The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an attraction in Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, FL.
This attraction contains two parts: one in Islands of Adventure theme park, “Hogsmeade,” and one in the Universal Studios theme park, “Diagon Alley.” Both are stunning replicas of the two places in the Harry Potter series, featuring rows of shops and rides that make you feel as though you've finally got your letter to Hogwarts and have joined the world of "Harry Potter"—yes, I’m a huge "Harry Potter" nerd.
Here are 12 things you should be sure to do while visiting the attraction:
1. In Hogsmeade, you should take in your surroundings, as you will be sure to see tourists wearing full wizard garb: robes, wands and more.
2. The Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey ride is not something you will want to miss. This indoor, motion-based ride through the dark takes you through Hogwarts and throws you into an adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, as you fly on your “broomsticks.”
3. If you are not faint of heart, I would recommend the “Dragon Challenge” or what was known in my childhood as “Dueling Dragons.” This roller coaster is a high speed, upside down, topsy-turvy ride that will leave you in awe and possibly a little shaky. However, as someone with a massive fear of heights, if I can do this roller coaster, so can you! Be advised: The blue side is less scary than the red side.
4. If giant roller coasters aren’t your thing, then you should try the Flight of the Hippogriff, a smaller, less intimidating roller coaster that is family friendly and almost as fun as the dragon one. This simulates the “flight” of one of Hagrid’s sacred pets and creatures of the "Harry Potter" saga.
5. Ollivanders wand shop is a fun stop for anyone due to its amazing replication of the store in the novels. There is even a "wand demonstration" for one lucky patron who one wand “chooses.” For everyone else, if you choose to purchase a wand (no judgment), you can choose from ones that the characters in the books have, or you can choose a unique wand that’s your very own. These wands can even “produce magic” at different locations around the park by stepping on certain spots in the theme park.
6. Eat at Three Broomsticks for an authentic dining experience you won’t soon forget.
7. Drink as much Butter Beer as you can find. That stuff is delicious.
8. The Hogwarts Express is a train ride that will actually make you feel as though you are in the world of "Harry Potter." A train designed to take you from one area of the park to the other, its cars are designed to look like the one you see Harry, Ron, and Hermione use throughout the series. The windows have footage of the ride from Hogwarts to Platform 93/4, so you get the full experience.
9. Diagon Alley offers so many shops, but my favorite was Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Butterbeer ice cream, anyone?
10. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a ride you will absolutely want to experience. You walk into Gringotts Bank, an iconic place in the series, and are greeted by the goblins (just like the movie!) and go on a simulation ride throughout the vaults—with a few surprises along the way!
11. If you want to see the dark side of the wizard world, head over to Knockturn Alley, a gloomy backstreet off Diagon Alley, where you can find relics of the dark side including death eater masks, skulls, and other sinister things.
12. Finally, as you’re heading out of Diagon Alley, stop and chat with the bus driver of the Knight Bus. This iconic bus is famous for squeezing between buildings, shrinking under bridges, and other types of magic while driving wizards throughout London.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a great attraction for any time of vacation and I highly recommend stopping there and exploring the world J.K. Rowling brought to life.
For more information visit the Universal Studios Harry Potter website.
