Do as wizards and witches do and spend an afternoon in Hogsmeade — Britain’s oldest wizarding village! Located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade is home to thrilling rides such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (where you can walk through Hogwarts Castle), quick-service dining locations such as the Three Broomsticks and ample places to get a sweet Butterbeer! Ready Hagrid? Us, too!
Overview of Hogsmeade in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogsmeade isn’t just Britain’s oldest wizarding village — it’s home to some of the most popular thrill rides in all of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. At Universal Orlando Resort, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter consists of three themed areas (one in each theme park) — Hogsmeade (Universal Islands of Adventure), Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida) and Ministry of Magic (Universal Epic Universe).
You'll find Hogsmeade at the back of Islands of Adventure. The quickest way to get there is to cut through Port of Entry, Seuss Landing and the Lost Continent.
Hogsmeade has a relaxed feel. Shops, including Honeydukes and Ollivanders Wand Shop, line your path as the picturesque Hogwarts Castle stands tall in the background. This area is home to a kiddie coaster in Flight of the Hippogriff, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and plenty of places to get a Butterbeer and take in the sights.
Attractions in Hogsmeade
There are four attractions in Hogsmeade:
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Perhaps the most famous —and popular —ride in all of Hogsmeade is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Now's your chance to walk down the halls of Hogwarts and straight into your own adventure.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a motion-simulated dark ride that makes you feel as if you're truly flying through Hogwarts and the surrounding grounds. You'll find yourself battling the Whomping Willow, come face-to-face with Dementors and evade an attack from spiders (thanks, Aragog). Anyone with a fear of spiders may feel uncomfortable with this scene (spoiler alert: there's a very large Aragog animatronic). However, I usually just close my eyes until I hear the next scene! Close your eyes after the dragon breathes on you, and open them once you hear Hermione say, "Watch out for the Whomping Willow!" and you feel yourself move backwards.
Likewise, because this ride uses KUKA robotic arm technology combined with screens, it may affect anyone with severe motion sickness. Prep ahead of time to make the most out of this experience. Check out our guide to overcoming motion sickness at Universal Orlando for some helpful tips.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Have you ever wanted a chance to see the Wizarding World’s rarest magical creatures up close? For those guests who answered "yes," Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the place to be! Encounter Fluffy, the three-headed dog, Cornish pixies and a Blast-Ended Skrewts (among several others) on this thrilling adventure that takes you beyond Hogwarts and deep into the Forbidden Forest.
All loose articles, including jackets, hats and backpacks must be stored in a locker before riding.
Flight of the Hippogriff
For young tadpoles visiting Hogsmeade, they will love “taking to the skies” on Flight of the Hippogriff — the area’s kiddie coaster. In this, young guests will learn the proper way to greet a Hippogriff before swirling past Hagrid’s hut and a nearby pumpkin patch. Guests must be at least 36” to ride, and anyone under 48” must be accompanied by an adult.
Hogwarts Express
Like the station in Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Express is a method of transportation to get you over to Universal Studios Florida. After you board at Hogsmeade Station, you’ll pass by Hogwarts, see Buckbeak flying through the air, watch Fred and George set off fireworks, see the Knight Bus and much more.
The ride is short — only about five minutes. But it’s very cool and worth checking out, especially considering the scenes are different from the ones you see when you board at King's Cross Station. In order to access Hogwarts Express, you will need a Park-to-Park ticket. Let us help you with that and save you some galleons, er, green.
Entertainment and Experiences in Hogsmeade
Since Hogsmeade is full of magic, you can expect to see some enchanting entertainment options. After all, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is nearby, and the students need somewhere to hang out and perform.
Frog Choir
You know the Frog Choir that appears in the opening of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?" Well, when you visit Hogsmeade, you can see it for yourself! Hogwarts students from all four houses (and their frogs!) sing a cappella. These famous Wizarding World songs are sure to be stuck in your head for the remainder of the afternoon.
Catch them on an outdoor stage between Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle.
Ollivanders Experience
Inside Ollivanders Wand Shop, you’ll get a chance to see a wand choose a wizard! In most cases, the witch, wizard or muggle chosen is a child, but occasionally adults are picked. There truly isn't a way to guarantee you're the chosen one. If you or your tadpole is chosen, you have a choice whether or not to buy the wand.
However, if you do purchase a wand (regardless of whether you were picked), there are so many places to cast spells! Check out our spellbinding guide to the new wands at Universal Orlando to find out where these locations are. Wingardium Leviosa!
Triwizard Spirit Rally
Cheer on Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students in this exciting spirit rally as they prepare for the Triwizard Tournament. This occurs on the same stage as the Frog Choir, near Flight of the Hippogriff.
Butterbeer Season
Butterbeer season is between March 1 and May 31, 2025, in Hogsmeade — and what better time to visit? Snacks and merchandise inspired by the wizarding drink are available for a limited time.
Hogwarts Always
End your night with a breathtaking show with lights, fireworks, pyrotechnics and projection mapping on Hogwarts Castle. The show, which takes place on select nights, covers a year at Hogwarts. From receiving your letter to being sorted into your house and celebrating the House Cup Winner, this show is a fan favorite for all lovers of the magical books and films.
When available, this show plays on a continuous loop from dusk until the park closes. Check your Universal Orlando app for showtimes.
Restaurants in Hogsmeade
Looking for a quick drink? Head on over to Hog’s Head, the pub located in the back of Three Broomsticks, for a refreshing Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice! If traveling with muggles, don’t fret — Hog’s Head serves an assortment of wine, spirits and imported beer. Try the Hog’s Head Brew, a type of red ale.
Of course, if you’re looking for a sit-down meal, then stay at the Three Broomsticks. Like the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley, the Three Broomsticks serves traditional British fare, including porridge and the Traditional English Breakfast. Baked beans and blood sausage with breakfast, anyone?
If you dine after 10:30 a.m., you’ll order from the restaurant’s lunch and dinner menu. Munch on crunchy Fish and Chips or try some Beef Pasties, which are flaky pastries filled with ground beef and vegetables. Mobile ordering is also available if you’re looking to maximize your time.
There are two Butterbeer carts scattered throughout the village, as well.
Shopping at Hogsmeade
Looking for some new Quidditch equipment? A shirt to represent your Hogwarts house? What about a wand to conduct some magical spells? You’ll find it all at Hogsmeade:
- Dervish and Banges: Apparel, Spectrespecs and Quidditch equipment.
- Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods: House crest banners, chess sets, toys and confiscated items from students (of course, he would).
- Honeydukes: Sweets, including those Wizarding-World famous Chocolate Frogs.
- Ollivanders Wand Shop: Replica wands, including interactive wands.
- Owl Post & Owlery: Stamps and stationery; you can even mail a letter to your favorite muggles back home!
If you’re planning a day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, make sure that Hogsmeade is on your itinerary! Whether you’re flying on a broomstick in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or buying a chocolate frog from Honeydukes, you’re in for a fun-filled day that’s perfect for frogs of all ages. Have you visited Hogsmeade yet? Let us know in the comments!
Related: Our Complete Guide to Butterbeer at Universal Orlando (and Where to Find It!)
Related: How to Use Mobile Ordering at Universal Orlando
Related: Shopping in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort
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