The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World
I’ve had the opportunity to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando multiple times over the last few years, and it honestly never ceases to amaze me! From the way you enter Diagon Alley to the music that follows you around the parks to when you finally see the castle right in front of you, it’s truly an experience that engulfs you in all of the magic you’d hope to find from the books and movies. It’s no secret that I am a huge Harry Potter fan (for real, I even have a small tattoo to prove it), and it took over six years from the time it opened for me to finally visit for the first time. And like any true fan, I wanted to make sure that I experienced everything it had to offer so that I would feel fully immersed in the wizarding world.
While I originally wrote this post in 2017 after my first trip to the parks, I have been sure to update it throughout the years as I’ve journeyed back. But prior to that first trip back, I had been told that there were a lot of hidden gems throughout the two parts of the parks — Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village — so before making my way to Orlando, I made sure to do my research, compiling a list of HP World Secrets, and testing each and every one of them to ensure that they were legit. Keep reading for some of those trickled throughout this post as I share some of my experience at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Welcome to Harry Potter World!
Like I mentioned above, Harry Potter World spans Universal Orlando's two parks: Universal and Islands of Adventure. So if you want the whole HPW experience, you really need to get the two-park pass... trust me, it's worth it. Once you get there, I recommend starting at the Universal Studios side, as that is where Diagon Alley is located. As you prepare to have your wee muggle heart burst, imagine you're a first-year getting ready to head into the magical world for the first time, just like Harry after he heard, '“Yer a wizard, Harry” (year one, Sorcerer's Stone). Make your way to the back of the park, and all of a sudden you’ll notice that you're walking through the streets of London, staring right at King's Cross Station. Secret #1: head into the red telephone booth, dial "MAGIC" (62442), and get connected directly to the Ministry of Magic. Then, be sure head over to the Knight Bus, and be sure to strike up a conversation with Stan Shunpike and the shrunken head. Secret #2: the shrunken head will talk to you directly, and may even use your name and crack jokes at your expense.
Make Your Way to Diagon Alley
What I loved about heading into Diagon Alley was that it’s a pretty discreet entrance, so look for the opening in the brick wall, walk on through, but be prepared for your jaw to drop as you take it all in. Truly, no detail was spared or overlooked. Your first stop should absolutely be Ollivander's Wand Shop. I’ve gone in twice, and bot times I was chosen from the group to experience "the wand choose the wizard!" I won't lie, I almost cried (both times) as Ollivander had me try out a few wands before I got the right one, which meant trying a few spells that failed miserably (like trying to water a flower but killing it instead, or sorting books and inadvertently making the bookshelf fall). But when the right one chose me — and I am not exaggerating — light shone down, wind blew through my hair, and the most glorious sounds echoed throughout the room. It was pure magic! And you best believe I bought that wand and used it all throughout the parks to cast spells! Secret #3: If you choose to buy a wand, spend the few extra dollars on the interactive wand, which comes with a map of the parks showing the spots where you can “cast spells.” So worth it. Secret #4: there are two places that are not on the map where you can cast spells; the first is at the storefront of Slug and Jiggers Apothecary on Diagon Alley, and the second is in the right-hand window of Scribbulus Writing Implements on Horizont Alley. Also, be sure to just hang around on the street for a bit, as every 15 minutes the dragon on top of Gringott's bank roars and breathes fire!
Wheezes, Ice Cream, and Butterbeer
More fun things in Diagon Alley include heading into Weasley's Wizard Wheezes for some of Fred + George's fun inventions, making your way through Carkitt Market into Gringott's Money Exchange (Secret #5: you can exchange your muggle money for galleons that can be used in the park to purchase wizarding goods), hopping in line for the Escape from Gringott's ride, wandering through Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions (Secret #6: go up to the mirror and see what she has to say about your outfit, and be warned: she can be real sassy), and drinking all the butterbeer you can get your hands on. That means drinking it cold, hot, and frozen (my favorite!), and also be sure to get some butterbeer ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Don't forget to get some grub at The Leaky Cauldron, where I'd highly recommend you order the Cottage Pie — yum! And if you're feeling like a walk on the dark side, make your way into Knockturn Alley. There, you can head into Borgin and Bourke's for all of your dark wizardry needs. Secret #7: in Bourgin and Bourke's, find the vanishing cabinet, get as close as you can, put your hand on the handle and listen for the chirping of the bird that Draco put in it in year 6 (Half Blood Prince). Secret #8: while you're still in Diagon Alley, find the giant snake outside of the Magical Menagerie and listen carefully as he speaks to you in parseltongue.
Head to Platform 9 3/4
Exit Diagon Alley the same way you entered, but before you head to King's Cross Station, be sure to check out 12 Grimmauld Place, the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix (year five). Secret #9: if you look closely, you might find Kreacher the house elf peering out of the window directly above the door of 12 Grimmauld Place. Once you're back to King's Cross, be sure to (Secret #10) ask the muggle train conductors at the entrance where Platform 9 3/4 is located, and prepare for them to look at you like you're crazy. As you make your way through the train station, make sure you get ready for the best photo/video opportunity as you "walk through the wall" onto Platform 9 3/4. Board the train, and keep your eyes and ears open to hear from some of your favorite Hogwarts troublemakers, Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Also, let it be noted that whoever they got to voice Hermione on the train is a travesty... I'm pretty sure I could have done a better impression of my girl Granger. Secret #11: be sure to ride the Hogwarts Express both ways, as it’s a different experience each way!
Wander Through Hogsmeade Village
First things first, head to the Hog's Head for some butterbeer (if hot, get some firewhisky in it!), because you really can't have enough. Then make your way into Honeyduke's for some Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizbees, Pumpkin Pasties, and of course a package of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. Secret #12: make sure to use the toilets in Hogsmeade Village, because whether you're a witch or a wizard you will be able to hear a familiar voice while inside, as Moaning Myrtle likes to hang around and make sure everyone knows just how miserable she is. And, of course, you HAVE to ride the newest ride in Hogsmeade, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure! This ride opened up in 2019 and you guys, it is SO worth the wait! While I was initially bummed that they demolished “Dragon Challenge” to build Hagrid’s ride (it was an outdoor, foot dangling-coaster with two tracks that started simultaneously — hence the “dueling” —but had originally been built in the late 90’s as “Dueling Dragons”), once I finally got to ride it in 2020 I understood the hype and was fully on board. It’s such a fun concept, with the ride’s seats resembling Hagrid’s motorbike and sidecar, and you encounter tons of magical creatures — unicorns, a blast-ended skrewt, Fluffy the three-headed dog, and more — along the way before making your way back to Hogwarts castle. Seriously guys, so fun!
Welcome Home to Hogwarts!
FRIENDS, it is time (finally!) to head to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! And if you're as big of a fan as I am, prepare yourself for ALL the emotions. I mean, I legit cried when I saw Hogwarts for the first time. It's giant, it’s magical, and it's really just the perfect replica to make you feel like you’re really there. After you're done marveling, head into the line to join Harry, Ron, and Hermione on the Forbidden Journey. Like the other rides, this line can be long, but it's worth the wait because it winds through the castle itself! You get to walk through Professor Sprout's green house, the hallways of magical portraits — including those of the famed Hogwarts founders, Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin — Dumbledore's magical-artifact-filled office, the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom (my favorite!), and other various parts of the castle (Secret #13: listen closely outside of the potions classroom and you will hear teachers and students chatting away).
You even get to witness the Sorting Hat in his natural habitat, after which you will be totally ready for the ride! Post-journey, you exit through Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods, where you can't forget to look up into the rafters to see some of the things Filch has managed to take from students throughout the years. After that, head back into Hogsmeade for more butterbeer (duh!), or maybe switch it up for some pumpkin juice!
Man, Harry Potter World is really just the best. Each time I’ve visited, I’ve been so impressed with the details and the design of both sides of the park. Apart from being in Orlando, Florida, it really feels like you’re walking into the scenes. And it might even convince you that magic, as we all wish to be true, is real.
I hope that these tips help you enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in all of it’s whimsy when you visit. Until then…
