Harry Potter Universal Studios Florida : A Harry Potter Fan's Paradise

Harry Potter Universal Studios Florida Guide

If there's one place in this world that brings the true Hogwarts experience to a Harry Potter fan, it is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Situated in Universal Orlando Resort, this realistic experience of the wizarding world of Harry Potter Universal Studios Florida spans over two different parks. One is situated in Universal Studios and the other in the Islands of Adventure, connected by the Hogwarts Express. 

But the truth is, this Harry Potter themed experience is so big with so many things to do that it is hard to do all of them unless you have a lot of vacation days. Therefore, we have written this article to recommend some of the best things you can experience in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a limited time. 

Let us dive in!

Enjoy Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Hogsmeade

If you ever want to experience what Harry felt like when he saw Buckbeak or Norbert for the first time, this ride is for you. A newer addition to the park, it is a rollercoaster with a surprise drop that makes the whole experience quite thrilling. 

You ride through forests and see various magical creatures in a bike-like setup as you sit in the sidecar next to someone else. It is up to you to sit on the higher motorbike or the lower sidecar, both of which help you experience this ride slightly differently. 

Attend Hogwarts Frog Choir at Hogsmeade

If you're into trying out different shows at the Wizarding World, Hogwarts Frog Choir will be our first recommendation. It is a short open-air stage show set up close to Hogwarts Castle. It features limited songs sung by the Hogwarts choir and their frogs. 

If this doesn't feed your artistic preferences, we have a few other recommendations for you. Try the Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees Show or the Tales of Beedle the Bard at Diagon Alley. These shows are more deeply intertwined in the Harry Potter lore, focusing on drama and broadway-style performance. 

Experience the Hogwarts Express

There can be nothing more nostalgic for a Harry Potter fan than to ride the iconic steam-powered(or magic powered?) Hogwarts Express. This train connects the two parts of the Wizarding World, i.e., Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. 

The experience of stepping through the platform 9-¾ with the disappearing enchantment is amazing. If you're on the Diagon Alley side, you also get to experience what the London Underground is like. 

Missing the Butterbeer?

When in the Wizarding World, do as wizards do. Butterbeer is the famous Harry Potter drink every fan wants to taste. At the WizardingW World, you can get butterbeer in many places across Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, such as the Leaky Cauldron, the Three Broomsticks, and the Hog's Head, to name a few. 

But that's not all; you'll also find various butterbeer-flavored snacks throughout the parks, so keep an eye out and try them all at least once!

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes Shop and Harry Potter Universal Studios Florida Merchandise 

If there's anything that can be synonymous with naughty fun and mischief, it is the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes Shop. Situated in Diagon Alley, it is a beautifully authentic replica of the shop in the books and movies, with interesting things and quirky gags to experience. 

If you're interested in buying Harry Potter merchandise, travel gear, or stationery, you can check out Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment & Scribbulus in Diagon Alley. 

Escape From Gringotts at Diagon Alley 

All hell breaks loose when the dark lord appears with his loyal follower. 

Experience the thrill and terror in this indoor simulator rollercoaster ride as you twist your way around, trying to escape from Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange in the vaults of Gringotts Bank. This ride is one of our favorites and brings the much-needed thrill you might need after your butterbeer break!

Honeydukes at Hogsmeade

If you want to stuff your face with magical candies and sweets like Ron did at the Hogwarts Express, head to Honeydukes at Hogsmeade. Here you'll find chocolate frogs, Fizzing Whizzbees, Bertie Bott's every flavor beans, and various elixirs. It is a fun place to visit whether or not you're with the kids. 

Visit the Ollivanders at Diagon Alley to get your Wand

Did you really visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter if you didn't get a wand? Turns out you can do that too!

Head to the Diagon Alley and visit the Ollivanders to get an interactive wand. You'll also find a list of spells and locations where you can use this wand to test out its magical powers. One of those places is the Knockturn Alley. 

Knockturn Alley at Diagon Alley

If you're not looking for it, you will not find it. Knockturn Alley is the famous alley dedicated to all things dark arts. On your visit to the Diagon Alley, look for the small sign that guides you there. 

Once you find the sign, pass along the dark and winding corridor to reach the place where you can use your interactive want you bought from the Ollivander's. You'll also find Borgin and Burkes gift shop here. This shop is filled with quirky dark arts gifts, skulls, souvenirs, and t-shirts. 

Do you need a park-to-park ticket for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

You need a park-to-park ticket if you wish to experience Hogwarts Express and visit both parks in a single day. However, if you're visiting each park on different days, you don't need a park-to-park ticket. 

Final Words on Harry Potter Universal Studios Florida

Potterheads around the world wait for the day they can make the pilgrimage to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you're one of those lucky ones whose time has come, you don't need to waste any more time planning the perfect trip. Especially if you have limited days, you can simply use this guide to enjoy the best experiences the Wizarding World has to offer. 

And there's another thing that can make your day, and that is a discount. Head to the Orlando Vacation to find Universal Studios discounts on everything from the tickets to the vacation packages and rentals!