Ah, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Or, simply put — the most magical place on earth. I’ve been a fan of Harry Potter ever since I was a child (I eagerly awaited my letter from Hogwarts for several years, thank you very much), so going back to my favorite amusement park in February was of course an amazing treat. In fact, it was arguably one of my best “treat yo’ self”, YOLO, IGAF decisions I’ve made in awhile.
I’ve had the luxury of visiting this park a few times now, but each time I go back I find that there’s something I missed the last time I was there. The level of detail that went into building this world is incredible! That’s why today I want to share with you 21 things you should definitely do while visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Just follow this guide and I solemnly swear, you won’t miss a thing 😉
P.S. The Harry Potter series turns 21 on June 26th…I didn’t actually know this when I chose the number 21 for this post, but I guess some things have a funny way of working themselves out!
21 Tips/Things to Do at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Drink a Butterbeer
Did you really visit Hogsmeade if you didn’t at least try butterbeer? Yep, didn’t think so. After you taste this hybrid butterscotch x cream soda, frothy (non-alcoholic) beverage, you might just end up helping yourself to a few more, while you’re at it…
Visit Hogwarts
The Hogwarts castle is of course one of the main highlights of Hogsmeade. There’s a ride inside, but you shouldn’t be too bored waiting in line with plenty of easter eggs, and lots to look at. A few of my personal favorites are the moving/talking portraits and Dumbledore’s office. I’ve also heard that you can hear lecturing outside of the potions dungeon! Oh, and don’t forget to snap a few pics of the castle on the bridge leading to Hogsmeade. I’ve found that this is one of the best places to capture a great view.
See the Frog Choir in Hogsmead
I’m not usually big on going to shows when I’m at amusement parks, but I really love watching the Frog Choir that performs in the Hogsmeade marketplace. They’ll sing all of your favorite Hogwarts songs (which will no doubt be stuck in your head for the rest of the day), and they sound fantastic live.
Try Pumpkin Juice
I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin juice. I’m definitely a butterbeer girl through and through. That being said, you totally have to try it…you ARE at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, after all.
Eat at the Three Broomsticks
I’ve eaten at the Three Broomsticks several times now, and I’ve never had a meal I didn’t like. I especially enjoyed the cornish pasties and garden salad…so delicious and of course authentic!
Take a Picture With the Hogwarts Express
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers some great photo ops. The conductor can’t take a picture for you, but you can hop in one with him in front of the Hogwarts Express! And don’t worry, you can totally use your iPhone for the photo. No need to worry about buying the photo later from an approved Universal photog, or something annoying like that.
Ride Flight of the Hippogriff
It may not be quite as wild or in-depth as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (the ride inside the Hogwarts castle), but Flight of the Hippogriff is totally worth a ride. Though the roller coaster is more geared towards children, it’s still a lot of fun.
Visit Honeydukes Sweet Shop
If you do just one thing in Hogsmeade, visit Honeydukes Sweet Shop. Not only is this shop pretty much the most photogenic candy store there ever was, but it also offers tons of Harry Potter themed candies, like Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizbees, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, and more.
Attend the Triwizard Spirit Rally in Hogsmeade
Like I said, I’m not big into shows. However, the Triwizard Spirit rally that takes place in Hogsmeade is pretty cool. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons both make appearances, and it’s pretty realistic!
Meet Moaning Myrtle
I love finding little easter eggs throughout Harry Potter World. The details that the creators of this park thought to include continue to amaze me! Just head into the bathroom in Hogsmeade for one of the most unexpected…to hear Moaning Myrtle inside!
Ride the Hogwarts Express
What better way to get from one park to the other than by the Hogwarts Express? You’ll want to ride both to and from Hogsmeade, too. The ride is different each way!
Shop at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes
One of my favorite shops at Harry Potter World is Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes joke shop. You don’t want to miss all the crazy gadgets and gags, especially since I feel like this store is one of the most realistic throughout the entire park.
Get Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour
If you’re looking to cool down for a moment and maybe have a snack, definitely check out Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley. There’s also tons of sweets for sale in this shop too, on the off chance you didn’t already buy out Honeydukes.
Snap a Picture with the Night Bus
When you head outside of Diagon Alley, make sure you snap a picture with the Night Bus!
Buy a Wand at Ollivander’s
Every witch or wizard needs a wand, duh. Check out Ollivander’s wand shop in Diagon Alley to pick up yours…there’s even interactive models that you can use to cast spells with throughout the park.
Explore Gringotts Bank
Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts is hands down my favorite ride at the park. The inside of the bank is incredibly realistic (just check out the detail on all the goblin tellers, and you’ll see what I mean), and the ride itself is pretty amazing too.
Eat at the Leaky Cauldron
If you have the opportunity to eat two meals, definitely eat another at the Leaky Cauldron. The menu is different than the Three Broomsticks, but the food is just as good. I’ve eaten at plenty of other restaurants at Universal Studios outside of Harry Potter World, and I’ve come to find out the hard way that they do not come close! I love the setting of both the Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron, but I’ve also found that the food is better than most other restaurants inside the park, too (not including anything on the City Walk).
Visit Knockturn Alley
The first time I visited Diagon Alley, I completely missed walking through Knockturn Alley…it’s a bit hidden. Make sure you look for it though and enjoy all of its creepiness!
See Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley
Another show I like is Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. She plays on the stage in Diagon Alley and sings lots of witchy songs.
Visit the Money Exchange and Talk to the Goblin
I haven’t gotten to this one yet, but I’ve heard that in the money exchange in Diagon Alley, there’s a goblin teller who will answer any question you ask him. You can also exchange your muggle money for Gringotts Bank Notes that you can use throughout the park.
Test Out Your Wand
What’s a visit to Harry Potter World without a little magic? If you happened to buy an interactive wand, make sure you test out all of your spells around the park! I haven’t done this (yet), but it looks like a lot of fun.
Have you ever been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? What was your favorite part?
