With the unbeatable popularity of its first Harry Potter attraction, Hogsmeade, in Orlando, Universal has since expanded the attraction to its sister park in the resort. Completed in the middle of 2014, the new expansion, Diagon Alley, now connects to Hogsmeade via the Hogwarts Express, with the Wizarding World now spanning across both Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure.
Your first point of entry to either of the parks determines which part of the Wizarding World you’ll begin with. Enter Universal Orlando and you will arrive at Diagon Alley; or if you’d like to start with Hogsmeade, start with Islands of Adventure.
Things to do at Diagon Alley (Universal Orlando)
Hidden behind the streets of London, beyond the world of muggles, is Diagon Alley, the street lined with shops selling the essentials.
Fellow young wizards and witches can buy their new wands for the school year at Ollivanders. If you want, you can purchase an interactive wand that allows you to cast spells and interact with props across Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Armed with your wand, break into Gringotts Bank with the cast of Harry Potter and attempt to escape from the fiery breath of a Ukrainian Ironbelly at Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Celebrate your escape with a hearty British fare at The Leaky Cauldron. Try traditional British cuisine like Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips, as well as the Beef Lamb and Guinness Stew.
This place gets really crowded during meal times, so we suggest completing the rides and coming back when the regular meal hours are over.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour and try some unconventional yet surprisingly yummy flavours like Earl Grey Lavender, Salted Caramel Blondie and even Butterbeer!
Once you are ready, walk through the wall of Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station that will transport you to the majestic Hogwarts Express. Sit tight and stay calm as a dementor makes his rounds on your journey to Hogsmeade. Brrr… perhaps a bite of chocolate will help calm your nerves!
Things to do at Hogsmeade (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Continue onto more thrilling adventures and mystical wonders here at Hogsmeade after your train ride on the Hogwarts Express.
Ride on an enchanted motorbike and fly into the deep woods of the vast Forbidden Forest beyond Hogwarts. Hop on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, the longest roller coaster in Florida featuring a 17-feet free fall vertical drop.
Continue your experience at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an exciting 4-D motion simulation ride housed within Hogwarts Castle that takes you on a journey through the castle grounds.
Eat your fill at the Three Broomsticks. If you’re travelling with a big group, we recommend ordering and sharing the Grand Feast, which consists of smoked chicken and ribs, fresh salad, corn cobs and roasted potatoes.
If you’re feeling thirsty, make a trip to the Hog’s Head which serves only drinks. Guests can find a selection of draft beers, spirits and wine, as well as non-alcoholic Butterbeer and Pumpkin Fizz here!
Throughout the day, watch other aspects of the Wizarding World brought to life through live entertainment by the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally, both performances showcased on the outdoor stage on your way to the castle from the village.
If you are visiting during the holidays, grab a spot and wait outside the castle for the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle. The exterior of the grand enchanting fortress comes alive with projection, music and special effects, a truly magical show!
Snacks and Souvenirs
Butterbeer
No experience at the Wizarding World is complete without a cup of the iconic frothy, creamy and fizzy Butterbeer. There are two versions of the popular beverage: chilled or frozen. During winter seasons, the theme park introduces a hot version to warm fellow guests as they explore.
Where to find it?
- Hog’s Head and the outdoor Butterbeer street carts in Hogsmeade
- The Leaky Cauldron, the Hopping Pot and the Fountain of Fair Fortune in Diagon Alley
Honeydukes
Buy treats for yourself or your family back home from this iconic candy store which sells famous candies including the Chocolate Frog, Bertie Bott’s flavoured jelly beans, and Exploding Bon Bons!
Where to find it?
- Honeydukes in Hogsmeade
Wands
Aspiring wizards must get their hands on a personal wand. Other than the usual wands, purchasing an interactive wand allows guests to cast spells and create magical experiences throughout the Wizarding World, the wands coming with a map that shows guests the locations of the unique props they can interact with.
Where to find them?
- Ollivanders in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley
Getting There
Arrive at the theme park via the hotel shuttle buses provided to onsite staying guests or take a short walk from the resort hotels. Alternatively, guests can book a private hire (Uber or Lyft) or drive to the theme parks.
Tips for Visiting Muggles
1. Get the Annual Pass/ Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel
Annual Pass holders and Universal’s resort hotel guests get early entry to the parks, ensuring a less crowded theme park experience. The proximity of the resort hotels to the parks makes it easier to get to them, while purchasing an annual pass instead of regular park tickets can save you money if you are staying and coming back to the park for a few days.
2. Express Pass/ Single Lane Riders
Guests with a tight itinerary can consider purchasing the Express Pass to skip long lines and reduce waiting times, and though the pass can be quite expensive, the shorter waiting times will definitely make the high cost worth it.
Alternatively, if it doesn’t really matter whether you’re seating together with your friends on a ride or not, save on the expenses by going for the Single Rider Lanes instead, an option that allows you to skip a large section of the queue at no cost.
3. Buy your Souvenirs Online
Though extremely tempting, buying souvenirs, especially Harry Potter merchandise, in the parks is sure to burn a hole in your wallet. Instead, prior to the trip, do your research and search for souvenirs online that are more reasonably priced and have them delivered to the hotel to save on the overseas shipping costs.
