The Wizarding World of Harry Potter puts the theme in theme park. The immersive areas are so much fun to explore. We have visited three times and adore it. Sure, you can have a wander and let it all wash over you, but if you want to discover every secret, explore every nook and cranny, and squeeze every drop of magic out of the experience, you need our top tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
When Universal Studios Orlando opened the Wizarding World of Harry potter, they changed the theme park game. Not only do these lands feature some of the coolest rides in the parks, but the themeing is absolutely next level. Even Harry Potter book purists like myself have been broken by the charm (pun intended) of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade…(albeit in the Florida sunshine).
Now, if you can, we recommend visiting the Universal Studios side of the wizarding world of Harry Potter first. It is really fun to track the story from London to Hogwarts, covering the same ground as Harry Potter did.
Universal Studios – (London & Diagon Alley)
The Muggle World – Before You Enter Diagon Alley
1.) Browse the Music in the Record Shop
If you are a vinyl aficionado, you probably won’t find any rare gems in the Record Shop window…in fact,, there aren’t any real records here at all. See if you can spot ” Joe Sez No”, an 1980s style cover. This is a Universal in joke all about Harry potter author JK Rowling. She has the power to say “yes” or “no” to everything they created for the parks and when it was bad news, it was because Jo Sez No! Diagon Alley was built over the top of the old Jaws ride so you might be able to find a reference to the film in here too.
2.) Dial M for Magic
In front of the Record Shop you will spy a red telephone box (phone booth). This is much nicer than your average one in London, without the distinct bathroom odour that usually greets you. Once inside, snap a photo and then grab the phone. Try dialling MAGIC (62442) for a cool message direct from the Ministry of Magic.
3.) Get Involved with the Knight Bus
If you head to the front of the bus, you may bump into Ernie, the conductor of the Knight Bus and have the chance for a chat. Not only that, but the shrunken head likes to chip in too!
Plenty of people know about this but strangely, hardly anyone knows that if you walk around to the back, you can take a look inside. There is a full interior with the beds and everything.
4.) Don’t Miss Kreacher Peeping
Keep an eye on the facade of 12 Grimmauld Place to spot a curtain twitcher. This isn’t the local Neighbourhood Watch but the rather grouchy house elf, Kreacher.
Into Diagon Alley
Head between the Book Shop and Record Shop to enter Diagon Alley. They have done a great job at making it look like the bricks are shifting, just like in the original book.
5,) Pick up a Wand
If your budget can stretch to it, we really recommend buying an interactive wand. In the past my travel companions and I have all shared one. Unless you have children who would be less than thrilled, or you can afford to buy ones for yourselves, then this is a fine option. Most people had to the Ollivander’s shop. You can spend a while browsing and pick a wand based on its appearance or the character that owns it, or you can ask the shop attendance or some help. Experience, head around to the one choosing show and you can see how a wizard is matched with a wand.
If you want a quieter wand choosing experience, away from the jostling crowds, look out for Wands by Grerorovitch.
6.) Wave That Wand!
Once you have your wand, you will find a map inside the box which leads you to some interactive spellcasting spots. You will find these marked on the floor by golden plaques, with diagrams of the wand movement required to activate the spell. Look for the sensor, aim your wand at them and use small definite movements. Of course you don’t have to say the spells out loud if you have mastered the art of silence spellcasting, but I like to think that it helps.
“Wingardium Leviosa”
Not all of the spells are marked on the map however, so keep an eye on the floor when you are outside Slug and Jiggers Apothecary and Scribbulus Writing Implements for a couple of hidden extras.
It is worth noting that there are some places to cast spells over in Hogsmeade but they a few and far between so you will really want to play with them here for a bit longer.
7.) Pick Your Favourite Butterbeer
First things first, if you have a refillable Freestyle cup, you cannot use it in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you want a drink here, it has to be ordered a la carte… so you might as well try a butterbeer.
There are three kind of Butterbeer on offer: regular, frozen and hot. They all taste a bit like cream soda mixed with butterscotch and vanilla, which is a flavour that seems to suit each version. The regular has a foamy top, the frozen is like a slushy and the warm is just a hug in a mug. You can order butterbeer at:
- The Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley
- The Fountain of Fair Fortune, Diagon Alley
- The Hopping Pot, Diagon Alley
- The Hog’s Head Pub, Hogsmeade
- The Three Broomsticks, Hogsmeade
- Street carts, Hogsmeade
If you want the shortest line to buy your drink, make your way to the back of the Leaky Cauldron (or the Hogs Head in Hogsmeade) and order your butterbeer at the bar. This is also the place to order the vegan/non-dairy version so your whole party can enjoy it together.
Alternatively, head to Honeydukes for the Butterbeer fudge. If you want a cold treat, choose Florean Fortescue’s for some Butterbeer-flavoured ice cream. But the line is often very long and ice cream will make you more thirsty in the long run.
8.) Kick Your Drink Up a Notch
Employees are not allowed to add alcohol to your butter beer, and officially, you not allowed either so if you are going to order a Firewhiskey, the cinnamon flavoured liqueur which goes rather well, you will need to sip and sip or use your butterbeer as a chaser.
Of course you could forego the butterbeer altogether, and order one of the four specially brewed proper beers that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers. I’m not a beer drinker so I cannot vouch for these but it’s nice to know that they are there:
- Wizard’s Brew
- Dragon Scale Beer
- Hog’s Head Beer
- Daisyroot Ale
- Dark Forest Ale
They also serve Strongbow cider but any British person, and they will tell you this isn’t good cider! Please, for the love of all that is apple, do not think this is how the British enjoy their hard cider.
9.) Convert Some Muggle Money at Gringotts Money Exchange
You can exchange US dollars ($10 or $20} for special wizarding money. This can be used throughout the parks, not just in the Wizarding World areas, or you can take it home as a fun (and easy to carry) souvenir.
The helpful witch or wizard behind the counter will help explain it and change your money. This can be paid for with cash or card. Behind the raised desk, you will see a rather stern figure. This is a representative of Gringotts bank and he may or may not choose to answer you if you want to ask him a question.
10.) Feel the Ukrainian Ironbelly’s Flame
It is hard to miss the huge dragon that perches atop Gringott’s Bank but you might not know that she lets forth a blaze of fire every 10 to 15 minutes. These bursts of flame are no joke and can be up to 2000°C (3,560°F). You can feel them at ground level which can be slightly unpleasant in the Florida heat but very welcome as the evening chill sets in during winter. If you want the photo, make sure you are in your spot at around 2 minutes to the 10 minute. When you hear her start to grumble, get ready!
11.) Check Yourself Out in Madame Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions
The very best place to buy your Hogwarts robes is Madame Malkins. Inside you will find a full length mirror with whom you can converse. As you admire yourself in the mirror, don’t judge yourself too harshly as the mirror may well do it for you! It loves to give out unsolicited advice as well. Don’t worry, these can be very lovely too.
12.) Practice Your Parceltongue at Magical Menagerie
The magical menagerie is full of magical creatures and witch’s familiars. Inside you can spot cool pretend pets and presents for the real ones at home. However, in the side window, down the alley on the left, there is a giant Boa Constrictor that you may recognise from the first Harry Potter story. You can practice your Parceltongue with him, the special language of snakes and descendants of Slytherin(!). Don’t worry if you don’t understand the reply, he translates his words into English too.
13.) Sneak Into Knockturn Alley
There are two entrances into the seedy underbelly of Wizarding London. The first is hidden through an archway next to the Leaky Cauldron. The second is past the Fountain of Fair Fortune. If you love the dark arts, you need to find your way inside…in fact, if you just want somewhere a little quieter and air-conditioned you are going to love it too.
The hidden shop, Borgin and Burke’s is full of all things dark arts. Cool, edgier fashion, fun trinkets and creepy souvenirs are mixed with scary props from the films. Keep your eyes peeled for the Vanishing Cabinet and see if you can hear the birds within. You can also locate the Hand of Glory and the cursed necklace if your eyesight is pretty sharp.
Don’t forget to get out your spell map while you’re under the black lights and it may reveal a few more hidden spots for you to practice your craft.
14.) Don’t Skip the Shows
There are a few shows that take place opposite Globus Mundi, the travel gear shop). For the kids there are the cutest puppet story-telling performances. They are so magical. Celestina Warbeck is an icon of the Wizarding World. Mrs Weasley adores her and so will you. Make sure you stick around for one of her jazz club inspired shows. If you really want to be involved, be a middle-aged man in the front row and look particularly awkward.
15.) A Few Extra Little Secrets & Tips for Diagon Alley
- The Daily Prophet – Make a pitstop here to hear the bustle of newsroom behind.
- Leaky Cauldron – Did you know that the sign of the leaky cauldron actually leaks? Look at it, but not from right underneath, and you will see performing a puddle below..
- Wesley’s Wizard Wheezes – if you watch the giant model outside wheelies with it weakness for long enough you will see that the figure not only wiggles his eyebrows unless his hat but under the hat there is a magician’s bunny.
- Sugarplum’s Sweetshop – Just a heads up – The chocolate of the chocolate frogs is less than stellar. So order one of the desserts instead unless you really want a collectable wizard card. If you are collecting and end up with too many suplicates, you can request to trade with the staff. The same goes for Honeyduke’s in Hogsmeade.
- Film Props – There are some props and costumes from the original films dotted through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Malkins, Gringott’s ledgers and gold, and Wiseacre’s Wizard Equipment.
16.) Hop on the Hogwarts Express
If you have a park-to-park ticket, then taking the Hogwarts Express is not only the easiest way to get between the parks but is an absolute must do. it is not a simple train ride, but an attraction in and of itself with a storyline that is different in each direction.
As you pass through Kings Cross Station there are a few things to look out for:
- All the staff at Kings Cross are muggles so if you try asking them where platform 9 3/4s is, they will be utterly bewildered. Even more so if you start waving a wand around.
- If you glance at the departure boards, you will see some genuine British destinations. 
- Around the station, there are piles of luggage ready to be loaded onto the train. Look carefully and you might catch one of our favourite feathered friends, Hedwig
- At a certain point in the queue an extremely cool effect makes it look as if you are disappearing through the entrance to the platform. It can only be captured if part of your party hangs back a little, or if you ask those further back in the queue to record a video and/or take some photos.
- Not a secret, but a tip, the Hogwarts Express can get very warm so bring a fan or lose the layers before you are put into a compartment with strangers.
- The Hogwarts Express experience is different in each direction, so ride it back at the end of your visit too.
The only reason you might want to skip this is when the queue is crazy. Walking between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade through the parks and along the lake takes around 30-40 minutes but queues for the Hogwarts Express can be well over an hour.
Islands of Adventure – Scotland (Hogsmeade and Hogwarts)
17.) Send Some Owl Post
If you pop to the Owl Post cart you can actually send yourself or your favourite people mail. You can even send most souvenirs but do double check to make sure the present you plan to mail will be accepted (no food or brooms for example). We have never done it as you have to mail a domestic address, but if you live in the USA, it is perfectly affordable. The mail will be stamped with a Hogsmeade postmark. You can even get the postmark on postcard you are not planning to send so you can keep one for yourself. Look up to see how many owls you can spot, and look down to see how many of their poops you can spot.
Next, go outside and look in the window, there is a scrolling set of angry howlers that have been sent to Hogwarts students from their parents. Some of these are genuinely funny. 
The last thing to scope out is the clocktower which features an owl popping its head out of it every hour.
18.) Listen for Wailing as you Wee
Even the toilets in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter hold a secret. Stop and listen and you may hear a familiar voice. Moaning Myrtle has made her way from the girls on the third floor to Hogsmeade. Be sure to use the toilets with sign that reads “Public Conveniences”. Don’t worry, we have been assured she never peeks.
19.) Explore Around The Three Broomsticks
Even if you aren’t eating in here, you can ask to have a quick look around. There are huge antlers hanging on the wall and gorgeous big wooden wheel chandeliers, as well as the actual three broomsticks. So cool. Facing the back, head to the right and you will cross into the Hogs Head. Here you will find an actual Hog Head which moves and grunt and if you listen, you might hear the House Elves is the kitchen too. There is a nice outside space at the back with a cool view of both Hogwarts and Velocicoaster.
Just outside the entrance is a poster with a rather famous prisoner of Azkaban who is laughing…at us?
There isn’t a lot down the alley that runs between Three Broomstick and Honeydukes but there is a window with some dirty dishes washing themselves.
20.) Discover Your Hogwarts House
Forget online quizzes, the only way to be sorted into your Hogwarts House for sure is to visit Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. Here, you can take your turn wearing the Sorting Hat. It alone knows the truth and will sort you into the correct house. When I tried it, all my suspicions were confirmed – I am indeed a Ravenclaw.
Once you have learned which house you belong to, see if you can find any cast members walking around in the same house’s robes and ask them to teach you the special handshake. Honestly, this could just be a rumour but its worth a shot!
21.) Don’t Skip the Hogwarts Line
Skipping the queue to ride your favourite rides faster is a lot of fun. However, there is one ride for which I would not advise it. passing through the different scenes in the Hogwarts Castle is almost an attraction in itself. It just happens to end in one of the coolest rides in the park, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Along the way you can see:
- The Office of Albus Dumbledore complete with Pensieve.
- The Room of Requirement
- A hall full of chatting ex-headmasters.
- The Dark Arts classroom
- The Gryffindor’s common room with the Fat Lady guarding it.
- A bowtruckel hiding in a wardrobe.
There are so many more details to discover and I don’t want to spoil every surprise. My advice is to take the time to examine every room and see what you recognise. 
If you ask one of the delightful cast members nicely, if they could give you a tour of Hogwarts, then you might get a little VIP moment. If they aren’t too busy, they can sometimes show you all of the secrets in the queue.
22.) Rope Drop Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
If you do start your day at Islands of Adventure, or have a second day in the parks, we highly recommend making a beeline for Hagrids. This is the only attraction that is not included on the express pass so there is no way to skip the line. This only applies if you have early park admission thanks to staying at one of the Universal hotels. if you are not eligible to make use of the extra 30 minutes early entry then the queue will already be pretty long by the time you enter and so you may as well ride it whenever you fancy rather than running there. You will probably be able to get a few more rides done in the first hour of your park time rather than standing in this line.
23.) You Can Mostly Skip the Pub Grub
You may be intent on trying some traditional English food from one of the pubs at the wizarding world of Harry Potter. However, this is far from the best food in the park and it can be utterly manic in there. I would suggest pre-ordering a little something to try with mobile ordering (the scotch egg is acceptable as a quick snack and the butterbear potted cream is definitely a winner) but you don’t need four distinctly average plates of bangers and mash.
24.) Wait for the Hogwarts Show
At night, the Hogwarts castle, and rock it stands upon, are transformed into the backdrop for a very cool projection-mapped light and sound show. There are even a few fireworks to boot. These shows are very dramatic and highly enjoyable but even if you aren’t here to watch, you might want to be around for these times anyway. People will be busy watching the show so the longer queues of the surrounding rides tend to empty out a bit, meaning a shorter wait time.
These are not a permanent fixture so be sure to check the Universal Orlando App to make sure it is playing on the day you are visiting.
25.) A Few More Things to Look Out for in Hogsmeade
Don’t miss these splendid details around the village:
- Dervish and Banges – This isthe home of a rather angry book that you may recognise. Don’t try and stroke it or might lose a digit.
- Gladrags – See if you can find a beautiful copy of Hermione Granger’s Yule Ball dress. Here it has a little magic, but back at Madam Malkins you can buy a replica.
- Wizarding Botany – The queue through Hogwarts isn’t only place you can spot a mandrake. They also have one that likes to scream something rotton in the window of Dogweed and Deathcap. Eagl-eyed muggles can also spy a packet of gillyweed seeds too (but I’ve never managed to get these to propagate properly).
- Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop – If you keep an eye on the writing quill, you may see a name appear. This is the name of a new magical baby born.
Final Thoughts on Our Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
There is so much to see and do in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that you might need to spend a whole extra day in the parks to cover it. What a nice excuse to stay longer at Universal Studios Orlando! we can’t wait to see what the third park, epic universe has to offer. Rumour has it there will be a Ministry of Magic to explore! 
Rosie xx
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