undercover tourist harry potter world

From Butterbeer to magic wands: Everything you need to know about Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Editor's Note

A visit to Universal Orlando to see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter had been on my wish list for a while. Suspension of disbelief takes place here every day. Visitors don wizarding robes, grab interactive wands and — at least for a day or two — pretend that they are following in the footsteps of Hermione, Ron and Harry, truly inhabiting the magical world of "Harry Potter."

There are families racing from ride to ride in Hogwarts-style robes and Harry Potter-style glasses. We witnessed the engagement of two fans right in front of Hogwarts Castle. We might even have wondered for a minute or two what it would be like to be able to cast spells and brew potions.

If this sounds like your cup of frozen Butterbeer, here's what you need to know to make the trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando a success.

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When to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There is no bad time to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, just times of the year when it may be more crowded or pretty darn hot. Don't overly stress over the choice of dates. Just check expected crowd levels at calendars like the ones from Undercover Tourist and TouringPlans.com and then use some strategies — like skip-the-line passes, VIP tours and early starts — to evade crowds if you need to (more on that later).

Related: Choosing the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip

How to see more of The Wizarding World in less time

I won't lie to you. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets very crowded.

We visited Universal at what is a slower time of year and the attractions in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were still jammed. If you want to see as much of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as possible in the shortest amount of time, there are some strategies you probably need to employ.

First, you can use Universal's Express Pass . This is a skip-the-line pass that works on most attractions at Universal's two theme parks. This includes within The Wizarding World, with the exception of Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

There are three ways to get an Express Pass. The easiest way is to book one of Universal's on-site Premier hotels. If you stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel , Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort , you'll get a free Express Pass Unlimited to use throughout your visit. If you have a Premier-level Universal annual pass , you're entitled to Express Pass access beginning at 4 p.m.

Otherwise, you can purchase Express Passes:

• Universal Express: Prices start at $79.99 per person per day for one park and $89.99 for two parks and go up to almost double that amount. This pass lets you skip the regular line one time per participating ride at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks.
• Universal Express Unlimited: Prices start at $109.99 per person per day for one park and $119.99 for two parks, though prices vary quite a bit from day to day. An Unlimited pass lets you skip the regular lines at participating rides as many times as you want at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Be aware that the list of participating rides and attractions is subject to change, so check with Universal Orlando's website before you purchase an Express Pass to make sure the rides you're most interested in are included.

The best strategy to ensure you do as much as possible within the World of Harry Potter, short of a VIP tour, is to rope-drop Hagrid's at the park's opening and then use your Express Pass for all the other attractions.

Speaking of VIP tours, there are two to choose from. You can book a small-group or private VIP experience at Universal. The price, while not cheap, packages together walk-on ride access during the tour, Express Passes and a dinner credit to use after the tour ends.

The small-group VIP tour starts at less than $200 per person while the private tour costs a few thousand dollars for the day. These tours will get you on rides like Hargrids that otherwise don't have short-cut access.

Related: How to get the most out of 1 day at Universal Orlando

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley

If you are staying at any of the on-site Universal hotels , you can get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour earlier than general admission.

Which park opens early varies by day and sometimes both parks open early. The front desk agent should give you this information at check-in or you can check the Universal Orlando website for the most up-to-date information.

No matter which park is opening early, plan to arrive at the front gates at least 15 - 30 minutes before the Early Park Admission opening time. It's the only way to beat the crowds and make the most of your extra time.

Only certain attractions open during Early Park Admission, but this typically includes all of the Wizarding World attractions. The ones you will most likely want to knock out are Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida.

For Hagrid's, head to Islands of Adventure, take a right after passing through Port of Entry and head toward Seuss Landing. Universal team members will be on hand to scan your hotel keycard and allow you to go deeper into the park. Continue through Seuss Landing to The Lost Continent and you should see team members directing you toward the start of the line for Hagrid's.

If Escape from Gringotts is first on your list, walk straight through Production Central and turn right when you reach the New York section of the park (in front of the Revenge of the Mummy attraction). Continue on until you see a replica of King's Cross Station on your left.

Be careful not to overshoot and walk past the somewhat hidden entrance to Diagon Alley. When you see an opening in a brick wall, you know you've found it.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Once you've entered Diagon Alley, walk straight to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts indoor steel roller coaster ride. You can't miss it; it's the building with the fire-breathing dragon perched on the roof.

Tip: Find any wizard or witch working in Diagon Alley and ask when the dragon will breathe fire next. The schedule is sporadic so asking is your best bet. Also, when you hear a low growl, that's your signal that this Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon is about to spew some fire.

There are free and paid lockers to the right of the line so you can stash your belongings before the ride.

Children must be 42 inches to ride; be sure your party meets that requirement so you don't get to the head of the line only to be turned away. There is also a "child swap" room where parents can take turns alternating riding or waiting with kiddos not tall enough (or ready) to ride.

There is also a test seat in front of the building where you can confirm whether or not the seating configuration will work for your body style.

Wait times can get long for this ride, but it does have an Express Pass line throughout most of the day. There's also a lot to look at while in line since you'll snake through the Gringotts bank lobby and see a multitude of goblins at work. The four chandeliers that hang inside the bank's lobby are made up of 62,000 individual crystals.

There is a photo opportunity in the line as you pass through Gringotts "security." You can purchase the photo after the ride if you'd like (this photo has been unavailable since the park reopened after a brief closure due to COVID-19).

This attraction was once The Wizarding World's flagship attraction, but it's been eclipsed by Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (both of which can be found in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure). What's neat about Escape from Gringotts is the motion-based 3D projections that make you feel as if you're interacting with characters like Bill Weasley and the goblin Blordak.

Related: TPG's complete guide to Universal Orlando

Ollivanders

After exiting the Gringotts ride, you're just across from Ollivanders, so get in line to see the show that depicts how a wand chooses its wizard, if this type of show appeals to you.

It's a very personal process. One lucky guest is picked from the audience and the wizard in residence facilitates the wand choosing. After the show, you're escorted next door to the wand shop where they'll box up the wand for you to take home … assuming you want to spend the $50 or so for the wand, which is optional. You can also forgo the wand that was chosen for you and pick out a replica of your favorite wizard's wand.

If you weren't lucky enough to be chosen for the show, you can pick out and purchase your own wand.

Go for an interactive wand that helps you make magic — literally — at many locations in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Standard, non-interactive wands are also available if you are looking to save a little cash or your kids are too young to know the difference.

Assuming you've purchased an interactive wand, look for brass medallions set into the pavement in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. These are the spots where you can cast spells and make magic. A map that plots each spot where you can cast spells is included with your wand purchase (including a few unmarked "secret wand spots"). Spells are categorized as easy, medium or hard. You also can order an interactive wand in advance of your trip or pick one up in the hotel gift shop at most on-site hotels.

Note that there is an identical Ollivanders wand experience at Hogsmeade, so feel free to skip the experience here if you'd prefer to see the show there later in your visit.

Dine at the Leaky Cauldron

If you didn't eat breakfast before heading to Diagon Alley, now may be the right time to grab a table at the atmospheric Leaky Cauldron. Breakfast is pricey, but where else can you dine among witches and wizards? Breakfast plates for adults all ring in at $17.99 and include a small beverage (yes, you can have Butterbeer for breakfast).

• Traditional Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, sausage links, black pudding, English bacon, baked beans, grilled tomato, sauteed mushrooms and breakfast potatoes.
• American Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, potatoes, crisp bacon, sausage link and a croissant.
• Pancake Breakfast: Three buttermilk pancakes, crisp bacon, sausage link and a croissant.
• Egg, Leek and Mushroom Pasty: Pastry-wrapped scrambled eggs, mushrooms and leeks served with potatoes and fruit.
• Apple Oatmeal Flan with Yogurt & Fruit.

The kids breakfast plate — traditional, pancake or American — is $12.99. Pumpkin juice will set you back $4.99.

If you're not a breakfast eater, leave this stop for lunchtime instead where you can order things like fish 'n' chips ($16.99), a ploughman's lunch (cheese, chutney, bread, pickles and Scotch egg) for two ($21.99), bangers and mash ($13.99) or a beef, lamb and Guinness stew ($15.99). Kids entrees include things like mac 'n' cheese and fish 'n' chips for $7.29. Desserts — sticky toffee pudding, Butterbeer potted cream or chocolate potted cream — shouldn't be missed.

Take in a 'Harry Potter'-themed show

While you're finishing breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, take a look at the Universal Orlando app and find out when the shows in Diagon Alley will take place.

During our trip, we saw two shows here, including "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" — complete with puppets — and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. There's seating around the stage if you arrive early enough, or there's always plenty of standing room.

Gringotts Money Exchange

After the show, walk toward the Gringotts ride and you'll come upon the Gringotts Money Exchange. Go inside and don't be fooled. This isn't just a bank. Sure, there is a human clerk assisting with money exchanges here, but there is also a Gringotts goblin behind a teller's desk. Talk to him and he will interact with you. It's a neat experience — especially for curious kids.

Knockturn Alley

Knockturn Alley is dark, seedy and so well hidden that you might miss it. There are two entrances — one next to the Leaky Cauldron and one next to the Fountain of Fair Fortune.

The enclosed space is dark and a cool break from the heat. There are also five neat spots where you can use your interactive wand to cast spells. There's also a shop, Borgin and Burkes, that's oozing plenty of dark magic and a few benches where you can rest a bit before continuing your exploration of Diagon Alley right outside.

Explore the shops of Diagon Alley

Once you've tried casting spells in Knockturn Alley, go back out into the bright Orlando sun to finish exploring Diagon Alley.

Visit all the shops, and be on the lookout for a few "magic moments." Among them is a snake speaking Parseltongue in the window of the Magical Menagerie and a talking mirror in Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Be forewarned, she isn't always complimentary of your wardrobe choices.

Related: Unlock more magic: 16 Universal Orlando secrets to know before your next trip

And maybe get an ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, or a Butterbeer at The Fountain of Fair Fortune or The Hopping Pot.

One word of caution: Harry Potter souvenirs are pretty expensive. You may want to set a budget with your kids before exploring the shops or explain to them why you won't be purchasing certain items. Robes — with the emblem of your house stitched on them — will set you back $125. A Gryffindor Quidditch robe replica is $150, while Hermione Granger's Yule Ball Gown in youth sizes is $99.95. Yowza. No wonder many parents bring robes from home.

Check out the Knight Bus and 12 Grimmauld Place

Once you've seen everything on Diagon Alley, leave this part of The Wizarding World through the opening in the brick wall. Directly across you'll see the Knight Bus. Here you can meet the conductor and the shrunken head that hangs at the front of the bus. Kids and adults love interacting with these two. Sit by the fountain to listen in.

Then, look across the way and you'll see a replica of a London street. Upon closer inspection, you'll see 12 Grimmauld Place, the home of Sirius Black (Harry Potter's godfather). He gifted the property to the Order of the Phoenix, which used it as a headquarters. Look up toward the second floor and you may catch a glimpse of Kreacher, the Black family house-elf, peering at you from the window.

Hogwarts Express – King's Cross Station

When you've thoroughly explored Diagon Alley and the streets of Harry Potter's London, it's time to make your way to King's Cross Station, where you'll board the Hogwarts Express and ride the train to Hogsmeade. Remember: You can only ride the Hogwarts Express if you have a Park-to-Park ticket. If you've got one-day, one-park tickets, there is no way to experience this attraction.

The wait queue is convincing and it appears as if you are waiting for a train in London. Pay attention to everything as you near the train platform. A neat mirror trick makes it look like you burst through a brick wall to reappear unharmed on Platform 9 3/4. The train whistle builds excitement, and when you see steam escaping from the locomotive, you'll know you're almost ready to board.

Eight passengers are loaded onto each car and it truly looks as if you're departing London on your way to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The ride's spectacle takes place on the train windows. Be prepared to see some Dementors on the four-minute trip to Hogsmeade. The show is slightly different on the return trip, so be sure you ride it both ways.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade

You'll find Hogsmeade inside the Islands of Adventure theme park. Here, you can visit both the town of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

If you have your heart set on riding this thrill coaster, get in line as soon as you arrive in Hogsmeade. Wait times can get intense and the attraction does not accept Universal Express.

Should you miss riding at park opening, then rather than walking to the back of the park where Hagrid's is located, you can check wait times in the Universal Orlando app. You can even set wait time alerts and receive a push notification on your phone when the wait time drops below your designated limit.

This is by far the fastest ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It reaches speeds up to 50 mph and includes both spikes into the air and fast drops. You need to be at least 48 inches tall to experience it. You'll either ride Hagrid's motorcycle or get in the sidecar.

Either spot will make your heart pound, but I think the ride in the sidecar is a bit easier for anyone that might be nervous.

Hogwarts Castle

While we'll talk about the ride that takes place inside Hogwarts Castle next, I wanted to mention the castle itself first.

You can see Hogwarts from many distant points in Islands of Adventure. It looks magical from afar but even more impressive as you stand beneath its turrets. There is a bridge with wonderful views of the castle as you leave Jurassic Park and enter Hogsmeade. This is where you can grab that quintessential photo of the castle -- don't miss it.

We visited during the holiday season and were treated to "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle." As the sky gets dark, the castle is lit up with projections that include scenes from the books, faux fireworks, lasers and more. It is one of those experiences where your jaw will drop and you'll feel like magic is happening. If you're visiting during the holidays, it's worth it to stick around after dark to see this unique show.

On select nights during other times of the year, Universal shows "The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle," a similar show, but without the holiday music and wintry scenes.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was my favorite ride in all of Universal and the queue itself is filled with interesting scenes from the books.

When we visited, we zipped right through the line with our Express Passes and were disappointed that we didn't see all the neat things leading up to the ride. We decided to ride a second time and went through the normal wait line. We didn't wait that long (maybe 25 minutes) but we were able to take our time to inspect things like Professor Sprout's herbology greenhouse and Dumbledore's office with his talking portrait and the Mirror of Erised.

I was a little worried that I might not be able to ride this attraction since I'm heavyset. Universal's park guide notes that certain body types might not comfortably fit in the seat, which has a safety bar that comes over your head and shoulders to lock into place at your waistline.

For that reason, there is a pair of seats in front of Hogwarts Castle at the entrance for this ride. If you're not sure the seat will work for you, you can try it out before getting in line. If your waist is larger than 40 inches, you might not be able to ride.

There is another set of test seats about halfway through the queue and I did see two people turned away after an attendant tested them. If there's any doubt that you may not fit comfortably in the seat, try it out before waiting in line.

On this ride, you "ride a broomstick" in and around Hogwarts Castle. The attraction is a "robocoaster," where a robotic arm holds your seat above a track and you pivot in a multitude of directions. It makes you feel as if you're flying through the air and, if you are prone to motion sickness, may make you feel like you need to relieve the contents of your stomach when you disembark.

The ride is dark at times, with encounters with dangers like Aragog the spider in the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping Willow and a gang of Dementors. But you'll also screech around the Quidditch field. You must be 48 inches or taller to ride Forbidden Journey. There are lockers to the right of the castle entrance to store your belongings. Trust us, you don't want anything on your head or in your pockets during this ride.

Flight of the Hippogriff

Flight of the Hippogriff, dubbed a "family-friendly coaster," is across from the lockers at Hogwarts Castle.

The twists, turns and drops reminded me of a slightly tamer Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from Disney World's Magic Kingdom. My husband is not a fan of roller coasters and didn't want to ride this one — even if it is just a "junior" coaster — so I went alone. Plenty of little kids were riding and loving it; children have to be just 36 inches tall or taller to ride.

This ride is super quick, so I had to ride a few times to take it all in. The track is elevated so you get a nice view of Hogsmeade. The queue is neat, too, as you walk by Hagrid's Hut and on to an open area where you'll recognize the Care of Magical Creatures class site.

Related: 7 magical places every 'Harry Potter' fan should visit

Take a break and see a show

After enjoying the rides, it might be a good time to see one of the shows staged in Hogsmeade throughout the day.

When we visited, we saw the Frog Choir (a special version for the Christmas holiday) and the Triwizard Spirit Rally. The stage is small but we never had trouble getting a close-up spot as long as we arrived a few minutes before showtime. Check the paper guide given out at the park entrance or the Universal Orlando app for showtimes.

If you didn't see the "wand picks a wizard" show at the Ollivanders location at Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, you can get in line to see it here. (See the Diagon Alley section above for a full description of the experience.) After the show, shop for a wand if you don't already have one. There are some neat spots in Hogsmeade where you can cast spells with it.

Dine out, enjoy a drink and go shopping

You can't truly say you've seen Hogsmeade until you've had a meal at the Three Broomsticks or grabbed a drink at the Hog's Head bar next door (serving Butterbeer, beer and spirits).

At Three Broomsticks, many families opt for The Great Feast, which includes a salad plus a combination of rotisserie smoked chicken, spareribs, corn on the cob and roast potatoes. (A platter for four is $69.99; additional servings are $17.99.)

You can also buy British favorites like fish 'n' chips, beef pasties, smoked turkey legs and shepherd's pie, and there are soups and salads on the menu at both lunch and dinner. Kids ages 9 and younger pick from fish 'n' chips, chicken fingers, chicken legs and mac 'n' cheese — each entree is $7.49.

Nonalcoholic Butterbeer (regular or frozen) is $7.99, while pumpkin juice and pumpkin fizz are $4.99. Two draught beers on tap are Hog's Head Brew and Dragon Scale (both $9.49).

Three Broomsticks also serves breakfast daily until 10:30 a.m.

When you're ready to roll out of Three Broomsticks, get ready to do a bit of shopping. Honeydukes is a sweet shop filled with confections like Exploding Bonbons, Cauldron Cakes, Fizzing Whizzbees, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs.

You can mail postcards or letters from the Owl Post, complete with an official Hogsmeade postmark. You can also purchase all kinds of writing implements (think quills and seals) as well as owl-themed souvenirs.

If you didn't ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you would have missed Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods since the ride empties into this shop. This is a terrific shop if you're looking for house crest banners, T-shirts, hats or scarves.

Get your Hogwarts uniforms and robes, Sneakoscopes, Quaffles and Golden Snitches at Dervish and Banges.

Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station

When you're ready to leave this part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, walk through the arch toward Hogsmeade Station and get in line for the Hogwarts Express.

The train will take you back to "London" at Universal Studios. The experience is a bit different in each direction, so be sure to hop on — even if you rode the train from London to Hogsmeade earlier in the day.

Related: Choose the best hotel at Universal Orlando

Buying the right ticket for Harry's world

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade is part of Islands of Adventure while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley can be found at Universal Studios, this is important when it comes to choosing your ticket.

Splitting this land into two sections was a brilliant move on Universal's part since it means you need to purchase the upgraded Park-to-Park admission ticket if you wish to see both parts of Harry's world on the same day.

That also means holding a Park-to-Park ticket or a Universal annual pass are the only ways you can ride the Hogwarts Express train attraction between the two lands. The Hogwarts Express is more than just a mode of transportation — it's an attraction in and of itself. Leave time to take the train in both directions because the experience is different depending on which way you're headed.

You can use single-day one-park tickets to visit each land separately, but there's no way to use those tickets to board the Hogwarts Express.

You can buy Universal tickets for one, two, three, four or five days.

Universal's website sometimes offers special promotions for multiday passes that throw in extras like a skip-the-line Express Pass, discounted admission to the Volcano Bay water park or a free day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.

The least expensive tickets let you explore one park per day. Unless that's the only option on the table, for Harry Potter you really want the Park-to-Park tickets that allow you to visit both theme parks on the same day. That gives you the ultimate in flexibility and access to the Hogwarts Express.

If you plan to visit the parks for more than just a few days, or you think you may visit Universal Orlando twice or more in 12 months, consider a Universal annual pass . I never dreamed I'd become a Universal annual pass holder, but when I planned our trip, I had my eye on a special promotion that gave you an extra day in the parks when you bought a two-day pass.

I thought that was a good deal — but when I looked at pricing for a Florida resident annual pass, I found out it was only $8 per ticket more than the special promotional pass. For just a few bucks more, I went for the annual pass; now we can go back to Universal and get free admission until the pass expires.

When buying Universal tickets, look at all the combinations and prices to determine which is the best deal for your family.

Where to buy Universal tickets

You can purchase your tickets directly from Universal. Alternatively, you can buy from well-respected third-party vendors like Undercover Tourist . This can be an especially good idea right after a ticket price hike. Often, Undercover Tourist will have some tickets left over at the lower price for a few days or weeks after a ticket price increase.

Additionally, ticket purchases from Undercover Tourist typically code as travel for the purposes of earning or redeeming credit card points. Bookmark that site and comparison shop whenever you are buying tickets for Universal or other theme parks like Walt Disney World.

Related: Best credit cards to use for Universal Studios

How to use points to buy Universal tickets

Savvy parkgoers might want to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou points to buy their Universal Orlando theme park admission. But, at least for now, this option may not be available when you search.

If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve , you can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents per point. Or, if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card , you can redeem for travel through the portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.

Historically, Univeral Orlando tickets have often been available through the Chase travel portal at rates comparable to Universal's direct pricing. However, as of writing this article, we weren't able to find any Universal Orlando tickets bookable through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal. So, although it's worth checking, don't get your hopes up.

If you've got a stash of Citi ThankYou points , you can use them through the Citi ThankYou travel portal to redeem for activities, including tickets to select attractions and theme parks. However, as of writing, we didn't find any options to redeem for Universal Orlando tickets. This may change though, so check out the Citi ThankYou portal to review your options.

Related: How to use points to save money at Universal Orlando

What credit card to use at Universal

There is no one answer to the question: Which credit card should I use at Universal Orlando? The answer depends on how and where you purchase your theme park tickets and how that credit card codes purchases.

Data points from many travelers tell us that tickets bought at an on-site Universal hotel and charged to the hotel room have coded as "travel," but tickets and VIP tours purchased directly from Universal have coded as "entertainment."

If you know your charge will code as travel, you'll do well to use any of the best credit cards for general travel purchases , including:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve — 3 points per dollar spent.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — 2 points per dollar spent.
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card — 2 points per dollar spent.

However, if you think your purchase will code as entertainment, you'll want to use one of the best cards for entertainment spending .

Related: Best credit cards for Disney and Universal vacations

Bottom line

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is an incredible place to visit for muggles and wizards alike.

The rides and attractions are fantastic. It's fun to watch the daily performances that all relate to an aspect of Harry's magical world, and you must raise a pint of Butterbeer (or one of the beers specially brewed for The Wizarding World) in one of the themed establishments across the land — from the Leaky Cauldron to the Three Broomsticks to the Hog's Head and other neat spots.

To get the most out of your visit, splurge on Park-to-Park tickets and pair that with an Express Pass (might as well throw in valet parking while you are at it). Only then will you be able to get in early and (with a little magic) skip the worst of the lines. The added expense is truly worth it. If you're a "Harry Potter" fan, this is a theme park you'll want to return to again and again.

Complete Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

The Harry Potter worlds at Universal Orlando make you feel like you’re an incoming student at Hogwarts who is seeing the town, castle, and shops for the very first time. Exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will leave you with a sense of déjà vu — buildings, pubs, and streets are identical to what they were in the movies, making you feel like you’ve been there before.

These highly-themed areas rank at the very top of our list of the best destinations for Harry Potter fans because they fully immerse you in the books and movies we all love. So read on for our complete guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. We’ll take you through each of the Universal Orlando Harry Potter worlds — their rides, experiences, dining, and more — so you can plan ahead and make your vacation as special as possible.

Prefer to Speak With Someone? Get Free Help From Our Favorite Universal Travel Agent!

In This Article:

• Where is Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Rides in Hogsmeade

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Going to the Harry Potter worlds/lands at Universal is the highlight of our family visit to the resort almost every time we go. And that’s really saying something considering we plan to visit Universal a few times each year! As a family, we’ve read all the books together and seen the movies. There is something so magical about the story and Universal found a way to bring that magic to life in a way that you must see to believe.

Where is Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

The Harry Potter themed worlds are located within Universal’s major theme parks — Harry Potter is not a separate theme park at Universal, and it’s not part of Disney World .

Universal has two main theme parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios . A third park, Epic Universe , is under construction and due to open sometime in 2025. Each of these parks has a Harry Potter component.

• Hogsmeade — Islands of Adventure
• Diagon Alley — Universal Studios Florida
• Ministry of Magic — Epic Universe ( opening 2025 )

Each experience is different, so I don’t recommend limiting yourself to just one when you go to Universal Orlando. Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have a huge variety of rides, experiences, and food to enjoy, so I am going to make sure I cover it all so you can plan your trip with as much knowledge as possible.

Let’s begin with the original Harry Potter themed land, Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure!

Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure

Hogsmeade is my favorite of the two Harry Potter worlds currently open at Universal. Between the sweeping views of Hogwarts castle, the world-famous rides , and the Three Broomsticks, this world has it all.

Hogsmeade was built in 2010 and was the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter developed in Universal Orlando. The resort worked hand in hand with J.K. Rowling and filmmakers to make sure that the world of Harry Potter came to life in the most realistic way possible.

The original development of the park was a pioneering move in the realm of creating immersive environments, and you can definitely understand why when you walk around the Hogsmeade and try the rides. The world is centered around Hogwarts castle, which still takes my breath away every time I walk into the park.

The park combines adventure, excitement, and magic in a surreal, immersive experience. If you haven’t been before, you might think that to enjoy Hogsmeade you’ll have to take some time away from the thrill rides of Islands of Adventure. Thankfully that’s not the case!

Hogsmeade has some amazing rides for you and your family to try when you visit — so to my dads out there, make sure you don’t drink too much butterbeer right at the start!

Hogsmeade has great rides spread out throughout the land, and it even has one of the most highly-rated roller coasters in the world. The Harry Potter rides here are:

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

• Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure

Flight of the Hippogriff

Hogwarts express.

These rides combine the unbelievable surroundings of the castle and town of Hogsmeade, life-like interactions and visuals, and great storytelling to curate an interactive theme park experience that you will never forget.

This ride is not a typical roller coaster. A combination of a twisting/turning track, along with robot arm mounted vehicles, makes you feel like you are completely immersed in the Harry Potter Universe. Forbidden Journey has incredibly high-quality special effects that really help seal the illusion.

On the ride you flash around Hogwarts and you get to see a bit of every part of the castle grounds. Last time my son and I were on it, I remember seeing the Whomping Willow, flying directly through a Quidditch match, zooming through the forbidden forest, and more.

You get to see all the parts of the castle grounds that you will remember from the movie. I’ve heard the ride called a “Harry Potter highlight reel,” and I don’t disagree!

In terms of roller coaster thrill, this ride is definitely in between Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the Flight of the Hippogriff, but I’d still say that this ride is great for kids of all ages as long as they meet the height requirement .

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

The ride is a journey from start to finish. The story starts while you are waiting in line, where you can see bits of Hagrid’s work as he has cared for hundreds of magical creatures throughout the years. There are writings on the walls from past Hogwarts students and even parts of Hagrid’s nursery to be seen.

Once you get closer to the start of the ride, you can begin to hear the sound of a motorbike revving. I have ridden tons of roller coasters in my life, but that sound gets my heart pumping every time with excitement as I wait for the ride to begin.

After you sit down on your motorbike/sidecar and ride begins, you are fired out of the landing bay. Immediately you start flying through the sky, passing the rooftops of Hogsmeade, zooming around parts of the castle, past a lake, and then toward the Forbidden Forest. You really feel like you’re on Hagrid’s motorbike!

It truly is a must-try when you’re in Universal Orlando. One thing to keep in mind is that this ride often has the longest lines in Hogsmeade, and sometimes even in all of Islands of Adventure. So plan ahead when you want to visit to come during a busier time because the ride is excluded from Universal’s Express Pass because of its popularity!

After Hagrid’s, the Flight of the Hippogriff is a way to take a calmer flight around the grounds of Hogwarts. The ride is definitely on the shorter side and isn’t as fast as Hagrid’s, so it’s a great ride for younger kids !

In the line for the ride you can see an interpretation of Hagrid’s home, including the pumpkin patch, his hut, and more. As the name hints, the ride is supposed to mimic flying on a hippogriff’s back around Hogwarts castle. Just like when Harry rode Buckbeak in the Prisoner of Azkaban , you will be soaring through the grounds, in between buildings, and enjoying some of the amazing views.

There are a few really fun drops and turns, but I do have to admit that the ride is a little short and sweet for my liking.

Again, while this isn’t the most thrilling ride in the park, it still has some great views and is particularly good for kids.

You will remember from the Harry Potter books that the Hogwarts Express is the train that takes the students to and from Hogwarts. And thanks to the magic of Universal, you and your family can ride it! The Hogwarts Express is a unique attraction in that it is both a themed entertainment ride and a practical form of transportation.

Hogwarts Express serves as a way to get between the Harry Potter areas in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. It’s really the best way to connect between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Because the attraction takes you from one theme park to another, you must have the Park-to-Park pass to ride it. I absolutely recommend getting this pass — not only for the chance to ride the Hogwarts Express, but also because it gives significantly more mobility for your day in Universal at only a slightly higher price point.

We love to dedicate a whole day to just Harry Potter and we always get the Park-to-Park pass to do that. We normally start the day in Hogsmeade and then hop on the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley in the afternoon.

The Hogwarts Express itself is a special ride, and while on the surface it may appear a bit simple, it’s one of my favorite rides at Universal .

When you board the train in Hogsmeade, you will be traveling toward London’s Kings Cross station. The train journey itself uses life-like visual effects that tell a story around your car as you move. You’ll see some impressive scenery and a few Harry Potter characters through the (video) windows of the train. Meanwhile, shadows of others walking in the train’s corridors will pass by the frosted glass windows of your compartment. The train cars are practically identical to how they were portrayed in the movies, so you’re going to feel as if you just stepped into the movies and novels that you’ve loved for decades.

Tip: Make sure to ride the train in both directions — it’s a different experience each way!

Ollivanders Wand Shop

Getting your own wand is a truly magical experience that makes you feel like you’re an incoming first year student at Hogwarts. When my family and I went to Ollivanders , my wife and I didn’t get wands but Ben went through the entire experience, smiling ear to ear the whole time.

Small groups are ushered into the shop and one lucky witch or wizard is selected by the Wandkeeper to participate in an interactive presentation. Of course, pairing the wand with the wizard can be tricky — it doesn’t always go quite right the first or second time.

Luckily, the Wandkeeper is an expert and everything always seems to work out in the end. (Frugal wizards will be pleased to learn that you’re not obligated to purchase the wand, even if you’re chosen to participate).

Everyone then makes their way into a separate sales area to view their own wand options in a more traditional “retail” environment.

Note: if you’ll allow me to step “outside of the magic” for just a moment here — there are Ollivanders wand shops in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. While Ollivanders at Hogsmeade is probably the most intimate and movie-accurate of the Ollivanders experiences, it’s not necessarily the most practical due to the cramped size of the shop. If you’re going with a larger group, are visiting during peak season, or are simply interested in shopping for a wand, I’d suggest opting for the experience at Diagon Alley / Universal Studios instead. You’ll likely have less of a wait (if any), and a bit more breathing room.

The Frog Choir is a great way to take a break from the rides and enjoy a good show. The performance lasts about 10 minutes, so it won’t take up too much of your time while you’re in the park. I’ve seen the show a few times, and I’ll admit that once you have stood and watched it once or twice, that’s usually enough (though I don’t mind sort of bopping along as I pass by).

You’ll get to hear some great songs inspired by Harry Potter, performed in a catchy a cappella style. The highlight of the performance is Something Wicked This Way Comes , as featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban .

It’s a great way to see a moment from the Harry Potter books brought to life. Although, the show itself is tough to compare to any of the world class rides that are right next door.

I’d say that the Frog Choir is particularly good for kids who will find the extra magic in the experience by thinking back to seeing the choir’s performance in the Harry Potter movies.

This show happens several times a day in Hogsmeade, so check the app or ask a Team Member when you should stop by!

Triwizard Spirit Rally

The Triwizard Spirit Rally alternates throughout the day with the Frog Choir, so if you stick around by the stage in Hogsmeade you can see one show after the other! Like the Frog Choir, this is a quick show — a bit under ten minutes — that will put a smile on your face. The show features the different schools that visited Hogwarts for the Triwizard tournament in the Goblet of Fire .

You will get to see the Beauxbatons students spinning and dancing as the Durmstrang students show off their martial arts staff skills, just like in the movie when the schools enter the Great Hall for the first time.

I prefer this show to the Frog choir just because there is a bit more action, and my kids agree!

Because these shows alternate several times a day on the same stage, I wouldn’t worry about planning ahead to see them. You will likely just pass by them at some point while you are in the park!

Nighttime Lights

Depending on the time of year, you might be able to catch a Nighttime lights show at Hogwarts Castle. Unfortunately, there is no set published schedule for these shows, but they always occur after dark at Hogwarts Castle. Keep an eye on the Universal website when it gets close to your vacation date, because they will start to update show times a few days in advance of when they occur.

Universal originally started this light show as a part of their Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter program, but the show can also happen on select dates throughout the entirety of the year, usually during peak periods. The show lights up Hogwarts castle with brilliant displays on its walls along with lights in the sky. The light show tells a story, and without giving away too many details, you will see some of your favorite moments from Harry Potter.

The show has the feel of a fireworks display, but instead of just fireworks it has amazing graphics, music, and more. Although, the show still typically ends with a few fireworks for good measure!

This certainly isn’t something to plan your entire vacation around, but once you plan your trip keep an eye on Universal’s schedule so you can catch a show once you are there.

There are two main places to dine in Hogsmeade: the Hog’s Head or the Three Broomsticks. If these names sound familiar, it’s because both of these taverns are faithful recreations from the Harry Potter books!

Three Broomsticks

The Three Broomsticks is my favorite place to eat during my Harry Potter themed day. I remember the tavern very clearly from the movies, so it was a surreal experience to walk into a building I had never been in before, but felt like I had been there dozens of times. Once I was in, I could order a Butterbeer just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione did when they were students at Hogwarts.

Image © Universal

One of the main reasons I love coming to the Three Broomsticks is it saves our family a bit of money, while giving us a great experience at the same time. Feeding a family of four at Universal can get expensive and the Three Broomsticks is definitely more cost-effective than the average restaurant in Universal Orlando.

One thing that really surprised me when I went is that Butterbeer is actually good!

The flavor of this non-alcoholic drink is really hard to describe — Universal says it’s “reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch” — but my kids and I both loved it. The tavern also has some great salads, pies, desserts, and more so you and your family can have a full lunch or dinner here after some rides.

Hog’s Head

Hog’s Head is in the back of the Three Broomsticks, and it is definitely more of a bar than a restaurant. Although it’s technically a bar, it’s still very family friendly. Parents could grab a beer or a glass of wine while the kids enjoy some classic drinks from Harry Potter such as Pumpkin Juice or Butterbeer.

Between drinks, snacks, and meals, there is plenty available to spend your entire day in Hogsmeade, or in both Harry Potter worlds with a park-to-park pass (which is what I would recommend).

Get Free Help Planning Your Trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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And of course, your agent will share all the best Wizarding World tips and tricks to make sure your vacation really is magical.

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Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida

Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley opened in 2014 at Universal Studios Florida, just a few years after Hogsmeade had opened at Islands of Adventure. Diagon Alley expands the Harry Potter experience at Universal Orlando Resort by adding locations such as Gringotts, the Leaky Cauldron, and Knockturn Alley.

To reach Diagon Alley, you’ll first head to the London section of Universal Studios, passing by well known Wizarding World landmarks such as King’s Cross Station and 12 Grimmauld Place. From there, look for the opening in the giant brick wall and head inside. Diagon Alley is well-hidden from mere Muggles — you’ll have to really look for it!

Diagon Alley has fewer rides than Hogsmeade, but the quality certainly makes up for the lower quantity!

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a thrill ride that incorporates surreal special effects, amazing designs, and a killer roller coaster to make one of the best rides in the park .

My daughter Ava was too young to ride this one the last time I was in Diagon Alley, so I went with Ben to give it a try. It was his first time on Escape From Gringotts and I think he was more impressed with this ride than any other in the park. He saw the Harry Potter films recently so he clearly remembered the scene when Harry, Ron, and Hermione try to steal the Sword of Gryffindor from Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault.

Like many of the other rides in Universal, the experience for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts really begins while you are still in line. When you are waiting in line, you are standing in an exact replica of the Gringotts main hall. And when I say exact, I really mean exact! The lobby is identical to what you see in the movie when Harry, Ron, and Hermione are walking down the line of goblins to the main teller so they can try to bluff their way into the vaults.

The grand hallway is filled with animated goblins counting coins, taking notes, and suspiciously starting you down as you walk along — and they are just the first of many life-like animations you will see along the way. Once you get to the end of the hallway, the head teller will sometimes talk to you and instruct you where to go next as you make your way to the start of the ride. They might even “pull you aside” and have you take a security ID photo using a retro film camera.

Once the ride is about to start you put on your 3D goggles and take a seat in the carriages which are reminiscent of those in the film. Right at the start of the ride you have some quick turns and big drops, and then all of a sudden the ride will stop and you will be met with a super high definition screen.

As you continue on with the ride you will see real-life holograms of Ron, Hermione, and Harry as you all run from the dragon together. Its really hard to appreciate just how similar it is to what we have all seen on the screen without trying it yourself. This is a must try if you are going to the Harry Potter worlds throughout Universal.

As mentioned earlier in this article, the Hogwarts Express travels back and forth between Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure.

Here on the Diagon Alley side, you’ll actually need to make your way back out of the brick walls and onto the streets of “London” to enter King’s Cross station. There, you’ll be able to spot fellow travelers actually walking through the brick wall (thanks to a clever Pepper’s Ghost illusion) to reach Platform 9¾.

You’ll pass through too, and then hop aboard the train.

On your journey to Hogwarts, you’ll spot soaring owls and perhaps a flying motorbike just outside the “window” of your train. As the streets of London give way to the countryside, you’ll truly feel that you’re on your way to your first year at Hogwarts. Just watch out for Dementors!

The scenery on this journey is different from the trip going the other direction, so make sure to ride the train both ways!

And remember — you’ll need a Park-to-Park pass because you’re traveling between theme parks. It’s a worthy purchase because it lets you try Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Flight of the Hippogriff, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and more — all in the same day! Also keep in mind, the rides in the Harry Potter world are only a small part of the total experience of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, and there is so much more to enjoy while you are there!

Diagon Alley may be a bit short on rides, but it’s certainly not lacking for experiences. There’s so much to see and do in the way of live entertainment and interactive activities, that this is a fantastic place to simply while away a few hours. Heck, I could spend all day in here and never really get bored! The fire-breathing dragon alone is worth starting at for quite some time!

Knockturn Alley

This sketchy side street is where dirty deeds get done in the Wizarding World. It’s always nighttime inside this covered (and air-conditioned!) walkway, so it’s a huge relief from the blazing Florida heat .

Stop in at Borgin and Burkes to marvel at the oddities assembled there, and perhaps make your own Dark Arts purchase. If you’re buying an interactive wand , you’ll also find some spell locations here. Some of them are even “secret” spells, but they’ll show up in glow-in-the-dark ink on your wand map. And you can always be on the lookout for medallions embedded in the ground, showing you the correct wand maneuvers.

Knockturn Alley is well-hidden. The primary entrance is a tunnel alongside a towering stack of cauldrons just to the right of the Leaky Cauldron restaurant. Another entrance is located to the left of Diagon Alley’s restrooms, directly underneath a giant window full of chandeliers.

Ollivanders

Just like in Hogsmeade, you can walk into Ollivanders at Diagon Alley to get a personalized wand from the Master Wand Craftsman himself. The overall feel of this shop is the same as in Hogsmeade so I won’t rehash all of the details again (if you missed the section on Ollivanders, scroll up and you can read more about it under the Hogsmeade Experiences section). This location does, however, have a higher capacity than the Hogsmeade version, and I find it is a bit more leisurely of an experience, especially if you really want to take the time to “shop” for your wand.

You might remember the Knight Bus as the slim, double decker bus that Harry rides, speeding through London traffic and bending time along the way. Located just outside Diagon Alley on the streets of London, the Knight Bus here is just a prop. So while you won’t get to ride it, it’s still cool to peek inside and perhaps take a photo. You will get to see the little shrunken head hanging at the front of the bus, the cots, and even a chandelier. While it’s definitely not the main attraction in the park, it’s another cool way that Universal brings the magic of Harry Potter to life!

Gringotts Money Exchange

While you are in Gringotts you can actually interact with the Goblins, and this is something my youngest, Ava, was able to get involved in. You can exchange real money for Gringotts money when you speak with the bank tellers.

For all the parents out there, I know that the idea of trading real money for fake money is not the most exciting concept. But thankfully, the Gringotts money can be used for purchases all throughout Diagon Alley! So, you can take your Galleons and purchase a wand, some Hogwarts merchandise, candy, and more.

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

Like in Hogsmeade, you can see two shows while in Diagon Alley. The first is a singing production that performs wizard-themed songs. Celestina Warbeck doesn’t actually “appear” in the original books, but she’s certainly mentioned a few times throughout. Universal claims that this group is Molly Weasley’s favorite band, so there you go!

You will get to hear performances of “never-before-heard” songs such as ‘A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love’, ‘You Charmed the Heart Right Out of Me’, and ‘You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart’. The performance really adds to the atmosphere of Diagon Alley and is a great way to take a break from the rides and shops.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is where Harry and his friends first learn about the Deathly Hallows in the book series. In Diagon Alley, you will have a chance to watch these stories performed live on a stage in Universal Studios. The actors use props, puppets, and great sets to bring the story to life. This event is great for kids of all ages, and like the singing performance, is a great way to relax for a bit in between rides and other experiences.

Leaky Cauldron

Jaimie and I love to grab food at the Leaky Cauldron when we’re in Diagon Alley, and it is definitely our favorite place to eat in the park.

This restaurant in Diagon Alley may look run down and old (as it was designed to be), but the food is great. You can get food here all day, and generally it’s good pub food that you would expect to be able to get in any bar in London. For example, last time I went I ordered a Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew and a Butterbeer. The Leaky Cauldron is also reasonably priced so you won’t have to spend too many Galleons to visit!

Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour

Wizard and Muggle worlds combine with Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, where you can get a classic scoop or soft-served swirl of ice cream. Flavors range from the mundane to some great Harry Potter themed flavors. Depending on the menu-of-the-moment, you might find flavors such as:

• Granny Smith
• Earl Grey and Lavender
• Chocolate Chili
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Salted Caramel Blondie
• Chocolate and Raspberry
• Orange Marmalade

Get it in a waffle cone or opt for the souvenir glass. You can also get refreshments like Pumpkin juice, teas, ciders, and more.

Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment

One great thing about Diagon Alley is that you will have no shortage of dining experiences. Eternelle’s is a small beverage stand where you can purchase a variety of ‘potions’ and ‘elixirs’. While these drinks look like potions, they still taste great and they make you feel like you are in Snape’s potion class drinking something mysterious that was just made for you. A few of the elixirs you can try may include:

• Fire Protection Potion
• Babbling Beverage
• Draught of Peace
• Elixir to Induce Euphoria

The Fountain of Fair Fortune

The Fountain of Fair Fortune was named after one of the tales in the Tales of Beedle the Bard. Here you can get drinks like Frozen Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, Gillywater, and more. There’s also an extremely limited snack menu (mainly bags of chips and some soft-serve ice cream).

The Hopping Pot

Like the Fountain of Fair Fortune, The Hopping Pot is a quick service location with beverages and snacks. You can get all the same drinks as the Fountain of Fair Fortune and more, including Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice, Peachtree Fizzing Tea, Fishy Green Ale, and more. The snack menu is also a bit more robust than Fountain of Fair Fortune’s, with the addition of several “pasties” (hand pies) such as Shepherd’s Pie, beef, or chicken.

Accio Vacation! Start Planning Your Trip Today

Universal’s Epic Universe is Universal’s third major theme park, currently under construction and scheduled to open sometime in the 2025. We’re still awaiting most of the major details about the park, but we do know for certain that it will be home to a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This section of the park will include nods to the 1920s Paris setting of the Fantastic Beasts books/films, along with elements of the Ministry of Magic. Universal hasn’t officially released any ride details, but it’s widely believed that you’ll go on an immersive adventure within the walls of the Ministry of Magic .

It’s a safe bet there will also be plenty of live entertainment (possibly a dedicated stage show), tempting food, and of course shopping to be found.

Is it worth delaying your trip to Universal to wait for Epic Universe to open? Probably not. There are already two amazing Harry Potter Worlds at Universal — you can enjoy them right away and save Epic Universe a later visit!

Want a Heads Up When Epic Universe is Ready To Book?

Universal Orlando’s Harry Potter worlds are some of my favorite parts of the entire resort. Both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are unique and fun experiences, and these two areas alone are worth a trip to Universal Orlando. And I can’t wait to see how the new addition at Epic Universe turns out!

People have varying opinions about which Harry Potter World is their favorite, but I always say that when you visit you need to see both. Getting the Park-to-Park pass ensures that you can see all the best sights, rides, and experiences in both parks, and it allows you to ride the Hogwarts Express which is one of my favorite parts of the resort.

Even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan, you must visit these themed areas when you are in Universal. Although, if you haven’t seen any of the movies yet, I’d recommend watching a few before you go because it will make the visit that much more special!

Ready to book your trip? You don’t need a flying Ford Anglia, a handful of Floo Powder, or the Hogwarts Express — all you need is  The Vacationeer !

Here’s why you should let these Diamond-Level Universal Preferred Travel Agents handle your trip:

• Expert Advice: They know their way around the Wizarding World, no Marauder’s Map needed!
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• Care-Free Logistics: They’ll book and organize your hotel, dining, tickets, and ground transport so you can focus on having fun with your family

Contact a Vacationeer today for your free consultation !

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The Complete Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog was originally published in February of 2019 and then underwent extensive updates and editing in the fall of 2020 to remain current and relevant.

Many people have been waiting their entire lives to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . After reading the books and watching the films, actually stepping foot into the stories is a phenomenal experience.

There are two unique lands to explore at Universal Orlando Resort – Hogsmeade, located in Universal Islands of Adventure , and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida . Each land has unique attractions, experiences, food, merchandise and more, all of which is inspired by the Harry Potter films and books. Whether you’re a big fan, or this is your first taste of the Wizarding World, there’s so much to do and see! You’re going to want to plan on a few days to experience it all along with reading this guide where we’ve listed out each and every activity you can enjoy during your trip to the theme parks.

Choose from the links below to head straight to that section:

ATTRACTIONS   |   EXPERIENCES   |   FOOD & DRINK   |   SHOPPING   |   SHOWS   |   HIDDEN GEMS

Attractions, hagrid’s magical creatures motorbike adventure.

Location: Hogsmeade

Fly deep into the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle as you join Hagrid on a thrilling roller coaster ride to discover magical creatures you’ve never faced before.

Pro Tip: Make sure you know if you want to ride the sidecar or motorbike first.  

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure, while encountering an array of magical creatures.

Pro Tip: Take your time in the queue for this one so you can appreciate all the details of the Hogwarts corridors , including Dumbledore’s office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor common room, and more.

Flight of the Hippogriff

Bow to Buckbeak as you board this family-friendly roller coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch, and then swoops past Hagrid’s hut.

Pro Tip: This ride is great for little witches and wizards who might be a bit spooked by Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station

Board the famous train and head toward King’s Cross Station in London. (You’ll need a park-to-park ticket for this one.)

Pro Tip: The experience is completely different on the way back from King’s Cross Station to Hogsmeade (see below), so you’ll want to ride it twice. Learn more about riding the Hogwarts Express .  

Hogwarts Express: King’s Cross Station

Location: London Outside of Diagon Alley

Enter King’s Cross Station and walk straight through a solid brick wall onto Platform 9 ¾ to board the Hogwarts Express. Remember, you’ll need a park-to-park ticket to board the train in either direction.

Pro Tip: If you want to journey in Harry Potter’s footsteps, do some shopping in Diagon Alley and then hop on the Hogwarts Express toward Hogsmeade to start your next term!  

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Location: Diagon Alley

Take a journey aboard this mind-blowing, multi-dimensional ride through the cavernous passageways of Gringotts bank. You may even find yourself coming face-to-face with Harry Potter’s biggest foes!

Pro Tip: For those looking for a more intense ride, ask the attendant if they can accommodate you toward the back of the ride vehicle. However, all seats offer a thrilling adventure!

EXPERIENCES

See a wand choose a wizard at ollivanders.

Location: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley

Step inside this iconic shop and watch an Ollivanders wandkeeper go through the process of pairing a witch or wizard with just the right wand.

Pro Tip: Play your cards right and you might be the lucky witch or wizard chosen. (Note: The person chosen has the option whether or not to purchase their wand.)

Cast Spells With Your Interactive Wand

Look for medallions on the ground throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley for opportunities to practice your magic. Simply follow the spell directions at your feet and look out for amazing surprises.

Pro Tip: You’ll need an interactive wand for this one, and inside the box is a map telling you where all the spells are located. Check out our guide on all of the interactive wands you can get and how to use them .

Meet the Hogwarts Express Conductor

Oftentimes you can find this jolly gentleman next to Hogsmeade Station welcoming you to Hogsmeade.

Pro Tip: Take a photo with him to remember your Hogwarts Express journey.

Send a Letter Through Owl Post

Here, you can mail a letter complete with a special wizarding world postmark.

Pro Tip: This is a great way to let your friends and family know you’re thinking about them during your trip in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Meet the Knight Bus Conductor

On the London embankment, you’ll find this three-storied bus and its amiable driver.

Pro Tip: You can also chat up the shrunken head hanging over the steering wheel.

Exchange Your Muggle Money at the Gringotts Money Exchange

Have a conversation with the goblin behind the counter before trading your U.S. currency for Gringotts bank notes in $10 or $20 denominations.

Pro Tip: The bank notes can be used for purchases within Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and at select locations throughout the theme parks.

Check Out Dark Magic in Knockturn Alley

Inside Knockturn Alley, you can get a taste of the dark magic in the wizarding world. Visit Borgin and Burkes for gruesome trinkets, and use your interactive wand on some secret spells that are only visible in the darkness.

Pro Tip: Try and keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of subtle, hidden details like singing shrunken heads and a wanted poster for Bellatrix Lestrange.

SEASONAL: Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Diagon Alley, London, and Hogsmeade are transformed with festive décor and brilliant lighting during the holidays. Not only do the shows incorporate some favorite holiday tunes, but look out for special treats and drinks! The atmosphere is simply brimming with excitement.

Pro Tip: Plan some time to take in all the detail of the beautiful decorations.

Get Your Moving Photograph at Shutterbutton’s

Create a portrait of yourself that actually moves and purchase a collectible photo album in commemoration of your trip.

Pro Tip: Borrow props and costumes or bring your own. Explore more of the experience.

FOOD & DRINK

You simply can’t come to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and not try Butterbeer! This concoction is reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread. Find it at many of the restaurants listed below and various snack stands throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.  

Pro Tip: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has several ways to enjoy that delicious Butterbeer flavor , so prepare your taste buds in advance.

Three Broomsticks

This cozy, snow-capped inn offers tasty British fare including Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Cornish Pasties, Turkey Legs, and Fresh Vegetables. View a breakfast menu and a lunch and dinner menu .  

Highly Recommend: The Great Feast – A platter of scrumptious food for four, featuring fresh garden salad tossed with a signature vinaigrette dressing, rotisserie smoked chicken, spareribs, corn on the cob, and roast potatoes.

This pub in the back of the Three Broomsticks is the perfect place for a Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice, along with domestic and imported beers, the pub’s exclusive Hog’s Head Brew, Gillywater (bottled water), specialty drinks, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the stuffed hog’s head over the bar — it just might snarl at you.

Leaky Cauldron

A small, grubby-looking pub and inn where you’ll find foods like Bangers and Mash, Fisherman’s Pie, Toad in the Hole, Ploughman’s Platter, and more. View a breakfast menu and a lunch and dinner menu .

Highly Recommend: Ploughman’s Platter – A selection of English cheese, crusty bread, field green salad, roasted tomatoes, cornichon pickles, apple beet salad, branston pickle and scotch eggs. Perfect for sharing!

Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour

In this ice-cream parlour, witches, wizards and Muggles of every age can indulge in scoop and soft-serve ice-creams with fantastic flavors like Butterbeer, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate and Raspberry, and more.

Pro Tip: Keep an open mind…some unusual flavors may surprisingly delight you! Our recommendation is to try the Chocolate Chili or the Earl Grey and Lavender for something different.

The Hopping Pot

Nestled within Diagon Alley, you can cool off with a variety of delicious drinks at this walk-up counter like Butterbeer, Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice, Fishy Green Ale, and more.

Pro Tip: This is a great place to grab a snack while watching a show in Carkitt Market.

The Fountain of Fair Fortune

Named for one of the fables in The Tales of Beedle the Bard , this location serves a variety of beers, like the exclusive Wizard’s Brew, Dragonscale, and a handful of non-alcoholic beverages.  

Pro Tip: You can also get Butterbeer ice cream here.

Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment

Here, you can try a variety of colorful elixirs. All you need to do is choose your elixir, pour it into Gilly Water, and watch it transform into a tasty beverage. You can pick from Fire Protection Potion, Babbling Beverage, Draught of Peace, and Elixir to Induce Euphoria.

Pro Tip: Not only are they delicious, but they’re a fun gift to bring home for your Muggle friends.

London Taxi Cart

Location: London outside of Diagon Alley

Before hopping aboard the Hogwarts Express or wandering into Diagon Alley, stop by this cart for a Jacket Potato snack. Choose from Loaded, Broccoli and Cheddar, Bean and Cheese, or Shepherd’s Pie toppings.

Pro Tip: After getting your potato, check out the buildings behind you. You may see a familiar face peeking out the windows.

Ollivanders

In search of the most essential wizarding item? Look through the thousands of boxes filled with wands waiting to choose their wizard.

Pro Tip: There are many variations of wands in addition to character wands, and make sure to check out the interactive options.

Dervish and Banges

This shop offers it all from brooms, Hogwarts clothing, journals, and stationery to magical items like the flying Golden Snitch and Quidditch supplies like Quaffles.

Pro Tip: Discover your Hogwarts house before arriving so that you’ll know which product will best show your house pride.

The shelves of this legendary sweet shop are lined with all manner of colourful treats including Acid Pops, Cauldron Cakes, Fizzing Whizzbees, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.

Pro Tip: Every Chocolate Frog comes with a wizard trading card, so look out so you can collect them all!  

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods

Peruse items taken from students who got on the wrong side of the school’s resident caretaker, Argus Filch. You’ll find Hogwarts t-shirts, shoulder bags, caps, scarves, house crest banners, and stationery.

Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the Marauder’s Map and watch as inhabitants move about Hogwarts castle.

Here, you’ll find correspondence materials like stationery, quills, seals, and ink. This is also where you can send a letter with a special Hogsmeade postmark.

Pro Tip: Just like Harry Potter found Hedwig, you can even pick out your very own owl plush to take home.

Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes

This colourful emporium is the novelty joke shop run by identically ingenious prankster twins Fred and George Weasley. Shop for all manner of mischief such as magical jokes, tricks, and toys. Check out our 9 must-haves!

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the dazzling display of never-ending fireworks exploding on the ceiling and a few other fun finds you may recognize from the films.

Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions

Build your wizarding wardrobe at this cheerfully appointed shop. You can buy authentic replicas of Hermione’s Yule Ball gown. You’ll also find Hogwarts uniforms, ties, scarves, hats, and cardigans as well as jewelry.

Pro Tip: Model your potential purchase in front of the mirror and it just might talk back to you.

Magical Menagerie

Purchase a variety of plush toys including Crookshanks, Fang, Buckbeak, Fluffy, and Scabbers. Also available are Cornish pixies, ferrets, Pygmy Puffs, and an assortment of owls, including Pigwidgeon and Hedwig.

Pro Tip: Try out your Parseltongue when you peek in at the snake in the window from outside the store.

Borgin and Burkes

This dark and dusty Knockturn Alley shop is infamous for shady patrons. As you walk among the dimly lit shelves and displays teeming with malevolent relics, you’ll find Death Eater masks, skulls, apparel, accessories, jewelry, and collectibles.

Pro Tip: Look (and listen) for the Vanishing Cabinet just like the one Draco Malfoy once used to sneak Death Eaters into Hogwarts.

Quality Quidditch Supplies

This is the destination for everything you need to play the most popular sport in the wizarding world, including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles, and more.

Pro Tip: You can even pledge your allegiance to professional teams like the Holyhead Harpies or the Chudley Cannons, Ireland or Bulgaria.

Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop

Discover a wealth of wizarding treats. Every nook is stocked with tasty temptations like Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, Acid Pops, Exploding Bonbons, Pink Coconut Ice and more.

Pro Tip: Feed Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans to unsuspecting friends and family and brace yourself as they just might end up with a flavor like earthworm or earwax.

Find all the authentic writing supplies a witch or wizard could need including ink and inkwells, feather quills, parchment, journals, stationery sets, seals, bookmarks, and backpacks.

Pro Tip: Everything here is perfect for back-to-school or your office.

Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment

Browse a variety of apparel and accessories from your Hogwarts house, as well as a variety of fun Butterbeer-themed items.

Pro Tip: You can have packages delivered to the front of the park or your Universal Orlando hotel room so that you don’t have to carry them all day in the theme parks.

Wands by Gregorovitch

This long-time rival to Ollivanders also creates some exceptional wands. Here, you can choose from a wide assortment of Harry Potter character wand replicas.

Pro Tip: Boxes with gold labels are interactive and will help you practice magic in the theme parks.

Globus Mundi

Globus Mundi is a travel agency of the wizarding world. Stop into their shop over by Carkitt Market where you can get all your travel essentials for your next magical journey like luggage tags, wallets, sweatshirts, and more.

Pro Tip: Look around the shop and you’ll see a gorgeous wall of ticking clocks representing different time zones and some of the coolest posters and maps from around the world.

Hogwarts Frog Choir

Hear the vocal stylings of this small choir of Hogwarts students, accompanied by the smooth bass rumbles of their giant throaty frogs.

Pro Tip: Look in your park map or on the official Universal Orlando Mobile App for times.

Triwizard Spirit Rally

Cheer on the colourful procession of students from the legendary wizarding schools of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang as they lead the excitement for the Triwizard Tournament.

Pro Tip: Stick around after the show for a potential meet-and-greet opportunity.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Watch as adept players perform a trunk show using stylized scenic pieces, props, and puppetry. See them retell two famous tales of Beedle the Bard, a 15th-century author of wizarding fairytales, including The Fountain of Fair Fortune and The Tale of the Three Brothers .

Pro Tip: This stage is right near The Hopping Pot in Carkitt Market (see above), so grab a snack and enjoy!  

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

Sway and groove to the dulcet tones of wizarding world sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. The swinging show features never-before-heard songs including “A Cauldron Full Of Hot, Strong Love,” “You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart,” and “You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me.”  

Pro Tip: Visit during the holidays and enjoy four hits from Celestina’s chart-topping holiday album, including “My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas.”

HIDDEN GEMS

Call the ministry of magic.

Try entering the telephone booth in London and dialing 62442 (`MAGIC`) to see what you get connected to.  

See 12 Grimmauld Place

Keep an eye out for the Black family`s loyal house-elf, Kreacher – you might just see him.

Watch Out for The Monster Book of Monsters

A Book with Bite! Stop inside Dervish and Banges to view this beastly required reading for Hogwarts students taking the Care of Magical Creatures class. It’s caged for a reason.

Discover the Heavily Jeweled Shell of a Fire Crab

Fire Crabs are one of the magical creatures that Hagrid used to create Blast-Ended Skrewts. You may be able to catch a glimpse of one of these creatures’ massive jeweled shells in the queue of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Be sure to keep an eye out for all the hidden gems inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

So much to see and do! Where to first? Tell us in the comments below.

To have the ultimate Harry Potter experience, book our exclusive The Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package .

Universal Destinations & Experiences

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Kelsey Shea Weinrich

Kelsey is a Content Representative at Universal Orlando Resort. She considers The Mummy (1999) a perfect movie and doesn’t tolerate Hufflepuff slander.

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18 comments.

You should go to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and to Flight of the Hippogriff also.

My husband and I want to plan a trip to Hogwarts’s. What motel accommodations are available?

Take a look at our on-site hotels here: http://bit.ly/2IPOqHj

Hi My family and I will be visiting during Halloween, are there any special attractions. We want to spend the entire day at the Harry Potter Wizarding World. Also, How do I purchase tickets in advance and how much are they. Looking forward to the attractions. Sounds amazing.

Hi Theresa!

We do have Halloween Horror Nights beginning September 6th – November 2nd, 2019. To purchase regular park tickets, please visit our website at http://bit.ly/2JjVa0y . We currently have a Halloween Horror Nights special under Deals & Specials on the page as well.

Planning to come Feb 20 and maybe 21st, 2021. Two adults, may only do one park. Will you also be having Mardi Gras Parades?

Hi Madison! There will not be a Mardi Gras parade this year, however a fleet of spectacular Pirate Treasure themed floats will be on display throughout Universal Studios Florida along with a collection of Universal’s classic Mardi Gras floats!

I’m bringing my daughter for her birthday. We have the flights and clerk hotel but I’m totally confused about how and where to buy tickets. She loves Harry Potter….I figure two parks in two days…. is that the best way to do it?

Hi Theodora! We’re so excited you’ll be celebrating with us! You can purchase tickets and look at all of our options online here: https://bit.ly/3sGy6Lp

Hi, afternoon~ if we are going in May, is there any sorting hat experience in either dragon alley or Hogsmeade? thank you

Hi Amanda, we do not offer this type of experience at either of our parks. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause.

Hello, my daughter and I (61/38 you don’t have to be a child, to have fun), will be visiting this weekend (November 10-12 2023) and we can’t wait to get started. There is so much to see and do and, we’ll do our best to get thru it all. Thanks for all the work you do in describing the parks, especially the “Pro Tips”. We’ll come back and let you know, how everything went on our trip. Harry Potter and all the other rides, shops and food, here we come!!! Is it very busy at this time of year and if so, should we purchase the express pass? (I have a bit of a mobility issue) Thank you in advance, for your responses. See you soon!

Hi Dianne. We are so excited to hear about your upcoming visit and can’t wait to welcome you! While you are here, we definitely recommend stopping by Mythos Restaurant for a delicious dining experience. Additionally, while crowd patterns can be hard to predict, holidays and school breaks are typically our peak attendance seasons. Our Universal Express Pass options are designed to give our Guests an enhanced theme park experience as a limited number of passes are sold in order to minimize the wait time in the express queues. We can’t wait for your visit!

My adult children and I are coming on February 2 for the day. Will it be busy? Do we need the express pass? what tickets will we need to enjoy both Harry Potter parks and a ride on the Hogwarts Express? We are huge Harry Potter fans and are looking forward to this!

Hi Linda! We’re happy to learn about your visit! While attendance does fluctuate throughout the year, historically, we find it that February is a very pleasant time to be at the parks! Additionally, Universal Express Passes are a great way to enhance your visit, however, it is not required in order to enjoy our attractions. Lastly, a Park-To-Park ticket will be required for all Guests that are looking to ride the Hogwarts Express. You can find more information about tickets by visiting this page. https://bit.ly/3HEvV48

Are there any activities suitable for toddlers in the Harry Potter world? I’m planning a visit with my 3yo daughter, she is really into wizards and magic themed but she doesn’t know Harry Potter yet, I wonder if it’s too early and she’ll get bored or if it’s a great start for a new fan.

Hi, my girlfriend and I are visiting in June for the first time! My girlfriend is a huge Harry Potter fan and I want to give her the best experience except due to other arrangements we are only able to visit the park for one day. which park would be the best to visit?

Hey, Hunter! We can’t wait to see you! Each park features an immersive land including attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping. For the full experience we recommend Park-to-Park Admission for the day if possible. However, if you are only able to choose one we encourage you to explore our interactive website to make the most informed decision. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Guest Services at (407) 224-4233 if you have any further questions!

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Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips and Hacks to Save You Time, Money and Hassle

Some things just seem meant to be.

You see, for the last two months of our South American trip, both of our kids devoured the entire series of Harry Potter books . Once done, we all started re-watching the movies together as a family since Charles and I are huge Harry Potter fans as well.

So, when we had the chance to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on the way home, we were thrilled.

We had heard nothing but good things about the Harry Potter world, but honestly, the Universal Orlando Parks blew our expectations out of the water. Every detail was perfect and lovingly crafted. We truly felt like a family of muggles magically dropped into Harry Potter’s world.

Check prices for a three day Park-To-Park pass, with TWO extra days FREE here. 

Aside from having a fantastic time, the four of us learned a lot during our visit, so I wanted to share our tips for visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to make your visit easier, faster, and save you money.

Top Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips

Get the park to park pass.

To start off, in order to access everything both wizarding worlds offer, make sure you get the Park to Park pass.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between the two Universal Florida parks, with Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios. The parks both have unique shops, rides and experiences, so you’ll want to go to both. You’ll also need a Park to Park pass to ride the Hogwarts Express!

Check prices for a 3 day Park-To-Park pass, with TWO extra days FREE here.

Try to visit for at least two days

It is possible to visit both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley in one day, but you’ll likely be rushed, and you’ll miss a lot of the carefully crafted details. You’ll also miss everything else both parks have to offer.

If you can, take at least two days to visit, and don’t forget about the Park to Park passes. Even better, right now Universal has a fantastic special, where you get two extra days FREE if you buy a 3 day Park to Park pass. See all of the Universal Orlando’s deals here .

We’ve heard great things about buying passes in advance on Undercover Tourist. Unlike a lot of other sites, taxes are included up front (so no surprise fees at the end), AND shipping is free. Plus, you’ll save $42 over paying at the gate.

Save $53 on a three day Park-To-Park pass, with TWO DAYS FREE here. 

Get the Official Universal Orlando® Resort App

We grabbed the app the day before we went to help develop a game plan for the big day and to let everyone in the family mark the attractions they didn’t want to miss. Once there, we used the app constantly during our visit to figure out where we were and to help decide where to go to next.

Tip! If you don’t have a data plan, don’t worry, there’s free WiFi available throughout the park!

The app was so helpful for checking out wait times and show times, finding rides, and figuring out which restaurant we wanted to go using the interactive park map. You can even set up alerts for when ride wait times drop, save your parking information, and check out restaurant menus!  Download the app on iTunes here . Get the app on Google Play here .

Stay at an onsite hotel

Many of the Universal Orlando hotels include Unlimited Express Passes and early park access to help you beat the morning rush. Since no car is needed, you’ll also save time and money by using the free shuttle service.

You can choose between

• Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Leows Royal Pacific Resort
• Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, or
• Leows Portofino Bay Hotel

Free Universal Express Unlimited is included, which is worth up to $89 per person, per day (not offered at at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort or Cabana Bay Beach Resort).

Check prices for hotels near Universal Studios Florida.

Important: Universal Express access is not valid on Fievel’s Playland, Pteranodon Flyers, Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides or Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

All on site hotels offer Early Park admission (one hour before regular opening hours) and complementary transportation to the Parks and CityWalk. There are some other great perks, including complimentary delivery of merchandise from the Resort to your hotel, appearances by Universal Orlando characters, and priority restaurant seating (for Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort).

You can also get Early Park admission if you buy a Universal Orlando vacation package through Universal Orlando, even if you don’t stay at a Park Hotel.

Did you know that there’s a Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan and California ?

Interactive Wand Hacks and Tips

First, get the new interactive wands.

They ring in at $47 USD per wand, but our eight and eleven year old spent hours casting spells in shop windows at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. They were worth every penny, as they brought the shop displays to life, and really made our kids feel they weren’t mere muggles! They also used them at both parks each day we were there and you can bring them with you the next time you go to Universal Studios.

You’ll find the spell locations on the map included with your wand and will see the corresponding medallions with the nature of the spell on the ground. Don’t worry too hard about finding them, there are usually a few kids lined up trying to get them to work, as well as a special wizard helper showing you exactly how to make the perfect wrist movement.

Wand Tip! Since the camera sensor is small, stand just in front of the medallion. It seems that tight wrist movements work best and make sure you aim towards the four red dots.

There are a bunch of locations to master your wand skills in both Diagon Alley as well as Hogsmeade. One of the kids favorites was the wingardium leviosa spell to float a feather and make quiddich balls float in the air at Spintwitches Sporting Needs in Hogsmeade!

Buy the interactive wand at a cart

The most popular places to buy an interactive wand are at Ollivanders in Hogsmeade or at Wands by Gregorovitch in Diagon Alley. Both places can be very busy, especially Ollivanders, since it also has the special wand selection attraction.

If they’re busy, and they probably will be, pick up your wand at a cart instead of in the small and often busy wand shops. There are wand stands located throughout both Harry Potter Worlds with practically no one in line.

We picked our wands up at a cart in Hogsmeade at the Islands of Adventure, near Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. There was almost no wait at the stand, and they had the most popular wands on display. Since the wand chooses the wizard, Dumbledore’s wand chose our daughter, and Sirius Black’s wand chose our son. The stand attendant was patient and helpful, and our kids got their wands much more quickly than if we’d gone to Ollivanders.

If you want to buy your wand at one of the shops, it’s usually quieter at Ollivanders in Diagon Alley than Ollivanders in Hogsmeade. The Diagon Alley Ollivanders is also bigger, with a larger selection of wands, and you’ll get the experience of having the shopkeeper help you choose your wand.

Secret Locations!  The special map that comes in your interactive wand’s box will guide you to wand spots in both worlds, however there are also a few secret spots hidden throughout the park. Here’s one to get you started: check out the storefront at Slug and Jigger’s Apothecary in Diagon Alley.

Here’s the next best thing to picking up your wand at Olivanders. These aren’t interactive wands, but they’re carefully boxed and get good reviews.

Harry Potter’s Wand

About the wand show at Ollivanders

You can also visit the wand show at Ollivanders in Hogsmeade to get help picking a wand. The show lasts about five minutes, and Ollivander himself will select one person from the crowd to demonstrate a wand selection ceremony. The show’s free, but you’ll have to pay for your wand.

It’s All About the Butter Beer

Make sure you try the butter beer.

It’s non-alcoholic, and comes in three types: regular, hot, and frozen. I absolutely loved the regular butter beer, and I’m not a fan of sweet drinks, so I thought I wouldn’t like it. In fact, I now get butter beer cravings! I think it may be time for a trip back to get some!

Regular butter beer tasted like a mix of cream soda and root beer, but less sweet than either, topped with a butterscotch flavored creamy topping that doesn’t melt into the drink. I found it both tasty and refreshing.

Our 11 year old, Cole, loved the new hot butter beer. The hot butter beer tasted a bit like white hot chocolate with the same butterscotch flavored topping as regular butter beer.

Charles tried the frozen butter beer, which we’d heard was the best. Surprisingly, it was our least favorite. We did drink it on a fairly cool day in Florida (it was about 20 Celsius /65 Fahrenheit at the time). We may have enjoyed it a lot more on a hot day in the summer.

You can also get butter beer ice cream in the park!

Share a butter beer

The butter beer portions are fairly large, so if you’re buying for a small child, consider sharing. Our eight year old couldn’t finish hers, but luckily I was able to help. 😉

If the stands are busy, you can get butter beer with your meal at Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron. Even better, there’s a secret entrance at the back of Three Broomsticks that will let you get into the bar, which is part of the restaurant. This can save you a wait in the Three Broomsticks restaurant line. Just go down the alley on the side of the Three Broomsticks to find the entrance.

If you love butter beer as much as I do, and plan to make it your main beverage while you’re in the park, forgo buying your butter beer in a souvenir mug. You don’t get discounts on butter beer refills, and the souvenir mug is smaller than the disposable cups. As a note, you do get discounts on other beverages in the souvenir mug, so if you’re drinking other beverages it may be worth your while. Plus, you’ll get the mug as a souvenir.

Where to Eat

Eat at Three Broomsticks. We loved Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade so much that we ate there twice in two days. The food is British inspired, with treats like shepherd’s pie, kids mac and cheese, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and roasted potatoes. It was all absolutely delicious.

For supper, for a family of four we got two side baked potatoes, one salad, two corn on the cobs, a kids Mac and cheese, a roast chicken, two regular butter beers, two hot butter beers, and our total came to $65.18. We were absolutely stuffed, so next time, we’ll be sure to save some room for a pumpkin drink and the delicious looking sticky toffee bread pudding.

If you can, eat outside of the usual 11 to 1 pm lunch window. On our first visit to Three Broomsticks, there was a line way out the door. We only had to wait 20 minutes, but when we went at around 2 pm on our second day, we walked in with only a five minute wait.

Plan your meals ahead

If you’re a vegetarian, or if you have special dietary requirements, choose your restaurant wisely. We had three vegetarians in our group, and there were veggie options at every restaurant, but you may be limited in what you can eat in certain restaurants.

For example, at the Leaky Cauldron in Universal Studios, they only had soup and salad as a veggie option, so we decided to eat elsewhere. You can get menu information on the Universal Orlando App or the Universal Orlando website  to plan ahead.

Use the Official Universal Orlando® Resort App ( get it on iTunes here | Google Play ) to check out menus in advance.

Shopping – Our Harry Potter World Tips

If you have time, quickly stop in all of the shops, since each shop has something unique. Each shop is beautifully Harry Potter themed, with everything from the Owl Post where you can buy stationary, quills and ink (and send a postcard from the Hogsmeade Post Office that’s stamped with a Owl Post postmark) to Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley where you can dabble in dark arts merchandise.

Our favorite shop in Diagon Alley was Weasleys Wizard Wheezes novelty joke shop run by the Weasley twins Fred and George. You’ll find fantastic jokes and magical stuff like Pigmy Puffs, U-No-Poo pills and Puking Pastilles.

Berties Bots Every Flavor Beans

Sugarplum’s Sweetshop was another favorite, with the inventive Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans (but watch out – they do come with vomit and booger flavors!), and fun treats like Cauldron cakes and Exploding BonBons.

In Hogsmeade, our favorite shop was Honeydukes sweets shop. It was one of my personal favorite places in all of Hogsmeade. We found wonderful treats like chocolate frogs and exploding bonbons.

Honeydukes Emporium Exploding Bon Bons

Dervish and Banges was another winner, with fun magical items like Golden Snitches, and brooms like the Nimbus Two Thousand.

If you’re short on time, skip Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods in Hogsmeade. Filch’s Emporium is more like a regular gift shop with merchandise like clothing.

Both Universal Orlando Parks have a pickup service, so you don’t have to tote your purchases around all day. Just buy your souvenirs and pick them up at the end of the day. If you’re staying at an on-site hotel, you can even arrange to have your purchases sent directly to your room.

Rides at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Harry potter and the forbidden journey.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was our favorite of all the fantastic rides, shows, and experiences at Universal Orlando. I don’t want to spoil too much of the surprise, but the ride felt the most like the real world out of any theme park ride I’ve ever experienced. It honestly felt as if we were truly swooping through Harry Potter’s world on broomsticks. Even our little eight year old, who doesn’t love scary rides, thought this was one of the best rides in the park.

Because this ride is so popular, it can have longer wait times, but there are so many interesting things to see in the line as you wait that the time really flies! On the way in you’ll see the Defense Against the Dark Arts class room, moving paintings, the Gryffindor common room, and even Dumbledore’s office.

Escape from Gringotts

If you’re in Diagon Alley, ride Escape from Gringotts. It’s a fun, 3D ride with incredibly realistic looking animatronic goblins, lots of twists and turns, and fire-breathing dragons. You may even catch a peek at he who shall not be named, Lord Voldemort, himself! Even if you’re not a big fan of rides, it’s well worth your time to stand in the line for all of the incredible sights and sounds of Gringotts Bank on the way in.

Look up on your way into Escape from Gringotts

The dragon on top of Gringott’s breathes fire periodically. You can actually feel the heat from his flames so get your camera ready – you won’t want to miss it.

If you’re a fan of Hagrid (like I am), check out the Flight of the Hippogriff ride in Hogsmeade. You’ll see Hagrid’s hut while you’re in line.

Saving Time at Harry Potter World

Get there early.

We are not morning people, so morning starts were the hardest part of our day, but we did find the crowds to be much lighter in the morning before noon. Try to be at the park at least half an hour before opening. It’s a fairly long hike from parking to the entrance, and it does take a few minutes to pass through the entrance, and then through the park to the Wizarding World of  Harry Potter as well.

We found that the crowds really dropped off around 6 pm, in the three hours before closing, and stayed quieter until the park shut down. This, or early morning, is the perfect time to take in the busier rides and attractions at Harry Potters Wizarding World since most people have experienced and left this area of the park already.

Make sure you check closing times! Closing times for Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure were different when we visited.

Look at getting the VIP Experience

With a VIP experience, you can skip ALL of the lines plus get your very own personal Universal Orlando tour guide. You also get a continental breakfast, plus you can choose several other options.

That means you can get priority front-of-the-line access to all rides and attractions including all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions and experiences. Plus, you can get behind the scenes tours, complimentary valet parking and reserved seating at shows.

You can also get a private VIP experience, with just you and your party (which includes two full service meals), or a regular VIP experience. I didn’t know about the VIP experience option when we want, but it sounds amazing. I’d be especially tempted to get it if I was short on time!

See information on the VIP experience here.

Visit the other Universal Park attractions mid day

Harry Potter world is incredibly popular, and many of the shops and lines can get crowded early to mid afternoon. We used this time to check out the rest of Universal Orlando and Universal Islands of Adventure. Since the rest of the Parks are so huge, they feel much less busy during peak times compared to the Harry Potter areas.

Go during a quieter month

If you have the flexibility, try to avoid traditionally busy times like weekends, Christmas, Spring Break and summer holidays. Orlando Informer has a helpful Universal Crowd Calendar .

Get Express Passes if you’re visiting other areas of the park

An Express pass lets you skip the normal lines and jump in the express line. We loved having the Express Passes, as they saved us plenty of time in lines during the busier afternoon time and allowed us to experience nearly everything both parks had to offer.

Important!  You can’t use Express Passes at Fievel’s Playland, Pteranodon Flyers, Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides or Ko’okiri Body Plunge, but we found they were a lifesaver for other rides in the Universal Parks.

To save time in lines, use the alerts in the Official Universal Orlando® Resort App to let you know when a wait time has dropped ( get it on iTunes here | Google Play ).

Use child swap

We used child swap on Escape from Gringotts, as our eight year old decided at the last moment that she didn’t want to go.

With a child swap, all the family stands in line together. At the last moment, one adult waits with the child when the other adult rides. When the first adult is done, the adults swap, and the adult who waited with the child goes to the front of the line. Just tell the greeter at the front of the line that you want to use child swap.

I loved that even the Escape from Gringotts child swap waiting room was perfectly and carefully Harry Potter themed, with clips from the Harry Potter movies that coincided with the attraction playing on a TV on the wall.

Take the single rider line

If you want to get onto the rides quicker, and don’t mind riding without the rest of your group, use the single rider line. This will save you a lot of time in queues, especially on the busier rides like Escape from Gringotts and The Hidden Journey.

Hogwarts Express Tips

Check to see if hogwarts express is running before you go.

If the Hogwarts Express is up and running, go as early in your trip as you can, to make sure you don’t miss it. It was down a few times over the two days we visited, and we’ve heard other people say it was down for part of their visit too. You can see it’s status on the Universal Orlando app mentioned above.

Ride the Hogwarts Express both ways

It’s a real train that that you can ride from King’s Cross in London or Hogsmeade. The experience is different each direction, but you’ll be sure to see the beautiful scenery of the English countryside, Hagrid on a flying motorcycle, Mad Eye, Harry, Hermione and Ron, and the Weasley twins, and even a dementor or two. The ride is also a lovely way to rest your feet for 10 minutes.

There’s also a fun surprise at Platform 9 3/4. If you pay close attention while watching people ahead of you in line, they’ll appear to walk through a wall to get to the platform.

Other Harry Potter Orlando Tips

There’s free WiFi throughout the park. We found it fast and reliable, so turn off your data roaming to save money. Thanks, Universal!

Visit the Night Bus

The Night Bus and wizard driver Stan Shunpike are outside of the Wizarding Worlds Diagon Alley on your way back into the rest of Universal Islands of Adventure. Stopping by for a photo op is well worth a few minutes. The driver and his little friend, Dre Head the Shrunken Head, were a lot of fun to talk to.

Call the Ministry of Magic from the telephone booth

You’ll need to figure out how to use a rotary phone for this one! If you dial the numeric equivalent of M A G I C (it’s 62442), you can hear a special message from the Ministry of Magic.

Go to the shows!

They’re well worth seeing. You’ll find the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally shows in Hogsmeade, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard show and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees show in Diagon Alley. Check the Official Universal Orlando App for show performance schedules ( get it on iTunes here | Google Play ).

Don’t be afraid to dress up and have fun!

Deluxe Harry Potter Child’s Gryffindor Robe

We saw plenty of people in Hogwart’s robes and house scarves with interactive wands in their hands everywhere throughout the park. Adults seemed to be in on the fun as much as kids so don’t be afraid to embrace your inner wizard.

elope Harry Potter Gryffindor House Infinity Scarf

Indulge your inner dark wizard in Knockturn Alley

It’s perhaps a little lesser known that some of the other Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions, but Knockturn Alley is chock full of interesting things to see and do.

Create your own moving pictures at Shutterbuttons

We somehow missed this during our visit, but it sounds like a wonderful keepsake. In the shop, you’re guided through 12 scenes, and you can purchase a DVD photo album in a collectible Shutterbuttons’ tin.

If you have any questions, just ask the staff

I was amazed with how helpful the staff were, even if I was asking them something that was well out of their field of expertise. They also stayed in character throughout Harry Potters Wizarding World and didn’t let us muggles get into too much trouble. Top marks to Universal for their amazing staff, who were always friendly and welcoming!

Hidden Secret:  If you’re patient, you can see Kreacher the House Elf peeking through the windows at 12 Grimmauld Place.

Pay for Prime Parking parking if you’re driving

We got prime parking both days we visited, and it was wonderful to have such a short walk to our car at the end of the day. We also managed to walk to the entrance a lot faster. Prime parking is an additional $10 a day at $30 (it’s $20 for regular parking).

Read and watch before you go

If you haven’t see a Harry Potter movie, or read the books in a while, consider catching up a bit before you go. There are so many little tidbits and in-the-know places and items throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that it makes it more fun if you know the backstory before you go. If you have time to catch up, there are lists of all of the movies and books at the end of this article.

That being said, you’ll still enjoy the park regardless. You just won’t be as amazed at all the little details Universal included while making it.

Saving Money on Tickets!

Before you buy your tickets, be sure to check out Universal’s deals and specials. They often have some fantastic deals, and offer special rates for Florida residents as well. Right now Universal has a fantastic special, where you get one extra day FREE if you buy a two day Park to Park pass.

Check prices for a 3 day Park-To-Park pass, with TWO extra days FREE here. 

See all Universal Orlando deals here.

If you’re looking to make panning simple, check out Orlando Vacation packages. Orlando Vacation has specials, discounts, and customized plans on hotels and theme park tickets. Call 1-800-641-4008 for planning assistance.

Is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on your bucket list? If you’ve been, do you have any Harry Potter Universal tips to share? Tell us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.

We were kindly hosted by Universal Orlando Resort during our trip, but they didn’t tell us what to write, and all opinions are all our own. They definitely didn’t encourage Micki’s current butter beer obsession, or get Charles to buy the kids their own wands, and they definitely didn’t force us to smile all day. Those came all by themselves.

What a lovely article, I found the pictures to be amazing. Adding this to my bucket list!

This article has been so helpful for our plans to visit. When we do I absolutely have to dress up and get myself one of those wands! Thanks so much for sharing!

Are you allowed to take wands on rides? If not is it better to ride the rides first then get a wand?

Laura, you can’t take the wands on most rides however some, like the main Harry Potter experience, provide free lockers for all your stuff right before you get on. There are also lockers situated throughout the park you can use for the day. You also can’t carry loose things on any rides like cell phones, etc. There are places to store it all though so don’t worry too much about the wands, you’ll likely use them at several points throughout the day depending on ride lengths and how busy it all is. Another option is to take turns holding the wands by splitting up the group. We did that a few times and it worked well for us.

Thanks for the great advice and tips. I just have to say, though…Knight Bus! 🙂

Fabulous tips! Thank you!

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Visit Hogwarts From Your Sofa In This Virtual 'Harry Potter' Ride

Who needs to leave the house accio universal studios.

Joanna Freedman

Harry Potter fans - we've got some super exciting news. You can now visit Hogwarts castle from the comfort of your sofa.

Well, sort of.

Thanks to Undercover Tourist, you can virtually visit the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Studios in the US without even moving a muscle.

In a video available to watch on YouTube, Potterheads can experience a trip around Hogwarts as if they were really there, visiting Dumbledore in his office and listening to paintings nattering around them.

You'll also get the chance to wander through the Defence Against The Dark Arts classroom, the herbology lab and you might even stumble into the Room of Requirement. And that's all *before* the ride has even started.

The good thing about watching the experience online, is if you want, you can fast-forward the queuing too, and get straight down to the action.

For the ride itself, you'll be strapped onto a broomstick (or, at least, the guy filming it was.)

As you keep watching, you'll then journey through the skies above Hogwarts, coming face-to-face with fire-breathing dragons, spiders in the Forbidden Forrest, and, of course, your besties: Harry, Ron, Hermione and non-other-than Hagrid.

You'll end up in the great hall, where everybody will be cheering, and Dumbledore will be on hand to offer you congratulations for saving the day.

With everything going on in the world right now, we can't think of anywhere we'd rather escape than Hogwarts.

Click here to experience the ride for yourself.

Of course, not everybody is a fan of Hazza P. But don't worry, the virtual fun doesn't stop there.

You can also take part in a whole string of Disney rides from your living room, from a jolly It's A Small World boat ride in Fantasyland Magic Kingdom to a terrifying trip on Space Mountain in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.

Fancy a trip to Neverland to ride on Peter Pan's Flight ? Or, what about a trip through a "cartoon universe" on Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, found at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

The fun really is never ending.

In such a troubling time, we all have a duty to stay inside and look after the most vulnerable in society.

But with all these rides on our to-do-list, self isolation just got a whole lot more interesting...

Topics:  Harry Potter , Life News , Harry Potter , Life News

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected] .

@ joannafreedman

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Universal Orlando Discounts and Deals

LAST UPDATE: 4/12/24

If you’re looking for Universal Orlando discounts , this is the right place! Universal Orlando includes two major theme parks:  Universal Studios Florida  and Islands of Adventure, plus a beautiful water park: Volcano Bay . You can easily spend two or more days exploring them. Fortunately, there are many, many Universal discounts and  special offers , which change constantly. On this page you’ll find Universal Orlando ticket discounts , special deals on Universal Orlando hotels , advice about saving money on meals and merchandise at Universal Orlando  and lots more!

Universal Orlando is building a new theme park scheduled to open in Summer 2025: Universal Epic Universe. Epic Universe will have 5 areas: Celestial Park; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Sometime later in 2024 there will be an interactive preview center at Universal CityWalk with more details and a sneak peek at this new theme park. There will also be 2 new Universal hotels opening in early 2025, located adjacent to Epic Universe: Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort.

All offers are subject to change without notice. Always call ahead and confirm before driving out of your way to take advantage of a particular offer! 

• Universal Ticket Discounts & Deals
• New! Universal On-Site Hotels: Tips, Discounts & Deals
• Nearby Hotels: Tips, Discounts & Deals

Booking A Universal Orlando Vacation With a Travel Agent

Dining, entertainment & merchandise discounts, getting to universal orlando from walt disney world, parking deals, universal express passes, the wizarding world of harry potter, annual special events, universal orlando ticket discounts & deals.

• Regular Gate Prices for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure

Discount Tickets from Undercover Tourist

• Advance Purchase Tickets – Universal Website or Hotel Desk

Power Annual Pass Deals

Annual passholder ticket discounts, aaa/caa ticket discounts at the gate.

• AAA/CAA Ticket Advance Purchase Discounts

Warehouse Club Ticket Discounts

Florida/georgia resident ticket discounts, military ticket discounts.

• University of Central Florida Ticket Discounts

Using Award Points for FREE Tickets

Regular gate prices for universal studios florida and islands of adventure.

Regular ticket prices for Universal Orlando last went up in October 2023. Annual Pass prices last went up in April 2023.

Universal Orlando sells tickets that vary in price depending on the specific dates you plan to visit. You must select your start date and how many days you want to visit to see a final price for your tickets.

One-day tickets are valid only on the specific date you select. Multi-day tickets are valid for three days longer than the number of days of admission, to allow for breaks or visiting other attractions. In other words, if you get a 4-day ticket, you can visit Universal on 4 different days within a 7-day range. Once you’ve visited the 4th day, or the full 7 calendar days have passed, the ticket is expired and no longer valid.

You can change your ticket to new dates, or add days, any time up to the end of the day on the last day the ticket is valid. For example, if you buy a 2-day ticket, and on the 2nd day you visit you decide you’d like to add one more visit to your trip, you can go to a guest services location or ticket window and add a day to your ticket, by paying the difference in price between the ticket you currently have and the ticket you are buying. If you bought your existing ticket from a discounter like Undercover Tourist, they will credit you the full price for the ticket towards a new one.

Important Money-Saving Tip

If you are buying multi-day tickets, there may be multiple ticket date ranges that will work for your trip, and each of those date ranges could have a different price! For example, say you want to visit Universal on February 9, 10, and 11, so you need a 3-day ticket. A 3-day ticket is good for any 3 days of admission within a 6-day range. You don’t have to get a ticket that starts on the 9th. There are actually four different date ranges that will work! You can get a ticket that starts on the 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th, since all of them will be valid for the 9th, 10th and 11th. By checking the prices of all four options, you can choose the one that costs the least. At times (such as right before a holiday), that can save you $40 or more on each ticket!

Here’s another example in the table below, using prices from 2024 for a 3-day park-to-park ticket. Let’s imagine you want to go November 22-24. Four different tickets are going to be valid on the three dates you want to go, but the price difference is a whopping $49 between the lowest and highest prices. We’ve bolded the three days you want to go in each set of dates. The key is that you don’t have to actually start using a ticket on the first day it’s valid! You can just show up on the 22nd and start using it.

PRICES BELOW INCLUDE TAX

One Park Per Day (Base) Tickets – 2 Park (No Volcano Bay)

These tickets are valid for visiting either Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure (but not Volcano Bay) each day. You can’t visit more than one park in a single day or ride the Hogwarts Express with these tickets.

We give price ranges for all tickets, representing the lowest and highest prices seen as of the last time we checked park prices. Usually the lowest prices can be found in the fall and early and late spring, and the highest prices are for long holiday periods like spring break, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Park-To-Park Tickets – 2 Park (No Volcano Bay)

Valid for visiting Universal Studios Florida  and  Universal Islands of Adventure (but not Volcano Bay) each day. You can visit both parks in a single day, and you can ride the Hogwarts Express with this ticket.

One Park Per Day (Base) Tickets – 3 Park (Includes Volcano Bay)

Valid for visiting either Universal Studios Florida  or Universal Islands of Adventure or Volcano Bay Water Park each day. You can’t visit more than one park in a single day or ride the Hogwarts Express with these tickets.

Park-To-Park Tickets – 3 Park (Includes Volcano Bay)

Valid for visiting Universal Studios Florida  and  Universal Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay Water Park each day. You can visit all three parks in a single day, and you can ride the Hogwarts Express with this ticket.

Volcano Bay Only Tickets

A 1-Day Volcano Bay Ticket costs $85.20 Adult (10+) or $79.88 Child (ages 3-9), tax included. During high waterpark season (summer), the price is $5.33 higher.

If you are already buying a 2-day or longer 2-park Universal Orlando ticket (either one-park-per-day or park-to-park), switching to a 3-park ticket and adding an extra day is always cheaper than buying a one-day Volcano Bay ticket, and gives you extra flexibility.

Annual & Seasonal Passes

Two-Park Passes are valid for visiting Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Three-Park Passes are valid for visiting Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. Prices are the same for all ages (3+).

†Seasonal Pass has black out days (mainly Christmastime, Spring Break and mid-summer for Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure). Includes discounts at on-site resort hotels and discounts on select theme park & special event tickets. Not valid for separately ticketed special events. Does not include parking or food/merchandise discounts. The 3-Park Seasonal Pass also has black out dates for Volcano Bay Water Park (mainly Spring Break, late spring and summer).

^Power Annual Pass has blackout days (mainly Christmastime and Spring Break for Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure). Includes discounts at on-site resort hotels; 50% off regular daytime self-parking (after your first visit); admission to Mardi Gras and discounts on select theme park & special event tickets. Not valid for separately ticketed special events. Does not include food/merchandise discounts. The 3-Park Power Annual Pass also has black out dates for Volcano Bay Water Park (mainly late spring and summer). There are frequently deals on the Power Annual Pass.

^^Preferred Annual Pass gives admission every day to Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure for 365 days. Not valid for separately ticketed special events. Includes early park admission on select days for Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure; free self-parking (after your first visit); food and merchandise discounts; discounts at on-site resort hotels; admission to Mardi Gras and discounts on select theme park & special event tickets. The 3-Park Preferred Annual Pass also has black out dates for Volcano Bay Water Park (mainly summer).

^^^Premier Annual Pass gives admission every day to Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure for 365 days, plus Unlimited Universal Express Plus after 4:00 pm and early park admission at Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure only. Not valid for separately ticketed special events. Includes free valet parking or prime self-parking (after your first visit); one ticket to Halloween Horror Nights, admission to Mardi Gras; discounts on select theme park & special event tickets; food and merchandise discounts and discounts at on-site resort hotels. The 3-Park Premier Annual Pass also gives admission for 365 days to Volcano Bay Water Park. 

More often than not, we find that the best overall discount on multi-day Universal Orlando tickets is from Undercover Tourist , a highly reliable ticket broker that sells substantially discounted Universal tickets (and other Florida attraction tickets). Undercover Tourist sells real tickets that you can take straight to the gate (not vouchers you have to trade in when you arrive) and its prices include tax and FREE shipping , so be sure to account for that when comparing prices. If you’d like to know more, take a look at  why we recommend Undercover Tourist .

Undercover Tourist Universal Orlando tickets are refundable! This is a huge benefit — even Universal doesn’t offer refunds on tickets! There is a 5% restocking fee, so most of the time it’s better to change the tickets rather than refund them, but for those cases when you really won’t be able to use the tickets at all, it’s great to know you can get 95% of your ticket cost back. To be eligible for refund, your tickets must be unused and unchanged. Check Undercover Tourist for the full terms and conditions.

• Save money on Universal Orlando tickets with Undercover Tourist!

Have some time before you need your tickets? Undercover Tourist offers its best deals on tickets exclusively for MouseSavers Newsletter subscribers. These special prices are not available to the general public and are not published here on MouseSavers.com. They are provided ONLY through a “secret” link in the monthly newsletter. They also run special limited-time sales on a few tickets (often including Universal Orlando) in a Hot Deals newsletter once per month, so if you want to see those special sales you’ll want to subscribe to the Hot Deals alerts as well.

• Subscribe to the FREE MouseSavers Newsletter . The newsletter comes out on the 15th of each month (or the next business day) and we do not send out the “secret” link separately from the newsletter, so please plan ahead.

Advance Purchase Tickets – Universal Website, Phone Order or Hotel Desk

Save $21.30 (tax included) off the gate prices of multi-day tickets when you buy online at the Universal Orlando website, over the phone, or in person at a Universal Hotel ticket desk. When purchasing online, you can print them yourself, use kiosk pickup (go to the park and get them out of a machine), or use ticket-booth pickup. All of those options avoid shipping charges.

Prices displayed on Universal’s site do not include 6.5% tax, which is added further along in the transaction. Once you get to the final price, it’s always a better deal to buy tickets from Undercover Tourist , which displays its real prices up front, with all taxes and shipping included.

This deeply discounted Annual Pass has blackout days (mainly Christmastime and Spring Break at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventures and late spring and most of summer  at Volcano Bay for the 3-park passes). It does not include parking or food/merchandise discounts.

• You can order it online at the Universal Orlando website. Florida residents pay a lower price.
• The Orlando Auto Club South (AAA) office usually offers an extra discount or sometimes extra months on the pass.

Holders of Universal Premier, Preferred and Power Annual Passes get 15% off the gate price of multi-day tickets when purchasing at the front gate. Seasonal Passholder get 10% off the gate price of multi-day tickets at the front gate. For most tickets this is less than the regular advance-purchase discount for buying online, and usually much worse than the Undercover Tourist discount. There is no discount for 1-day tickets.

All AAA (American Automobile Association) and CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) members can save $4 on a 2-Day/2-Park ticket and $5 off a 3-Day/2-Park ticket when purchasing tickets at the gate. Valid for up to six people per membership card. This is less than the regular advance-purchase discount for buying online, and much worse than the Undercover Tourist discount.

AAA/CAA Advance Purchase Ticket Discounts

Each AAA (American Automobile Association) and CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) region has different Universal offers. Some have deals that are available to all US and/or Canadian members; some have deals available only to local members; a few (particularly in the West) don’t offer any Universal Orlando deals at all. The prices vary tremendously from region to region and change all the time, so contact your local AAA office to check. Other AAA/CAA advance purchase options:

• Auto Club South offices in Florida, Georgia and western Tennessee allow AAA members from any region to purchase discounted Universal tickets on a walk-in basis (no phone orders). The nearest office is located at 783 South Orlando Ave in Winter Park (note that this is not very close to Universal — it’s about 25 miles away). Call (407) 647-1033 for hours and directions.(You can check the Auto Club South website , but only Auto Club South members can order online, and the prices are sometimes higher online.) Note that sometimes there is a delay of up to several days to get tickets, depending on the specific tickets you need, so definitely call ahead to make sure they have tickets in stock before showing up at their office.

The membership warehouse store Costco sometimes has great deals on Universal tickets, so it’s always worth checking at your local store, particularly if you live in the Midwest and Eastern US. At times Costco offers discounted tickets on its website and you don’t even have to be a Costco member to buy through the site. (Non-members pay a 5% surcharge, however.) There is a shipping charge, which varies.

Universal often has special ticket promotions and offers for Florida (and sometimes Georgia) residents .

Universal Orlando has special tickets for military personnel . Active duty and retired military personnel should also check with their local MWR/ITT office or with Shades of Green at Walt Disney World for discounted ticket prices.

Military Freedom Pass

2024 Military Freedom Pass

Active duty, retired US military members and their families can purchase a 2024 Universal Orlando Military Freedom Pass. The Military Freedom Pass is valid most dates November 16, 2023 through December 20, 2024. Blockout dates are December 25, 2023 – January 2, 2024 and March 25-31, 2024. The Military Freedom Pass can be added to a Military Vacation Package. 

• The 2-Park Military Freedom Pass costs $210 per adult ticket + tax (age 10+), and includes admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Valid in both parks on the same day. The Military Freedom Pass for children (age 3-9) costs $205 per child + tax.
• The 3-Park Military Freedom Pass costs $245 per adult ticket + tax (age 10+), and includes admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay (open seasonally). Valid in all three parks on the same day. The Military Freedom Pass for children (age 3-9) costs $240 per child + tax.

The Military Freedom Pass is only available for purchase at your authorized Military Ticket and Travel Office. You may purchase up to 6 passes. You must present a valid Military ID at time of purchase, when activating the pass at a Universal Pass Sales window, and when entering the theme parks.

These passes must be activated before you can enter the parks. To activate your pass, go to any Universal Pass Sales window and present a valid ID. The military member or spouse must be present when the passes are activated and use one of the tickets.

• To book the Military Freedom Pass as part of a Universal Orlando Military Vacation Package , we recommend contacting a travel agent who specializes in Universal travel.

Questions about the Military Freedom Pass?

• More details about the Military Freedom Pass are available on Universal Orlando’s Military Deals & Specials page . 
• Another great resource is Military Disney Tips ; they have a detailed post about these passes.

University of Central Florida – Universal Ticket Discounts

Students, faculty and staff at University of Central Florida can purchase 1-Day/1-Park, 2-Day/2-Park and 1-Day Park-to-Park Universal Orlando tickets at a significantly reduced rate. There is a limit of 2 tickets per 30 days. Tickets can be purchased through the SGA Ticket Center located on the first floor of the Student Union. Be sure to buy in advance because they do sell out at times. Thanks to Amanda for info.

Many different credit card rewards, hotel points and other awards programs allow you to redeem an award in the form of Universal Orlando tickets. Below are the ones that have been reported to us:

• If you have the type of American Express charge card that earns  Membership Rewards points, you can sometimes redeem those points for Universal Orlando tickets (availability comes and goes on the Amex site). Thanks to Amy H for info.
• You can redeem Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points to purchase adult or child 1-Day Park-to-Park Universal Orlando tickets on the Rapid Rewards site . Thanks to Donna I for info. 
• You can redeem IHG Rewards Club points for Universal Orlando tickets. See the IHG Rewards Club site for details. Thanks to Lori B for info.
• The Chase Ultimate Rewards program has Universal Orlando tickets as an award option. Thanks to Drew H for info.
• You can sometimes redeem Regal Crown Club credits for Universal Orlando tickets. Thanks to David A for info.
• Readers report that Canadians can redeem Air Miles for select Universal Orlando tickets. Thanks to Dawn N for info.

On-Site Hotels: Tips, Discounts & Deals

• New! Universal On-Site Hotels Overview

Room-Only Versus Package

• Undercover Tourist Hotel Discounts

CheapTickets and Orbitz Hotel Discounts

• Book Directly with Loews Hotels
• Book Directly with Universal Resort

AAA Hotel Discount

Booking universal orlando resort hotels through hotwire, florida, georgia and alabama resident hotel discount, annual passholders hotel discount, military hotel discounts, american airlines aadvantage miles hotel discount, portofino bay hotel – benefits for platinum card from american express, universal on-site hotels overview.

The official Universal Orlando hotels are all operated by Loews Hotels . The three deluxe resorts (Portofino, Hard Rock and Royal Pacific) are all AAA Four Diamond Award winners.

• Portofino Bay Hotel has an elegant coastal Italian theme and is the most luxurious of the hotels. It offers the most amenities, including a spa, and more restaurants. It is the furthest deluxe resort from the major parks, which means the longest walk or boat trip. That said, you can walk from the boat dock to the parks in 10-12 minutes of brisk walking, or it’s about a 6-7 minute boat ride. It has 750 rooms, including 45 suites.
• Hard Rock Hotel is designed to look like a classic California mission-style hotel from the outside. Inside are the usual rock star memorabilia and signed pictures associated with the Hard Rock Café brand. The music is loud and continuous, but the amenities and food are quite good. It is the closest walking distance from Universal Studios Florida (about 4-5 minutes walk). It has 650 rooms, including 29 suites.
• Royal Pacific Resort is a tropical paradise with a South Seas theme (primarily Balinese and Indonesian). It has lovely grounds, including a lagoon-style pool with a white sand beach. While this is usually the least-expensive of the Universal deluxe resorts, it is in our opinion the most attractive of the resorts, with our favorite on-site lounge (Jake’s American Bar). It is also the closest walking distance to Universal Islands of Adventure (about 4-5 minutes walk). It has 1000 rooms, including 51 suites.
• Sapphire Falls Resort is a modern resort with some nice Caribbean-themed touches here and there, lush landscaping and, of course, lovely waterfalls. A large lagoon pool area has a sand beach, water slides, a kid’s water play zone and rockwork that is reminiscent of an old Spanish fortress. There’s a rum bar with a massive wall of vintage rums to try and Caribbean cocktails, plus the Amatista Cookhouse, which serves Caribbean-influenced food like jerk chicken and conch chowder. The amenities are roughly comparable to Disney’s moderate resorts, although with interior corridors and rooms that are more like a modern business hotel.
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a Prime Value hotel, featuring a hip, vintage look, with 900 family suites and 900 standard guest rooms. The family suites are exceptionally nicely designed, with a three-way split bathroom (toilet in one room, sink/shower in another, and a separate sink outside). We were impressed by the nostalgic mid-century modern décor (think space-age 1960’s/Jetsons). The resort has much more extensive amenities than Disney’s value resorts, including a lazy river, two main pools, a water slide, and a bowling alley.
• Aventura Resort is a Prime Value tower hotel with a contemporary, clean feel. There are standard guest rooms, as well as 13 kid suites that sleep 5 and have a special interior area for the kids, for a total of 600 rooms. Prices are similar to Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Amenities include a pool, a splash zone and a virtual reality game room. There’s a rooftop bar and grill (Bar 17 Bistro), a modern food hall (Urban Pantry). In-room tablets allow guests to order pizza delivered to their room and to control rooms’ features like the TV and room temperature controls.
• New! Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21, 2025) will be a Prime Value hotel, with 750 standard guest rooms. The exterior is covered with color-changing tiles and the interior décor is inspired by the stars. It will have a quick service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a poolside bar and grill, plus a bar in the lobby. The pool area includes a 10,000 square foot pool, a kids’ splash pad, outdoor games, a hot tub, fire pit and poolside movies (weather permitting).
• New! Terra Luna Resort (opening February 25, 2025) will be a Prime Value hotel, with 750 standard guest rooms. The exterior is covered with color-changing tiles and the interior design takes its inspiration from the planets and terrain in our solar system. There will be a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; a bar and grill; and a lobby bar. The pool area has a zero-entry pool with a hot tub, lounge and table-top seating and select outdoor games.
• Endless Summer Resort has two Value hotels: Surfside Inn & Suites and Dockside Inn & Suites . Surfside, with 750 rooms, has beachy, surfing-themed décor. Dockside, with 2050 rooms, has more of a beach retreat feel. More than half of the rooms in both hotels are 2-bedroom suites. These suites feature two separate bedrooms, a kitchenette and dining area, and a bathroom with a separate shower and vanity. The 2-bedroom suites sleep up to six people. Surfside amenities include a pool, and a food court. Dockside has 2 pools, a splash pad and a casual dining restaurant (which also has grab and go items). Both have pizza delivery and a game room. 

See below for benefits of staying at the on-site Universal hotels.

Universal offers bundled Vacation Packages that combine a stay at one of their on-site hotels and park tickets (and an optional dining plan , if and when those become available). A hotel stay by itself, without tickets or dining, is called a “room-only” reservation. Most of the time there is no real discount for buying everything together as a package, though typically if there are any current room discounts they’ll apply to packages as well, and sometimes Universal offers very good deals on package bookings. 

When Universal is not offering a special package deal, you’ll usually save the most by putting your own package together from the best deals in each category: book a room-only (non-package) hotel reservation, buy your tickets from a discount vendor such as Undercover Tourist , and use our tips to save money on food . It does take some time and energy to put together the pieces yourself, so it’s really a judgment call for each person as to whether the savings are worth it.

Our recommendation for booking Universal vacation packages is always to book using a good full-service travel agent . You get significantly better service than from Universal’s own sales people, and it doesn’t cost you a dime; the prices are exactly the same as booking directly with Universal.

Our recommendation for booking hotels & tickets separately (i.e. room-only) is to look for the best available discounts from online travel agencies for the room (or take advantage of one of the other discounts below), and buy tickets from a reliable discount vendor . And you may also want to consider looking at off-property hotels near Universal ; the savings can be considerable.

Undercover Tourist Hotel Discounts

Long-time MouseSavers favorite Undercover Tourist also offers hotel bookings at the official Universal Orlando Resort hotels! Their base rates typically reflect the existing Universal/Loews discounts, plus they offer an additional discount on at least some resorts and room types. The biggest discounts seem to be on the Deluxe resorts, as you’d expect, but we’ve seen some discounted rates for the Cabana Bay and Sapphire Falls resorts as well.

Compared to other self-service travel websites like Expedia or Orbitz, Undercover Tourist has good prices year-round with no messing around with special codes, as well as friendly customer service with live human beings. They offer the same generous cancellation and change policies as Universal Orlando with no extra fees.

Undercover Tourist is a great company that we have recommended for years for  Universal Orlando Tickets and other Florida attraction tickets as well as car rentals ; they’re well worth considering for hotels as well. Read more about why we love Undercover Tourist .

• Book a stay at an official Universal Orlando resort with Undercover Tourist!

CheapTickets  and  Orbitz  are operated by the same company (and are owned by Expedia), but they don’t always offer exactly the same deals. CheapTickets and Orbitz only offer “room-only” reservations. It’s definitely more work than using a full-service travel agent , but if you’re comfortable doing your own research, the savings can be worth it. Be sure to read the caveats in this section carefully, as well as our  general advice about booking with online travel agencies , and compare different options before booking.  

When you check out, they will typically offer you park tickets as an upsell, but typically you can get better ticket prices from other vendors . Be sure to compare prices before you throw those tickets into the cart. If you want to book a Universal Vacation Package with tickets and a hotel stay (and an optional dining plan , if and when those become available), you’ll want to use a full-service travel agent .

Note that Orbitz has their Orbitz Rewards program  that rebates 1%-5% of your booking cost back as “Orbucks” you can use for future travel. This can make the Orbitz deal come out ahead, if you can use the Orbucks before they expire.

For a long time, Orbitz/Cheaptickets overcharged for children because of a glitch in their booking system. When we have checked recently, the glitch appeared to be fixed and we were able to book children normally without being overcharged. However, we’re still getting intermittent reports of readers being charged extra for children under 18 at Universal hotels, which is not Universal policy. It may be that Orbitz is still working out the kinks from their merger with Expedia, and depending on your exact browser, device or something else, you may be getting the old booking engine with the old behavior. Just in case, if you are booking an official Universal hotel with children under 18, check if the price goes down if you remove the kids from the booking. If it does, book with just the adults listed, but make sure you’re booking a room that can hold the whole family. When you get to the hotel to check in, tell them the total number of people you have. As long as you booked a room that can hold everyone, there’s no problem with adding children at check in. You can also call or chat with Orbitz/Cheaptickets customer service to add the children in advance, but it’s not really necessary.

Booking Directly with Loews Hotels

The four Universal Orlando resorts are operated by Loews Hotels, so always check the Loews website . Often you’ll find special deals on the Universal Orlando resorts.

Booking Directly with Universal Resort

The online rates and specials you’ll see by checking Universal Orlando’s site are the same as the Loews Hotel site , so it’s generally not worth checking the Universal site if you’ve already checked Loews.

Sometimes it’s worth calling the Universal Orlando Resort directly at (877) 589-4783 (or have your travel agent do so) and ask if there are any “promo” rates for the time of your stay. There may be discounted rates available to the general public that aren’t listed online — you just have to ask! Thanks to Danielle for info.

The AAA discount is usually available, but the amount of the discount varies by season. To book with the AAA discount, you must call Universal at (877) 589-4783 , or a travel agent can book this rate for you.

Three of the official Universal Orlando hotels (Portofino Bay Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort and Sapphire Falls) sometimes show up on Hotwire at bargain rates (this is more likely in the extreme off-season, such as January or September).

The Hotwire Hot Rates option (which will pop up once you enter Orlando and your dates on the front page and start your search) allows you to get some amazing deals on hotel rooms, but you aren’t told the hotel’s name up front. You select the general location and then Hotwire gives you a list of prices for unnamed hotels in various star categories (i.e. a 5-star hotel will be a luxury resort, while a 1-star will be a low-end motel) and with specific amenities. At that point you can choose to accept or reject the offered price for a hotel that has a rating and amenities you want. Once you have accepted the price, you are charged in full. It is only at that point that you’re told the hotel name. There are no refunds or exchanges.

Although the names of the hotels aren’t listed, it’s sometimes possible to tell if it’s a Universal Orlando hotel being offered in the Hotwire listing. This information is subject to change and there is never any absolute guarantee that you’ll get a specific hotel, but here are some hints that have worked for many people:

• On the map, select only the “Universal Orlando” area.
• Select only 3, 4 and 5 star ratings. Portofino Bay is rated 5 stars, Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls are 4 stars and Cabana Bay is 3 stars. The Hard Rock doesn’t tend to show up, but if it did we would guess it would be 4 or 4.5 stars.
• You’ll see some hotel selections. The listings displays star ratings, amenities and prices.
• Portofino Bay will have at least  Golf, Tennis, Business Center and  Spa (plus other amenities)
• Royal Pacific Resort have at least  Golf, Tennis, Business Center and  Resort (plus other amenities)
• Sapphire Falls will have at least  Pet Friendly and Smoke-Free (plus other amenities)
• Cabana Bay will be listed as a Resort and will have Golf and Free Internet  (plus other amenities)
• Universal Orlando hotels will NOT list “Kitchenette.”
• These hotels aren’t available through Hotwire for all dates! You may find just one or none of them being offered for a particular set of dates. They tend to show up only in the short term – less than 2 months before arrival.

Remember, this information is subject to change and there is never any absolute guarantee that you’ll get a specific hotel when using Hotwire !

A discount for local residents is not always available, and varies by season. At times this may be the deepest discount available. Call Universal Resort directly to book, or a travel agent can book this rate for you.

Florida residents should ask for discount code FLO — you won’t necessarily get the best discounts just by going to the Florida Resident section of the Universal site or calling without the code.

Discounts for Annual Passholders are not always available, and vary by season, but sometimes these are excellent deals.

Call Universal Resort directly to book Annual Passholder rates, or a travel agent can book these rates for you. Or go to the Loews website , fill in your reservation details and type APH in the promo code box. You must show your annual pass at check-in.

Eligible US service members can get a discount at Universal Orlando hotels – up to 40% off stays at Cabana Bay Beach Resort and up to 30% off stays at other Universal Orlando hotels.

• To reserve a room with the military discount , contact your Military Ticket and Travel Office. 
• To book a Military Hotel Discount as part of a Universal Orlando Military Vacation Package , we recommend contacting a travel agent who specializes in Universal travel.

If you have an American Airlines AAdvantage membership, using their special hotel booking web site  to redeem for discounts on hotels can produce some really great results with certain hotels at certain times. The best deals seem to come up on short notice bookings (<3 months away). Sometimes the best value is by using their minimum point spend (1000 per trip) plus cash to effectively get a discount on the room. The typical rule of thumb is that airline miles are worth an average of $0.02/mile, so any use that nets you more than that per mile is typically a good use, and a deal where you get less than that per mile is not as good.

When we do sample bookings at the various Universal hotels, we’ve seen situations where you could spend 1000 points to get one of the Deluxe Universal hotels for $206/night instead of $358/night, which means you’re saving $152, or $0.15 per airline mile! Before you get too excited, that’s unusual: as you increase the number of points you use, the cash cost goes down, but the effective discount per point goes down as well. To book that same $358 room with all points and no cash is a whopping 35,400 points per night, which is only about 1 penny per mile. We’ve seen other bookings where your points are only worth $0.005 (half a cent) per airline mile. So it’s worth checking, but get out your calculator and figure out what you’re saving, and always consider whether you could make better use of your miles some other way. Thanks to reader Edwin M for info.

If you have the  Platinum Card from American Express *, you can book Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando through the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program*. By booking through this program, you get:

• A room upgrade when available, upon check-in.
• Daily Continental breakfast at Trattoria del Porto for 2 adults.
• $100 food & beverage credit, good at Mama Della’s, Trattoria del Porto, Sal’s Market Deli, Splendido Bar & Grill, Room Service, Bar American and/or Thirsty Fish.
• Guaranteed 4:00 pm late check-out.

Note that the FHR rates are sometimes higher than rates you might find elsewhere, so you’ll have to weigh that against the value of the extra benefits. MouseSavers.com founder Mary Waring used FHR to stay at this hotel and for the date she selected in early October 2010, it was a great value. She got a $259 rate for a Bay View room, with all those extras.

*The FHR program is only available to those who have the Platinum Card® from American Express. This is a charge card that requires a substantial annual fee and is NOT the same as an American Express Platinum credit card, such as the Optima, Costco or SkyMiles Platinum cards, which do not qualify for FHR.

Nearby Hotels: Tips, Discounts & Deals

Staying off-site at a hotel near Universal can be a great way to save money. Compared to the on-site hotels you can get a room that is just as good, and in some cases better, at a price that’s significantly easier on the wallet. All of these hotels offer FREE scheduled transportation to and from Universal Orlando.

Our top choice for offsite stays near Universal is the Drury Inn & Suites near Universal Orlando Resort . It offers excellent value and in a great location for exploring Orlando. We’ve negotiated special offers for MouseSavers readers that make this hotel hard to beat.

If being within walking distance to Universal is important to you, check out the Doubletree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando .

• Drury Inn & Suites near Universal Orlando Resort (Intersection of Sand Lake and Turkey Lake Roads)
• Doubletree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

Drury Inn & Suites near Universal Orlando Resort

The Drury Inn & Suites near Universal Orlando Resort  is at the intersection of Sand Lake Road and Turkey Lake Road, and is an easy 5-10 minute drive to Universal Orlando; about 10-12 minutes to SeaWorld   (as well as Discovery Cove and Aquatica ).  This well-managed and maintained 238 room property offers  exceptional value , particularly for the area near Universal Orlando. Your room rate includes  FREE hot and cold breakfast, FREE evening “Kickback” with assorted hot and cold foods and beverages including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (beer, wine & mixed drinks) , FREE Wi-Fi, FREE parking, and FREE shuttles to Universal Orlando. Rates are low to moderate, and there is no added daily resort fee. MouseSavers readers get an extra 10% off best available nightly room rates!

Drury Inn & Suites near Universal Orlando Resort is a Universal Orlando Partner hotel , which means the hotel offers FREE scheduled transportation to Universal Orlando , and there is an on-site Universal Orlando desk where you can purchase tickets and get bonus benefits including discounts on merchandise at selected theme park locations, and discounts on food and non-alcoholic beverages at select Universal CityWalk and theme park locations. These bonus benefits are available even if you’ve already purchased your Universal tickets!

Comfortable  king rooms  or queen rooms that sleep up to 5 include Wi-Fi, 32″ LCD flat-screen TVs, a microwave and mini-fridge, coffee maker, hairdryer and an iron and ironing board. Larger 1-bedroom suites can sleep up to 6 people (not including a child in a crib). The 1-bedroom suites feature a separate living room with a pull-out queen sofa sleeper and a private bedroom with two queen beds or one king bed an an additional TV.

In addition to the FREE hot breakfast, the FREE evening “Kickback” includes soft drinks and alcoholic beverages as well as salads, soup and a light entree such as a penne pasta with pesto or make-your-own beef tacos– easily enough to constitute a free dinner! If you don’t want to dine at the hotel, you are within easy walking or driving distance to Sand Lake Road’s “Restaurant Row” – where you’ll find numerous casual and fine dining options. Read more about what the Drury Inn & Suites near Universal Orlando Resort has to offer.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando is the closest of the hotels located off Universal property. It’s an easy walk of about a half-mile to the entrance of Universal Studios. There is FREE scheduled shuttle service to Universal, SeaWorld (which also provides easy access to Discovery Cove and Aquatica ) and Wet ‘n Wild. The hotel is located on the I-Ride Trolley route, which gives you access to a wide variety of restaurants.

Standard rooms are good-sized (about 350 sq ft) and equipped with Sweet Dreams plush-top beds (either one King or two Queen beds), 32″ flat screen television, mini refrigerator, voicemail, in-room safe, iron and ironing board. The guest rooms have floor to ceiling windows, some with views of Universal. The DoubleTree offers Starbucks Coffee in the lobby, warm chocolate chip cookies upon check-in and a junior Olympic-sized heated pool. There is a lobby bar, a restaurant and a deli.

If all this information about Universal is making your head swim, consider consulting a travel agent who knows Universal and can book your vacation without any extra cost to you. Whether you want to book a trip to both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, or a stand-alone Universal Vacation Package, our recommended travel agency, Small World Vacations , can help you.

Small World Vacations agents are required to experience the destinations they sell. They are extremely knowledgeable about Universal Orlando and oriented toward saving you money. They understand the various discounts that are available, and they know the best tricks for maximizing your time and money when planning a Universal vacation.

If you want to book a combination Universal Orlando & Walt Disney World vacation , Small World Vacations has agents who are experts on both destinations and can handle everything, including transferring you and your luggage between the two resort areas. Read more about why we recommend them wholeheartedly! To book a Universal Orlando add-on of as little as two nights (on-site Universal hotels only) to a Walt Disney World vacation:

• Go to the Small World Vacations’ Walt Disney World request a price quote form. Fill it out with the details for the Walt Disney World portion of your trip. When you reach the “Special Requests” section, add a note saying that you’d like to add days at Universal Orlando and which on-site hotel you are interested in. A Small World Vacations agent will get back to you, usually within one business day!

Small World Vacations can also book a stand-alone Universal Orlando vacation package , including the popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package or a custom package with the exact tickets and hotel options that work best for you. (On-site hotels only. 3-night minimum for hotel and ticket packages.) To book a stand-alone Universal Orlando vacation:

• Request a price quote from Small World Vacations  and a Small World Vacations agent will get back to you, usually within one business day!  Please note:  Small World Vacations has a minimum booking requirement of 3 nights at  on-site hotels only.

Tips for Eating at Universal

The great feast platter at three broomsticks, september is orlando magical dining month, refillable drinks & popcorn buckets.

• Universal Dining Plan

AAA/CAA Discounts

Annual passholder discounts, restaurant.com, deals at the palm in the hard rock hotel, costco deals on restaurant gift cards, mandara spa discounts.

MouseSavers.com reader Jen W offers these great tips on Universal food and drink, plus an edible souvenir idea:

• Buy your butterbeer in a souvenir mug ($9 for an empty mug, $14 filled with butterbeer), or buy one of the many other souvenir mugs throughout the park, and use it to get soft drink refills for $1.19 (plus tax) at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Sadly, butterbeer refills are not discounted, just coke products, tea, lemonade and apple cider. Icees and slushies are also discounted, but cost about $3 (about $1 off). Check before you buy the mug. Some mugs are part of the refill program, and some (like the Hog’s Head mug) are just souvenirs.
• While in The Three Broomsticks, ask a server for a free soft drink refill before you leave. This may work at other restaurants, but we didn’t try it.
• Fresh whole fruit is the cheapest food in the park at $1.79 plus tax.
• Order the kids burger at Captain America Diner. For $7 it’s exactly the same as the adult burger, but you’ll have a side option of fries, grapes or apple sauce. Adult burgers have a choice of fries or side salad — but you have to ask for the salad.
• Head straight to a sit-down restaurant at non-peak meal times. We were approached by staff all three times we did sit-down restaurants and were amazed by their friendly and accommodating attitudes. If nothing else, it’s faster than quick service or a cart.
• Consider lunch or an early dinner at Mythos Restaurant. The theming is incredible and it’s a welcome respite from the crowds. Even if you don’t want to pay the reasonable prices, ask if you can walk through and take pictures of the amazing pizza oven and other details.
• Check the candy shop in Seuss Landing for affordable souvenirs without the long lines of Honeydukes. We spent $10 on 4-packs of rice krispy treats with “Thing 1” through “Thing 4”, or just $2.50 per kid.

MouseSavers.com reader Jatinder reports: “the family dinner at Three Broomsticks in Harry Potter was a great bargain and decent food for an amusement park. For $60 (10% off with AAA) you get a large salad with Italian dressing, 4 pieces of chicken (2 each breast/wing and leg/thigh), 4 ribs, sautéed vegetables and roasted potatoes. Nothing fried and all quite tasty, both rare in an amusement park.”

MouseSavers.com reader Jen W agrees: “The Great Feast at The Three Broomsticks was such good food (and such a good deal w/AAA discount) that we had it twice during our 3-day visit.”

Each year for the entire month of September, participating high-end Orlando restaurants feature three-course, prix fixe dinners at an exceptional value. Typically some of the top restaurants at Universal Orlando participate.

Visit Orlando Magical Dining’s website for details.

For cheap snacks, you can’t beat the refillable soft drink mugs and popcorn buckets available at Universal Orlando. Prices below are subject to change at any time:

• Many locations throughout both theme parks and CityWalk sell a refillable souvenir cup . The basic model costs $8.99 plus tax and you get refills for $1.19  forever. There are other souvenir cups (like a butterbeer mug, Minion-shaped bottle, etc.) that are refillable that cost more but are refillable under the same system, and some souvenir cups that are not refillable; they’re just souvenirs. Be sure to ask before purchase if a particular cup/mug/bottle counts as a refillable soda cup.
• There is also a separate Coke Freestyle Souvenir Cup program, which costs more (about $17), but offers FREE refills, only from the Coke Freestyle machines, and only for that day. You can pay a fee on subsequent days ($5.99 last we checked) to reactivate your Freestyle souvenir cup for another day.  Thanks to Clement P for info.
• Many locations throughout both theme parks (but not CityWalk) sell refillable buckets of popcorn for $5.99 plus tax. Refills cost $1.29  plus tax, refills on flavored varieties cost $2.99 plus tax. Although the signs suggest that the refills are good on the day of purchase only, in reality you can bring your bucket back on future days and get the cheap refills.

Universal Dining Plan

Universal Orlando has stopped offering all of their dining plans, including the standard plan and the quick-service plan, as of July 2, 2021. If you have an existing package booking with a dining plan, the price of the package will be adjusted accordingly and any amount you’ve already paid towards the dining portion of the package will be refunded.

Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) save 10% at select dining and merchandise locations. You may be asked to show a special “Discounts & Rewards” voucher along with their membership card. You receive the voucher from participating AAA clubs when you buy tickets or a vacation package from AAA. It still may be worth asking for a AAA discount even if you don’t have the voucher, especially at independent restaurants like Margaritaville and Hard Rock Cafe.

• 10% off select locations in the two theme parks. (Offer excludes merchandise or food carts, tattoos, alcohol, tobacco, candy, film, collectibles and sundry items.) If you belong to AAA or CAA, be sure to ask at every theme park restaurant and shop whether there is a discount.
• 10% off Universal Orlando CityWalk restaurants and shops. (Offer excludes merchandise or food carts, tattoos, alcohol, tobacco, candy, film, collectibles or sundry items. Discount on food, non-alcoholic drinks and merchandise at all CityWalk restaurants and shops with the exception of Emeril’s, Bubba Gump, Fossil and Fresh Produce.) Valid up to six people per AAA membership card. Show your membership card to get the discount.

Holders of the Preferred Annual Pass (but not the Annual Power Pass) get a host of meal, merchandise and entertainment discounts.

Save money at some Universal-area restaurants by purchasing discounted certificates from Restaurant.com . Most certificates are for a specific amount (usually $25) and you get them at a discounted price (usually $10 or less).

The Universal Orlando area restaurants offered through Restaurant.com change frequently (search for restaurants near zip code 32819).

• Read more details about Restaurant.com and possible discount codes that can save you even more!

Check The Palm’s website  to see their current offers.

If you plan to be a repeat customer (at any of the locations of The Palm), consider joining the 837 Club for $25 and receive a $25 gift card towards your next meal or happy hour bar visit. Once you become a member, you’ll receive Club Points every time you visit The Palm that can be redeemed for special rewards ranging from a complimentary dessert to a weekend getaway for two.

If you are a Costco member and you plan to eat at one or more restaurants that are part of a chain, it’s always worthwhile to check out the restaurant gift cards available through your local warehouse, which are typically discounted by 20%. Keep in mind that a gift card for a particular restaurant brand in the chain might also be accepted at other restaurant brands owned by the same chain.

Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay Hotel offers the usual massages, facials, and pedicures, as well as exotic therapies such as the Elemis Stone Therapy (small stones placed on key energy points during your massage) and Elemis Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap with Massage (using seaweed, sage, and essential oils to wrap your body, followed by a body massage). For reservations call (407) 503-1244 .

• Check the Mandara Spa website for specials (select the Offers tab).

If you plan to book a Universal vacation package (such as the Harry Potter Vacation Package ), your travel agent can add transfers from any Walt Disney World resort to any Universal resort and between any Universal resort and the Orlando International Airport.

If you’re not booking a vacation package and only want to visit Universal for one day, the cheapest way is usually to rent a car . Often you can get a one-day rental for as little as $30 plus tax, which is usually cheaper than the other options and gives you tons more flexibility. You will have to pay the current parking charge when you get to Universal, but even with that figured in this is usually the best value (though Lyft can be pretty close, depending on where you’re staying and what kind of rental deals you can find). Driving to Universal is very easy – take I-4 East and three or four exits away there will be signs telling you to exit for Universal. Follow the signs and they will lead you directly to the parking garage. Your hotel can give you specific instructions for how to get to I-4, or there are road signs on all the major Walt Disney World routes that will direct you.

If you don’t want to rent a car, other good options are a taxi (about $30-$45 each way plus tip, depending on traffic and where you leave from) or a chartered limo, sedan, or van . Usually a chartered sedan will be fairly competitive in price with a taxi. With chartered cars you know the price up front, while the price of a ride in a taxi varies depending on traffic and the specific route the driver chooses. On the other hand, there are always taxis available immediately at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, whereas with a chartered sedan you need to schedule a time to be picked up. Most limo services will pick you up earlier or later if you find that you get tired or need more time to see everything, but it depends on them having a car and driver available.

Lyft is a viable in Orlando now, and it works fine. Cost will be around $16-$35 each way depending on where in Walt Disney World you’re coming from and which Lyft variant you select. For more information and tips, see our complete guide to using ride services (i.e. Lyft) in Orlando .

Technically, you could take the city bus . This is really cheap, but not recommended. It takes about 1.5-2 hours each way from Disney’s Transportation & Ticket Center to Universal and requires you to change buses at the Orlando Central Bus Station, which feels more than a little sketchy.

Regular Parking Prices at Universal Orlando

Check the current parking rates at Universal Orlando.

Discounts/Deals on Parking at Universal Orlando

If you leave and return on the same day, present your parking receipt and you won’t have to pay again.

Avis and Budget car rentals from the Orlando International Airport can get a FREE upgrade to Prime Parking. (Voucher required.)

Self-parking is FREE after 6:00 pm (except during Halloween Horror Nights ). This is primarily intended for those planning to eat/shop/go to a movie in CityWalk, but you can, of course, go into the theme parks if they are still open.

Power Annual Passholders get 50% off regular daytime self-parking after their first visit (except on holidays & special events) at the theme parks every day.

Preferred Annual Passholders get FREE self-parking after their first visit (except on holidays & special events) at the theme parks every day.

Premier Annual Passholders get FREE valet or Prime self-parking and FREE valet parking (except on holidays & special events) at the theme parks every day.

Universal Unlimited Express and Early Entry For Universal’s Hotel Guests

Guests staying at Universal’s hotels receive special theme park privileges:

• Guests of all official Universal Orlando hotels get early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (though in the off-season sometimes only one park is opened early each day).
• Guests of the Deluxe Universal Orlando hotels (Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay Hotel) receive a Universal Express Pass for both main Universal Orlando theme parks (Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure).

The Universal Express Pass is a fantastic benefit that allows guests to use the Express entrance for attractions as many times as they want (for attractions that offer it, which now includes the main Harry Potter attractions). In our opinion, the Universal Express Pass feature alone is worth the extra cost of staying in one of the deluxe Universal hotels , because you to get a lot more access to the attractions in a lot less time.

While it used to be that Universal reserved the Unlimited Express Passes for the Deluxe hotel guests, now they are selling Unlimited Express Passes in limited quantities each day, allowing guests to stay anywhere they want and just pay for the Unlimited Express Pass separately (if they’re not sold out or blacked out on that day). Usually if you price it all out, it’s still cheaper for a family to stay in a Deluxe Universal resort, especially since you get one more day of Express pass than the number of nights you’re staying at the hotel (see below for more). But if it’s more convenient to stay somewhere else and you want the unlimited Express pass, check and see if they have any available for the day(s) you’ll be there.

Guests at all Universal resorts get free transportation by boat, tram, and/or bus to and from the theme parks and CityWalk, package delivery to their hotel room and use of their hotel room key card to charge purchases. Guests at deluxe Universal resorts also get priority seating at select Universal Orlando restaurants.

Guests of the Deluxe Resorts do not get special express access at Volcano Bay, but there are Volcano Bay Express Passes that can be purchased separately.

Something useful to know: if you stay one night at a deluxe Universal hotel, you actually get two days of Unlimited Express Passes . That’s because you can check into your hotel early on the first day and collect your room key and Express Pass, which you can take into the park and begin using right away. (Your room almost certainly won’t be ready that early, but the front desk will store your luggage and you can call or come back in the afternoon and get your room number.) The room key remains valid for Express Ride Access even after check-out on the second day: you can use it until the parks close that night. This works for longer stays as well: if you stay two nights, you get three days of Express Ride Access.

There are many different hotel discounts at Universal Orlando — be sure to check them out.

Buying Universal Express Pass & Universal Unlimited Express Passes Separately

Universal Express Pass

The Express Pass  gives you access to the Express entrance for each attraction that participates, though only one time per attraction. There is no need to pick up a separate pass or make a reservation for each attraction. You just show up, show the pass, and they send you through the Express line. Depending on the attraction, there still may be a wait, but it’s always substantially less than the regular line (except at off-peak times when neither line is very long). It does not include admission; you will still need a valid ticket to get into the park.

The Express Pass for one park (Universal Studios Florida  or Universal Islands of Adventure) costs an additional $85.19-$276.89 (tax included) per person per day, depending on the time of year, when purchased in advance. For two parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure) the price is $95.84-$287.54, about $10 more than a one-park pass. The price varies depending on season, with peak and holiday season prices the highest (naturally). It can also be purchased at the park. Thus if you’re not sure if you’re going to need it, you can go to the park, check out the wait times, and see if you feel like it’s worth buying. However, they sell out of Express Passes during peak periods, so if you’re going when it’s busy, it’s probably worth getting the pass in advance.

There is also a separate Express Pass and Express Plus Pass for Volcano Bay, which works slightly differently ( see section below for more ).

Universal Unlimited Express Pass

The Unlimited Express Pass  is like the Express Pass, but lets you use the Express entrance for each attraction that participates as many times as you want . It used to be that the Unlimited Express Pass was only available as one of the  Universal Deluxe Resort special benefits , but Universal now makes it available as a separate daily pass for people who already have tickets or an annual pass.

The Unlimited Express Pass for a single main park (Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure) costs an additional $117.14-$308.84 (tax included) per person per day, depending on the time of year, when purchased in advance. For both main parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure), it’s $127.79-$319.49, only about $10 more than a one-park pass. The price varies depending on season, with peak and holiday season prices the highest (naturally). It can also be purchased at the park, though they can and do sell out of these passes during high season.

Volcano Bay Express Passes

The Express Passes for Volcano Bay work a little bit differently from the Express Passes for the two main theme parks. The standard Volcano Bay Express Pass gives express access once per day to a selected group of rides (all of them except a handful that are both popular and lower capacity). The Volcano Bay Express Pass Plus gives express access once per day to all of the rides. There is no Unlimited version of the Express Pass for Volcano Bay – they’re all good for one ride per day.

The regular Volcano Bay Express Pass varies in price from $21.29-$106.49 (tax included), depending on how busy they expect the park to be. The Volcano Bay Express Pass Plus varies between $42.59-$138.44 (tax included). These prices are subject to change at any time, but in general the Plus pass costs about $20-$30 more than the regular pass.

Combo Tickets That Include Express and Unlimited Express

You can also buy a combo with a park-to-park ticket and Express or Unlimited Express . You get Express or Unlimited Express on each day you use the ticket. The first ticket day must be used on a specific day you choose in advance, but any additional visits can be used on any day in the next 14 days after that.

The combo is almost always cheaper than buying the tickets and the Express or Unlimited Express Passes separately , but for one-day tickets, the savings may be almost nonexistent. You really save the most money with the multi-day bundles. However, there may or may not be a combo available for the number of days that you plan to visit the parks, as the offers change. If one is available that works for your travel plans, compare the cost of the combo with the cost of buying the items separately to see which is the lowest.

We think the Express and Unlimited Express passes are worth the extra money only if you’re visiting at peak times, or if you know you aren’t going into the park early. If either of those apply to you, an Express Pass or Unlimited Express Pass may be worth considering. In the lowest seasons, these passes generally don’t provide that much benefit, because most of the rides in the park just don’t have long waits until the middle of the day.

For most families of 2 or more, staying in a Deluxe resort is going to be cheaper than buying an Unlimited Express pass for everyone in your family plus staying in a Moderate or Value resort, and often even cheaper than buying regular Express Passes. When doing the price comparison, remember that a one-night stay in a Universal Deluxe resort includes two days of Unlimited Express Pass.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure puts guests inside the magical world created by J.K. Rowling in the Harry Potter books and films. The fully immersive, themed land enables guests to visit the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts Castle itself. You can drink butterbeer and pumpkin juice, shop for wizard merchandise, and even experience a wand selection! The theming absolutely fantastic. The village is adorable: it’s like walking right into the books. The effects in Hogwarts Castle are amazing. If you are a Harry Potter fan, it is definitely worth a half-day of your time. On a weekday in the off-season you can do and see everything in about 3 hours.

The newest attraction is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a freewheeling coaster flight through the Forbidden Forest aboard magical motorbikes. Another big attraction is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a state-of-the-art thrill ride that brings the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life.

On select nights, The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle projection show runs every 15-20 minutes. This fantastic show celebrates the four houses of Hogwarts with lights, music and pyrotechnics. There are two seasonal shows that will be shown instead: Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle is shown during Halloween and Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts is shown at Christmastime.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley  in Universal Studios Florida more than doubles the size of the area already dedicated to Harry Potter’s adventures, expanding it across both Universal theme parks. You can travel between the two areas aboard the iconic Hogwarts Express (a Park-to-Park Ticket is required to ride the Hogwarts Express).

Diagon Alley, a bustling, wizarding hub within the Muggle city of London, has shops and dining experiences. The main attraction, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, is a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional journey. You can visit Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, for all your magical joke needs; Borgin and Burkes, a shop specializing in a wide variety of Dark objects; and stop in for a meal at the Leaky Cauldron.

There is a greatly expanded Ollivanders wand shop that can handle many more people, which reduces the incredibly long lines that Ollivanders in Hogsmeade has had. The Ollivanders in Diagon Alley has exactly the same short but cute show, and it’s certainly worth seeing once, but if you’ve seen the Hogsmeade show, don’t bother with the Diagon Alley one.

At multiple times during the day several different shows are performed on a small stage in the back of Diagon Alley. A company of players will present one of two different Tales of Beedle the Bard, using bunraku-style puppets that are wonderfully detailed. And Celestina Warbeck (Mrs. Weasley’s favorite singer) performs a short set with a trio of backup singers. Both shows are well worth checking out.

Admission to either Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with your Universal Orlando theme park admission or Annual Pass. To visit both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley on the same day and to ride the Hogwarts Express, you need a Park-to-Park Ticket or Annual Pass.

Tips and Tricks for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Tips and tricks for harry potter and the forbidden journey, tips and tricks for harry potter and the escape from gringotts, the wizarding world of harry potter vacation package.

• If you plan to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley on a weekend, holiday or other busy time period, you would be wise to get in line at the front gates of Universal Studios Florida at least an hour before the official opening time. If you visit mid-week in the off-season, lines are not too bad.
• The crowds in Hogsmeade, the original Harry Potter area in Islands of Adventure, have dropped significantly since Diagon Alley opened. During peak periods, you still may want to get there before park opening, but lines build much slower than before, and on weekdays in the off-season you can show up in the middle of the day and not wait very long for anything.
• Especially during busy time periods, you may also want to consider staying at one of the official Universal Orlando resorts . Resort guest  Unlimited Express Passes now give express access to the Forbidden Journey, Escape From Gringotts or Hogwarts Express rides, AND you get early admission (one hour prior to official opening) to either Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley (you don’t get to choose which one; there will be signs at your hotel saying which one is open early). If staying on site, it’s currently recommended that you line up outside gates of whichever park is opening early by 7:30 am for 8:00 am early admission to the park.
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the newest ride in Hogsmeade, so get in line for this first.
• Ollivander’s is a very cute 5-minute show that Harry Potter fans will enjoy. (If you’re not a Harry Potter fan, just skip it completely.) Due to the show’s small capacity, the line can be very long. If you want to experience the show, try first thing in the morning. If the line is already long when you get there, wait and try again at lunchtime, or in the last hour before the park closes.
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the “big” ride that you don’t want to miss. See below for tips and tricks.
• Shopping – All of the shops are small and there can be long lines to get in as the crowds build. If you want a wand, the same ones sold at Dervish and Banges (which almost always has a long line to get in) are for sale at a cart near Forbidden Journey.
• Three Broomsticks/Butterbeer – If you don’t care about eating a meal in Three Broomsticks, go in during a non-mealtime and get a Butterbeer. The staff in Three Broomsticks may tell you to go out on the patio if you “only” order Butterbeer. Try to ignore those instructions, because the patio is not themed to any degree. You want to be inside, where you can enjoy the owl special effects. (Note that during non-mealtimes, it’s MUCH faster to get a Butterbeer in Three Broomsticks than to wait in the long lines at the Butterbeer carts on the street! Also, almost everyone seems to like the frozen Butterbeer better than the regular.) There can be long waits at mealtimes for Three Broomsticks during busy times of year, so if you want to eat there, either book a vacation package that includes breakfast, or try to eat at an odd hour.
• Flight of the Hippogriff – The line for this ride, which is an old ride that has been re-themed, is usually not significant. If you’re staying at one of the official Universal Orlando resorts , you’ll get access to the Express Line anyway.
• Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts develops long lines early, and is a signature ride you don’t want to miss, so get in line for it right away.
• Ollivander’s doesn’t develop quite as long lines in Diagon Alley as the location in Hogwarts, as they actually have up to three shows running at a time in Diagon Alley. But it’s still worth doing early to minimize the wait.
• Carkitt Market shows – All of the shows are well worth seeing, so check out the schedule and make a point to come by when they’re happening. We especially liked the Tales of Beedle the Bard, but the Celestina Warbeck show is also quite entertaining.
• Shopping and sightseeing – All the shops are worth a visit. They’ve developed a really wide variety of souvenirs and each shop has at least a few things that are unique to that location. In addition, the theming and decoration of each shop is well worth seeing. Make sure to visit the money exchange, which has an animatronic goblin who will respond to questions.
• Leaky Cauldron – Definitely go in here even if you don’t need food, and admire the amazing attention to detail. But if you are going to have lunch in the park, this is one of the better choices. The pub-style food is tasty and not wildly expensive compared to other choices at Universal.
• If you are visiting for at least two days, we recommend doing each “side” of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on separate days, so you can visit each of them first thing in the morning, then tour the rest of either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for the rest of the day. Do ride the Hogwarts Express on one of the days at your leisure when the wait time is posted at 20 minutes or less, and then turn around and ride it back.
• If you have only one day and have early entry, then go to whichever side has early entry and ride the main ride(s) (either Forbidden Journey, Gringotts, or Hagrid’s Magical Creatures) and go to Ollivander’s (it’s the same show in either location). If you’re in Hogsmeade, ride the secondary ride (Flight of the Hippogriff). In either area, spend the rest of the time sightseeing until the other park opens and you can ride the Hogwarts Express to the other area, then visit the primary attractions in the second park (skipping Ollivander’s unless you want to see it twice for some reason), then explore the whole Harry Potter area at the second park, and finally ride the Hogwarts Express back to the first park to finish your sightseeing.
• If you have only one day and don’t have early entry, generally your best bet is going to be to go to Diagon Alley first and ride Gringotts, then head immediately over to Hogsmeade and ride all the rides there, starting with Forbidden Journey. Then explore Hogsmeade thoroughly and head back to Diagon Alley to finish your sightseeing.
• The single rider line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey usually goes very fast. “Single rider” means you’re willing to fill any empty seat and not ride with the rest of your party. Everyone will get on the ride within a minute or two of each other, but you won’t ride together on the same bench. Signage is minimal for the single rider line: ask a Team Member at the beginning of the line outside the Castle.
• The single rider line bypasses the amazing Castle effects, which you will definitely want to see, but there may be a way around that. Depending on how they have the lines set up, they may be running a  “tour” line  for folks who want to see the castle interior but not ride. Ask any Team Member at the castle if the tour line is open. If it is, you can take your time, enjoy all the animations and stick around to see the multiple versions of each one. Then when you’re ready to ride, go in the single-rider line. MouseSavers.com reader Jeffrey L reports, “The normal line was 60 minutes or longer, but I took the tour and rode 3 times [in the single rider line] with almost no wait each time.”
• Lines for the lockers outside of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey are long and cause big bottlenecks. To avoid this, try not to bring things like camera bags or day packs that will have to go in a locker. Alternatively, pay for an all-day locker at the front of the park. A small waist pack or small items (cell phone/camera/sunglasses) that you can stuff in a pocket will allow you to skip the lockers. However, if you are borderline on fitting into the seats (see below), you won’t want anything in your pockets or around your waist that could bulk you up.
• The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction has significant size restrictions . There is a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. Also, some larger-sized adults do not fit in the unusual overhead seat restraints. Seats on some cars now have modified restraints that accommodate more body types. If you are in the “obese” BMI category ( check your BMI here ), like more than 30% of American adults, you may need one of the seats with the modified restraints. People with large chests (about 48″ or more), large midsections and/or large thighs may also need to use the modified restraints. Sample seats are available at the front of the attraction and offer a “traffic light” system: red light, you can’t ride; yellow light, you can wait for one of the newly modified seats; green light, you can take any seat. If you think you may be borderline on fitting into the restraints, be sure to wear thin, stretchy clothing (synthetic workout gear is great) and put everything you’re carrying, including the contents of your pockets, into a locker before riding.
• Thanks to MouseSavers.com readers Lew C, Jeffrey L and Maria B for tips.
• The single rider line is a great option to save a lot of line waiting. “Single rider” means you’re willing to fill any empty seat and not ride with the rest of your party. Signage is minimal for the single rider line: ask a Team Member at the beginning of the line. You’ll all ride at approximately the same time, just not seated next to each other.
• You’ll need to put any backpacks or loose items like cameras in a locker . However, you can get in line first (especially if it’s in the morning and the line is snaking through the entire area) and when you get to the entrance of Gringotts ask a team member for a locker return ticket. One of your party can take the return ticket, go off with everyone’s stuff and put it in a locker, then show the ticket to the team members at the entrance, which will let them rejoin their party via the single-rider line, which runs parallel to the main queue.
• The size restrictions  on Gringotts are not quite as bad as they are on the Forbidden Journey ride, but big or tall people should ask for the back row, which has a little more leg room than the other rows in each vehicle.

Fun idea shared with us by a reader: announce your visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by sending your kids a Hogwarts Acceptance Letter !

You can buy a wide variety of Harry Potter merchandise, including wands , at HarryPotterShop.com , the official online store of Harry Potter merchandise from Warner Bros.

There is a somewhat different (but overlapping) selection of merchandise (including the interactive wands that work at Universal Orlando) available from the Universal Orlando online shop . Usually when something is available from both, we find it’s a little cheaper from HarryPotterShop.com, but take a look at both just in case.

If you’re looking for Harry Potter t-shirts for your family to wear when you visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, HarryPotterShop.com  has quite a few, as does  Zazzle.com .

This EXCLUSIVE vacation package includes:

• 5-Night hotel accommodations (available at the official on-site Universal hotels* and at Universal Partner Hotels)
• 2-Park/5-Day Park-to-Park ticket^
• Early Park Admission** to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter !
• Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks – one per person
• Breakfast at The Leaky Cauldron – one per person
• 8 days of admission to select live entertainment venues in Universal CityWalk
• A Shutterbuttons Photo Studio session to create a moving portrait, also includes a DVD photo album
• A themed Keepsake Box that includes a welcome letter, travel planning guide, luggage tags (one per person) and a Hogwarts Railways lanyard (one per person)

Note that this package offers the ONLY way to reserve breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, minimizing time in line. (Three Broomsticks is a counter-service restaurant at lunch and dinner, and lines can be long!)

4-Night minimum stay required. Travel must be completed by 12/31/24.

*If you stay at one of the official on-site Deluxe Universal hotels, you’ll get an  Express Pass to most rides .

^The 5-Day Park-to-Park Base Ticket entitles one guest admission to 2 Universal parks (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) on the same day for the duration of ticket. Ticket is valid for any five calendar days during a seven consecutive calendar day period which includes the first day any portion of the ticket is used during normal operating hours. Unused days will be forfeited. Ticket excludes parking, discounts on food and merchandise, and separately ticketed events. Additional restrictions may apply which are subject to change without notice.

**Early Park Admission begins one hour prior to regular scheduled park opening at one Universal Orlando theme park. Valid at selection attractions at each park.

• Request a price quote from Small World Vacations  and a Small World Vacations agent will get back to you, usually within one business day!

Please contact them at least 21 days in advance of your trip (45 days for international visitors). The Harry Potter package can also be booked as an add-on to a Walt Disney World package. Read more about booking a combination Universal Orlando & Walt Disney World vacation.

Rock the Universe

Mardi gras at universal orlando, halloween horror nights, holidays at universal orlando, new year’s eve at universal orlando.

Overall Notes:

• Most events happen every year, so for annual events (or new events that we assume will become annual) we leave the information in place after the event is over, so you can see the time of year the event happens and what it was like the year before.
• Information on events that have already happened are colored gray. Once we get details about the next occurrence of that event, we update our information and change the text to black again.
• You can also take a look at the Universal Orlando’s seasonal events page to see current and upcoming special events.

In 2024, Rock the Universe was held January 26-27.

Rock the Universe is an after-hours event at Universal Studios and requires separate admission. Contemporary Christian music acts perform on three different stages for two nights. Select rides and attractions will be open throughout each night. There are also autograph sessions where you can meet some of the performers. On Saturday evening at 11:45 pm there is a special Saturday Ceremony performed by one of the headline performers.

2024 Rock the Universe Regular Ticket Prices

There are 2 types of tickets for this event. Event-only tickets allow you to enter Universal Studios after 4 pm and also attend the event. Rock Your Weekend tickets give you admission to the theme parks during the day (1 park per day and park-to-park tickets are available) and admission to Rock the Universe in the evening.

2024 Tickets prices, tax included are:

• 1-night Rock the Universe ticket: $89.45
• 2-night Rock the Universe ticket: $133.11
• 2-Park or 3-Park Rock Your Weekend Base Ticket (1 park per day): $160.80
• 2-Park or 3-Park Rock Your Weekend Park-to-Park Ticket: $208.73
• You can add a Rock the Universe Express Pass After 4 pm – One Time Per Ride for an additional $31.94
• You can add a Rock the Universe Express Pass After 4 pm – Unlimited Times Per Ride for an additional $42.59

These tickets are only good for the Rock the Universe Weekend dates. Annual Passes and Complimentary passes are not valid for this event. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount on tickets, one FREE ticket for every 10 purchased and and access to Youth leader lounges with complimentary snacks and/or refreshments.

• For more information about Rock the Universe and a list of performers, go to the Universal Orlando Rock the Universe page .

In 2024, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios was offered every night February 3 – April 7.

The main attraction during Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is an evening parade, with floats, street performers, stilt walkers and dancers. Beads are thrown to the crowd at this family-friendly event. During the Mardi Gras parade, most or all of the attractions are closed. 

On select nights there will be a concert on the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios. There may also be live performances in the French Quarter Courtyard and Cajun food is available for purchase.

Mardi Gras festivities are included in the regular price of admission to the park.

• For more information about Mardi Gras, go to the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras page .

In 2024, Halloween Horror Nights will be held select nights August 30 – November 3.

Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) is an after-hours event at Universal Orlando that is held on select nights in late Fall, including Halloween night. This is a scary event that is NOT appropriate for young children — we would not recommend taking a child under 12. It includes gruesome displays, actors with chainsaws and other intense stuff, in addition to haunted houses and a creepy parade. Park guests are not allowed to wear costumes. 

2024 Halloween Horror Nights Regular Ticket Prices

Specific date single night ticket prices start at $85.19, tax included, when purchased in advance.

Advance purchase single night ticket prices, tax included, are:

• $88.38 for September 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 25, 26; October 2
• $91.58 for September 22, 29; October 3
• $93.71 for October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31
• $99.03 for September 6; October 13, 20, 27
• $102.23 for September 13, 20, 27
• $104.36 for November 1
• $109.68 for August 30; October 4, 6, 11, 18, 25
• $113.94 for August 31; September 1, 7, 14, 21, 28
• $115.01 for November 2
• $125.66 for October 5
• $130.98 for October 12, 19, 26

Halloween Horror Nights requires separate admission. This event frequently sells out.

2024 Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass costs $138.44 – $255.59, tax included, depending on the date. This add-on allows you to skip the lines one time at all haunted houses and participating rides and attractions during HHN. Please note: this add-on does not include admission to HHN.

• Undercover Tourist sells HHN tickets at a discount . This ticket broker is completely reliable, prices include tax and shipping is FREE. If you’d like to know more, take a look at  why we recommend Undercover Tourist .
• For more information or to purchase tickets to Halloween Horror Nights, go to the Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights page .

In 2023, Holidays at Universal were held November 17 through December 31, 2023.

Holiday events at Universal Orlando include the music and festivities of “Grinchmas” as Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure is transformed into a wintry wonderland. Enjoy the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic, the Wonky Tree Lot, strolling Whos, and a chance to get your picture taken with the mean green one himself. The Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s takes place in Universal Studios Florida, with floats and balloons, along with characters like the Minions from Despicable Me , DreamWorks characters from Madagascar and Shrek – and even Santa Claus.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter also celebrates the magic of Christmas. Diagon Alley and London have festive décor and special holiday treats and drinks. King’s Cross Station features buskers singing holiday favorites and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees have a special show prepared just for the occasion. Hogsmeade shops are decorated with garland and lights. The Frog Choir sings seasonal melodies and there are special treats and drinks available. At night, a special projection show, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, transforms the castle and brings memorable Christmas moments from the Harry Potter series to life.

In-park holiday events are included with your regular Universal admission.

There is a Holiday Tree Hunt scavenger hunt. Use the Holiday Tree Hunt brochure to find themed holiday trees in Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk and get a stamp in your brochure for each one you find. The Holiday Tree Hunt brochure can be purchased for $10.60, tax included, at select merchandise locations (while supplies last). Bring the brochure to one of the designated locations and exchange it for a holiday ornament. You do not need to obtain any tree stamps to exchange the brochure for an ornament. 

If you stay at one of the  official Universal Orlando resort hotels , you will be immersed in the spirit of the season including Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, visits from Santa and Hanukkah candle lightings, holiday crafts and more. There are special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. There are also special meals for the holidays which may require a ticket. 

• For more information about Holiday at Universal, go to the Holidays at Universal Orlando page .

On December 31, 2023, New Year’s Eve was celebrated in Universal Studios Florida, Universal Island of Adventure and Universal CityWalk. Both parks were open through midnight that night. These celebrations were included with theme park admission.

The Best Rides At Universal's Islands of Adventure (According To a 10 year old)

Any trip to Orlando would be complete without visiting Universal Orlando Resort, which is made up of three theme parks.

In this guide, we’re going to be sharing our favorite rides from Universal’s Islands of Adventure , which is known for its thrill rides.

It has seven individually themed islands, each with its own attractions, restaurants and shops.

All the rides and attractions are based after books, movies, Marvel comics, or mythology.

As a Harry Potter fan, I was excited to visit the main Harry Potter section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which is located in this theme park, as well as one of the BEST rides EVER; The Incredible Hulk.

Personally, Islands of Adventure is my favourite theme park at Universal Orlando Resort.

If you’re planning a visit here and not sure which rides to go on, then this guide is for you! I’ve listed my favorite Universal Islands of Adventure rides so you can pick a few to go on during your trip.

Jurassic Park

Toon lagoon, seuss landing, the lost continent, marvel super hero island, rides at hogsmeade, islands of adventure, harry potter and the forbidden journey.

• Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

The Hogsmeade Experience

Use child swap, be a single rider, go early and stay late, get universal express passes, meet your favorite characters, consider a meal plan, tickets for islands of adventure, where to stay at universal orlando resort, universal orlando resort videos, pin to save on pinterest, the best rides at universal’s islands of adventure.

We had the 3 day park-to-park ticket so we could move between the parks easily.

I highly recommend having that pass. It will make your day so much better, especially for experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

In Islands of Adventure, there are lots of different lands.

For example: Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent (the one we didn’t do), Marvel Super Hero Island, Port of Entry, Toon Lagoon, Suess Landing, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Here are some of our favorite rides in each land.

There wasn’t really much to do in Jurassic Park, but it was still fun.

The Jurassic Park River Adventure ride was fun though and one of our favorites.

You think it’s relaxing until you pass the giant T-Rex and other dinosaurs and do the big, 85-foot drop at the end!

Savannah didn’t know it was coming, actually – nobody knew it was coming lol, except me because I watch videos of intense rides and stuff…..

Anyway, it was so funny to see her face drop and let out a tiny scream!

She’s not into scary rides and we convinced her to come on this saying it was just a gentle float down the river, which we thought it was!! She’ll never forget that ride.

Some more attractions at Jurassic Park:

• Camp Jurassic
• Jurassic Park Discovery Centre
• Pteranodon Flyers
• The Jurassic World VelociCoaster

We didn’t spend too long in Toon Lagoon because there wasn’t much to do in this land.

The famous Skull Island: Reign of Kong ride is located between Toon Lagoon and Jurassic Park, so we rode this one on the way in.

The ride is like a safari that takes you through the story of King Kong. It’s one of the most popular rides in the park.

There was a really fun ride in Toon Lagoon called Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.

This ride is a water ride and you get soaked!

Since there is child swap, (more information on that later) I got to go on it twice, so I got twice as wet lol!

It is about a 4-5 minute ride so it is one of the longer rides.

Be prepared for the steep drop at the end! (by the way, it’s basically the same steepness as Rip Ride Rocket Roller Coaster!)

Oh, and it was really funny because there was a people dryer right next to the ride!

More rides in Toon Lagoon:

• Me Ship, The Olive
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges

Savannah really liked Seuss Landing because there was a couple of good little rides for her so we visited this land a couple of times.

And since it is literally beside the Harry Potter section, we went here right after some epic magic. Some rides are:

• The Cat in the Hat – Savannah loved this ride!
• Caro – Seuss – ell
• If I ran the zoo
• One fish, Two fish, Red fish, Blue fish
• Oh! The stories you’ll hear!
• The High in The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!

I definitely recommend this land if you have a child between 2 – 7

We didn’t do The Lost Continent, but it sure looked cool.

Rides and Attractions:

• Poseidon’s Fury
• The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show
• The Mystic Fountain

Ok, so this is where the intense stuff begins.

First of all, it is home to my favorite roller coaster, The Incredible Hulk Coaster. This is a launch coaster and goes at high speeds; it’s soooo much fun!

The ride goes for what feels about 5 minutes, and honestly – at the end of it you just might be as green as the Hulk lol. It’s definitely the most intense ride in the park but one that everyone should go on.

It has 7 inversions and I love roller coasters that go upside down! I think it is one of the best roller coasters in Florida.

Another fun ride I recommend, is The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

Spider-Man is another simulator and motion sickness ride when you sit in a vehicle. The best part is when all the villains attack you and you bump up and down and stuff lol.

Some more rides:

• Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall ( i wanted to do this ride but we ran out of time. Also, you go up fast instead of down)
• Storm Force Accelatron

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade

The incredible Wizarding World of Harry Potter is divided into two sections: Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios Florida, while Hogsmeade and Hogwarts (my favourite section), is in Islands of Adventure.

If you don’t want to do the long walk from park to park, you can ride the awesome Hogwarts Express between the two.

Why would you not want to take this magical train trip each time?

It really feels like you are in the world of Harry Potter.

Pay close attention to the windows, as there are 3D videos shown on the journey.

What is so cool is the videos are different depending on what direction you are traveling.

For example: if you leave Hogsmeade station, Hagrid is waving goodbye. If you leave Kings Cross, it looks like you are traveling from London to Hogwarts.

The Hogwarts Castle is AMAZING (I was literally crying when I walked in lol).

We had one-hour early entry passes because we were staying at Cabana Bay Orlando Resort , so Hogswarts Castle was the first thing we experienced in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Unfortunately it wasn’t the whole Hogwarts Castle because it would take up the entire park lol.

The Harry Potter overture was playing, there was fake snow on the roof, and the castle rising up on the hill in the background.

All the shops from the book are there like Honeydukes, Zonko’s, and so much more. Universal puts so much detail into the wizarding world so it feels like you are in the books.

I felt like I was in my dream world.

Mum was crying as well. (that was from mum because she always pretends to be me when editing my posts and literally changes everything. Btw she wasn’t crying. – kalyra)

I always thought it was silly when people cried at Disney World, but now I understand.

I was overcome by the pure magic of Harry Potter and what J.K. Rowling was able to create. It was so joyful – Caz.

Where to Taste Butterbeer

Ok, if you go to Harry Potter world, I DEFINITELY recommend Butterbeer. ( yes parents, it’s alcohol-free) OMG, it’s delicious!!

I’ll never forget how excited Harry, Ron and Hermione were in the book to try butterbeer and how their first taste was the best thing they had ever tasted.

That’s how we felt after our first taste.

It’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted before and it’s incredibly delicious. How they recreated that exact reaction from the book in real life is incredible.

Butterbeer is like a creamy, butterscotch and creaming soda treat. The marshmallow frothy top is  divine.

Here are the options for your butterbeer:

• Cold ButterBeer (normal) where you can get it in Diagon Alley: Leaky Cauldron, The Hopping Pot. In Hogsmeade: Three Broomsticks, Hog’s Head Pub, and street carts.
• Frozen Butterbeer (like a slushie) You can get this item at the same places. (Mum’s favorite).
• Hot Butterbeer (my fav) In Hogsmeade: Hogs Head Pub
• Butterbeer ice-cream (yum) In Diagon Alley: Leaky Cauldron. In Hogsmeade: Three Broomsticks
• Potted Cream – Same places as the Butterbeer Ice-cream
• Butterbeer Fudge – In Diagon Alley: Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop Hogsmeade: Honeydukes.

Unfortunately, we missed the fudge and potted cream- we didn’t know about them!

Again, all of these items are non-alcoholic.

Watch our video from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

There are two rides at the Hogsmeade section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Flight of the Hippogriff

Flight of the Hippogriff  is a great roller coaster for the younger kids. Although it’s a little wild for a beginner ride. Savannah loved this ride because she is a fan of Buckbeak in Harry Potter.

I recommend this roller coaster ride for younger kids.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden journey is one of my favourite rides ever, and one of the best rides at Islands of Adventure.

This is a motion sickness ride and simulator so if you don’t like those kinda rides then I recommend not trying this ride.

However, if you ARE fine with those kind of rides, then I DEFINITELY recommend this ride.

It’s amazing because you go around inside the Hogwarts Castle through different rooms and even in the forbidden forest and on the Quidditch pitch where you can play Quidditch with Harry and Ron.

When you first get on the journey, you can hear music and if you look up to a mirror, you can see Hermione talking to you.

The only part I don’t like in this ride is the dragon part because the dragon blows hot air on you.

The best part in my opinion is the Quidditch section and when the whomping willow is trying to attack you, and you sway to the side and it feels like you are about to go upside down because you also sway backwards.

And if your thinking, no it’s not like normal simulator rides when your in a big movie theater. You actually sit in a vehicle (each one fits 4 people) going through the castle!

Also, the queue is fantastic. I would the ride again just to go through the queue again. Since you’re in the Castle, the queue goes through rooms of the castle and it is absolutely amazing.

Some of the rooms are:

• Defence against the Dark Arts classroom (the best one because Harry, Ron and Hermione talk to you)
• Gryffindor common room, a hallway with picture’s talking and moving, and many more.

The Forbidden Journey is just fantastic and I highly recommend it.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Riding Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is like zooming through the Forbidden Forest on a real magical motorbike!

You get to feel the wind in your hair as you twist and turn past all sorts of creatures like unicorns and Cornish Pixies.

And guess what? Hagrid himself guides you through the forest, showing you all these amazing animals that you’ve only read about in Harry Potter books.

The best part is when the motorbike goes super fast and you feel like you’re flying!

It’s the most exciting ride ever, and I can’t wait to go on it again.

My experience at Hogsmeade was incredible.

My dad was never really into Harry Potter but when we came here it inspired him to read the books.

If you come to Universal Studios or Islands of adventure, you have to check the out The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Tips for Visiting Islands of Adventure

Mum put me in charge of planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort. So I knew a lot of tips before going that would save us time and money.

We learned a few more during our visit to Islands of adventure in the Universal Orlando Resort.

Dad has written an in-depth post sharing tips for Universal Orlando Resort,  which will save you money and time.

Here are just a few of my favorite tips.

Each ride and attraction has a child swap area where one member of your party can wait with the little ones while the rest of your party rides.

Once they are off the ride, you swap places and whoever rode can stay with the kids while the adult(s) who sat out get the opportunity to enjoy the ride.

This is how I got to have so many turns on each ride. It saved me plenty of wait time to go on rides again. It was awesome.

If you are 10 years or older, then you have the option of grabbing a quicker spot as a “single rider

It’s best to hit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter either at 8 am (if you have early park admission by staying at an on-site hotel) or after 4 pm when the park clears out a bit.

Check opening hours as sometimes the park may close an hour later. It closed an hour later than normal on the Friday night we visited.

Head straight to the back of the park while people linger at the front taking photos and stopping at some of the attractions.

If you stay on-site at certain hotels you get free  Universal Express Passes  to the most popular rides and attractions, which allows you to skip to the front of the line.

If not staying on-site, you can also buy a Universal Express Pass upgrade to your admission ticket when you arrive at the park.

There are meet and greets with various characters throughout the day – including Seuss characters, Marvel Super Heroes and Spider-Man.

You can find meet-and-greet times in our park maps. Park maps are available at the front of the park and in various retail and restaurant locations

If you are planning on eating at least 2 meals at the park, then consider purchasing a Meal Plan.

You’ll save some cash as long as you eat two meals. One of the things that really impressed me about the park (besides how clean it was) is how yummy and diverse the food is!

There’s something for every age and it’s gooo-ood food!

Get your Islands of Adventure tickets and Universal Orlando tickets through our affiliate partner, Undercover Tourist, who provide authentic attraction tickets at discounted prices:

• 2 day park-to-park ticket
• 3 day park-to-park-ticket
• 4 day -park-to-park ticket

You can find Universal Orlando Resort tickets through our partner aResTravel, who can get the best priced tickets for Universal. Check for current deals here!

Staying on-site at Universal Orlando Resort helps a lot.

It can get you into the park earlier (all resorts) and give you Universal Express passes (excluding Cabana Bay and Sapphire Falls).

We stayed at Cabana Bay Beach Resort which is the closest hotel to Volcano Bay.

If you stay at a hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort, you can come and go easily back and forth depending on the day and the weather (and the mood of your children).

Here are the current Universal Resort Hotels to choose from (in order of Budget to Luxury):

• Surfside Inn and Suites ( See prices and availability on Booking.com )
• Dockside Inn and Suites ( See prices and availability on Booking.com)
• Universal s Aventura Hotel ( See prices and availability on Booking.com)
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort ( See prices and availability on Booking.com)
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort ( See prices and availability on Booking.com  )
• Loews Royal Pacific Hotel ( See prices and availability on Booking.com  )
• Hard Rock Hotel ( See prices and availability on Booking.com  )
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel ( See prices and availability on Booking.com )

Final Thoughts on Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure was so much fun.

It was definitely one of my favorite parks besides Volcano Bay , which is Universal Resort’s own water park.

I definitely recommend this park if you like Harry Potter, superheros, and stuff like that.

I can’t wait to go back again!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel

More helpful Orlando Travel Tips

• The Ultimate Universal Orlando Itinerary: How To Have An Epic Day!
• Best Rides At Universal’s Volcano Bay Orlando Water Park (From A 10-Year Old)
• 18 Ideas For What to Do in Orlando, Florida
• Your Guide to Family Fun at Universal Studios Orlando
• Best vacation homes to rent near Disney World
• 18 Universal Orlando Tips for a Great time (Harry Potter fans rejoice)

The Best Character in Each Harry Potter Movie

Spoiler alert: it's not always Harry!

Harry Potter is one of the most important and influential book franchises in the young adult fantasy genre . First released in 1997, it follows a young boy who learns he is a Chosen One in a hidden world of magic and must develop his arcane skills at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry while dark forces plot in the background. In 2001, Warner Bros released a film adaptation of the first book, which began one of the most financially successful film franchises ever .

One of the saga's strongest is its myriad of multifaceted characters relatable to a wide array of audiences. The films did an admirable job of adapting most, thanks to the stellar casting. Each entry into the saga has its fair share of memorable characters; however, a few key figures stand out in each Harry Potter movie , whether because of their impact on the overall story or the depth the actors bring to their performances.

1 Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe)

'harry potter and the philosopher's stone' (2001).

Known as the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter ( Daniel Radcliffe ) is a living legend in the wizarding world because he defeated the Dark Lord, Voldemort, as an infant. Because Voldemort killed his parents, Harry spends his childhood living with his non-magical relatives, who treat him poorly and tell him nothing of his heritage. When he turns eleven, Harry receives an invitation to join Hogwarts, which sets him on a path of greatness and hardship.

Child actors are always a gamble, but thankfully, Radcliffe nailed Harry's performance from the beginning and only got better with each subsequent film. In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Radcliffe especially captures Harry's wide-eyed amazement as he, and by extension, the audience takes in the wonders of the wizarding world for the first time. Radcliffe's Harry is also a very likable protagonist , demonstrating good qualities like compassion and courage while not being infallible in the face of temptation. His performance is the perfect way to introduce this world of wonder, and Radcliffe valiantly supports the film on his young but capable shoulders .

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

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2 Ronald Weasley (Rupert Grint)

'harry potter and the chamber of secrets' (2002).

The youngest son of the pureblood Weasley family, Ronald ( Rupert Grint ), becomes Harry's best friend and informer about wizarding culture. When Harry's aunt and uncle refuse to let him go to Hogwarts for his second year, Ron and his brothers, Fred and George ( James and Oliver Phelps ), break him free with their father's flying car. He later flies Harry to Hogwarts in the car, but after crashing it into a Womping Willow, both it and his wand are damaged.

Ron is the standout character from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , thanks to Grint's phenomenal non-verbal acting. His face contorts into expressive masks of terror during stressful situations, best shown when meeting the giant spider, Aragog ( Julian Glover ), due to Ron's and, as it turns out, Grint's own arachnophobia. Besides that, Ron gets plenty of moments to show his bravery and loyalty to his friends , from standing up to bully Draco Malfoy ( Tom Felton ) to confronting Professor Gilderoy Lockheart ( Sir Kenneth Branagh ) with Harry. Sadly, the future Harry Potter movies fail Ron by reducing him to little more than comic relief, but his role in Chamber of Secrets remains a highlight of the saga.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

3 remus lupin (david thewlis), 'harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban' (2004).

In his youth, Remus Lupin ( David Thewlis ) was turned into a werewolf but was still allowed to attend Hogwarts, where he met his lifelong friends, James Potter ( Adrian Rawlins ), Sirius Black ( Gary Oldman ), and Peter Pettigrew ( Timothy Spall ). He is later hired as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher , using a special potion to help him control his transformations. Lupin forms a close relationship with Harry and teaches him the Patronus Charm to protect him from the emotion-draining Dementors.

Remus Lupin is one of the more complicated and compelling characters in the franchise and by far the best in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , thanks to his harsh life and close relationship with Harry. Lupin develops a father-figure relationship with Harry at a time when the young boy needs it the most and provides insight into his parent's past, helping the Boy Who Lived come into his own as both a wizard and a teenager. Lupin also gives Harry honest and sound advice, treating him as an equal due to his history of pain and loss. The relationship would remain crucial throughout the saga, but it's at its best and most layered in the third movie.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

4 alastor moody (brendan gleeson), 'harry potter and the goblet of fire' (2005).

One of the greatest living Aurors, Alistar Moody ( Brendan Gleeson ) devotes his life to the capture of dark wizards, regardless of how many body parts he loses along the way. This daredevil approach causes him to develop a paranoid disposition, which, combined with his mechanical eye, gives him the nickname "Mad-Eye." Unfortunately, Mad-Eye can't prevent his capture by Barty Crouch Jr. ( David Tennant ), who takes his form using Polyjuice Potion to sneak into Hogwarts as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher.

While the Moody that appears for most of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is an imposter, it's such a convincing performance that it may as well be the original character, and worth analyzing separately from Barty Crouch Jr. Moody became a beloved figure for his maverick attitude and unorthodox methods of teaching his students , believing that the only way to combat dark magic is to experience it firsthand. Plus, he turns Draco Malfoy ( Tom Felton ) into a ferret, which is one of the funniest scenes in the franchise. Gleeson is very obviously having the time of his life in the role, which comes across in his energetic and magnetic performance.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

5 dolores umbridge (imelda staunton), 'harry potter and the order of the phoenix' (2007).

Fearing that Albus Dumbledore ( Sir Michael Gambon ) is trying to usurp him, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge ( Robert Hardy ) appoints Dolores Umbridge ( Imelda Staunton ) as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher at Hogwarts. She refuses to teach the students any advanced form of magic and uses corporal punishment to punish any disobedience. Over time, she steadily gains more power, declaring herself Hogwarts High Inquisitor and prompting Harry and his friends to form Dumbledore's Army.

Umbridge is one of the best villains in the Harry Potter franchise and the main reason behind Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 's success. She presents herself with a sickly-sweet disposition, which makes her actions feel all the more wicked due to how it contrasts with how terrible she is to those she has authority over. Yet she also has some complexity to her character, since she is committed to order and upholding the laws of the Ministry of Magic. Played by Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton with the perfect blend of nauseating sweetness and detestable glee, Dolores Umbridge is one of the most memorable figures in the Harry Potter lore and a more engaging villain than Voldemort himself.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

6 albus dumbledore (michael gambon), 'harry potter and the half-blood prince' (2008).

The greatest wizard in living memory, Albust Dumbledore, serves as the headmaster of Hogwarts and Harry's primary mentor while at school. During Harry's sixth year, Dumbledore informs Harry about the history of Voldemort and reveals the existence of the dangerous Horcruxes , which grant the Dark Lord immortality. As they conduct their investigations, Draco Malfoy also plans to kill Dumbledore on Voldemort's orders.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the film where Gambon truly gets to flex his amazing acting skills as Dumbledore is put through the wringer . The most powerful moments come during the climax, first when Dumbledore drinks a potion that forces him to relive his worst memories and when Draco confronts him in the astronomy tower. Both of these moments show real vulnerability and humanity in Dumbledore, first by showing that even a wizard as great as him has demons to battle and by showing that, even in his worst moments, he is still willing to help others. It's a shame that the Academy always pays the fantasy genre dust because Gambon is so good that it's not an overstatement to say he is Oscar-worthy.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

7 hermione granger (emma watson), 'harry potter and the deathly hallows: part 1' (2010).

Born to two non-magical parents, Hermione Granger ( Emma Wattson ) falls so in love with the wizarding world that she absorbs as much history and knowledge as she can. Her thirst for knowledge makes her an invaluable member of Harry's friend group, using her intellect to solve logic puzzles and research obscure and forbidden spells. When she, Harry, and Ron head off to hunt for Voldemort's Horcruxes, she does most of the planning and preparations, from erasing her parent's memories to keeping the Golden Trio safe to enchanting a bag to hold plenty of items.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 offers Hermione many moments to shine, thanks to the increased focus on her and Ron. She demonstrates tremendous moments of bravery befitting of a Gryffindor , from posing as a fake Harry during the Battle of the Seven Potters to accompanying Harry in the first place on this likely suicidal mission. After Ron temporarily leaves, Hermione also provides emotional support for Harry while dealing with her own heartbreak, demonstrating the strength of their friendship. Hermione is arguably the best character in the entire saga, and Deathly Hallows Part 1 proves why.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

8 severus snape (alan rickman), 'harry potter and the deathly hallows: part 2' (2011).

Before he was teaching Potions at Hogwarts, Severus Snape ( Alan Rickman ) was a Death Eater in service to Voldemort but defected to save the life of the woman he loved, Lily Potter ( Geraldine Somerville ). Years later, it appears he is still loyal to Voldemort when he kills Dumbledore and takes over as Hogwarts Headmaster. However, Harry learns the truth from Snape's memories: he is a double-double agent, following Dumbledore's orders, even at the cost of his own life.

Rickman received special insight into Severus' character years before the reveal in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 , allowing him to delve deeply into Snape's psyche and convey the complexity of his character. Snape's final moments in Deathly Hallows Part 2 are brilliant , from his cold, almost emotionless expressions while undercover to his emotional death looking into Lily's eyes through Harry's. Yet it is the flashback showing his true motivations that elevates Snape so highly among the fans: despite his many faults and his poor treatment of Harry, Severus still chooses love over hate.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

NEXT: This Is Why the Harry Potter Prequel Saga 'Fantastic Beasts' Failed

More From Forbes

Warner bros. reveals $115 million investment in harry potter attraction.

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter is the latest attraction themed to the ... [+] boy wizard (Photo by Zhong Ya/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Warner Bros. Discovery has revealed that it spent more than $114.9 million (£92.9 million) on its latest attraction themed to the boy wizard Harry Potter.

Called the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter, the 30,000 square meter venue opened in June last year and follows a similar format to its counterpart at Leavesden Studios in the United Kingdom where all eight Potter movies were made along with the three Fantastic Beasts spinoffs.

Although the main series of Potter movies came to a climax in 2011, they are still casting a powerful spell on Warner's bottom line. More than 18 million people have streamed through the turnstiles of the UK tour since the doors to its two cream-coloured soundstages swung open in 2012. Its success led to the development of the tour in Japan where Potter is wildly-popular.

Before the Tokyo tour had even welcomed its first guest, adult tickets, which cost $45 each, had sold out for the following two months. According to its general manager Torben Jensen, by the end of last year the tour had become the leading inbound tourist destination in Tokyo.

Built on the former site of the Toshimaen amusement park, the tour features some of the most memorable sets from the Potter films as well as interactive displays which lift the lid on the techniques used to bring them to the silver screen.

Theme park design wizards Thinkwell Group handled everything from concept development and master planning right down to in-field art direction, installation supervision and training. Thanks to its involvement with projects such as Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, comfortably the most immersive theme park outside Disney and Universal, Thinkwell has built a reputation for its astounding attention to detail. The Potter tour in Tokyo is no exception.

All of the exhibits are either original or built from the original blueprints to give guests the same breathtaking experience that the actors had on the sets.

The tour sets off inside a soaring stone replica of the Great Hall in Hogwarts Castle where Harry and his chums tuck into feasts in the films. It is identical to it right down to the design of the crockery sitting on the gnarled banqueting tables. All that's missing is the candles floating above which were digitally added to the films in post-production.

Instead, spotlights hang from the rafters on the tour as they do on the actual set making the experience seem even more authentic.

Guests get to tour Hogwarts' Great Hall (Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)

Guests then get to peer inside Harry’s dormitory in Hogwarts Castle and walk the corridors of the Hogwarts Express steam train. There's even a full-size recreation of the Dickensian Diagon Alley with models of towering colorful characters embedded in the wonky buildings. Just like on an actual movie set, instructions are scrawled on the reverse of the façades showing how they fit together.

All of these sets can also be found in the tour's UK counterpart but the most spellbinding ones are unique to Tokyo. They kick off straight after the Great Hall and there's a great sense of reveal. As guests round a corner they are suddenly met with a full-size recreation of the famous Hogwarts' staircase which magically moves on screen when students climb its steps to get to the right doorway.

The version on the tour in Tokyo also moves although it isn't the full staircase so it looks more like a scene from an M.C. Escher drawing. The area is also home to an equally magical feature which fans have been crying out for since it first appeared on the silver screen in 2001's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone . In an iconic scene, characters in oil paintings beside the stairway begin talking to each other and a photo opp on the Tokyo tour allows guests to appear in one of them. It isn't the only interactive attraction on the tour.

The Marble Staircase and talking portraits at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of ... [+] Harry Potter (Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)

There are no rides on the tour but some of the exhibits are almost as exhilarating. One digitally inserts guests onto the back of a broomstick and another makes it seem like they are in the crowd at a Quidditch match. First they decide whether to root for the heroic Gryffindor team or support their evil rivals Slytherin. Then a director tells them to duck, gossip, cheer or boo as they would if they were actually sitting in the bleachers. After that the cameras start rolling and the footage is edited into a sequence from the Potter films.

Visitors get to watch it on a big screen and even get to take the footage away as a digital souvenir thanks to the tour's partnership with Nasdaq-listed specialist theme park photography provider Pomvom. That's not all.

As anyone who has seen the Potter movies will know, wizards are governed by the Ministry of Magic and are teleported there in what is known as the floo network. They arrive in fireplaces engulfed in harmless green flames and in Tokyo, visitors can mimic this magical effect by posing for photos surrounded by smoke and strobe lighting. Although the journey to the Ministry of Magic is artificial, the spectacle is anything but.

Covering more than 900 square meters, the Ministry of Magic set was one of the biggest and most intricate ever created for the Potter film franchise and it has been rebuilt in Tokyo. The soaring set looks like one of London's historic underground metro stations as the walls are covered with thousands of green and red tiles made from lacquered wood. It has a Victorian air as oil lamps sit on desks in circular offices set inside tiled turrets on the upper floors. At ground level, the walls are lined with golden fleurs-de-lis flanking the fireplaces where visitors arrive in the films.

Another interactive exhibit enables visitors to design their own digital mask like those worn by the villainous Death Eaters. Anyone who fancies their chances against them can train in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. Just like in the movies, it is set in a stone-walled room with stained glass windows and a sweeping stone staircase. An iron chandelier hangs above and ancient artefacts, like a skull in a glass dome sit on a wooden desk. As a teacher tells visitors to call out spells the lights flicker, the skull sways, lightning flashes from behind the window and smoke sees off a Death Eater who appears on the staircase.

Throughout the tour, the original movie props are within touching distance including costumes, wigs and, of course, wands. Rows and rows of them. Every item is meticulously tagged with details of the film it was used in, the character it was used by and even the fictional materials it is meant to be made of.

Perhaps the only aspect of the UK tour which isn't as enchanting as the rest of it is the dining on the way. There's no problem with the food or drink, which of course includes Potter's favorite tipple of Butterbeer, a non-alcoholic beverage flavored like cream soda and butterscotch. However, the setting seems jarring as the dining area is designed like a studio backlot cafe which, ironically, fits the theme too well.

Butterbeer is served in the tour's cafe (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)

After being immersed in immensely detailed sets for hours, the backlot cafe seems spartan in comparison. Tokyo has taken this to heart as its dining area is themed to the frilly and flowery home of Hogwarts teacher Professor Umbridge. It serves afternoon tea in a pink and leathery central circular seating area surrounded by saucers on the walls which seem to show moving cats just as they do on the silver screen. Sparing no expense, Warner hired specialist restaurant developers Lumsden which worked with MinaLima, the graphic design firm behind the iconic art in the Potter movies.

It all comes at quite a cost. The Tokyo tour is run by Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden which also operates its UK counterpart. The company's latest filings are for the year to December 31, 2022 and show that Warner spent $66.3 million (£53.6 million) on the construction of the Tokyo tour during that time bringing the total to $114.9 million. It opened just over five months later so the spending didn't stop there and there may be more to come.

Many of the sets on the UK tour were bolted on after it opened to cater for its surging popularity. In Japan they were planned in from the beginning so accessibility and guest flow have been optimised. What's more, expansion spaces have already been allocated which will minimise disruption when they are developed.

Getting the attraction to opening day took much more than money and the wave of a magic wand. As Jensen points out, construction and training for the tour took place during the pandemic.

The Japanese-speaking Dane was educated at INSEAD and has a Diploma in Business administration from Copenhagen Business School. He has been working with Japanese corporations for more than 20 years and in late 1990s was Denmark's Trade Commissioner for Sapporo which involved him consulting with Danish companies to improve their results in the Japanese market. It worked as he increased the revenue of the Trade Commission by a staggering 250%.

Jensen went on to become project director of Merlin Entertainments' $300 million LEGOLAND Japan which opened in 2017. He didn't just run the operation but also managed the negotiations with the City of Nagoya to complete of the Master Development Agreement and the Land Lease Agreement. He even co-ordinated negotiations to complete the loan facility agreement between the main investor and a major Japanese bank.

It paid off as LEGOLAND Japan made an operating profit from its first year leading to a $100 million investment plan featuring a 252 room LEGOLAND Hotel and a SEALIFE attraction. Jensen also oversaw a sponsor program delivering $37.5 million of revenue over five years and helped to boost annual pass membership base to more than 100,000. It gave the resort firm financial foundations and put Jensen on Warner's radar. That really is a magic touch.

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Victorian council was told Harry Potter event could scare off owls before approving location

In a beloved wildlife reserve on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula, Warner Brothers was given the green light to conjure up fantastical scenes, including all manner of critters, straight from Harry Potter.

But behind the scenes, the local council was warned that allowing a painstaking recreation of the series' magical world would risk banishing their own, real-world creatures.

Mornington Peninsula Shire drew backlash in supernatural proportions when its decision to approve the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience event at Mount Martha's Briars Sanctuary emerged late last year .

The conservation site is a critical habitat for numerous animals, and locals feared the ecological risks of the event far outweighed its benefit to the community.

The council eventually agreed the fenced reserve should indeed be forbidden to the large crowds expected to flock to the ticketed event. Instead, it was expelled to a nearby off-leash dog park.

Now, a detailed risk assessment for the event — summoned by its critics using Freedom of Information laws — has emerged, listing dozens of potential negative outcomes flagged before it was approved last year.

It shows the council decided to seek legal advice because of a potential breach of wildlife laws — an outcome deemed unlikely, but one that carried a high risk if it occurred.

Meanwhile, it was "possible" that light and sound from the event would force a pair of powerful owls, a vulnerable species, to flee their nearby nest during breeding season.

Among about seven potential outcomes given a high-risk rating was staff misconduct, including a likely risk that staff would leak sensitive information or not contribute constructively to the event.

A long list of risk mitigation measures included getting event producers and "influence providers" to plant trees on the peninsula as a result of the event.

In a statement, the council said it had completed necessary due diligence and "received confirmation from all relevant sources that there would be no breach of any wildlife acts whatsoever".

"We were confident all risks identified could be successfully managed and mitigated and we had expert advice from third party ecologists on mitigation strategies to be implemented," the statement said.

Questions over event benefit

The documents also stoked questions about what the community was set to receive in exchange for the risks to the reserve.

Promoting the event in the face of opposition, the council maintained the event would funnel critical funding back into the sanctuary.

However, the risk assessment flags a likely risk of cost overruns, warning the council may need to identify contingency funding or look into grants.

According to the documents, the council's initial costings were only estimates. It couldn't obtain quotes under the timeframe provided by the event's organiser.

"It's extraordinary that these things weren't actually firmly in place before they agreed to go with it," said Louise Page, a ratepayer and spokesperson for the Save Briars Sanctuary campaign.

"It just blows apart the whole rationale for it."

The ABC can also reveal that sanctuary staff urged council CEO John Baker to reconsider the location, concerned the event would cause "irreversible damage" to conservation efforts at the Briars.

"We feel conflicted and compromised as this event has been presented as a final program and we understand that the Shire needs us to support it," the staff wrote in an 8 November letter.

"In the spirit of our values of openness, integrity, courage, respect and excellence we must express our fear that the Shire's reputation will be damaged by allowing activity of this kind at the Briars."

The group of rangers, whose names were redacted in the letter, felt the scale and impact of the event had been underestimated.

The council said it met with staff to discuss their concerns and measures being taken to protect wildlife.

An ecological report, released when the council agreed to relocate the event in February, warned prolonged exposure to lights from the event could temporarily blind the powerful owls.

But the authors of that July 2023 report warned it was "high level" and general only, because detailed event plans weren't provided.

The Forbidden Forest experience began welcoming visitors at its new location earlier this month at an off-leash dog park, which is part of the Briars property but separate to its wildlife sanctuary where the event was originally planned.

The council expects it to usher in up to $35 million in flow-on economic benefits to the area during a quiet period for the tourism sector.

Asked if any cost potential overruns would be absorbed by Warner Brothers, the council said its agreement was commercial in confidence.

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460 Years Ago, Shakespeare Was Born Here. Or Somewhere.

Every year, millions flock to Stratford-upon-Avon, England, to visit the house known as Shakespeare’s Birthplace. But was he really born there? A whole industry depends on it.

By Elizabeth Winkler

Sometime in the late 18th century, a sign appeared outside a shambly butcher’s hut in the English town of Stratford-upon-Avon: “The Immortal Shakspeare was born in this house,” it announced, using a then common spelling of his name. Devotees began making pilgrimages — dropping to their knees, weeping, singing odes: “Untouched and sacred be thy shrine, Avonian Willy, bard Divine!”

A tradesman grew rich selling carvings from a local mulberry tree, like pieces of the true cross. Some skeptics suspected that the sign was part of a scheme to bring visitors to Stratford; others wondered if it had been hung by the property’s occupant. A local antiquarian criticized the whole scene as “a design to extort pecuniary gratuities from the credulous and unwary.”

Pilgrims flocked to the house, and it became a site so hallowed that one visitor warned that the veneration of Shakespeare threatened to eclipse that of God:

Yet steals a sigh, as reason weighs/ The fame to Shakespeare given,/ That thousands, worshippers of him,/ Forget to worship Heaven!

About 250 years after its break from the Catholic Church, England had its own Bethlehem and manger.

The problem: No one really knows where Shakespeare was born.

Mock Tudors and magic wands

Stratford-upon-Avon lies two hours northwest of London in the Midlands, more or less the heart of England. Today, it is one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing up to three million visitors a year. The Birthplace is its main attraction, followed by the cottage reputed to be the place where Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, grew up.

Stratford exudes Elizabethan kitsch, with souvenir shops and half-timbered buildings. ​​In the 19th century, the Victorians tried to make Stratford look more “authentic,” which has left it teeming with mock Tudors.

It’s a town whose economy and identity revolve around Shakespearean fervor, which peaks every year on April 23, the date celebrated as Shakespeare’s birthday. It is also, conveniently, St. George’s Day , honoring the patron saint of England.

On my first visit in June 2021, I passed the Hathaway Tea Rooms and a cafe called the Food of Love, a cutesy name taken from “Twelfth Night” (“If music be the food of love, play on”). Confusingly, there were also several Harry Potter-themed shops. Stratford and Hogwarts, quills and wands, poems and spells . Then again, maybe the conflation was apt: Wasn’t Shakespeare a sort of boy wizard, magically endowed with inexplicable powers?

On Henley Street, I arrived at the Birthplace, a half-timbered house yellowed with age. Today, it looks like a single detached building, but it was originally a row of tenements. John Shakespeare bought one tenement on the street in 1556, though he also bought property on nearby Greenhill Street, which could just as easily have been the site of his son’s birth. He bought the property thought to be the Birthplace in 1575, 11 years after his son was born.

Those who believe in the Birthplace point to a record from 1552 showing that a John Shakespeare was fined for keeping a dung heap somewhere on Henley Street. It doesn’t specify the location, but that dung heap has fueled a theory that he must have been living there at the time of his son’s birth, perhaps as a renter.

Similarly, the claim for the authenticity of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage rests on a record that a John Hathaway leased the 90-acre farm on which the building stood 13 years before Anne was born in about 1556. The cottage may well be linked to the Hathaways, but there is no proof that Anne actually grew up in it, just as there is none that Shakespeare was born in the house on Henley Street.

Together, these traditions have sustained Stratford’s tourist industry, worth about $315 million in 2019, before the pandemic. But they have not convinced many skeptics over the years.

“Stratford permits — indeed encourages — one of the biggest frauds in England to rage unchecked,” the journalist Bernard Levin railed in The Daily Mail in 1965. “I mean those two monumental frauds, ‘Shakespeare’’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.”

It didn’t help that hucksters have found ways to make the story profitable. In the early 19th century, a tenant of the Birthplace named Mrs. Hornby ran a lucrative hustle showing and selling Shakespeare’s “relics” to gullible visitors. The relics were eventually exposed in an 1848 article in Bentley’s Miscellany , which observed that four different chairs, each purporting to be “Shakespeare’s chair,” had been sold over the years, each made by a well-known local craftsman.

I entered through the Shakespeare Centre, a strange museum that acts as an antechamber to the Birthplace. There were no books owned by Shakespeare or letters in Shakespeare’s hand, because none are known to exist. Instead, a glass case displayed eight Shakespeare busts dating from 1844 to 2000. Another case featured a Shakespeare beer mug (1933), Shakespeare playing cards (1974) and a Shakespeare action figure made in China (2003).

Inside the Birthplace, I went from room to room with the other visitors. Guides regaled us with tales of Shakespeare’s childhood — how he played and ate and dreamed in these rooms. Of course, his childhood is actually a yawning blank: From his baptism in 1564 to his marriage in 1582, there are no records of him. In one room, a table displayed books, quills and ink, indicating a family of learning — but his parents signed documents with a mark, like many illiterate people in Tudor England.

The other visitors murmured to one another in reverent museum whispers and nodded at the guides. I thought of how, in the late 19th century, a Birthplace custodian named Joseph Skipsey resigned his post after a few months, explaining that “not a single one of the many so-called relics on exhibition could be proved to be Shakspere’s” and that “the Birthplace itself is a matter of grave doubt.”

The power of popular faith

Efforts to preserve the property as the official Birthplace began in 1847, when it was put up for sale. In response to fears that P.T. Barnum was going to buy it and make it part of a show, a committee was formed to “save” the house for the nation, and the group began to solicit donations.

Not everyone was convinced. “The extraordinary sensation caused by the purchase of this shabby sausage-shop deserves a prominent place amongst popular delusions,” declared the 1848 Bentley’s Miscellany article . A writer for another British periodical mocked the gullibility of a nation pouring forth funds to buy a “rubbishing mass of lath and plaster in which the Poet was no more born than was the Man in the Moon himself.”

But the belief had already become an article of faith, strengthened by its own repetition. The Birthplace was a better shrine for the very absence of evidence — for the faith it required of its visitors — the publisher Charles Knight wrote at the time. That same year, the committee secured the Birthplace at auction for 3,000 pounds, worth about $323,000 today .

The “shabby sausage-shop” made an uninspiring temple. So the adjoining premises were demolished, walls moved, floorboards replaced, new doorways and staircases created. Its new stewards transformed it into the large, comfortable home of a prosperous Elizabethan family, leaving the cellar as “the only portion which remains as it was,” as the scholar Sidney Lee wrote in 1901. What emerged was less a Tudor dwelling than a Victorian imagination of one.

The committee became the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust , the group that still runs the site, and maintains its authenticity. “We know that, to the best of our current understanding, the building includes the surviving fabric of a property that is traditionally and intimately associated with Shakespeare and his family,” said a spokesman for the trust.

The trust went on to acquire more properties, including Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a thatched farmhouse where visitors are invited to “relive Shakespeare’s love story.”

A temple to baby Shakespeare

“This is the room where we believe William Shakespeare was born in April 1564,” read a sign in the Birthroom. Next to the bed stood a cradle laid out with blankets and a tiny pillow, encouraging visitors to imagine the baby genius mewling by his parents’ side. For the Victorians, the Birthroom offered the mystical possibility of contact with the poet. Visitors recorded melodramatic accounts of what they felt on entering the room: They burst into tears. They fell down. They kissed the floor. Those desiring a more extended communion spent the night.

Others were unimpressed. “If I were to allude to Stratford, it would not be in connection with the fact that Shakespeare came into the world there,” wrote the novelist Henry James after visiting. “It would be rather to speak of a delightful old house near the Avon which struck me as the ideal home for a Shakespearean scholar.”

But the fantasy is resilient. In a 2023 PBS documentary, “ Making Shakespeare: The First Folio ,” the scholar Michael Dobson, director of the Shakespeare Institute, stood in the Birthplace, gushing over “the very room in which Shakespeare was born.”

I shuffled around the cradle with the other visitors, unsure of what to do. Were we supposed to genuflect? Kiss it? After an appropriate amount of staring, we moved on.

To exit, I had to pass through the gift shop, where any lingering sense of piety dissipated in a tidal wave of consumerism. Visitors were loading up on Shakespeare T-shirts, breakfast teas and tea towels. Shakespeare rubber ducks and windup toys. Shakespeare Christmas ornaments, baby onesies, tote bags and luxury chocolates. Belief is good business.

When I returned to Stratford last February, little had changed since my first visit. The Shakespeare Centre was now showing modern artists’ interpretations of the poet, including a Surrealist painting of a masked figure that suggested the mystery surrounding him. The trinket stands were still hawking their modern versions of those 18th-century mulberry tree carvings. Faith in the traditions is bound up with desire — the need to believe.

Where was “the Immortal Shakspeare” really born? Stories are usually more seductive than the truth.

Sheelagh McNeill contributed research.

Elizabeth Winkler is a journalist, a critic and the author of “ Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature .”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .