The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of my favorite places at Universal Orlando Resort, and the same is true for many Harry Potter fans. There are so many amazing things to see here, but here’s what I think Harry Potter fans must try at the Wizarding World.
Butterbeer
What Harry Potter fan didn’t want to try Butterbeer after reading about it? You can buy this concoction just about anywhere in the Wizarding World that serves food or drinks, including a few outdoor stands. This deliciousness is available in hot, cold, and frozen. There are different opinions on which one is best, so you might just have to try all three.
Ollivander’s
A lot of us dreamed of getting an acceptance letter to Hogwarts, and of course that would be followed by a trip to Ollivander’s to select your wand. You can have part of that experience in the Wizarding World. Ollivander’s in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade hosts a short show where a wand maker helps a wizard or witch find their perfect wand. Only one person in each show gets chosen, but it’s still great fun to watch.
Interactive Wands
Of course, the whole point of wanting to get a wand is so you can cast spells, right? The Wizarding World has made that possible, too. At Ollivander’s and at Wands by Gregorovitch, you can purchase interactive wands that will allow you to cast spells throughout the Wizarding World.
Tour Hogwarts and Gringotts Bank
The main thrill rides in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, respectively) are great attractions for Harry Potter fans. But, even if you’re not a fan of thrill rides, there’s still a must-see here for fans. The queues for both these rides are astonishingly detailed and allow you to see lots of great locations from the world of Harry Potter, including inside Gringotts Bank, Dumbledore’s office, and the Gryffindor common room. Ask outside the ride about taking a tour of the queue if you don’t want to ride.
Hogwarts Express
The journey to and from Hogwarts is such a memorable fixture of the books and films, and in the Wizarding World you can take that journey, too. The train runs back and forth between King’s Cross Station near Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Station. Be sure to ride each way, as the experience is different in each direction, and is a must try at the Wizarding World. Keep in mind that you must have a Park-to-Park ticket in order to ride.
Knight Bus Driver
There are very few characters for guests to meet in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but of those available, our favorite is the Knight Bus driver. You can find him on the London Waterfront outside Diagon Alley, where he and his shrunken head friend are happy to chat with you and take a picture.
Elizabeth Perry is a travel planner with Modern Travel Professionals, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, and part of The Affordable Mouse team. She's a planner, a vacation enthusiast, and quite the nerd. Even better, she's dedicated to helping you plan a fun, fantastic vacation so you can visit the worlds of your favorite stories and create great memories. You’ll be able to find the resources you need to plan a spectacular vacation, get personalized service for all your trip needs, and have a guide that knows all the inside secrets.