15 Must-Have Harry Potter Essentials For Muggles Visiting The Wizarding World
Are you a muggle planning to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? I’ve compiled a list of 15 Harry Potter essentials just for you!
Whether your Harry Potter fandom takes you to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, or Universal Studios Japan or the Warner Bros. studio tour in London, the items on this list will have you geeked for your magical adventure.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you click on one of these links and make a purchase. Of course, this is at no extra cost to you.
1. “I Solemnly Swear I’m Up To No Good” Umbrella
I Solemnly Swear I’m Up To No Good Umbrella — Anyone who has visited an Orlando theme park from May through September knows how essential an umbrella can be. Myself included. This umbrella would be a brilliant item to pack for those of you heading to the Warner Bros. studio tour of the Making of Harry Potter in London, too.
2. Harry Potter Movies
Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection — Get geeked for your Wizarding World visit and refresh your Harry Potter knowledge with a full-on movie marathon of all eight films before your trip!
3. Gryffindor Knee Socks
Women’s Gryffindor Knee Socks — Sport your Hogwarts house pride with these knee-high Gryffindor socks! They are also available for the three other houses, but c’mon, you don’t need the Sorting Hat to tell you that you’re a Gryffindor. 😉
4. Gryffindor Scarf
Gryffindor Scarf — Another way to show off your Gryffindor spirit is with a scarf just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione would wear.
5. Harry Potter Glasses Charm Pendant Necklace
Harry Potter Glasses Charm Pendant Necklace — For the Harry Potter fan who wants to subtly pay homage, this necklace is just right. Personally, I’m a fan of the rose gold, but it also comes in silver and yellow gold.
6. Harry Potter Tumbler
16-oz. Tervis Wrap Tumbler with Harry Potter Glasses and Scar — You need something to hold your Butterbeer™, right? Or coffee, tea, or water.
7. Hogwarts Passport Cover
Harry Potter Passport Cover — If your Harry Potter-themed destination requires international travel, dust off your passport and protect it with a Hogwarts passport cover.
8. Harry Potter Books
Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set — It all began with J.K. Rowling’s books. If you have never read the books, you need to! They provide so much more detail than the films (though the movies are fantastic in their own right). If it has been a while since you’ve read the books, rereading the series or just your favorite of the novels could be a fun way to get excited for your upcoming visit to the Wizarding World.
9. Harry Potter T-Shirt
Women’s Harry Potter Glasses & Scar T-Shirt — For the not-so-subtle fan who doesn’t want to be mistaken for a Hogwarts student, a graphic T is the way to go. I love this one for the iconic Harry Potter round-rim glasses and lightning-bolt scar.
10. Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter Guidebook
Geek’s Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando: An Unofficial Guide for Muggles and Wizards 2018 Edition — Want to really maximize your time at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando? A guidebook will do the trick! This one is completely dedicated to the Florida theme park and available to download to your Kindle.
11. Platform 9¾ Luggage Tag
Platform 9 and 3/4 Luggage Tag — You may not be traveling by Hogwarts Express to your Harry Potter-centric destination, but since you are traveling, why not get a fun luggage tag for your trip?
12. Harry Potter Ankle Socks
Harry Potter Ankle Socks 5-Pack — If the Gryffindor knee socks listed above were a bit too much for you, these ankle socks are a much more subtle alternative. Plus, Harry Potter fans will still recognize any of the five iconic phrases from the books or movies when you remove your shoes.
13. Harry Potter’s Glasses & Gryffindor Neck Tie
Harry Potter’s Striped Tie and Glasses Set — Not only can you dress to theme at the Wizarding World, you’ll already have two pieces needed for your next Halloween costume with these Harry Potter glasses and striped neck tie.
14. Gryffindor Backpack
Gryffindor Backpack — Use this Gryffindor backpack as your personal item or carry-on bag on the plane and as your daypack at the Wizarding World.
15. “Don’t Let The Muggles Get You Down” Tote Bag
Don’t Let The Muggles Get You Down Tote Bag — If you plan to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida or California, I imagine you may find yourself poolside at some point. Pack your favorite Harry Potter book in this canvas tote. Then go set up under an umbrella by the pool for relaxing reading.
Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando?
Now that you have read the books, watched the films, downloaded the guidebook linked above, and picked out some sweet Harry Potter gear to sport during your visit, you are nearly ready for a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Before you go, you might want to check out my post about what you can explore at Hogsmeade on the Islands of Adventure side. Lastly, as you plan, you can price shop, read other travelers’ reviews, and book your Orlando hotel at TripAdvisor or on Booking.com.
Don’t forget to pin this post for future reference!
Which of these Harry Potter essentials would you take on your magical journey to the Wizarding World?
Thank you so much for the all the great information! My husband and I are heading to WWoHP and Diagon Alley next month, and I’m soooo excited that I’ve already started reading up and taking notes on how to go about the whole thing because we are there for just a day… I just had a quick question: do we absolutely need Wizarding money for all transactions? I mean for the wand / robes/ butterbeer? Can’t we use Muggle money instead? I am definitely planning on getting me a few Galleons, Sickle and Knuts, but I didn’t want to stand in a very long queue for that, since we’re there only for a day. I was planning on going when I saw that the line was the shortest or right at the end of our visit.
A wonderfully helpful post. We’re going in about a month in late August (yes, I know, it’ll be really hot but I grew up in Miami so used to it!) and I wanted to know if you had to reserve at the Leaky Cauldron? It doesn’t look like it but wanted to confirm. Thanks for taking the time to post such great tips!
I went to Hogwarts myself! 🏰 Oh goodness was it the most amazing experience of my life! Not going to even lie to you, I cried when I rounded the corner and ended up in Hogsmeade. Definitely one of the most incredible experiences of my life! Next up for me is going to London to check out a ton of other HP sights! I definitely cannot wait. Thanks for the share!
So jealous 😝 all the pictures look incredible
I wish they’d make the entry a little less pricey… So that all kinds of Harry Potter fans can visit this amazing location 🙂
Your post is extremely timely, as I am going to Universal Studios (FL) on Sunday, for the first time in like 20 years 🙂 and SUPER EXCITED about all of the Harry Potter stuff!
That is EXCITING, Liz! I loved the Hogsmeade side at Islands of Adventure. I was there in May 2014 just before Diagon Alley on the Universal Studios side was open. I’d love to go back to take the Hogwarts Express between the two parks. Have fun! Can’t wait to see pictures from your trip!