to look just like a Harry Potter character.
 
Borgin and Burkes: in the this store you will find all kinds of props from the Harry Potter movies.
 
The Owl Post: in this store you can buy Hogwarts stationary and then you can send your mail to its destination and it will be postmarked from Hogsmeade. *Make sure you bring your own stamps to not have to pay extra for this.

Exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an unforgettable experience that brings the beloved books and movies to life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for a unique and magical adventure, the two lands of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade will ignite your imagination. From enchanting shops and thrilling rides, to show-stopping light displays and a wide range of beloved eateries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And who knows, you might just find your very own wand at Ollivanders. So don’t wait for your own Hogwarts letter – go explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter like a pro and let the magic begin!

​To make it a reality, contact Lesley Deaton at 704-868-6382 or ldeaton@mdvtrips.com for help with your Universal Orlando Resort Vacation.