I'm A Wizard: Exploring the Magic of Harry Potter World in Orlando, Florida
- Jan 8, 2025
- 12 min read
Follow me as I explore the ins and outs of Harry Potter World in just 2 days!
Join me on a magical journey as I delve into the secrets, hidden gems, and must-see attractions within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Whether you're a die-hard Potterhead or just someone seeking a little enchantment, these two days are bound to be a spellbinding adventure that you'll treasure forever. So grab your wand, hop on the Hogwarts Express, and get ready to explore this wondrous world like never before.
Two parks, Two Days
This is one trip that I highly recommend mapping out your days and listing all the things your want to accomplish because there is so much to see and a lot to take in. Here are a few things to know when booking.
Download the Universal Orlando Resorts App. (Florida)
This is a great way to make your own personal "to-do" list by marking all the places you want to see in your favorites list, it even shows you a map of how to get to them. You can also set alerts for when wait times are low or for when show times are to start. It's also highly recommended by staff for ordering food.
1 Park ticket: Day 1
There is so much to see and take in at Diagon alley along so you'll want to spend extra time here. Along with picking up your wound to use for the entire trip.
Park to Park ticket: Day 2
I recommend buying this kind of ticket for the second day, your full day at the parks. This kind of ticket will allow you to ride the Hogwarts express both ways from one park to the other.
Map Your Trip
Let's start with some highlights of what you'll find at each of the parks..
Universal Orlando Stuidos : Diagon Alley
Ollivander's Wand Shop and wand shop experience
Leaky Cauldron
Gringotts Bank and fire spitting Dragon
12 Grimwald Place
Platform 9 3/4
The Night Bus
Knockturn Alley
the Daily Profit
and more.
Islands of Adventure : Hogsmead
Owl Post
3 Broom Sticks / Hog's Head Pub
Hogwarts Castle (Night Show)
Hogwarts Train Selfie
Honeyduckes
Hogs Head Beer (only at this park)
Rides like "Flight of the Hippogriff"and "The Forbidden Journey"
Frog Chior
Triwizard Spirt Rally
and more.
Day 1
Universal Studios "Diagon Alley"
Before you enter the famous Diagon Alley, take in the sights of London, including the Knight Bus, 12 Grimwald Place, the daily profit and a traditional London phone booth or is it.
All the staff at the park are very much in charter and therefor love that you play along, so ask the night bus questions. Than walk around to the back of the bus where you can take a look inside and a picture stepping off the bus to your destination. Now if your apart of the order of the phoenix than you must stop by 12 Grimwald Place, give a knock and pose as Kreacher the house elf of the Black Family sticks his head out the curtains of the window to see who is there. Lastly, check with the Ministry at the phone booth outside the record store for the latest news happing inside the wizarding world.
Now for the fun part of getting to Diagon Alley, this involves discovering one of its three entrances.
The most notable is through the brick wall near King’s Cross Station signage not to be mistaken by the conductor for the Hogwarts train entrance but, mimicking the magical entry from the stories.
Two less conspicuous entrances are located near Grimmauld Place, right of the main brick entrance, leading you directly into the bustling streets of Diagon Alleys.
When you walk through the brick walls into Diagon Alley you'll notice the dragon on top of the Bank of Gringots right away but don't panic about if you've missed him spitting fire, he does it on the10s of the bottom and top of the hour so you can plan your selfie just right (if its too windy he will not spit fire but just growl)
Pro Tip: Get your dragon selfie right when the park opens it's got the least amount of people most people will keep walk no knowing when he spits fire.
Right, first things first for a new student, you need a wand and there is no better place then Olivanders. Across from the bank on the corner where the dragon spits fire you'll get in line, it may not be that long so early in the morning but it does get long which is why you'll want to do this first thing in the morning and find the right interactive wand for you to expand your experience throughout the rest of the day's adventure.
The wands can be a bit expensive but I assure you they are well worth it; i've seen parents take the wands out of their kids hands to have some fun of their own preforming spells. All interactive wands come with a marauder's map of both parks displaying where and how to preform spells. There are wizards among the staff in the park who are also walking around and happy to help you with your spell punctuations. Also something they may not tell you in the park is that if for any reason your wand is broken they will fix or replace it for you for free, even if you come back to the park the following year.
Now that you've got your wand keep it at hand because you are now ready to start casting spells and exploring all the details of each of the shops on the streets.
Secret Spells not on the map:
In front of Scribtouls, point at the window with the scrolls and make a M to the left of the scrolls and say Abramiso
Let's make your way into Gringotts bank money exchange and have your fun talk with the Goblin behind the counter. There is a Gringotts ride if that is something that interests you but if not, you can simple tell the staff that you are not riding and walk the line and take in all the fun detail in of the bank.
Slink around Knockturn Alley and stop by the notorious Borgin and Burkes, It's the coolest place in Diagon Alley, literally. The sun never seems to shine on this dark street, which means it’s nice and cold. The perfect spot to come to and escape the heat. In the corner of Borgin and Burkes, you’ll find a Vanishing Cabinet from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. If you put your ear right up to it, you might hear what’s inside.
Secret Spells not on the map
In the courtyard around the corner from the shop, look for a bird in a cage in a window and use your Interactive Wand to see the magical effects on the bird.
In the center of Diagon Alley look up and you'll see an elf holding onto a lantern. Use your wand and make a 4 starting at the bottom of the 4.
I can't stress enough about looking into each window and going into each of the buildings and just having a good look around, the details and fun Harry Potter gems are everywhere. When you walk around inside the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes you'll find their wands from the movie displayed and if you adopt a pygmy puff the staff will ring a bell and make an official adoption announcement.
Stop in Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions and get your very own school robe and more. Inside they display outfits worn by Hermonie, Professor Mcgonagall and others. But be warned if you stand in front of the mirror too long it can be a bit judgmental.
Lastly, use the public restroom before leaving this area; yes there are restrooms in the other areas but you wont find moaning myrtle in them. She can be heard talking through the pipes along with the constant sound of people flushing them selves into the Ministry.
Day 2:
Islands Of Adventure "Hogsmeade"
It may seem silly and redundant but its worth it, trust me. Use your park to park ticket on this day and ride the Hogwarts express both ways from one park to the other park, but here is how to ride the train in the correct order.
Start as early as you can at Universal Studios and take the Hogwarts Express leaving Kings Cross, and be sure to ask the ticket holder how to get to 9 - 3/4 for a little HP fun interaction. Take notice of all the little details from the movies, while you walk your way though the "tube" like the billboard where Harry sees Dombaldor waiting for a train in the muggle world. Once you get to the luggage area, you best do it at a bit of a run, this next part. Have someone stand by the entrance next to the luggage and video you disappearing like magic onto the plateform.
Once the train arrives at "Hogsmead" Island of Adventure, exit the train and head over to the front of the train to take your selfie than hop right back in line to take the train back into London for a different experience.
Once your done riding the train it's now time to over to the Island of Adventure "Hogsmeade" to explore the Wizarding World of the second park; Hagrid's Hut, Hogwats, and more! Its about a 20 min walk through the parks from Universal Studios "Kings Cross".
As you walk your way thorough the town gates you'll see beautiful snowy rooftops of the Hogsmeade Village. Take in all the details and fun of faux storefronts and walk into all the open stores like Honeydukes, Filch's Emporium of confiscated goods, and Dervish and Banges.
Walk the halls of Hogwats Castle, pass by the Defense of the dark arts classroom, the Herboology green house, Dumbledore's office and more before riding the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. There is a long walk inside and outside of the castle before you get to the que for the ride and that is so you can take it all in. This ride is a great one to walk though even if your not going to do the ride it self; you can simple tell the team members that your not going to ride and just want to take a tour (you can do this with all rides). It will take a decent amount of time to walk through for there are areas where Dumbledore, the paintings and more talk to if you wait, so be-sure to let other people in line that approach know that they can pass you so you don't hold up the line. Don't forget to get your picture with the sorting hat before you exit.
Pro Tip: best selfie spot is on the bridge by the Jurassic Park entrence.
Have a rest at the Owl Post, where you can actually send mail with a special Hogsmeade postmark! You will find all your writing needs, from House stationary, quills, seals and more. In the outside window you can hear some of the angry Howler letter's Hogwarts students received. You can also go inside and send your own Howler to someone if you wish.
Pro tip: If you know you are going to mail items prior to your trip, go online and order some Harry Potter stamps to bring with you. The HP fans your sending the post cards to will appreciate it and the stamp collectors love it.
The Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head pub is the place to go in this park for some food and drinks; it's also my personal favorite and here is why. It has a secret entrence with a great view; go down the side ally to the right of the main entrence and you will find an outside patio area. You can order food at the tables, and its got a great view of Hogwats Castle. Be sure to pop in through the patio entrence to grab a variety of drinks including Butterbeer (cold, frozen, and hot), Pumpkin Juice, and various alcoholic drinks — including the exclusive Hog’s Head Brew, which you can only find in Hogsmeade. Also take notice of the enchanted hog’s head that gives the pub its name behind the bar, it moves and growls intermittently.
After you've rested and are refreshed with a cold brew of your choice, head over to the stage next to Hagrid's for some magical performances from the Frog Choir or Cheer on the students at the Triwizard Rally. As mentioned previously be sure to download the official Universal Orlando Resort App it's your go to for mapping out your favorite hot spots, getting food service and checking on ride waits and show times.
At the end of a long day touring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be sure to stay in this area at night for beautiful views of the snow covered village and get yourself set up on the bridge next to the entrence of Jurassic Park for the best spot in front of the castle to watch the sunset behind Hogwarts before the spectacular light show.
Food & Drinks - what you need to know
There's really only two places to get food inside Harry Potter World, the Leaky Cauldron at Universal Studios or The Three Broom Sticks at Islands of Adventure. Of course there is other foods like Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour or The Hopping Pot but those are more like snacks and sweet treats.
At the Leaky Cauldron (Universal Stuidos) you'll find some traditional British fare like fish and chips (aka fries) or a Ploughman’s: a platter with bread, cheese, veggies, and scotch eggs. You can also get cold, frozen, or hot Butterbeer here, as well as a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
The Three Broomsticks like the leaky cauldron also has traditional British food and in my option more variety, like beef pasties, shepherds pie, split pea and ham soup, potted cream and more traditional items and non traditional items.
If your more into the traditional American foods, not to worry both places offer a varsity of that as well. Whatever your heats desire be sure to download the App for faster ordering.
*Pro tip to avoid long waits is to eat off traditional meal scheduled times, for example have a late breakfast like 10 am and a late lunch at 3 pm.
Photos: Top, me at leaky cauldron. Bottom, 3 Broom Sticks taken by Heather Winfield
I'm not one for beer but the Wizarding World has exclusive Wizard’s Brew that I had try along with some specialty drinks that are not on the menu.
Fun Non-Alchool Drinks
Pumpkin Juice: this sweet juice has nice layers of autumn spices in bottle
Fishy Green Ale: combination of mint & cinnamon flavors, with blueberry boba masquerading as "fish eggs" that float along the bottom of the cup. *this "ale" isn't really ale, thus contains no alcohol.
Gilly Water: good ol' H20
Potions of Eternelle: Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment is a beautifully detailed beverage kiosk in the a section of Diagon Alley, adjacent to Carkitt Market. Four thirst-quenching potions can be purchased and added to your bottle of Gilly Water, magically transforming plain water into a brightly colored, hydrating elixir. Each flavored potion is served in a keepsake vial, which makes for a fun memento.
Types of Butterbeer Drinks *Non-Alchool*:
Cold Butterbeer: taste like a sweet cold soda
Hot Butterbeer: taste better than a hot coco or chai tee (personal favorite)
Fozen Butterbeer: taste like a sweet desert, a frosty soda
Special Drinks ON the menu.*Must be 21 or older to drink alcohol*
Dragon Scale beer: can be found at either park
Fire Whisky liquor: can also be found at either park (fireball)
Bungbarrel Spiced Mead : Sold only at Tree Broomstricks Inn spiced mead (hints of liquorice and cherry)
Hog's Head Beer can only be found at the Three Broomsticks in Hogmead (Islands of Adventure)
The Black Hog: is the Wizarding World’s version of the Black & Tan. Combines Hog’s Head Brew with Guiness.
Hog’s Bite : version of the classic snakebite drink, a delightful combination of Strongbow cider with Hog’s Head Brew ale.
Hog’s Tea: *(Exclusively at Hog’s Head Pub)*, The Wizarding World’s version of the Long Island Iced Tea with one exception: instead of a splash of cola on top, Hog’s Head uses raspberry tea
Fire Whisky with Strongbow Cider: cinnamon flavored whiskey. However, this one goes down much smoother. Mix this exclusive cinnamon “fire ball” with Strongbow cider for a wonderful apple-cinnamon combination that also takes some of the “fire” out of the whiskey. *be sure to do this out of staff view, or they will take it away.
Pear Dazzle: a lighter, fruitier option. combines vodka, pear cider, lemonade, and garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Special Drinks NOT on the menu
Poisoned Butterbeer : Hot Butterbeer or Cold Butterbeer with a shot of Fire Whisky, ask for these items separately and mix them yourself *be sure to do this out of staff view, or they will take it away, park rules
Deathly Hollows "Triple" Beer: it's a 3 layer beer consist of Strongbow Cider on the bottom. Hog's Head Brew in the middle. Guinness on top.
Harry Palmer: order a Peachtree Fizzing Tea and order a Tongue-Trying Lemon Squash. Drink half of fizzy tea, then pour in half of your Tongue-Trying Lemon Squash. *be sure to do this out of staff view, or they will take it away, park rules.
Get Inspired
I’m filled with nostalgia for the magic and wonder I experienced. From savoring Butterbeer to exploring Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, it truly was a dream come to life for any Harry Potter fan.
It’s worth noting that my visit took place a little while ago, and Universal Orlando is continually working to expand and enhance the magical world park. By the time you’re reading this, there may be even more magical attractions to explore—perhaps even areas I could only dream of during my trip!
If you’ve visited recently or are planning a trip soon, I’d love to hear about your experiences and what new wonders you discover. I plan to visit there again soon but until then, I’ll be here, cherishing my memories and awaiting my next magical adventure.
be sure to check out other places i've been and keep checking back for updates on this post.
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