Fellow Harry Potter fans, rejoice. Muggles — like you and I — can now drink Butterbeer, shop for our wands, and go to Hogwarts. Yes, it’s all possible at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort™ in Orlando, Florida.
During my May 2014 trip to Florida, I visited Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ to explore all that Harry Potter fans can see, experience, and consume. Read on to see all the magical things I discovered and everything muggles need to know before visiting!
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. When you click on some links in this post to research your trip and/or book your hotel, I may earn a small commission. Of course, this is at no extra cost to you.
What is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area of the Universal Studios theme parks that brings to life the settings of J.K. Rowling’s fantastical realm of wizards, witches, and other magical creatures in the Harry Potter book series and the related film series.
At Universal Orlando Resort, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter currently includes two magical lands. Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure was the first area to open in 2010, and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida followed in July 2014.
Connecting these two Wizarding World areas is the Hogwarts Express. If you want to ride the train from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley (or vice versa), you should purchase a park-to-park ticket that allows you to visit both theme parks in a day.
Additionally, a third Wizarding World land based on the Ministry of Magic from the Fantastic Beasts films is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025 at the forthcoming Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort.
The Wizarding World has also expanded beyond Orlando. Though Universal Orlando Resort has the largest Wizarding World of Harry Potter, muggles can also visit the Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing.
Things to Do at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Disembark from the Hogwarts Express or enter through the stone arch, and you’ll step into the snow-covered village of Hogsmeade. This magical land is filled with thrilling attractions, live entertainment, shops just like those Harry visited, and, of course, Butterbeer.
But what are the best things to do in Hogsmeade? Read on for this muggle’s top picks!
Fly with Harry on a Forbidden Journey
Inside the Hogwarts castle is a thrilling ride in which you will soar alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione. You’ll even face a dragon and feel the heat of its fiery breath!
One of the best parts of the Hogsmeade experience is waiting in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ because you pass by iconic sights from Hogwarts, including Dumbledore’s office, the Room of Requirement, and the Gryffindor common room.
Any muggle who has read J.K. Rowling’s books or seen the movies will appreciate the details inside the castle and during the ride.
Rider Requirements:
- Minimum height of 48″ (122 cm)
- Waistlines over 40″ (102 cm) may not be accommodated, and there is a test seat at the entrance.
- Loose items, such as phones and purses, must be stowed in a locker or left with a non-rider.
- Can’t be pregnant
Accessibility
- Service animals aren’t allowed, but a kennel will be provided upon request.
- A non-moving transfer station with aid is available for wheelchair users.
- To review all the restrictions for riders’ safety, please refer to the Universal Orlando rider’s guide.
Travel Tip: Skip long lines by using the Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited pass, or split from your group to ride as single riders.
Have Your Wand Choose You at Ollivanders
To attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you’ll need your wand. So, head to Ollivanders™ Wand Shop in the Hogsmeade village!
At Ollivanders, thousands of wands await in their boxes stacked high to the ceiling to choose their rightful young wizards and witches.
In a fun, interactive experience, your wand may choose you, but there is no obligation to purchase.
Of course, Ollivanders covers all your wand needs, and you can shop for replicas of your favorite characters’ wands, souvenir wand sets, and more!
But first, be sure to exchange your muggle dollars for wizarding bank notes at Gringotts Money Exchange in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. This is another reason to consider purchasing a park-to-park ticket for your visit!
Ride a Hippogriff Past Hagrid’s Hut
Since the Flight of the Hippogriff™ doesn’t go upside down, it’s fit for young wizards and those who prefer a tame attraction.
On this kid-friendly roller coaster, you’ll zoom past Hagrid’s hut and the pumpkin patch, and you’ll learn how to approach a Hippogriff as you wait in the queue.
For this family-friendly ride, you can use the Universal Express pass to skip the regular line.
Rider Requirements:
- Minimum height of 36″ (92 cm)
- Riders under 48″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion
- Some body types may not be accommodated
- Can’t be pregnant
Accessibility
- Service animals aren’t allowed, but a kennel will be provided upon request.
- A modified ride vehicle is available for wheelchair users.
- To review all the restrictions for riders’ safety, please refer to the Universal Orlando rider’s guide.
Drink Butterbeer™ at Hog’s Head
The creamy butterscotch drink beloved by Harry and his friends is delicious indeed.
At Hog’s Head™ and at carts located throughout Hogsmeade, you can purchase this buttery beverage in a souvenir cup.
Butterbeer comes as a soda topped with a scrumptious foam or as a frozen drink.
Travel Tip: Buy your Butterbeer at Hog’s Head and drink it on the back patio, where you can see Hogwarts in the distance.
Get a Real Hogwarts Experience in the Loo
As you may recall from the Harry Potter novels and films, Moaning Myrtle resides in the girls’ bathroom inside Hogwarts. At the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’ll hear the love-struck ghost in the women’s and men’s restrooms.
Take the Hogwarts Express to Kings Cross
Once you’ve explored all that Hogsmeade offers, take the train to Kings Cross Station at Universal Studios. As I’ve mentioned, you’ll need a park-to-park ticket to visit Diagon Alley.
Fly into the Forbidden Forest
On Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, fly into the Forbidden Forest, made up of 1,200 trees. This epic thrill ride is the world’s first “story coaster,” combining cutting-edge technology and a fascinating storyline that elevates the theme park experience.
Rider Requirements:
- Minimum height of 48″ (122 cm)
- Waistlines over 40″ (102 cm) may not be accommodated, and there is a test seat at the entrance.
- Loose items, such as phones and purses, must be stowed in a locker or left with a non-rider.
- Can’t be pregnant
Accessibility
- Service animals aren’t allowed, but a kennel will be provided upon request.
- A modified ride vehicle is available for wheelchair users.
- To review all the restrictions for riders’ safety, please refer to the Universal Orlando rider’s guide.
Tips for Your Visit to the Wizarding World
Use the Park-To-Park Ticket to Visit Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. That is why you’ll want to purchase a park-to-park ticket, especially if you are only visiting for one day. Additionally, this allows you to ride the Hogwarts Express between the two parks.
Dine at Three Broomsticks™ (If You Like English Pub Fare)
If you are in the mood for shepherd’s pie or fish and chips, you’ll want to dine at Three Broomsticks. This Hogsmeade restaurant serves traditional English breakfast fare until 10:30 a.m. and British pub fare afterward.
Now, if traditional English pub food isn’t what you are craving, save your appetite for dining at CityWalk.
However, it’s still worth stopping in for a beverage or dessert such as Gillywater, Pumpkin Juice™, Frozen Butterbeer™, or Butterbeer™ ice cream.
Maximize Your Time in the Wizarding World
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade is located at the back corner of Islands of Adventure, and you’ll want to head there first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
To really maximize your time in Hogsmeade, you could book a vacation package at one of the Universal Orlando hotels.
Staying at one of the Universal Orlando hotels grants you access to Hogsmeade (and the rest of the two theme parks) an hour before the general public.
Also, you can skip the regular lines at popular attractions with complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes when you stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and the Hard Rock Hotel.
Where to Stay at Universal Orlando
As I mentioned, to maximize your time at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’ll want to stay at Universal Orlando Resort, and there are several high-quality resorts and hotels at varying price points.
Of course, the major perk of booking your stay at one of the on-site hotels is early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter an hour before the park opens.
You’ll also have access to complimentary shuttles between your accommodations, the theme parks, and CityWalk’s shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Plus, you can use your room key to charge food, souvenirs, and other purchases at Universal Orlando Resort, and any merchandise you purchase can be delivered to your hotel at no cost. With these two perks, you are saved from lugging extra stuff around the parks!
Additionally, when you stay at one of the premier hotels, you’ll receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes to skip the regular line at select popular attractions.
Premier Hotels
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel — Family fun meets luxury accommodations at this Italian villa-inspired hotel featuring three pools with plenty of poolside activities for kids, award-winning dining, and nightly operatic performances.
Hard Rock Hotel — Listen to music underwater in the pool of this rock-n-roll hotel!
Loews Royal Pacific Resort —Is a Polynesian vacation more your style? At Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you can feast at a Hawaiian luau and soak in a lagoon-style pool.
Preferred Hotel
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort — Want to feel like you are staying on a Caribbean island during your theme park vacation? Well, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort might just be the place for you.
Prime Value Hotel
Universal’s Aventura Hotel — This modern hotel features both rooftop and poolside bars, as well as sleek guest rooms.
Value Hotels
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites — Stay in a beachy, surf-themed room or two-bedroom suite that sleeps up to six! At a resort that perpetually celebrates summer, you can dip into the outdoor pool and sip poolside cocktails.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites — The sister hotel to the Surfside Inn & Suites is also a beach-themed, family-friendly resort with two-bedroom suites, two outdoor pools, a children’s pool, and three bars.
Want to stay elsewhere in Orlando? Use the map below to search for and book your accommodations!
Planning Your Visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Whether you are a muggle, wizard, witch, or other magical creature, I hope you now feel better prepared to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
In this post, I shared the quintessential things to do in Hogsmeade. Personally, my favorite parts of visiting Hogsmeade were sipping my first Butterbeer, seeing the Hogwarts Express, and experiencing the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey from queuing to riding.
As you plan your own visit, remember to purchase park-to-park tickets and book your stay at a premier-level hotel to receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes to skip long lines at some of the most popular attractions. The premier hotels include Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and the Hard Rock Hotel.
Also, if you’d like to dress like a Hogwarts student or showcase your Gryffindor pride during your trip, take a look at these awesome Harry Potter essentials for your trip.
Finally, if you have visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade or another Wizarding World land, please share your own tips for visiting in the comment section below!
Visiting Orlando? Browse Viator and GetYourGuide to book more activities for your trip!
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This is one theme park I would love to visit! Saving for later.
This looks like SO much fun! Who wouldn’t want their own wand?
This is truly amazing! I want to get out more and travel and you have totally sold me on harry potter. I liked the books and movies, but to actually be able to experience and live it for a little bit would be awesome! I loved this post and hopefully one day I will be able to visit this place of awesomeness.
Although I’m not a huge Harry Potter fan, I still had a great time there. I really liked the feel of it all. Especially everything covered in snow, considering it was in the middle of the summer in Florida!
Right? I was there on a warm May day, so I know what you mean about the snow-covered shops.
So amazing to see your post as my son is watching a Harry Potter movie tonight – your pics are amazing