The Universal theme parks in Orlando bring the world of Harry Potter to life!
Locations
The Harry Potter attractions at Universal Orlando span both parks. You’ll find Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. To visit both on the same day (and to take advantage of the Hogwarts Express, which offers convenient transportation between the two areas) you’ll need a ticket which includes a Park-to-Park pass.
Rides
Both Harry Potter areas offer fun and exciting rides!
In Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida), you’ll find the 3-D motion-simulator Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts deep inside Gringotts bank where you can join Harry and the gang as they try to break into (and out of!) one of the bank vaults.
In Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure), you have a variety of choices. First up is the 3-D/4-D motion-simulator Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey located inside Hogwarts itself where you’ll join Harry and the gang on an adventure soaring above the castle grounds. Flight of the Hippogriff is a small rollercoaster that the entire family will love. For a more intense rollercoaster experience, hop on Hagrid’s magical motorbike at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure where you’ll come face-to-face with his favorite magical creatures.
Travelling between the two areas, you’ll find the Hogwarts Express! This train provides an easy and fun way to get from Diagon Alley to Hogwarts (and back) without having to walk back through the parks. It’s a great way to stay immersed in the world of Harry Potter…and have an adventure while you’re at it! Make sure to ride both ways as the experience is different depending on which direction you’re headed.
Shows
Both Harry Potter areas offer entertaining shows!
In Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida), you have the opportunity to watch a puppet show showcasing the Tales of Beedle the Bard or catch a concert by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees (Molly Weasley’s favorite singer).
In Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure), you can cheer on your favorite school at the Triwizard Tournament Spirit Rally or listen to a performance by the legendary Frog Choir.
Food and Drink
In the Harry Potter areas, even the food and drink keep with the theming! Thankfully, despite a bit of a rocky start, Universal is slowly expanding their options for those with special diets–including vegetarians and vegans–so that everyone can find something they love!
The main restaurant in Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida) is the Leaky Cauldron. Here you’ll find great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner including things like a traditional British breakfast, fish and chips, Bangers and Mash, Irish Stew (made w/ vegan ‘beef tips’), and scotch eggs. For drinks you’ll want to head to The Fountain of Fair Fortune where you can find alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to satisfy everyone in the group! Butterbeer (both standard and frozen) is a (non-alcoholic) favorite (note: Butterbeer with the ‘foam’ topping is NOT vegan! However, it looks like you can now order butterbeer without the topping!), but there are other great (non-alcoholic) options including Fishy Green Ale and Pumpkin Juice. Those looking for something with a little alcoholic kick have several beer and cider options. For those with a sweet tooth, stop by Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour where you can try unique ice cream flavors like clotted cream, earl grey and lavender, sticky toffee pudding, and Orange Marmalade. One last option is Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment which sells gillywater (just bottled water) and flavored ‘potion’ additives. While I feel like you can probably skip buying overpriced bottled water…the potions make fun and inexpensive souvenirs for people back home.
In Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure), the main restaurant is the Three Broomsticks which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes options like porridge, shepherd’s pie, smoked chicken, and mushroom pie (with jackfruit!). They also offer a family platter option which includes salad, roast chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, and potatoes that will feed approximately four people. For drinks, head over to the Hog’s Head. There you’ll find a variety of favorites including (non-alcoholic) Butterbeer and a plethora of alcoholic options such as beer, mead, cider, and firewhisky.
You can also find a food cart in Kings Cross station which stocks a selection of favorite British snack foods.
Shopping
Of course there’s loads of fun themed shopping. You’ll find wand and sweets shops in both parks. Other stores include a shop selling robes, a magical creatures pet store, and, of course, Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes! You can find a list of shops in Diagon Alley here and one for Hogsmeade here.
Other cool stuff!
Both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade have many other fun things to discover. Here’s just a few:
Owl Post: Mail a postcard back home with a special Hogsmeade postmark!
Interactive Wands: Purchase a special interactive wand at one of the wand stores…then try your hand at casting spells. There are a variety of interactive locations spread across both parks for you to test your magical talent!
Knight Bus: Check out on the of the original prop busses from the movie…and don’t miss having a chat with the conductor!
Telephone booth: A seemingly normal telephone booth outside Diagon Alley holds a special surprise. Step in, pick up the phone, and dial “MAGIC” (62442).
Number 12 Grimmauld Place: Keep an eye on the window to catch Kreacher spying on the street below.
Parseltongue: Spend some time with the giant boa at the magical creatures pet shop to find out if you have the gift of understanding Parseltongue.
Knockturn Alley: Venture into the shadowy recesses of Diagon Alley and check out stores and displays dedicated to the dark arts.
Moaning Myrtle: Everyone’s favorite ghost sometimes takes a trip down from Hogwarts to linger in the Public Conveniences bathroom in Hogsmeade.
Opinionated mirrors: Be careful what mirror you use at Madam Malkin’s Robes for all Occasions. Some have opinions of their own!
Gringott’s Dragon: Don’t miss one of the fiery displays!
…and so many more! I don’t want to spoil all the surprises!!! Keep your eyes and ears open as there are amazing details absolutely everywhere!
