2-Parks in 1-Day to tour the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
In this touring plan well visit the Wizarding World at Universal following Harry’s journey through the books!
This attraction is part of Early Park Admission that is included with your stay at a Universal Resort Hotel.
Start at Universal Studios Diagon Alley
- The bank goblin is interactive, go ahead and ask him a question but make sure to speak loudly, he is a bit hard of hearing.
- Due to COVID safety measures reservations are required and are limited.
- Reservations are made the day of behind the wand shop at Dr. Fillibuster’s Fireworks near Globus Mundi
- Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions. Stop in front of the mirror to check yourself out in your wizarding robes.
- Quality Quidditch Supplies
- Scribbulus
- Magical Menagerie Practice your Parseltongue with the snake in the window
- Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
5. While shopping watch for the dragon above Gringotts Bank to breathe fire.
- Send your purchases to the front of the park (It’s a Wrap) for pick-up later but keep your wand with you.
If Islands of Adventure is not yet open try some spells with your wand from Ollivander’s.
6. Board the Hogwart’s Express at the King Cross Station
- Head to Platform 9 and ¾ for your voyage to Hogwarts.
- Have your phones or cameras ready as you vanish through the wall between platforms 9
and 10. - This works best if one member of the party hangs back to capture the moment on
video.
This attraction requires a Park-to-Park ticket and that both theme parks are open.
You’ll arrive at the Hogsmede Station in Islands of Adventure
7. Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- If you do not care to ride this attraction you are permitted to do a “castle tour” where you will stand in line but exit just before loading onto the attraction.
- The queue will take you to the green houses, Professor Dumbledore’s Office, a class room, past the Sorting
Hat, house point hour glasses, moving pictures and more. - If you have Express Pass – do not utilize it if you want to see the castle as this queue will by-pass most of it.
- Child Swap is available however might be limited due to new COVID procedures, please check with the ride attendant.
- Large items are required to be stored in a locker.
- Ride Photos from Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey are located on the left, locker re-entry is located on the right.
- Soar with a Hippogriff on this family friendly roller-coaster. Remember to bow when you
meet a Hippogriff.
10. Three Broomsticks
- Time for lunch, the Great Feast is a popular choice.
- Parents can get grown-up drinks here and at the adjoining Hog’s Head.
- Hogs Head Brew is a Wizarding World exclusive.
11. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Fly in Hagrid’s Motorbike through the Forbidden Forest.
- This attraction does not currently accept Express Pass but occasionally will utilize Virtual Queue.
- Child Swap is available however might be limited due to new COVID procedures, please check with the ride attendant.
- Large items are required to be stored in a locker and wizard robes may not be worn on this attraction.
- Once in the sidecar and once on the motorbike.
- Dervish and Banges
- Owl Post
- Honeydukes
13. Try Butterbeer at the Butterbeer Cart
- Time for a Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice
- I prefer the Frozen Butterbeer over the other options at the cart.
- Hot Butterbeer (my favorite of the Butterbeers) is only available during
winter months and only in the restaurants not at the carts. Grab yours at Hogsheads Brew.
- Note that Gillywater is just good ol’ H2O.
- Time to put your wizarding skills to the test. The wand from Ollivander’s includes a map of the locations.
- If timed correctly both the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally will occur during this time.
- Both events occur on the stage near the bridge into Hogsmeade from Jurassic Park.
15. Time to board the Hogwarts Express at the Hogsmeade Station.
- Remember we’re following the order of the storyline and not necessarily going in the “fastest” order. If you’d like a touring plan to cover it all without considering the storyline see the Universal Studios Touring Plan – For the Gotta Do It All Family.
- The Hogwarts Express has a different view each direction.
- This attraction requires a Park-to-Park tickets and that both theme parks are open.
- Pop into the London Phone Booth for a photo op and call the Ministry of Magic. The number is MAGIC (62442).
- Have a chat with the shrunken head, Dre Head, and a photo op with the Knight Bus Conductor, Stan Shunpike.
18. Visit 12 Grimmauld Place
- Photo op at the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix
- Watch for Kreacher in the 2 nd story window
- This is not your ordinary gift shop. This location is filled with items from the darker side of the Wizarding World.
20. Knockturn Alley – Interactive Wands
- Use your Ollivander’s Wand and practice spells
- Small children might be frightened/startled by the spells in Knockturn Alley specifically Alohamora and Incendio.
21. Eat at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
- Butterbeer is a fan favorite, also Chocolate Chili (this one has a little bite) and Earl Grey & Lavender but Harry Potter’s favorite is the Strawberry Peanutbutter.
22. The Tales of Beedle the Bard
- If timed right enjoy this show while enjoying your ice cream.
- Check the Universal Orlando app for show times
- Enjoy a laugh at Fred and George Weasley’s joke shop.
- Complete the rest the rest of your spell practice before concluding your tour.
- Remember that Aquamenti is the spell for water, you may get wet.
- Lockers are required for loose articles. If your phone can fit securely in your pocket you
may want to keep it with you to take pictures in the bank before you ride.
- In non-COVID times it would be recommended to not use Express Pass as you would miss part of the pre-show but due to the current state of things you will not miss
anything using Express Pass so enjoy the shorter line.
Note: Please note that Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle and Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle are currently suspended due to COVID19.
Written by: Dana Johnson
Request a no obligation quote from Dana@LOTMV.com
