. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter can fittingly be described as the most magical place on Earth to the seasoned Harry Potter fan.
There are now three fun ways to enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, and it is a must-see attraction for everyone.
Universal Studios Orlando
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
This is the original Wizarding World attraction in Universal Studios. Never offering a dull moment, one can enjoy a tall glass of butterbeer, find their perfect wand in Ollivander’s wand shop, sample a sweet at Honeyduke’s, or simply stroll through the streets of Hogsmeade.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade) offers two themed roller coasters (Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff). You will also find a state of the art interactive thrill ride (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey). The thrill ride is fantastic. It will make you feel like you are being thrust into the book right alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they try to escape from a boring class.
Some of the attractions in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure are:
- The Dragon Challenge
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hogwart’s Castle
- The Three Broomsticks
- Honeydukes
- Olivander’s Wand Shop
- Hogsmeade’s Station – Ride the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
The newest addition to the Wizarding World in Florida is Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. This park is located in the theme park adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. If you purchase a park hopper pass, or hold an annual pass, you can travel between the two parks on the Hogwart’s Express (what a cool adventure!)
this park brings some of the most exciting additions besides the simple fact that you are in Diagon Alley. There is Gringotts Bank (and a new multi-dimensional thrill ride – Escape from Gringotts). You will also find Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station where you can ride the Hogwart’s Express to Hogsmeade.
Some of the fun attractions you will find here are:
- Gringotts Bank (Escape from Gringotts)
- The Leaky Caldron
- Ollivander’s Wand Shop
- Quality Quiddith Supplies
- Realistic themed street performers
Universal Studios Hollywood
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The very newest addition to the Wizarding World family brings the Harry Potter adventure to Hollywood California. I’m sure to the delight of those who have not had the fortune to travel to Florida!
This park includes many of the adventures of Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- Hogwarts Castle
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Ollivanders and other shops of Hogsmeade
- Authenticate street performers
Incredible Authenticity
Being a huge Harry Potter fan, I loved the incredible authenticity of the wizarding world park. It was as if all of the movie scenes had been recreated just for us. Everything looked exactly as I had always pictured it in my head. From the whimsical appearance of Zonko’s, to the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the Hog’s Head Pub. Even the staircase leading to the cellar in Honeyduke’s, Harry’s favorite way to sneak from the castle to Hogsmeade without being caught. Oh, and don’t forget Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom.
Stuart Craig, a production designer who was a fixture in all Harry Potter films, headed the team that designed the parks. No wonder the richness and authenticity of the park’s details are commendable. For any fan, it’s is the closest thing to being in the real world of Harry Potter. The experience is as genuine s it gets. You cannot buy popcorn or cotton candy here, it’s all butter beer and Nimbus 2000 broomsticks for sale!
One of my daughters is an incredible Harry Potter fan. She just kept noticing more and more details from the books (things that you might not find in the movies). Be sure to take time to really look and notice all that Universal has taken the time to put into this fantastic attraction.
Hogwarts Castle
Walking through the hallways of the castle is a complete experience with talking portraits and real-life people as Harry, Ron, Hermione and even Prof. Dumbledore make surprise appearances. The famed greenhouse of Professor Sprout is also there!
Dining in Hogsmeade
Dinner at the Three Broomsticks is a must do while you’re in Hogsmeade. This unique pub offers very popular meals to wizards and muggles alike, and the food is very good, a nice change from the average amusement park menu.
If you are just looking for a quick treat, be sure to have a mug of butterbeer!
All in all, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a Harry Potter fan’s dream come true!
So, what do you have to say?