My immediate family, and many of our extended family members, are very much harry Potter fans. We’ve read all the books (more than once), watched all the movies (definitely more than once), and visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Orlando.
As a family we absolutely LOVED the Wizarding World in Orlando!! From the moment you step into it, whether that’s through Diagon Alley or under the arched entrance of Hogsmeade, you truly feel as if you are in Harry’s world.
The entrance into Diagon Alley from Universal Studios Florida can easily be missed the first time if you’re not on the look out. And if you do stroll past it at first, be sure to look up at the windows of 13 Grimmauld Place and see who decides to take a peek at you.
A few quick turns “through” the brick wall and you’ve entered the hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley. You’ll see some of your favorite shops and restaurants from the books/movies right away. From the Weasley brother’s joke shop to Florean Fortescue’s ice cream parlor and even the Leaky Cauldron, you’re able to eat and shop like your favorite Potter characters. My personal recommendation…. try the ButterBeer!! They offer it hot, cold, frozen AND ( a personal fave) as an ice cream!! Performances of stories from the Tales of Beedle the Bard take place throughout the day.
The only ride located completely in this section of the Wizarding World is Escape from Gringotts housed appropriately within the Gringotts bank. This ride is an amazing journey along the rail system that leads to the vaults under the bank. Fast paced and fun you are joined by many of the characters. Perched atop the bank is the escaped dragon and beware… he has a surprise for you every now and again.
When you’ve completed your journey around Diagon Alley it’s time to head back out into Universal Studios Florida and stop for a quick chat with the driver(s) of the Knight Bus before entering King’s Cross Station. If you look closely as you go along you’ll realize that you’ve gotten to Platform 9 3/4 and then it’s time to board the Hogwarts Express. Get settled into your seat and enjoy the ride! And remember, the experience is different in each direction so be sure to take a ride back from Hogsmeade to King’s Cross Station later.
Upon exiting the Hogwarts Express platform in Hogsmeade you’re again immersed in the world of Harry Potter. Now you can enter Olivander’s and possibly be the wizard chosen by his/her wand (my daughter was chosen and loved the experience), grab a bite at the Three Broomsticks or pick up some sweets at Honeyduke’s Sweetshop. So many things to do and that’s before the rides!
Currently, there are 2 rides within Hogsmeade: The Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff.
The Forbidden Journey is housed within the castle of Hogwarts and the cue for this ride is one of my all time favorites!! There is just sooo much to see and experience along the way. The ride itself is fabulous but can be intense. While I absolutely love it, guests should definitely go into this ride informed. And as a side note, if you’re wearing any sort of shoes like flip flops you might want to tuck them behind your back for the ride. Otherwise you might lose one or two along the way.
Flight of the Hippogriff is a quick paced family roller coaster that showcases Buckbeak the hippogriff. This ride is fun for the entire family and offers a great view of Hogsmeade… right before you plunge downwards.
Universal is currently building a third attraction for the Hogsmeade section and at this time we are unaware of any specifics. But I am quite certain that it will be an amazing addition to this section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Travels with the Cricket 