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Home / Blog / Theme Park Rides, Shows & More / Your ~Toadally~ Spellbinding Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

Your ~Toadally~ Spellbinding Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

by Tad on August 17, 2024
1315 Orlando Video

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Pinterest'Sup! Tad here. As a huge "Harry Potter" nerd and a proud Ravenclaw, it's practically my duty to share all my knowledge about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. With not just one but TWO immersive lands — and another one coming to Epic Universe in 2025 — we have a lot of ground to cover! I'll be breaking down this guide by park, as I share fun facts and secrets while giving an overview of each land.

Additionally, the entire Frog Fam has helped out with covering some topics — such as entertainment, dining, shopping and interactive wands — with more detail in separate posts. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, don't fret! This guide has all the essential information you need to navigate Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley successfully.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley

Universal packs A LOT of magic inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. The land has five distinct areas, so I’ve divided up everything you need to know based on where you can find the rides, entertainment, shops and restaurants … plus tips and tid-ribbits.

London Waterfront

I recommend starting your wizarding adventures at Universal Studios Florida, so you’re introduced to the Wizarding World via Diagon Alley, just like Harry Potter himself. After walking past either the San Francisco or World Expo areas, you’ll reach the London waterfront, which truly makes you feel like you’ve apparated across the pond. Take some time here because this is where you’ll find the Knight Bus, Kreacher in the window of 12 Grimmauld Place and the visitors’ entrance to the Ministry of Magic (aka the red telephone booth). Also, food tip: The cart across from Grimmauld Place offers a delicious (and cheap!) variety of jacket potatoes. We’ll come back to King Cross Station later ...

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Knight Bus

What I love most about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley is that it’s completely hidden from view behind the London facade. The muggles may walk straight past it, but we wizards and witches are not fooled. You know that brick wall next to the Leicester Square Station? Around that corner is a sight you’ll never froget.

Diagon Alley

I’ll confess that my eyes got a little watery (toadally blaming our pond water) when I first saw the familiar wizarding shops along the cobblestone street and the fire-breathing dragon perched atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank. By the way, the Ukrainian Ironbelly growls before it spits out fire, so have your camera ready once you start to hear it. As the Frog Family’s videographer, I think the best way to capture the moment is off to either side, instead of facing directly in front.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Dragon

You can visit the majority of the shops, as well as The Leaky Cauldron, along the main pathway in Diagon Alley. Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and Quality Quidditch Supplies are on your immediate right when you walk in. Madam Malkin’s Robes for all Occasions, Shutterbutton's Photography Studio and Ollivanders make up the remainder of the Diagon Alley shops that you can physically enter. But you can peer through the windows of Flourish and Blotts, Slug and Jiggers Apothecary and Mr. Mulpepper’s Apothecary, or pose in front of the Daily Prophet. Mommy Frog has all the deets about shopping in the Wizarding World.

Stop by The Leaky Cauldron for a traditional English pub experience with a magical twist, of course. It is a counter-service restaurant, but you will be seated with a special candlestick that helps servers deliver your food. Order a British dish, such as fish and chips, cottage pie or bangers and mash (which is my personal favorite). At the corner of Diagon Alley and Horizont Alley, visit Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour for a sweet treat. Butterbeer ice cream is #goals, just saying. But it also has some unique ice cream flavors, such as Earl Grey and lavender or chocolate chili. There are more food deets in our guide to dining in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando.

Knockturn Alley

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Knockturn Alley

I swear I’m a Ravenclaw, but I have to admit, Knockturn Alley is pretty rad. If you’re standing in front of The Leaky Cauldron, there’s a dark pathway on the right that seemingly leads to nowhere. Follow it anyway, and you’ll enter the shady and sinister section of the Wizarding World. The creepy atmosphere is felt inside Borgin and Burkes, which is a store full of dark artifacts. The interactive spell locations also require you to perform questionable hexes, such as “Mimblewimble,” the Tongue-Tying curse. But not to worry, there is nothing as intense as the three Unforgivable Curses.

Even though it’s dark (literally and figuratively), keep a sharp eye out for small details, such as moving wanted posters for Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback. Also, don't froget to look up! The ceiling features several different projections of a cloudy night sky, making it seem as though you're really out in the open. You can exit Knockturn Alley the same way that you entered, or take the other pathway by Borgin and Burkes out to Horizont Alley. (Hop tip: This is a great little spot to hide away from the sun. The air conditioning in here is truly splendiferous!)

Horizont Alley

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Horizont Alley

By now, you might have noticed that the three alley names all originate from wordplay: diagonally, nocturnally and horizontally. If not, the more you know! (Aaaand this is why I’m a Ravenclaw.) Many of the interactive spell locations can be found along Horizont Alley. Wait, you can cast spells?! Learn all about the interactive wands, with tips on how and where to use them in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Horizont Alley is also where you can grab a cold Butterbeer from The Fountain of Fair Fortune, which usually doesn’t have a long line, or adopt a furry or feathery friend from Magical Menagerie.

Gringotts Wizarding Bank is at the center of where Horizont Alley and Diagon Alley meet and serves as the main entrance to the queue for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a hybrid roller coaster and dark ride. Travel through the bank's grand marble lobby with its enormous crystal chandeliers and past the goblins who run the bank. A bumpy "elevator" takes you some nine miles down below. From there, it's a short walk up winding stairs to the loading platform and a ride car that takes you deeper and deeper underground through the bank's vaults. You experience the moment when Harry, Ron and Hermione break into the bank to retrieve a magical object known as a Horcrux to help defeat Lord Voldemort. Along the way, you come face to face with Bellatrix Lestrange and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in this multi-sensory, 3D experience.

Carkitt Market

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Carkitt Market

Carkitt Market is the entertainment hub of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. There’s a stage where Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees perform several times throughout the day. She sings some of her greatest hits that have charmed fans around the world, including Molly Weasley! Dramatic retellings of two "Tales of Beedle the Bard" stories alternate on the stage as well. If you know the plot of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," you’ll recognize "The Tale of the Three Brothers."

You can also stop by the Gringotts Money Exchange, Globus Mundi, The Hopping Pot, The Owl Post window and Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop. There are a few more interactive spell locations, including one of my favorites at the Mermaid Fountain, where water spouts out of a frog’s mouth. In need of a laugh? Peer through the window of the Museum of Muggle Curiosities to see muggle electronics on display.

The Hogwarts Express - King's Cross and Hogsmeade Stations

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Hogwarts Express: King's Cross

The Hogwarts Express transports Hogwarts students between Hogsmeade and Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station in London. As a theme park ride, The Hogwarts Express is unique because it can take you back and forth between Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Each direction has a different storyline during the journey, so you’ll want to ride it twice! In order to ride it, you must have a Park-to-Park ticket, even with an Express Pass. If you have a regular Express Pass (versus Express Pass Unlimited), you are able to ride it both ways, as each direction counts as its own separate ride.

King's Cross Station

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - King's Cross

Access the King's Cross station from the London waterfront area. Have your park tickets out and ready because they will need to be scanned. If you ask one of the King's Cross employees where to find Platform 9 ¾, you might get some funny looks in response. As you walk through the train station, eagle-eyed Harry Potter fans will recognize the perfume ad from "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" movie. Also, I love this queue because you can get a bag of crisps in the middle of it. Once you walk up the stairs, you’ll see the brick wall between Platforms 9 and 10. Like magic, you’ll be able to see the people ahead in line walk through the wall! The first look at the Hogwarts Express, combined with John Williams’ score in the background and Hedwig sitting in her cage, will give you hoppy chills.

The train departs, and the busy London streets quickly turn into the idyllic British countryside. Catch a glimpse of Malfoy Manor before Harry, Ron and Hermione fend off a dementor lurking on the train. Hagrid flies by on his motorbike as Hogwarts comes into view in the background. Don't be surprised if you're as filled with nerves and anticipation as Harry was on his first trip!

Hogsmeade Station

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Hogsmeade Station

The Hogsmeade Station is located right outside the entrance to Hogsmeade that’s closest to the Lost Continent. Generally, this direction has a shorter line than the King's Cross Station. (Not too surprising since it’s bittersweet to leave Hogwarts!) But it’s still toadally worth the ride back to London so you can experience the journey home to the muggle world. Hagrid waves goodbye on the platform as the train departs. Then, Buckbeak soars over the Great Lake and centaurs gallop next to you until the edge of the forest. Before Hogwarts goes out of view, the Weasley twins fly by on brooms to advertise their joke shop in Diagon Alley. Once you return to London, the Knight Bus zooms in and out of traffic, and Mad-Eye Moody greets you at the station.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade

Now that you’ve gone shopping for school supplies in Diagon Alley and hopped aboard the Hogwarts Express, it’s time to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade! The layout of this land is pretty straightforward, as you’ve got the snowy rooftops of Hogsmeade Village and the majestic Hogwarts Castle. At the end of a long day touring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I love watching the sunset behind Hogwarts!

Hogsmeade Village

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Hogsmeade

In the "Harry Potter" series, Hogsmeade is the only all-wizarding British village that Hogwarts students can visit during the weekends, starting their third year. Many of the village’s restaurants, pubs and shops are located along High Street, which is brought to life at Universal Islands of Adventure.

The snow-capped village features both faux storefronts and physical places you can enter, such as Honeydukes, The Three Broomsticks, Hog’s Head, Ollivanders and Dervish and Banges. Many of the interactive spell locations can be found in the faux store windows of Zonko’s Joke Shop, Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop, Spintwitches Sporting Needs and more. Rest underneath on the Owlery, where you can actually send mail with a special Hogsmeade postmark! Across from Honeydukes, pose next to the Hogwarts Express with the train conductor. He is happy to share his own favorite tips and suggestions on things to do in Hogsmeade.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Hagrid's

Between the Hogwarts Express and the Owlery is the entrance to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. In the queue, you’ll stroll past Hagrid’s hut before reaching abandoned ruins where Hagrid cares for his creatures in the middle of the Forbidden Forest. During this thrilling high-speed roller coaster, it feels like you’re flying deeper into the forest, as you zoom past a blast-ended skrewt and escape from Devil’s Snare. Ride it twice to experience different views from the motorcycle (which is slightly more intense!) and the sidecar.

Right outside of Hogsmeade and on the way to Hogwarts, there’s a small stage area where you can watch the Hogwarts’ Frog Choir perform or the Triwizard Spirit Rally, featuring students from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute. These short shows hoppen throughout the day and alternate. Stick around afterward to get a photo with the performers!

Hogwarts Castle

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Hogwarts

The towering Hogwarts Castle dominates the skyline. I get goosebumps just thinking about the first time I crossed the bridge from Jurassic Park and it came into full view! For the first time, Hogwarts is opening its doors to muggles — the exterior and interior of the castle acts as the queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. I ranked this queue as the best in all of the Universal Orlando theme parks because you get to step inside Dumbledore’s Office and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and see familiar faces, such as Professor Dumbledore, Harry, Ron and Hermione. I could stand all day in the Portrait Room listening to the moving portraits talk to each other!

The ride itself is a dark ride with motion-simulating projection screens. I’ll start by saying that Mommy Frog is prone to motion sickness, and she usually has to prepare by taking Dramamine before riding. But it’s toadally worth it. During Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you soar above the castle grounds with Harry and his classmates, join a Quidditch match, dodge the Whomping Willow and encounter giant spiders and dementors in the Forbidden Forest. With every twist and turn, expect surprises around every corner.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando - Hagrid's Hut

Directly across from the entrance of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, tadpoles can take on a family-friendly roller coaster, Flight of the Hippogriff. Hagrid gives young wizards and witches instructions on how to approach and fly on a hippogriff. Proper etiquette is needed to avoid any danger, so don’t froget to bow your head in front of Buckbeak! The coaster swoops and spirals around the pumpkin patch, providing incredible views of the castle and Hogsmeade below.

At the end of the day, you’ll want to stick around for the Hogwarts Always show once the sun goes down. On select nights, the castle transforms as the background for a magical projection show that showcases a school year at Hogwarts. The show itself lasts about eight minutes, but it plays every 20 minutes or so, starting after dusk until the park closes. Depending on the season, there are different castle shows, including Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle in September and October and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle in November and December.

So fellow Ravenclaws — OK, Gryffindors, Slytherins and Hufflepuffs too — what are you most excited to experience in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando? What questions do you have? Share in the comments below!

Related: Guide to Dining in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Stay cool!

Keep hopping, Tad!
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Comments

701–750 of 1307 comments
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:40 p.m.
Glenda Rummel Says...

Can’t wait to visit!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:40 p.m.
Gloria Says...

Hoping to visit soon!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:40 p.m.
Ivy Says...

Big Harry Potter fan! Can't wait to see all the little details

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:39 p.m.
Marci H Says...

My HP loving kids would go crazy here. Can't wait to rebook this trip and actually make it there this time!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:39 p.m.
Laura Says...

Looks like so much fun!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:39 p.m.
Nikki Says...

Never been to the Wizarding World... this makes me want to go!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:38 p.m.
Jendel Says...

Best theming around! My husband who doesn’t like rides was amazed by the details (while the kids and I rode everything)

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:38 p.m.
Amber Says...

The only ride I missed was Hagrid! Need to go back!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:38 p.m.
Patty B Says...

The most amazing themed land ever!!!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:38 p.m.
Jodi McGarrah Says...

Anything Harry Potter is in my bucket list!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:37 p.m.
Jennifer Noel Foister Says...

Somehow we missed knock turn Alley when we were there in 2022. Now I know how to get there when we go back.

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:37 p.m.
Crystal s Says...

Thanks for the detailed article for those who have not been yet!!!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:36 p.m.
Brittany P Says...

Great info for our upcoming trip!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:36 p.m.
Melisa Says...

Knockturn Alley was one of my favorite parts of the section, it's dark and creepy - completely different from the rest of the Wizarding section. I'm looking forward to the added Ministry of Magic section.

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:36 p.m.
Robin Crawford Says...

Great information and advice, can’t wait for our next visit!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:36 p.m.
Chandler W Says...

This is actually super helpful!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:36 p.m.
Alexis A Says...

The Leaky Cauldron ????????❤️

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:35 p.m.
Sanaa76 Says...

Amazing can’t wait to go!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:34 p.m.
Reyna Trejo Says...

Never been would like too

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:33 p.m.
Shane Colvin Says...

I've been to California's Hogwarts but Orlando's full scale castle really blows it out of the water! If your a Harry potter fan then this is a must!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:33 p.m.
Tess Says...

I could easily spend all day here drinking butterbeer. There's so much to see!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:31 p.m.
Jolene Gauchat Says...

I can't wait to visit. This looks like so much fun!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:31 p.m.
Becky Dinkins Says...

Toadally amazing! My kids won't know that I know this stuff, so won't they be surprised!!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Gogatorfan Says...

The theming is amazing.

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Jenni Park Says...

Every member of my family would love this!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Melissa Says...

Looks interesting.

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:29 p.m.
Shannon Says...

Can't wait to take the kids

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:29 p.m.
Machelle Myers Says...

Coaster looks amazing!!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:29 p.m.
Alice Says...

Looks like so much fun!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:29 p.m.
Rebeka Deleon Says...

I really want to go here! Such a huge harry potter fan!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:29 p.m.
Alex R Says...

Saving for when I go back soon

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:28 p.m.
Natalie D Says...

Need to get back to see all of this

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:28 p.m.
Sarah Allison Says...

I think Knockturn Alley has to be my favorite area! It's so atmospheric and immersive, I feel completely like I'm in the movies when I walk into Knockturn Alley. Another plus is that it's shady and cool and is usually pretty quiet, so it's a great little refuge from the heat and hustle of the rest of the park. I can't believe how many people don't realize that it's back there! The shop back there is also the best in the area I think, lots of great stuff to look at.

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:28 p.m.
Becbreid Says...

We love the train ride!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:28 p.m.
April G Says...

Headed to Orlando Universal at Christmas for the first time with Harry Potter Loving family !!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:28 p.m.
Tonya Meyers Says...

LOVE HARRY POTTER WORLD!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:28 p.m.
Monica Says...

Thank you for the information! Can’t wait to go after reading this article!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:28 p.m.
Shannon Says...

Have never been to Hogwarts, but it’s on my bucket list!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:28 p.m.
Melinda Says...

I wish I had know about this last December. We when on a whim and I had no time to research. What an amazing place! I will definitely remember this guide next time!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:27 p.m.
Caitlin McCabe Says...

Love Harry Potter world!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:27 p.m.
Kayla A. Says...

The atmosphere, treats, and rides are so magical in the wizarding world. Truly my favorite place to be! I have to get fish & chips then a lavender earl grey cone every visit, hehe

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:26 p.m.
Bryon Robinson Says...

This was very informative! I love Harry Potter and all of the HP-themed rides and attractions at Universal. It is an amazing immersive experience for everyone!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:26 p.m.
Daniela Says...

This place looks so magical! Probably my favorite out of all the parks!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:26 p.m.
Cathleen Says...

I've been to the California one and really want to go to Florida

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:26 p.m.
Holly Griggs Says...

Hagrids motorbike ride is the best!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:26 p.m.
Julia Brock Says...

Can't wait for Epic Universe!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:25 p.m.
Lexi M Says...

Harry Potter is our favorite part of the parks and we can’t wait for the new park to open soon!!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:25 p.m.
Kittykat330 Says...

Highly recommend, if you have never gone before.

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:25 p.m.
Ana Alvarez Says...

What a great post! Awesome walk-through of the Wizarding World and just gets me so thrilled to go! Thanks so much for sharing!

Reply
Aug 21, 2024 at 5:25 p.m.
Ceej Says...

When we finally make our way out to Florida to enjoy the parks, I know the first blog I’ll be turning to!

Reply

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