Guides and Tips

Must-Do Experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

February 7, 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog was originally published in February of 2019 and then underwent extensive updates and editing in the fall of 2020 to remain current and relevant.

There are so many must-do experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that simply can’t be covered in a brief blog post. It’s one of those things in life that you truly have to experience for yourself to be fully immersed in that world.

To offer a glimpse at a few of my favorites, I have created a list of my top must-do experiences for you to follow along with on your next visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

Being immersed in that world is just one of those things in life you truly have to experience for yourself.

Entering Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley in Universal Orlando Resort - Dragon Brickwall

There is something about that moment you first step foot into Diagon Alley and stand there in awe at something that can only truly be described as out of this world. When this moment happens, take your time, soak it in, and get your camera ready when you hear the Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon atop of Gringotts Bank begin to rumble.

Have a wand choose you at Ollivanders

Ollivanders

Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC. The wand that chose me was an 11″ holly, phoenix feather core, relatively supple.

Find a magical creature companion at Magical Menagerie

Magical Menagerie

 Toad, owl, or cat? You can choose whichever you fancy.

Stop by Quality Quidditch Supplies to pick up some house gear

Quality Quidditch Supplies

Whether on the field or in the stands, Quality Quidditch Supplies has everything you are looking for including brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, house sweaters, and more!

Let’s go, Gryffindor!

Stock up on pranks at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes

pranks at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes

Do you have a mischievous sibling that pranks you every chance they get? Well, you can pick up some pretty great pranks at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes to help even the score.

Check out the Must-Have Toys And Tricks from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.

Get your house robes at Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions

Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions

Change out of those Muggle clothes and into some authentic wizardwear.

Exchange your Muggle money for wizarding currency at the Gringotts Money Exchange

Gringotts Money Exchange

A REAL exchange with a goblin for some Gringotts bank notes. Easy enough, right?

You know at some point you’ll need to visit the vaults in Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

But be careful, I’ve heard escaping is impossible.

Pass through the brick wall to Platform 9 3/4 and board the Hogwarts Express

Harry Potter Hogwarts Express.

Get ready to journey to Hogwarts on the Hogwarts Express! Certainly, the ideal way to transport yourself from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and back again.

Fly into the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Whether you choose sidecar or motorbike, no visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is complete without experiencing this exhilarating roller coaster. You’ll twist and turn through giant trees and come face-to-face with a fiery Blast-Ended Skrewt.

Honeydukes is a surefire way to cure your sweet tooth

Eat sweets from Honeydukes

Honeydukes is an ideal first stop in Hogsmeade. Not sure which colorful sweet to try first? I highly suggest you try the delicious Chocolate Frogs, each box also includes a special card celebrating a famous witch or wizard.

Pick up some letter writing supplies at the Owl Post

Owl Post

Don’t forget to pen your friend back home – they’re sure to appreciate a letter, especially one with a special Hogsmeade postmark.

Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts castle as you enter and experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Wander around the halls of the castle like a true Hogwarts student. Look carefully, there may be some hidden gems only a true fan would notice.

Take in the shows in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley

Celestina Warbeck

From seasonal projection spectacles on Hogwarts castle to swinging musical performances by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Carkitt Market, day or night, there’s always a can’t-miss show to be seen around The Wizarding World.

Try ALL the Butterbeer
Butterbeer

Personally, I love a mug of cold Butterbeer at the end of a long day. There are multiple types of Butterbeer treats that can be found throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Make sure to share your The Wizarding World of Harry Potter must-do’s in the comments and on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with #WizardingWorldOrlando.

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9 Comments

  • Reply Wendy September 28, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    I had the most magical time during my day at hogworts!
    Hope to visit again one day.

    • Avatar photo
      Reply Social Media Team September 28, 2020 at 8:40 pm

      Hi!

      Thanks for visiting! See you again soon.

  • Reply Silvina September 29, 2020 at 8:15 am

    It’s real magic there. Love every corner of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. My husband, our daugthers and I enjoyed every second in the park. The five of us are really Potterheads ☺️

  • Reply Peri Fisher September 29, 2020 at 9:00 am

    I would love to get my house robes, unfortunately, you don’t sell them. See, I’m in Ravenclaw. Our colors are blue and bronze. Our mascot is an eagle. I have no idea what house has the colors blue and silver or a raven as a mascot.

    • Avatar photo
      Reply Social Media Team September 29, 2020 at 9:25 am

      Hi Peri! We do have these robes on our website, feel free to call our Merchandise Team at 1-888-762-0820 if you need any assistance!

  • Reply Summer October 3, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    My time at Universal studios Orlando was amazing and I especially fell in love with Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and the Harry Potter world, it’s realistic and enchanting. Shout out to all of you there!

  • Reply Jennifer kenealy November 14, 2020 at 4:02 pm

    i mite be going to harry potter land in 2021

  • Reply sera May 11, 2021 at 10:56 am

    Ill be attending in june and look forward to going it will be my first time at universal and I hope its as magical as I’ve been told it is. Im ready to get my robes and attend my first journey into the wizarding world as the proud slytherin I am.

  • Avatar photo
    Reply Social Media Team May 11, 2021 at 11:41 am

    Hi Sera! We can’t wait to see you then!

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