Still didn’t get your letter to Hogwart’s? Don’t fret; there’s still hope yet! All you need to know is here in the Muggle’s (and First Year’s) Guide to Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. So go ahead and get your wands at the ready and let’s explore all The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer at Universal Orlando.
Table of Contents
WHERE TO BEGIN?
You can begin in either park, but for this guide we are going to begin at Diagon Alley first. A trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is made all the more magical (at least to me), if we start, just like Harry Potter, by going to buy our supplies in Diagon Alley, riding the Hogwart’s Express to Hogsmeade and then reaching Hogwart’s as the last step on our journey. Let’s begin!
Since our journey covers everything that is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, here’s a Table of Contents if you want to skip ahead:
MUGGLE LONDON AND KING’S CROSS STATION | WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
Our journey begins in Muggle London in Universal Studios Orlando. From the moment you step into Muggle London it feels as if you are transported into the movies and books. It is simply magical. You will be tempted to head straight for Diagon Alley or Platform 9 3/4, but not just yet.
Take your time and look around……
The Knight Bus
One of the first encounters in Muggle London is The Knight Bus. The Knight Bus is transportation for witches and wizards stranded in the muggle world. It is magical transportation that is unseen by muggles. And that’s a good thing too because it is a purple, triple decker bus with beds and a chandelier! Not the sort of thing to go unnoticed without magic.
Spend some time talking with the conductor and the talking shrunken head. The shrunken head is quite witty with his puns and both stay in full character the whole time. The Knight Bus makes a terrific photo op too.The Phone Booth
No trip to Muggle London is complete without stepping into the phone booth outside King’s Cross Station.
It makes a great photo op. If you dial 62442 (MAGIC), it will connect you with the Ministry of Magic.That’s right, you and your fellow adventurers can prank call the Ministry of Magic all you like (well, as long as the line at the phone booth permits).
12 Grimmauld Place
There are some gorgeous photo opportunities on the steps of the houses and buildings beside King’s Cross Station. Make sure you look up at 12 Grimmauld Place and you will see Kreacher, the house elf, look out the window every few minutes.You know you are about to enter somewhere magical when you begin to see house elves.
Team Members Outside King’s Cross Station
Before you enter Diagon Alley stop and ask any team member outside King’s Cross Station (or inside it for that matter) about Platform 9 ¾ or Diagon Alley. The team members stay in perfect muggle character nicely acting like they have no idea what you are talking about.We discovered this completely by accident, because, you know, we weren’t sure where we were going. And they were absolutely no help in the most wonderful way.
DIAGON ALLEY – WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
Just to the right of King’s Cross Station in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the entrance to Diagon Alley. Be prepared to be transported and amazed. Just head over to the brick wall entrance (complete with the sounds of mechanical maneuvering) and you are here! Got your list for Hogwart’s ready? Let’s go!
There is so much to see and do in Diagon Alley that the first recommendation is that you enter into every building and look around. The details are impeccable!
Ollivander’s Wand Shop
No trip to Diagon Alley would be complete without stopping in Ollivander’s Wand Shop. Wands, wands and more wands. Pick the wand of your favorite character, or, if you want the whole experience, make sure to wait and watch the show.
At Ollivanders, they take in groups of 20 or so, and one lucky wizard (or witch) gets to have the experience of letting the wand choose them. And just like Harry Potter getting his first wand, there may be some missteps and wrong choices before the wand chooses you.
Whether the wand chooses you, or you choose your wand, be sure to get an interactive wand as there are places all through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to use your wand to make magic happen . Muggles and wizards alike will be thrilled to use the wand or watch the results. And don’t worry, they include a map with your wand in addition to being easy to locate by medallions placed in the pavement.
[box title=”HIDDEN GEMS/PRO TIPS/CAN’T MISS” box_color=”cf0200″ title_color=”Ccf0200cf0200″ radius=”5″]At least two of the interactive wand locations may or may not involve water (one at a fountain and one at an umbrella).So, if you are not fond of getting randomly wet, pay attention to the pavement. Avoid the wet spots in an otherwise dry area and you are good.[/box]
Wizarding Attire and Gear
There are so many shops packed with everything you want and need. Because every wizard needs a house robe and there’s no finer shop than Madam Malkin’s Robes. Robes and scarfs in every house color and other school attire. Robes come equipped with a wand pocket for easy access.
If you have your eye on making the house quidditch team, be sure to pop into Quality Quidditch Supplies for all your quidditch attire and gear. Don’t forget the golden snitch while you are there!
Scribbulus provides all your necessary school supplies including parchment paper, quills and even backpacks for your Hogwart’s supplies.
Whatever pet you desire to take, go straight to the Magical Menagerie and pick out your furry friend. They have it all from Buckbeak to Hedwig.
[box title=”HIDDEN GEMS/PRO TIPS/CAN’T MISS” box_color=”cf0200″ title_color=”Ccf0200cf0200″ radius=”5″] Be sure to stand in front of the giant snake (in a glass cage).If you stand in front of him, he will speak to you in Parseltongue (and then in English too).[/box]
And no shopping trip to Diagon Alley would be complete without a stop in Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. After all, everyone needs some candy and novelty items for in between their Hogwart’s studies. You will find them all here.
Looking for the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder? It’s there on the second floor, but I’ve never had any luck with a store clerk getting it down for me. Go figure…..
Food and Dining in Diagon Alley
Whew! All that school supply shopping is bound to leave you hungry, but where to eat?
If you are looking for a full meal, there is no better place than The Leaky Cauldron. Just like in the books and movies and the food is terrific! It is traditional English fare and they have the full menu outside. That means no Coca-Cola, pizza or burgers, but the food is really delicious and portions are on the large side.
Don’t forget to take a picture by the actual leaky cauldron inside.
If a quick snack is more to your liking, there’s no place like Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream. And yes, of the many ice cream flavors, they also sell butterbeer ice cream!
The Fountain of Fair Fortune sells all sorts of drinks to quench your thirst including butterbeer. If butterbeer is not your drink of choice you might want to try a Gilly Water. They also sell more adult (alcoholic) drinks such as Dragon Scale.
Gringott’s Bank
Now that you’ve eaten, it’s time to head to the bank. Gringott’s Bank because your money is safer than anywhere else in the muggle and wizard worlds alike.
You won’t need directions to this iconic building as it can be seen straight ahead in Diagon Alley complete with a dragon perched on top! Not just any dragon but an Ukranian Ironbelly Dragon that actually spews fire.
The dragon breathes fire approximately every 15 minutes. It is not an exact science as the fire is random (and doesn’t happen in the rain or wind). You can tell by the roar that it’s about to begin so you can snap your iconic selfie when the dragon breathes fire.Inside Gringotts goblins are working away. You will be amazed at how life-like the Goblins are.
Stop by the Gringott’s Money Exchange to exchange your muggle dollars for Gringott’s currency. Spend it in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or keep it as a souvenir.Be sure to talk with the Goblin at the Gringott’s Money Exchange. He’s not particularly helpful, but hey, what did you expect from a goblin?
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott’s Ride
The bank houses the Escape from Gingott’s Ride. The ride is fantastic. It is thrilling but not extreme. It uses motion simulation, 3D and a somewhat mild roller coaster experience. Also, there are also free lockers to store your belongings during the ride.
The queue and pre-shows are great as is the ride’s storytelling. Just like in the movie, you make your way past the goblins and are sneaking to the vault.
Will you get caught?
Will you make it out without Bellatrix and he who must not be named discovering you? Guess you will have to ride to find out.
Whew! That was close! If you made it out and are feeling like you want to walk on the dangerous side, let’s head over to…..
Knockturn Alley
If you’re House Slytherin or just fancy the dark arts, Knockturn Alley is the place to be with your bad self.
Several interesting interactive wand areas can only be found here.
If you want the world to know you fancy the dark arts (or if you want to spy for Harry, Ron and Hermione) make a quick stop in Borgin & Burkes for all your dark side collectible and apparel needs. They have everything your dark little heart could desire.
[box title=”HIDDEN GEMS/PRO TIPS/CAN’T MISS” box_color=”cf0200″ title_color=”Ccf0200cf0200″ radius=”5″] Remember the vanishing cabinet from the Half-Blood Prince? Be sure to check it out while you are visiting Borgin & Burkes!Rumor has it that if you listen closely you can hear a bird chirping from inside the vanishing cabinet.[/box]
Shows
Depending on the time of day, there are two shows in Diagon Alley that you might want to catch. The Tales of Beedle the Bard puppet show occurs multiple times a day as well as Celestina Warbeck and Banshees musical numbers.
HOGWART’S EXPRESS | WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER TRANSPORTATION
Now that we’ve taken care of the business of all our school supplies, it’s time to board the Hogwart’s Express to take us to Hogsmeade. Leaving Diagon Alley let’s head over to King’s Cross Station and Platform 9 ¾. Again, don’t even bother asking the team members if you are going the right way. They are no help. Muggles! Am I right?
Just follow the queue through some of the best theming on the planet. Lots of luggage and muggle train station fare as you make your way to Platform 9 ¾. And even though Harry got a running start, you won’t need one to walk through the wall.
Be sure to have someone stand near the luggage carrier to take a picture (or better yet a video) of you walking through the brick wall at Platform 9 ¾.
And it really is magical stepping through to the boarding area for the Hogwart’s Express. The train comes and goes regularly. Until time for you to board, take in the scenery and take lots of pictures.
[box title=”HIDDEN GEMS/PRO TIPS/CAN’T MISS” box_color=”cf0200″ title_color=”Ccf0200cf0200″ radius=”5″] Don’t worry if you can’t get a good picture of the training coming in because of the line in front of you, when you are in the next group to board you are positioned perfectly to take a picture of the train.The gates and queue to board are strategically just far enough back to allow for some gorgeous pictures.[/box]
The Hogwart’s Express is everything you dreamed it to be. You will be led into your riding compartment just like in the movies. You will be wishing you had a chocolate frog to jump out of the window. Once everyone is seated, you are off!
This is no ordinary train ride, this is the Hogwart’s Express! The ride utilizes technology so that you actually see yourself pulling out of the station, and various characters and events on your way to Hogsmeade. You will see shadows and hear voices outside your compartment. No doubt you are on the real Hogwart’s Express! Make note though, the snack trolley does not come by on this trip.
[box title=”HIDDEN GEMS/PRO TIPS/CAN’T MISS” box_color=”cf0200″ title_color=”Ccf0200cf0200″ radius=”5″]The ride is different from Hogsmeade to King’s Cross Station and King’s Cross Station to Hogsmeade so be sure to ride it multiple times as it is a different ride.[/box]When you step off, you are in Hogsmeade with Hogwart’s Castle visible up ahead.
HOGSMEADE – WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
Ah Hogsmeade. This ain’t no muggle village. Hogsmeade is the witch and wizard village located just outside of Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando would not be complete without it.
It’s a beautiful village with snow capped roofs (yes, even in Orlando) with all the places you know and love. In case you forgot (or lost) any of your wizarding gear, there’s plenty to be found here too.
Shopping
Yes, there’s an Ollivanders branch here too. And yes, the wand can choose the wizard here as well.
Dervish and Banges is full of all your wizarding apparel as well as last-minute quidditch needs.
Honeydukes is available for all your sweet needs including chocolate frogs (in case yours jumped from the train like Harry’s).
The Owl Post is great to stop in for last minute parchment and quill needs.
Have a letter ready to send to the folks back home (or even yourself)? If you take it to The Owl Post, your mail will be delivered postmarked from Hogsmeade. They will stamp it and send it out with the next owl for delivery.This is a great keepsake for any muggle who couldn’t make the journey (or even to yourself) of receiving mail postmarked from Hogsmeade.
Dining
If all this traveling has made you hungry, a hearty English meal at The Three Broomsticks is the only way to go. It is beautifully themed and many believe it is the best counter service restaurant in all of Universal. Burned out on English food? No problem. They also serve rotisserie chicken and ribs. They have a delicious breakfast as well and lunch and dinner offerings.
Right beside the Three Broomsticks is The Hog’s Head which serves alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks to wet your whistle. Pumpkin Fizz and Pumpkin juice are available here. And if you are in the mood for an adult (alcoholic) beverage, Fire Whiskey is available.
There is a lot of attention to detail in this little bar. Be sure to pop in and see the animatronic hog’s head (and several shrunken heads).The Butterbeer Cart offers your butterbeer fix as well as gilly water and pumpkin juice.
Facilities
Ok. So I know it seems odd to include restrooms in a guide of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but, if you are swimming up to your eyeballs in butterbeer (or even if you are not) a trip to Hogsmeade is not complete without making use of the facilities.
In both the women’s and the men’s restrooms in Hogsmeade, you will hear Moaning Myrtle talk. Thankfully, you don’t see her but it’s worth a trip just to wash your hands and hear her for yourself.If you want to have some extra fun with it, don’t tell the other members of your party that this happens and pretend you didn’t hear anything. It will be our little secret.
Shows
The Frog Choir performs multiple times a day and is worth catching at least once.
The Triwizard Spirit Rally also performs multiple times a day and is a must see. If you remember the Triwizard tournament from the movies and books, the students of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will entertain you with their dances and stunts in a most spectacular way.
Best Hogwart’s Photo Opportunity
Before we leave Hogsmeade and proceed on our journey, be sure to take a picture on the bridge at the far end of Hogsmeade. It makes for the most picturesque opportunity for a picture with Hogwart’s in the background.
Interactive Wands
There are plenty of opportunities in Hogsmeade to use your wand. Be on the lookout for the medallions or a helpful team member to assist you in working your magic.
Flight of the Hippogriff Ride
This family friendly coaster is suitable for most riders who meet the height requirements. It is a great ride for its views of Hogwart’s Castle and even Hagrid’s Hut. Fantastic views on a mild coaster, but fair warning – the ride is bumpy/rough.
HOGWART’S SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY – WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
Now that we’ve reached the final destination of our muggle to wizard journey, be sure and take some time to soak it all in. There may even be a spot or two to use the interactive wand.
The castle will take your breath away. This. Is. It. The culmination of all your preparations. It is richly detailed with lots of Easter Eggs in the queue. There’s the Weasley’s car, the Griffindor Door. The hallways are lined with the portraits talking and arguing with each other. And be sure to be on the lookout for the sorting hat. Ever been in a line where people actually want to spend more time in line? You will here. There is so much to take in and it is all spectacular.
Even if you don’t wish to ride the ride, be sure to take the castle tour (or get out of the line at the child swap). I highly recommend that everyone tour the castle at least once.Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride
This ride is amazing and somewhat intense. It is not really a roller coaster but instead is a mix of screens and physical objects. The ride is transported down a track by mobile koku robotic arms. You will have the full experience of flying on a broomstick through iconic movie scenes with Harry, Ron and Hermione. This ride gives new meaning to Universal’s “ride the movies” slogan. Because here, you really do.
If you experience motion sickness at all, this will push you to your limits. That being said I still believe this is one, if not the, favorite ride of all time. There is simply nothing like it in the muggle or wizard world.
There are, of course, free lockers to store your belongings once you enter the queue.
And when you think this adventure couldn’t get any better (I mean, you’re living the muggle to wizard dream), Universal Orlando outdid itself with…..
Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure Ride
The name may be a mouthful, but the much-hyped, years-to-build roller coaster/dark ride hybrid officially opened in June to rave reviews. Everything about this coaster is, well, magical. It breaks some records with 7 launches and some other elements, but what better way to end your journey than taking a ride with Hagrid?
There’s an ancient castle on the Hogwart’s grounds where students have long gone to escape the day-to-day of school. And it is now visible to muggles as well as wizards and Hagrid has taken to keeping his menagerie of magical creatures there.
Along with the help of Arthur Weasley, they have managed to replicate Hagrid’s infamous motorbike with sidecar he received from Sirius Black. Yes, the ride takes place not on traditional roller coaster trains but on motorbikes with sidecars (which cleverly allow both people to see unobstructed) and there are motorcycle sounds! How cool is that?
Now’s your chance to ride/fly through the Forbidden Forrest! How many magical creatures will you encounter? And with Hagrid leading the way, I’m sure nothing will go wrong.
[box title=”HIDDEN GEMS/PRO TIPS/CAN’T MISS” box_color=”cf0200″ title_color=”Ccf0200cf0200″ radius=”5″]The lines for the rides can get quite long. With the exception of the newest Hagrid’s Motorbike ride, all other rides are Express Pass eligible (which means virtually no lines).[/box]
And there you have it, the Muggles Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. Now that you’ve got it down, be sure to help all the muggles (and first years) in your party make the most of their adventure. Always remember, keep your wands at the ready because muggle life will never be the same.
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