Hi, I’m Chloe and I like Disney. So much so, I haven’t visited a Universal park in 15 years – besides a Halloween Horror Night here and there. In that time, Universal Studios has welcomed the Wizarding World of Harry Potter into not one, but two of their Orlando theme parks! I’ve got a lot to learn, and see.
I wasn’t allowed to read or watch Harry Potter as a kid, and only acquainted myself with two of the movies in the last few years. Yet, the new lands at Universal Orlando’s parks have always interested me… but since I wasn’t a super-fan, or couldn’t wrap my head around what exactly a Fizzing Whizbee was, I didn’t feel I would get much out of the experience as the average Potter fan.
I was recently invited to visit Universal Orlando, and since there was SO MUCH I hadn’t seen, I jumped at the opportunity. As a theme park enthusiast, would I at least be able to appreciate the design, storytelling, attractions and details I’d heard so much about?
Fair warning, I bring a different point of view to the Wizarding World: that of a beginner, first-timer and muggle to the worldwide phenomenon of Harry Potter.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips for the Newcomer
DO download the Universal Orlando App – With real-time updates on attraction and entertainment showtimes, maps for nearby food stops and restrooms, this app is essential for making the most of your time at Universal.
DO find out which house you belong to. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, or Ravenclaw… What are these and what do they mean? Plenty of online quizzes or the official Hogwarts Sorting Experience can help you decipher the right house for you. This will also help you recognize elements throughout Wizarding World, and choose the right souvenir!
DO dress the part – Whether that’s wearing a simple tee showing off your Hogwarts house, or a full Wizard getup complete with wand and robe- this is a place to geek out with fellow Potterheads, or become one!
Tip: As you prepare for your trip, Hot Topic and BoxLunch offer some pretty magical—and affordable— wardrobe pieces! You’ll find more finishing touches at the parks, too.
DO get a park-hopper ticket – That way, you can visit both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in the same day and ride the Hogwarts Express! The two separate lands are located in Universal and Islands of Adventure, respectively. The Hogwarts Express makes the connection, running between the two lands. This method of transportation itself is also an attraction, as you ride in your own passenger cabin. I won’t spoil anything, but the ride experience coincides with your destination!
Tip: The Express Pass ticket-add on (Universal’s take on FastPass) was invaluable for the headlining Harry Potter attractions. Otherwise, standby queues can take up some precious time. Standby waits on a weekend in mid-October ranged from 35 minutes to 2 hours, while Express lane guests rarely wait more than 10-15 minutes. Although, the newest Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure currently does not offer Express Pass. Regardless, it was worth the standby line!
DO arrive early – make the most of early morning hours with lower attraction wait times and emptier streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The lands can get really crowded mid-day.
DO Enter through Diagon Alley at Universal Studios first; more on that later…
DON’T use the map to enter Diagon Alley – Major kudos to Universal for the seemingly-effortless entrance and design of Diagon Alley. Being the muggle I am, I passed the land’s entrance twice before finally figuring it out! Once you turn that corner, the theme park falls away and you’ve stepped into a whole new universe. The architecture, kinetic shop details… ultimately, the towering Gringott’s Bank draws you in further… How did all of this seem to hide behind one little wall?! As a theme park fan, I was in complete awe. As a new Harry Potter fan, I felt intrigued to explore and discover all I could. I can’t imagine entering the Wizarding World any other way.
DO try the Butterbeer. The quintessential beverage of Wizarding World. Since I visited on a typical humid Florida day, I opted for the frozen version… divine!
DO take advantage of Single Rider opportunities. If you don’t mind being separated from your party, or want to experience the same attraction again without waiting in another long line, you’ll wait substantially less than standby in the Single Rider queue.
DON’T stress. Take your time and explore. At first, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can feel absolutely overwhelming, especially if you know little about Harry & friends. Here’s a small guide on how to get the most out of one day.
Chloè’s Tour Guide To Wizarding World
- Enter Diagon Alley – explore all the nooks and crannies in the shops, pick out a wand, stop at Gringott’s bank and ride Escape from Gringotts.
2. Brunch or lunch at the Leaky Cauldron.
3. Save room for dessert! Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor offers some deliciously enchanting flavors.
4. Pass through the 9¾ platform and board the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade.
5. Explore the village – pick up some Butterbeer and take your sweet time perusing Honeydukes, surrounding shops, stalls and windows.
6. Visit Hogwarts Castle (prime photo opportunities!) and ride Forbidden Journey.
7. Ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at least once. Nighttime rides are 100x better, too! (Make sure to check the UO App often for ride waits and closures. Hagrid’s doesn’t offer Express pass, but this is one ride that cannot be missed on your magical journey. No matter the wait, standby is worth it – trust me!)
8. Catch the lights and projection show on Hogwarts Castle. If it’s Dark Arts, watch out for the roaming Death Eaters! (Admittedly, I thought I was in a run-off HHN scare zone until I researched who they were…). Brilliant!
Lastly, DON’T fret if you’ve run out of time, missing a shop or ride… All the more reason to book your returning train ticket to Hogwarts!
Does Wizarding World Work for Muggles?
Harry Potter super-fan or not, wizard or muggle, I truly feel like there’s something within these magical realms for you. From the thrilling attractions, magical shops, visual storytelling and the smallest of details. This is a place for exploration, whether or not you already know the tales it is based upon.
As soon as I passed through London into Diagon Alley, I was caught within a spell of theme park wonder. And, yes, I now know what a Fizzing Whizbee is… and how yummy they are!
Expecto Patronum! …Did I do that right?
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Well, Wizards, what did I miss? What’s your best recommendation for muggles, beginners or first-timers?