Every Harry Potter fan (or Potterhead) has a few places that they want to visit once in their lifetime –
1. The Platform 9 ¾ at the Kings Cross Station
2. London’s ‘Making of Harry Potter’ studio.
3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.
This article will cover the third location – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Located in the Universal Studios, Orlando, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers such immersive experiences that you can forget it’s a theme park. However, if you want to experience the true magic of this place, we have compiled a list of things that should not be missed on your trip.
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1. Exchange your muggle money for banknotes
The Gringotts building located in Diagon Alley is quite a spectacle, and it also has a fire-breathing dragon perched on top of it. If you are going for the Gringotts ride, don’t forget the Gringotts Money Exchange experience. Here, you can exchange your muggle money for actual Gringotts banknotes, which can then be used to buy various things from the stores in the park.
2. Go for indoor rides
This theme park has four rides, three in Hogsmeade and one in the Diagon Alley. This means that you can easily cover them all in your visit. The indoor rides, in particular, are quite innovative and should not be missed. Go for the Forbidden Journey ride in Hogsmeade and Escape from Gringotts in Diagon Alley. Even if these rides have wait times, once you reach inside, you will be able to have an experience unlike any other.
3. Experience the magic inside the shops
If you want the best experience of the Wizarding World, ensure you have adequate time to visit all the shops in Diagon Alley and even in Knockturn Alley. First, you will find all the famous shops from the book series, including Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, Quality Quidditch Supplies, and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. You can also include the Borgin and Burkes store from Knockturn Alley in your trip.
4. Buy a wand
Although this is a popular experience for kids visiting the park, you can also get your wand at Ollivander’s. If you are considering getting one, go for an interactive version that can be used in various places and shops to bring things to life. There is no greater pleasure than making a fountain come to life by waving a wand.
5. Enjoy some Grub at Three Broomsticks or Leaky Cauldron
You can relax at any of the two restaurants in these parks to have lunch or taste any Harry Potter-themed drinks. The Three Broomsticks is attached to the Hog’s Head Pub in Hogsmeade, while the Leaky Cauldron can be found in Diagon Alley. Both of these places serve traditional British food.
6. Try butterbeer
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you must have wondered what a butterbeer would’ve tasted like in the magical world. In the Wizarding World, you can try this drink in cold, frozen, or hot forms. Besides the Butterbeer, you should also try Green Fishy Ale, which can be bought from the Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley. Other famous drinks include Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice, Gilly Water, Pumpkin Juice, and Peachtree Fizzing Tea.
7. Sweet Treats at Florean Fortesque and Honeydukes
A visit to the Harry Potter World would be incomplete without trying the sweet treats at the famous candy shop for wizards, Honeydukes. Don’t forget to pick up Bertie Botts’ Every Flavor Beans, Fizzing Whizzbees and Chocolate Frog. If you want to try some ice cream, head to Florean Fortesque’s to taste the butterbeer-flavored ice cream.
8. Hop on the Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express in the Wizarding World can go from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley and the other way. All you have to do is buy a park-to-park ticket, and you can experience both parks on the same day.
9. Experience the Wizarding World at night
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter looks magnificent at night. If you plan to visit the park, check the park timings to ensure you can see the true beauty at night. This is not possible in the summer, so plan your trip accordingly.
10. Stay at Universal Studios
If you want early access to all the experiences and rides, you can stay at any resort in Universal Studios. There are 7 hotels at the park, so you have no shortage of choices either.
Conclusion
With this, we have covered all the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions that should not be missed. Equipped with these tips, you can now plan a trip to the park that you will remember forever. Explore itineraries and make sure you know you’re choosing the right one.