Looking to Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
We’re Sharing 5 Must Dos – Wizarding World of Harry Potter
When you first walk into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at both locations of Universal Studios you will be amazed. Not only because it is just super cool but because you will feel how Harry felt when he first saw Hogwarts. The attention to detail is just incredible and nothing was left out. From snow crested roof tops to butter beer, this is an experience like no other. From picking out your wand at Ollivander’s to Escaping Gringotts, this place has everything a Harry Potter fanatic will adore.
One activity that is really cool in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter after you pick out your wand at Ollivander’s. If you have one of the special interactive ones you will be able to go around and perform “spells” throughout the park. You will know which ones they are on the map. But, just like magic, not everything is as it seems. There are hidden spell places that will take you off of the beaten path and show you a world you didn’t know existed. Just be careful, you never know when “he who must not be named” will show up.
Ollivander Wand Ceremony
The ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a short show where one person from the audience is chosen to try out different wands. It’s a mimic of the wand choosing ceremony from the actual Harry Potter books. Afterwards, you are free to browse Ollivander’s to find your own wand. Both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have the wand shop, but only Diagon does the ceremony. Another great tip is if you have a child that wants to do it, try to watch the line and go in with a group of adults. They lean more to picking out children but the more kids there are, the less likely yours will be picked. Another great way to stack the odds in your favor is to have your child dress up like their favorite character.
Escape from Gringotts
Everyone remembers the iconic Deathly Hallows scene where Harry, Ron and Hermione This ride takes that and puts you right in the action of the escape. You’ll have to break in, and out, and avoid dragons as well as death eaters. Escape from Gringotts is found only at Diagon Alley. This was one of my favorite rides because they animatronics was amazing.
Dragon Challenge
This fast paced roller coaster is located in Hogsmeade. It’s two different coasters on separate tracks that race against each other. Fashioned after the theme of the first challenge for the Triwizard tournament, be prepared to ride on either a Chinese Fireball or a Hungarian Horntail.
Hogwarts and the Forbidden Journey
We’ve all wondered what’s it’s like to ride on a broomstick, right? Well, in Hogwarts and the Forbidden Journey you get to experience just that. What starts as a late night sneak out to play quidditch turns into a flight through the forbidden forest. The ride queue for this one is uniquely special considering you get to walk through Hogwarts. The Forbidden Journey is in Hogsmeade and is one of the longest waits due to being popular. Also, if you have someone with you that has anxiety, heart problems, or is afraid of high paced rides, you may want to gently suggest they sit this one out. It can be very intense.
Hogwarts Express
Okay, so this isn’t really a ride you would expect. It’s a relaxing train ride that shows a different story from the two different destinations. You sit in a carriage car much like the Hogwarts Students did at the beginning of each school year. It’s a great way to have a few minutes to yourself to relax. You board the train at King’s Cross station which is located at both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Make sure you ride it both ways because the story is different each way.
So, there you have it. Whether you’re looking for thrills, a relaxing ride, or something fun to watch, Universal Orlando has it all.
Make sure to check out our other travel articles such as:
Top 10 Reasons to Stay at an Orlando Villa
5 Dining Secrets at Disney – Disney Dining Plan
We went shortly after the first Harry Potter area opened. Since then we have a granddaughter that is a huge Harry Potter fan. Her mom was pregnant with her when we went and didn’t get to do much of anything. Now that the second area is open, we NEED to go back. Hope we will be able to go soon.
This sure looks like a fun way to enjoy the world of Harry Potter, for both kids and adults alike!
I haven’t read the books or seen the movies before so these exhibits aren’t familiar to me. However, I bet my kids would know!
the experience must has been incredible, so much fun
We all want to go there so badly! It looks like such fun.
My daughter loves the Harry Potter books so I guess we will be going to this when we go back to Disney and the parks next year. We have never been to Universal yet. Good information that I am going save as we start planning next years visit. Thank you!
Ahhhhh why must it be soooooo far away. I would love to experience something like this
We’ve been wanting to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for awhile now. Thanks for the tips!
I was super impressed with the Hogwarts Express. You have to ride it in both directions and walking through that brick wall was so fun!
This looks AMAZING! Magical in fact 🙂
I would love to go as a family again. This is new since I went in 2011. It’s been a very long time and well over do. We love Harry Potter and this would be a great treat. Thanks for the tips.
It has been so long since I was there. I have a lot of catching up to do if I do get there again.
I would love to go. I’ve seen all the movies and read all the books. I’m loving the new writing as well. Just an overall big fan.
Sounds like such fun. One day I will take my kids and watch the smiles unfold.
I would love to go there, I watched all the movies
I never read or watch Harry Potter, but i definitely want to check out the Universal’ for the new rides, looks and sounds amazing. Plus i want to try butter beer
My 2 granddaughters went to Disney World on their Easter break with their parents. There is so much to see and they plan to return. My 11 year old granddaughter is a big fan of Harry Potter, has watched several H.P. movies, and is currently reading the last book. On their next visit she will definitely need to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
We have never been to Disney or any of the attracctions. I am always amazed by whatthey are coming up with. This would make any HP fan go hog wart wild!
My husband is a Harry Potter fanatic and we have yet to go to the Wizarding World! This is a fun guide for us to use whenever we do make it out there!
My daughter has been here with her dad, but I would love to take her one day as well! Hogwarts and the Forbidden Journey sounds really fun! I love the idea of walking through Hogwarts while waiting in the ride queue. Sounds awesome!
Love this place! My number one is Hogwarts and The Forbidden Journey.
I had no idea this even existed! My daughters and I had a HP marathon a few months ago & it was the first time I saw any of the movies. If we ever go I’d be most excited to check out Hogwarts and the Forbidden Journey!
Definitely not one to miss in the Universal Studio. Love the Hogwart express.
I love Harry Potter, so I loved reading your post here. I thank you so much, as it’s hard to get a decent review on these films.
I had a blast at Harry Potter, and I’m saving up to take my nieces hopefully next summer so we can all enjoy it together.
I so want to go see this. Thanks for the review..
I have never been here and have always heard about it. Hopefully one day we are blessed to visit.
I would love to go with my family! It all sounds fantastic! I would especially enjoy picking out our wands!
I would love to take my kids to Wizarding World of Harry Potter . They love Harry Potter and would have a blast there
This looks like fun