Alohomora…Unlocking the Best Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter!

Got your Hogwarts Acceptance Letter? Now what?

I am sure you, like me, have been waiting your whole life for the day an owl will sweep into your living room and drop off your long awaited Hogwarts acceptance letter! When that day finally comes you know you’ll immediately be ready to book your ticket to the magical world of Harry Potter in Orlando Florida! As excited as you will be to go there are a few things you should know before you get there to make sure you get the most out of your experience.

First things first, Harry Potter World is divided into two different sections of the greater Universal Studios parks. The original section located in the Islands of Adventure park opened in June of 2010 and contains both the Hogwarts Castle and the Hogsmead Village. The newest section located in the Universal Studios park opened in July of 2014 and contains the Gringotts Band and Dragon Alley.

To be able to see both sections of Harry Potter World in the same day you will need to purchase a 2 park 1-Day Ticket for $174 , click this link to go directly to the purchase page. This ticket will also allow you to ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmead and Kings Cross.

In this guide I am going to include time stamps to help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss anything! However be aware that the park hours at Universal change based on the month, week, and even the day. Be sure you check the park hour here for the day your attending and adjust the times in this guide accordingly. I am going to assume the most common open and close times for this guide, so park open will be at 9:00am and close at 9:00pm.

8:30am – Arrive at Universal Studios

OK…HERE WE GO!

It’s finally the day! Now where to start?

In true Ravenclaw fashion of course I would agonize over how to make this this perfect guide. I can assure you I have done extensive research and experienced these very same things myself. My hope is that this will serve as a comprehensive itinerary to ensure you don’t miss one single thing there is to see or do. What better way to experience the wizarding world for the first time than to do it just like Harry Potter.

You need to be at the entrance to Universal Studios at least 30 minutes before the park opens to ensure you will be at the front of the line. Once the rope drops and you’ve scanned you ticket to enter head straight for London, move quick because you’re not going to be the only one…😂 To get there from the entrance, walk straight through Minion Land, keep going until you see the Jimmy Fallon ride, then take a right pass the Revenge of the Mummy on your left, when you get to the water take a left, you will past Fast and the Furious on your right, when you finally see Kings Cross station you’re there!

9:00am – London and the Knight Bus

The second you walk past Kings Cross Station you will immediately feel like you walked into a bustling London neighborhood. There is a lot to see here so take some time to walk around and take it all in. If you walk to the end of the street you will find the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, No. 12 Grimmauld Place. Go up and knock on the door, if you stand outside long enough you may find a familiar face peering out at you through one of the windows.

Make sure you stop by and have you picture taken at the Kinght Bus with Stanley and Dre Head. They will definitely take the time to engage in some friendly conversation and if you ask nicely may even point you in the right direction of the entrance to Diagon Alley. Before you go walk around to the back of the bus for If you walk around to the back right of the bus you will find a hidden spot to grab a good photo.

There is one last thing you should do before you leave the muggle world and that is to check out the red phone booth in front of the record store. It may look like very little on the outside but just go in and pick up the phone…

9:30am – Diagon Alley and the Fire Breathing Dragon

Finding the entrance to Diagon Alley is one of my favorite things about the design of this park. If you aren’t looking for it there is no way you would notice it just walking by and I’m sure as you’ve spent time exploring the streets of London you’ve seen people do exactly that. Just as it is in the books the entrance is hidden behind a seemingly mundane brick wall and only those in search of magic will be able to find it.

As you walk through the entryway seen above and turn the corner you will see the bricks start to move back revealing the bustling streets of Diagon Alley. Finally you are here transport to a place that until now only existed in your dreams, it truly is magical.

As a new witch or wizard who has now found themselves surrounded by a multitude of stores and shops there is one then you now need and that is wizarding money. Where in Diagon Alley can you find wizarding currency, that’s Gringotts of course, and lucky for you it’s straight ahead. As you get closer and closer to the band you will start to notice move people standing still, cameras in hand, and looking up at the dragon perched atop the Gringotts Bank. You may be wondering why, but if you also stand there long enough and look up you will quickly learn for yourself.

Approximately every 10 minutes (remember its magic so there is no exact science to her schedule) there is a change you could see this massive dragon breath fire from her wide open mouth. Listen closely and you will hear her start to growl, then you wait, maybe she’s angry enough to put on a show, maybe not.

9:45am – The Escape From Gringotts

Well now that you’ve seen her angry you need to at least find out why, so head to the right, drop you stuff off in one of the free lockers using your park ticket, and get ready to go on a thrilling adventure in The Escape from Gringotts.

As you enter the back you will be amazed by the floor to ceiling marble and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Be sure to keep your voice down as you will be surrounded by goblins silently working, making sure to keep the mounds and mounds of gold beneath them safe and secure. Little do they know that soon you will be traveling deep underground on a multi-dimensional thrill ride. You’ll encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermonie as you try to evade the wrath of Voldemort and Bellatrix and make it back to Diagon Alley safe and sound.

Now that you know how that dragon is perched atop the bank and that the vaults aren’t any where safe to withdraw your gold, you’ll need to make your way to the Gringotts Money Exchange. If you choose, you can exchange your muggle money for Gringotts Bank notes to spend in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade throughout the day. If you don’t spend it all, you can always exchange it back at the end of the day in any Guest Services location.

Dont forget to ask the goblin a question before you leave, he’ll always have a response. If you’re feeling brave, ask him if he is a house elf…😬

11:00am – Ollivander’s Wand Shop

Now that you have some wizarding money in your pockets, it’s time to spend it on all the things you’ll need when you get to Hogwarts. Everyone knows that the first thing you’ll need to be a true wizard is a ward of your own. Where is better to find the perfect wand for you, no place other than Ollivanders!

Before you go in the shop you will definitely want to see the Olivander’s Experience. Look for the chain linked rope next to the show. More than likely there will be a small queue or maybe even no queue at all. This is the line to wait for the show to begin. Even If there is a line the wait shouldn’t be that long as they take about 30 people in each show and there is a show that starts every 10 minutes.

Once you are inside you will find yourself engulfed in a sea of wands, no one like the other. Shortly after everyone is inside and the door closes the show will being. Ollivander will suddenly come to life and begin his search for a young witch or wizard in the room to personally fit for their wand. It is completely random so may the odds be ever in your favor (and yes I know this isn’t a Harry Potter reference…😂)

Following the show you will exit into the wand shop where you can peruse the vast selection to find the one that chooses you. The selection includes replicas of wands owned by famous witches and wizards, as well as wands made of various woods, cores, lengths, and flexibility. It is also important to know that no matter which wand chooses you they will all be interactive with places throughout each park and allow you to try your hand at casting spells. I am including a link to the maps were all interactive places can be found in both parks!

All wands are $65 (except the collector’s editions, which are $75). Want to check them out before you go? Check the link here.

11:30pm – Shopping Spree

Even if you don’t buy anything you have to walk in the following to at least see every thing you could buy!

Here I am going to give you a lot of information about all snacks and shops in Diagon Alley and let you choose your own adventure, but remember you only have an hour of time allotted, so choose wisely or move quick so you can see them all!

Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions

Here you can be fitted for your authentic house robe, but be careful if you stand in front of the mirror you may here what they really think. This shop also contains so famous character costumes you can try on and more.

Shutterbutton’s

Have you ever wanted a moving photo like the ones in the movies? Look not further than Shutterbuttons, you can also browse a selection of frames, albums, and other photo-type accessories.

One back outside look across from you and you should see the Daily Prohet. Walk across the street and put your ear up against the door and see if you hear anything…

Magical Managerie

Hogwarts allows each student to bring one animal with them from home. We all know Harry’s famous owl Hedwig, but which animal will you choose for yourself.

If you walk outside the shop down the alleyway you will see the a snake staring at you from the shop window. If you’ve ever wondered if you have the gift of parseltongue, how is your chance to find out!

Wiseacre’s Wizard Equipment

Here you will find a variety of wizardinng wares and supplies including crystal balls and telescopes, plus a unique selection of Hogwarts apparel and accessories.

Scribbulus

Find all the writing supplies for upcoming classes here, including feather quills, parchment paper, journals, and postcards.

Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment

Globus Mundi

Stock up on travel essentials like passport holders and luggages tags.

Owl Post

The equivilant of a muggle post office, but with owls delivering letters.

Sugarplum’s Sweetshop

Grab some of your favorite authentic sweets.

Wands by Gregorovitch

I mean is there really any competition with Ollivanders?

Quality Quidditch Supplies

Like a Dick’s but for wizards. Purchase your Quaffle balls, Quidditch brooms, Quidditch apparel and team souvenirs.

Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes

The question is not what will you find in here, but want won’t you find. Embrace your inner mischief-maker inside the twins’ colorful joke shop by perusing a cornucopia of magical jokes, tricks, and toys including Pygmy Puffs, U-No-Poo, Skiving Snackboxes, Nosebleed Nougats, and more. Make sure when you’re in the shop to look up and see their famed magical pyrotechnics.

If you choose to adopt a Pygmy Puff, the cashier will ring a bell and make an official adoption announcement. 

12:30pm – Lunch at the Leaky Cauldron

I’m sure after all that shopping you’ve worked up a pretty good appetite, also I hope by now you’ve also put that new wand to good use working your magic at a few locations along the way.

So what’s on the menu?!?!?

The Ploughman’s Feast is also an option for $23.99 (serves two and includes the following: English cheese, crusty bread, field green salad, roasted tomatoes, cornichon pickles, apple beet salad, Branston pickle & scotch egg)

1:15pm – Butterbeer: Which Way Is Best?

On your way to the show it’s time for you to grab your first butterbeer from the Hopping Pot, it definitely wont be your last. Even better is that there are three different variations to try. You can have a regular butterbeer which is the original, it has since then be expanded and served frozen as well as hot. If you want my opinion…frozen is the best, but don’t let that influence you, better yet just go ahead and try all three!

1:30pm – Catch a Show: The Tales of Beedle the Bard and Celestina Warbeck

There are four shows to see in Harry Potter World, two in Diagon Alley and two in Hogsmeade. I suggest watching both back to back as they happen 30 minutes apart from each other.

The first show is a reenactment of two famous stories from “Tales of Beedle the Bard.” The fairytales The Fountain of Fair Fortune and The Tale of the Three Brothers are acted out by a talented group of four students from the Wiziarding Academy of Dramatic Arts using a trunk full of beautiful props and puppets. This is not to be missed!

Get ready to sway and groove to the dulcet tones of Molly Weasley’s favorite singer, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. The swinging show features never-before-heard songs including “A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love”, “You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart”, and “You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me.” Don’t sit too close or you may be called up to be a part of one of the numbers.

For reference here are all the show times for each of the shows:

Showtimes for The Tale of Beedle the Bard are 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm

Showtimes for Celestina Warbeck are 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, and 4:00pm

2:15pm – Knockturn Alley and Borgin and Burkes

The Dark Arts are appealing to some and even if not you have to take a turn down the dark side of Knockturn Alley. As you walk the streets it will immediately feel like night has fallen on London and there could be danger around any corner. If you dare check out the Borgin and Burkes shop. In the back left corner you will find the Vanishing Cabinet Draco used to allow the Death Eaters in the Hogwarts Castle the night Dumbledore was murdered. Although it is a must see, I wouldn’t linger too long or else you may never make it back out.

After the dark and depressing if you need pick me up, stop by the ice cream parlor on your way to the Hogwarts Express. Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour

2:45pm – Hogwarts Express: Kings Cross Station to Hogsmeade Station

Now that you have your wand, robe, quill and parchment, textbooks, quidditch supplies, and a pet of your choice it’s time to head to King’s Cross station.

On your way out of Diagon Alley and back onto the streets of London there is a Taxi Hut if you need to grab a quick snack for the train or a last minute London souvenir.

When you’re ready head to the entrance of King’s Cross station and find the wall between platforms 9 and 10, muster up the courage, run straight for the wall, and then you’ll immediately be greeted by the magnificent Hogwarts Express.

The journey will be quick but be sure and pay close attention to everything around you in this immersive train ride. You’ll encounter many of your favorite characters and some of the iconic scenes from the movies, but babe sure and watch your feet for spiders…

3:30pm – Honeydukes

As you exit the station be ready to catch your first glimpse of the grandeur of the Hogwarts Castle thats finally just right around the corner. Some of the first things you will see is the Hogwarts Express engine car to your right, but more importantly if you look right you will see the famous Honeydukes candy store.

As my first recommendation to do in Hogsmeade is to check out the final two showing of the Triwizard Spirit Rally and the Frog Choir, you have a few minutes to go in and peruse the extensive selection of all your favorites. You will of course find Berties every favored beans, chocolate frogs, coachroach clusters and so much more!

Now that you have what is probably a sack full of candy continue your stroll through the streets surrounded by snow capped building toward the castle. Once you pass Ollivanders, glance to your right and you will see the stage, find a good viewing spot, open up your candy bag, and get ready for the show.

4:00pm – Catch a Show: The Frog Choir and The Triwizard Spirit Rally

The first show you will see is the Triwizard Spirit Rally. If you remember from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire two visiting wizarding schools visit Hogwarts to battle for the Triwizard Cup. This show is a cheerful and colorful procession of representatives from all three schools as they lead the excitement for the upcoming competition.

The second show is the Frog Choir. During this show you will hear the vocal stylings of this small choir of Hogwarts students, accompanied by the smooth bass rumbles of their giant throaty frogs. The silver-tongued students, one from each of the Hogwarts houses, perform wizarding songs a cappella with their croaking counterparts.

For reference here are all the show times for each of the shows:

The Frog Choir (10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, and 4:00pm)

The Triwizard Spirit Rally (11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, and 4:30pm)

4:45pm – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff

If I’m being honest, I wanted to like this ride so bad, but I didn’t. It has so much potential as it attempts to simulate the experience of being a real life seeker in a quidditch match. Where it misses the mark for me is how I felt during and after the ride…🤢. The truth is, you have to ride it, but be prepared if you are at all prone to motion sickness or struggle with any changes to your equilibrium, you going to leave this ride feeling pretty queasy. Should you choose to ride, definitely follow the recommendation in this guide to have lunch after!

On your way out be sure to check out Filch’s Emporiu of Confiscated Goods.

I feel like I have to also mention the Flight of the Hippogriff, it looks like a fine ride, but also like one I’ve seen in an amusement park at Myrtle Beach. Although I have never ridden it, I wouldn’t waste your time. An added negative is that the wait time is usually over an hour which to me seems like way longer to wait than the ride would be worth. Maybe a hot take, but definitely one I would stand behind.

Surely by this time your getting hungry again, and where else better to go than the Three Broomsticks!

6:00pm – Dinner at The Three Broomsticks

More than likely there will be a line outside to wait in to enter, but just go ahead and get in because it goes pretty quickly. Once inside you will feel like you’ve been immediately transported to a cold winters night after successfully navigating yourself out of the castle using the Marauders Map. What could make that better but a nice warm meal!

The Three Broomsticks offers the following:

The Great Feast – $72.99 (add a person for an additional $19.99)

Feast on a bountiful combination of rotisserie smoked chicken and spare ribs, corn on the cob, fresh vegetables, and roasted potatoes. Platter serves four. You can also add a starter salad with signature vinaigrette for an additional charge per person.

Would you rather just drink your dinner instead? Then Hog’s Head is where you should go!

Check out this Guide to The Best Harry Potter Alcoholic Drinks at Universal Orlando

7:00pm – Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

Well I’ve saved the best experience for last.

Before you get in the “official” line you will need to drop your belongings off in a free locker using your park ticket. I would advise you to keep your cell phone if it securely fits in your pocket because there are a few things in the line you’ll want to capture! I know as you zig zag through the line outside around Hagrid’s Hut it will seem like an eternity, but as soon as you make it inside there’s so much to see if barely feels like you’re waiting anymore. I don’t want to spoil all that you’ll discover so I won’t say anymore than to be sure and pay close to all the details that were put into this pre-ride expreience.

As you make your way to the the launch platform you and you partner have an important decision to make, who is riding on the motorcycle and who is riding in the sidecar. Some things to consider in your decision, if you choose the motorcycle you will sit about six inches higher than the side car which will give you the feeling of actually being Hagrid. If you choose the side car you will have a more cozy experience much like a young Harry Potter experiencing the wiziarding world for the very first time. In my opinion there is only one option and that is to ride on the motorcycle, but your choice is your own to make, just hope you don’t both choose the same!

Now buckle up for the ride of your life. This coaster has the most launches of any coaster in the world and is set to the story in the Forbidden Forest where some of Hagrid’s magical creatures are present. You’ll encounter unicorns, Cornish pixies, and so much more! The ride is almost three and a half minutes long and launches guests at over 50 mph.

Once you exit the ride you definitely going to want to go back and do it again. You’ll need to fit that urge for now, because there is so much more to see! However, if you have time there is a single rider line you could get in that is typically has a shorter wait time.

After you’ve reclaimed all your belongings from your locker, next up the Ollivander’s Experience!

8:30pm – Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle

This is an experience link no other I’ve ever seen and rivals Disney for sure! There are shows every 20 minutes so try and get there by the close of the previous one that way you find the most optimal viewing spot. I honestly wouldn’t recommend trying to get close to the castle. The best viewing spot in going to be from…

On select nights throughout the year you will be able to see the spectular. The show starts each night at dusk and replays approximately every 30 minutes until the park closes. The darker it is outside the better the experience will be!

And thats the end…

Hope you enjoyed your day! Drop me a comment and let me know what you thought and suggestions you have about how I could improve this guide for other witches and wizards in the future!

Park Maps

Things Not Included in the Guide

Dervish and Banges – Shop