Plan A Trip To Harry Potter World – The Best Harry Potter Vacation!
Are you ready to plan a trip to Harry Potter World? The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is AMAZING!
You are in the right place if you want to learn how to plan a trip to Harry Potter World!
In this post, we are going to give you some Harry Potter theme park trip tips. These will include deals on Harry Potter World, the best Harry Potter rides in both parks, as well as an overview of what is in each park.
You will be a Harry Potter World vacation planner in no time!
Let’s make a Harry Potter World itinerary for your visit to Harry Potter World!
Harry Potter planning can be a little overwhelming! I am going to show you step by step the best way to get the best deals and how to Plan a trip to Universal Studios Florida – Harry Potter World.
Let’s plan the best Harry Potter vacation ever!
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1. Where is Harry Potter World?
In this post, we are going to focus on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. There are Universal locations with Harry Potter World in California, Japan, Beijing, Singapore, New York and a stand-alone attraction in Australia.
London also has the Harry Potter Studios which is more of an amazing museum and not associated with the Universal Theme Parks.
Harry Potter Universal Orlando is the best!
Plan a Harry Potter World Vacation at Universal Studios Florida
Planning a trip to Harry Potter world is exciting but there is a lot of things to consider before you book your trip. I am going to answer some of the questions I had the first time I went.
2. How Many Days Should I Attend the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
How big of a Harry Potter fan are you? This will help you determine how long you will want to spend at the Harry Potter park in Florida.
While you could ride all the rides and explore the Harry Potter areas in both Universal parks in one day, that does not give you much time to peruse the shops, eat in the Harry Potter-themed restaurants, and take in the shows.
Plus, one day would definitely not give you enough time to enjoy the rest of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Hot Tip for Harry Potter World Universal Studios
To be honest the more days you stay at Universal the more affordable it is. There are often promotions such as buy 2 days get 2 free. FOUR DAYS would be plenty of time to enjoy all that both parks have to offer.
Our Experience at Harry Potter World
Just a thought, when we first asked the question, “How long does it take to do Harry Potter World?” We were told that we could do Harry Potter world and the rest of Universal Studios in one day.
We found this to be false! (We even had front-of-the-line passes, and it was not on a peak day.) I feel like two or three days would be much better.
3. The Best Time to Visit Harry Potter World
Orlando has certain peak seasons and low seasons. Usually going when school is in session is going to be less crowded!
This is not always an option so I have found that the Undercovertourist has a great Universal Crowd Calendar.
This calendar can really help you know the best time for a Harry Potter vacation! We have used it many times!
Least Expensive Times to Go to Harry Potter World
If you are looking for the cheapest times to visit Harry Potter World, January, February, and September offer lower rates on hotel prices, and usually, there will be PROMOTIONS for ticket prices and overall deals for Harry Potter World.
Best Time to Go for Lower Crowds and Nice Weather.
April and May are great times to go because traditionally crowd levels are lower (except during Spring Break) and the weather is nice. So you get the benefits of low-season crowds and nice weather.
With that said, we have been at Christmas time and in the heat of summer, and both times we had a great time without crowds.
4. Do I Need to Purchase Tickets to Both Parks to Experience Harry Potter World?
Unfortunately, the answer is YES.
Universal Orlando has two theme parks right next to each other: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. (Universal Orlando also has a water park, but as of yet does not have a boat emerging from a lake like the Harry Poter films (Harry Potter Book 4) or a dragon ride that has you jump into water! ( Harry Potter Book 7)
Park-To-Park Pass
Both parks have Harry Potter World attractions. And you can’t just go to one park one day, and the second another if you want the whole experience.
You will need a 2-park pass park ticket, which allows you to go to both parks in one day, in order to ride the Hogwarts Express between parks.
Islands of Adventure – Hogsmeade
This is where it all started. You will find the true Hogwarts Orlando experience with the Castle here, as well as Hogsmeade.
Hogsmeade, The Forbidden Journey (located in the castle), Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Ride (the newest ride), and the Flight of the Hippogriff are the rides located at Islands of Adventure. These are the best rides at Islands of Adventure in my book!
There are also shops and food (The Three Broomsticks) located at Hogsmeade.
Universal Studios – Diagon Alley
The Harry Potter World area at the other park, Universal Studios, is themed around Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Knockturn Alley, and Diagon Alley.
I love the theming! To enter the area, you go through a brick wall. We actually couldn’t immediately find the way in. It’s like entering a new world!
This area also has shops and food (The Leaky Cauldron). There is one ride, and it’s a good one: Escape from Gringotts ride.
Hogwarts Express
The only way to ride the Hogwarts Express is to have a 2-park pass. So if this is your first time to Harry Potter World I suggest getting a 2-Park pass so you can experience the Hogwarts Express.
5. How Much Should I Budget for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Universal Studios is not cheap. Muggle Money only goes so far! Like I said earlier the longer you stay the more affordable it is.
The first time we went we got a $1,500 Harry Potter vacation package which included a one-night stay at Cabana Bay, tickets for 5 people, fast passes, and the dining plan. I thought that was expensive but we had planned and anticipated the cost ahead of time.
Universal has deals for Harry Potter World depending on the time of year The B2G2 deal is the best!
Admission
Prices for Harry Potter Orlando tickets are different on each day of the week. Orlando Harry Potter tickets can become more expensive during holidays and high seasons.
$115 is the starting price for both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios for a one-day pass.
Discount Tickets
We found that Sams Club/Costco had great discount tickets if you are planning on staying at least 3 days.
Does it Cost Extra to Go to Harry Potter World?
No, your admission to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure gives you access to Harry Potter World.
6. Should I Get a Vacation Package at Universal Studios Florida?
Do you want to get into the park an hour early? Then a Harry Potter vacation package may be the way to go.
Personally, with little kids, it can be draining to go early unless you plan to take a break later in the day. But if you can do it, it’s worth getting a head start to both beat the crowds and, for many parts of the year, to beat the heat!
What Does a Vacation Package Include?
A Harry Potter vacation package includes hotel, tickets, early park admission, and extra benefits associated with staying on the property. You can also add a dining plan and front-of-the-line passes.
Deciding if you want a Harry Potter vacation package does play a big role in your Harry Potter planning because if you decide to stay onsite it allows you to get into Harry Potter World an hour earlier before the general public which gives you more time to play.
GetAwayToday
Getawaytoday is a great company to work with. They book Harry Potter vacation packages. Often times they run fabulous promotions. In fact, I have a Harry Potter World coupon code that will save you a little more if you book with them. Coupon Code: Planaway10
7. Should I Stay at a Universal Orlando Hotel?
Universal has eight on-site hotel rooms. There are also lots of hotels located all around Universal Orlando.
I am not going to go into detail about each hotel located on-site only the benefits associated with staying onsite and how that will affect your planning a Harry Potter vacation.
On-site Benefits for Your Harry Potter Vacation
Early Entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This benefit is so worth it! Especially, if you are going during a really busy time of year.
We really wanted to do the Ollivanders Wand Shop first thing and getting to the park early was great because our daughter was chosen to be the one who got to get a wand. Also, riding the rides before the lines get long is amazing!
Transportation to Harry Potter World
Staying on the resort allows you to easily get transportation to all the parks without having to drive your car, park it, and commute to the park. It is so nice to walk right out of your hotel room and jump on a bus.
Once you get off the bus at the parks, there is an escalator going up, and then moving walkways. The moving walkways went a long way, and you can look out in both directions as the sides were not enclosed. It helped build up the anticipation for us!
There are also water taxis that run starting 30 minutes before the early hours start.
If you want to drive, parking starts at $25 but is free after 6:00 pm except during Halloween time.
Express Unlimited Pass
This pass is a benefit if you stay at a premier hotel. We wanted to stay at a premier hotel but our family was too big. The main reason was to get this pass for free.
We value our time and the patience it takes to wait in long lines with little kids. We were happy to know that we could add those passes to our Harry Potter vacation package.
Our Experience on Booking A Harry Potter Vacation Package
We thought Cabana Bay Beach Resort was a great family option. The room we received was very large and could easily fit a family of six in it! We loved the lobby and arcade. Being able to get to the park early made it worth it for us to stay on-site.
8. Should I Get an Express Unlimited Pass (Skip the Line Pass)
This pass is a benefit if you stay at a premier hotel. Like I said early, we wanted to stay at a premier hotel but our family was too big. The main reason was to get this pass for free.
Advantages of Express Unlimited
So should you get it? Well, when we went we knew we had limited time. We live far away, and we realized the cost to travel back out to Orlando to go to Universal is expensive, and perhaps by more fully utilizing our time while in Orlando, we could save overall.
If we spent a week at Universal, we probably could have been fine without the pass.
The Disadvantage of Express Unlimited
There was also one other downside to the pass. You move through the queues extremely fast. Some of the queues are themed. I almost wanted to get out of the line at one point so I could wait in line and walk slowly through Hogwarts Orlando castle to take it all in. ( You can see Dumbledore’s office, common room, and so much more.)
Well, almost. I’ll be honest. I loved Hogwarts Castle ride so much, that maximizing the times I could do it was so worth it!
Please note that the pass has variable rates, so the more crowded it is, the more you are going to have to pay. I hope that helps your Harry Potter vacation planning!
Our Experience Using the Pass at Harry Potter World
This pass was worth it! Standing in line with little kids sounds miserable to us. We added it to our Harry Potter vacation package even though we did not stay at the premier hotel and did not regret that choice even a little.
9. Dining Plan at Harry Potter Universal Studios in Florida
One question I had when planning a Wizarding World of Harry Potter trip was if I should get a dining plan.
I found that Universal Studios Florida does offer a dining plan but, I am going to save you the trouble right now and tell you it is Not Worth It!
If you are used to the Disney World Dining plan this does not compare. We would have spent less on purchasing food than the cost of the plan.
Plus, when I would go into a store most things were not included in the plan such as sweet treats and ice cream. I personally would not do this again!
If you are determined to get the plan, the official Universal Dining Plan is only offered if you get a Harry Potter vacation package. There are other quick service plans that you can purchase without a vacation package.
10. Food Options at Universal Studios Harry Potter World
What is a theme park without food? Okay, you may be a die-hard that brings your own food. (Trust me, been there done that with PB&J, goldfish, and even Pop-Tarts.) And maybe Cabana Bay Beach Resort with a kitchenette is all you need.
Harry Potter World Restaurants
If you want to experience the food at Harry Potter World, you primarily have two choices for meals: The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, and the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. We did not get a chance to try the Three Broomsticks.
Leaky Cauldron
We have been to the Leaky Cauldron. It was a unique experience with a so-so atmosphere for us. It felt like we were in an assembly line until we got seated. The menu was okay but seemed limited. It was not a great feast!
For our kids that thrive on chicken nuggets and fries (I know, parents of the year), fish with those chips and cottage pie just didn’t do it for them.
My husband and I thought the food was okay but saw the rides and the villages and stores as the highlights. Keep that in mind in your Harry Potter planning!
11. Treats at Harry Potter World
Now we liked the treats! Chocolate frogs, butterbeer, frozen butterbeer, hot butterbeer, and cold butterbeer. You can even get chilled pumpkin juice in Hogsmeade.
We tried it all, including butterbeer fudge (but did not get around to the butterbeer ice cream, if they had it when we went). All of it was wonderful!
We had a great time trying all the different treats!
Honey Dukes
Honey Dukes was one of my favorite stores. Before you walk in you can see through the shop window all the fun treats! There are so many fun choices of treats. This is where the fudge is located as well as love potions, bloodsuckers, acid pop, and so much more.
Different family members had different preferences, but we were really glad to try different things and share them. For Harry Potter fans, this helps you breathe in the world that you love so much.
It was one of the highlights of my Harry Potter Universal experiences.
12. Hogsmeade VS. Diagon Alley
Hogsmeade is in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios. I have an entire article about which park, Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter park is better for the best Harry Potter vacation experience.
What Harry Potter Park Should You Start With?
So if you only have time for one park, or you are planning what park to spend the most time in, you may be wondering which is better for Harry Potter.
Diagon Alley
Well, both have great things to offer. We found the layout of the Diagon Alley to be more immersive.
When we arrived at the park via the Hogwarts Express, we couldn’t tell at first how to enter Diagon Alley. The wall dividing the “two worlds” actually did a great job. This is in contrast to Hogsmeade where you walk up the entrance without really anything exciting.
Interactive Experiences in Harry Potter Park in Orlando
The colors of some of the buildings, the liveliness of the area, the fire-breathing dragon, Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, quality quidditch supplies; all good stuff!
We did find parts of Diagon Alley too dark. It made it difficult to see what we were doing with wands.
If you want a more interactive experience the Harry Potter World in Universal Studios has more areas to use your magical wands.
Hogsmeade
Of course, the two areas boast different thrill rides. Now with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, we see Hogsmeade as the clear winner.
(But as a personal preference, I’ve always loved Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey over Escape from Gringotts.)
If you love rides then Hogsmeade Village should be your choice.
13. Ollivanders Wand Shop
Interactive Wand
Ollivanders Wand Shop has two locations one in Hogsmeade and one in Diagon Alley. So no matter which park you choose you can still participate in this activity.
Get A Wand at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando
Consider getting an interactive wand at Ollivander’s Wand Shop. The wand can be used at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley in several locations.
By casting certain spells (i.e., by moving your wand in certain ways as directed), you can make the items in windows, above you, and elsewhere move. It’s a great interactive experience.
14. Rides at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogwarts Express
As mentioned above, you need the park hopper to do the Hogwarts Express. Is it worth it? YES. We thought so! Quite the magical experience. It all begins at the Hogsmeade Station.
We are fans. Sitting on the train that we’ve read about and watched in the film was pretty cool, especially the first time.
Different Experiences Each Direction
We didn’t have to wait in line too long. You can call this a ride, but once you’ve ridden it once, it’s a transport (though you see different things out the window depending on what direction you’re going).
Please note that you can’t use the Express Pass for the Hogwarts Express.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Location: Island of Adventure
Walking through the Hogwarts Orlando castle is almost as exciting as going on the ride. You can pretend to be Hogwarts students! Every detail you can imagine went into the design of the castle.
This is my favorite ride. It is a four-minute ride. As you fly on a broomstick you will go on the quidditch field, through the forbidden forest, and on an incredible adventure.
This is one of those rides that I could ride again and again. We actually rode it four times on our last visit.
Please note that some people say they can get motion sickness but I did not experience this. The wait time can get long but by the end of the night you can usually walk on, even on busy days.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Location: Island of Adventure
The Flight of the Hippogriff is a junior roller coaster. It is a very mild, short coaster. If this is your first time in Harry Potter World then you should do it.
After that, I would not wait more than 15 minutes for this ride. It is fun but so short.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Location: Islands of Adventure
Hagrid’s ride is the newest addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It takes you on a journey through the forbidden forest.
I love the design. You actually hop onto Hagrid’s motorbike. You have the option to jump on the motorcycle or the side bucket seat. I rode both and like sitting in the bucket seat better. My husband is taller and preferred sitting on the bike.
This coaster is awesome. It has a surprise that I won’t spoil but let me just say it is amazing!
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Location: Universal Studios
Gringotts ride is a highly-themed ride. This was my daughter’s favorite ride. Grab your bank notes and have a great time!
The most impressive part of this ride is the dragon that sits on top of the ride. It actually blows out fire! It is one of the best rides at Universal Studios.
15. Shows at Harry Potter World
We liked the Harry Potter shows, although we were not overwhelmed.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a puppet show. The puppets; amazing. The puppeteers; amazing. At least for the parents. The kids liked it but I don’t think they appreciated the artistic elements as much.
There is also a Frog Choir. We enjoyed listening to our favorite song “Double Double Toil and Trouble.”
Harry Potter World Hogwarts Orlando Castle Show
And finally, there is a lights show projected on the walls of Hogwarts. We found the later show was more manageable the time of year we went, but it is still very busy. You may want to ask a worker ahead of time what place is the best to stand to see the show.
16. Harry Potter Merchandise and Souvenirs
There are some pretty fun souvenirs at Harry Potter Universal Studios. They have pins, Luna Lovegood glasses, and of course the interactive wands.
Should I Purchase Souvenirs at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
I highly recommend getting a wand because not only is it a great souvenir you can use it in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. I think it is worth it.
Best Tips for Harry Potter Souvenirs
Other items such as shirts, mugs, and magnets. I wouldn’t necessarily purchase at the park. You can find these types of things at souvenir stores located throughout Orlando or on Amazon for a lot cheaper.
However, if there is something you love and have not seen anywhere else then I suggest getting it.
My Favorite Place to Buy Harry Potter Souvenirs
I loved going to HoneyDukes. I bought some really cool Harry Potter Souvenirs for my kids. There are so many amazing treats. The one downside in the summer is that you can’t buy anything chocolate because it will melt.
17. Harry Potter World Itinerary
One Day at Harry Potter World Itinerary (Park 2 Park Pass)
- Reserve a Time for Ollivanders Wand Shop
- Reserve a Time for Hagrids or go on this Ride First.
- Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Ride Flight of the Hippogriff
- Spend Time Looking at the Shops
- Enjoy a Show
- Eat at Three Broomsticks
- Ride Hogwarts Express after Lunch
- Ride Gringotts
- Walk through Shops
- Do Magic in Knockturn Alley and Other Areas.
- Head Back at Night to Watch the Hogwarts Orlando Castle Show.
If you have only one day at Harry Potter World Universal Orlando, it is going to be long but so fun!
If you have more time you can break your Harry Potter World itinerary into 2 days and add more shows and eat at the Leaky Cauldron as well. (Not to mention Universal has a ton of other fun rides and lands.)
Harry Potter Vacation Planning Complete!
Hopefully, this post has given you enough information to get you set for the perfect Harry Potter Vacation! You will have a fabulous time! Universal is one of the best amusement parks in the USA!
Harry Potter World is amazing! There is so much to see and do! If you are a Harry Potter fan this is going to be a dream come true. Even if you are not a big fan, you can still have a great time.
Harry Potter World Universal Orlando is out of this world! I am so excited you get to visit Harry Potter World in Florida! Have so much fun! If you need help planning get in touch with Getawaytoday. They are great!
More Harry Potter World Universal Information
As you plan a trip to Universal Studios Orlando be sure to check out my other posts! The best rides at Universal Studios, the best rides at Volcano Bay, as well as the best rides at Island of Adventure, are sure to help you plan your trip! Plus, check out my favorite restaurants at City Walk!
Facebook Group
If you have any questions when planning your trip come join me in my private Facebook Group.
This group is a place where you can ask any question about your upcoming trip and help others plan their trips. It is also a place where I put travel deals.
I am not a travel agent. I just blog for fun. If I see a good deal I will send it your way but you have to be in the group to see these offers!
When we visited Harry Potter world at Universal it was so incredible. The creativity that goes behind every inch is mind blowing! A must visit for sure!!!
I agree, it is so detailed just like you would imagine as you are reading the book!
This looks so fun!! I’ve read the first couple of Harry Potter books and now I want to read them all! If I ever get to Florida, I’m adding a trip to Universal Studios to my bucket list.
I love Harry Potter! It is hard for me to not devote all my time to Disney but since we have some big Harry Potter fans we gave it a try and I would go back for sure!
All of the Harry Potter rides are so fun! A word of caution: you must stash everything in a locker before riding, which turned out to be kind of a pain.
We did the rider switch off so that’s probably why I don’t remember that!
This is such a helpful guide-not only for Harry Potter World but for visiting Universal in general. That drink you posted looks absolutely delicious!
It was so delicious, I want to go back and get more!
I’ve had a trip to Universal in the back of my mind, but my daughter really isn’t into thrill rides, so I keep putting it off. I’m afraid my husband and I would spend all day switching off riding rides. The Harry Potter stuff does look cool, though. I keep thinking maybe we’ll try it when my kid’s a teen. She’s turning 10 this summer, so maybe soon! My husband and I would love it!
Yes, We have little kids and they do have kids rides that aren’t too intense but I would totally agree that going when your kids are older is better.
Such a bummer you can’t ride the train without the two park pass. We missed out getting to do this several years ago. Hope to do that some day. We loved the frozen Butter Beer!
We love butter beer! We are always trying new recipes at home to find the perfect one!
Love Harry Potter! And love how comprehensive your posts are…you anticipate every possible question.
Thanks! I love Harry Potter too!
Never read the books, saw all the movies, I guess now it’s time to “experience” Harry Potter. Thanks for sharing all the great travel info.
Yes, you really feel like you are a Wizard or Witch! It is so fun!
I loved Harry Potter World! We went prior to reading the books but have since and I’d love to go back. Thanks for all the insider tips!
I love everything about Harry Potter World! I want to go back too!
This is some awesome step by step planning tips. I love how you cover all the small details that may get over looked our forgotten.
My husband and I love planning trips and try to remember all the little details we would have done or did that worked or did not work.
Beautifully written, with great pictures. Makes Harry Potter World very enticing. I love the pic of the bedroom.
That room would be really fun to stay in for sure!
I would love to visit Harry Potter World…I just love the books my daughters would binge watch it all the time, and your pictures remind me of the books!!
Oh yes, I love reading Harry Potter and watching the movies over and over again. It pretty much the only movie I will watch!
I am lucky enough to live in central Florida (except when it is as hot as it is right NOW) and yes this place is amazing. I love your advice about the dining plans. That is good to know. Great information!
It would be really fun to live near all the most amazing parks but I bet the summer is hot! We like to go during winter months!
This looks like such a fun place to go. Thanks for all the great info!
It is so fun!
I love Harry Potter and this is a really comprehensive guide which I so appreciate. Thank you!
Thanks! They did such an amazing job making it feel like you stepped into the book!
Being a huge HP fan, this is so up my alley, I guess I need to collect one other grown up friend that’s willing to go on the adventure with me!
I know it is a fun place to visit and totally worth it if you are a huge fan!
When we went to Harry Potter world a couple of years ago I had to drag my husband. He wasn’t convinced until we found our way through the ‘magical brick wall’ and into Diagon Ally! So Amazing! This post has so many amazing tips that I will keep locked away for when we visit again! 🙂
That is great he had a great time even without being a big fan!
The chocolate drink looked really good.
I know right!
Fellow Gryffindor fans here and we can’t wait to go thanks for the sneak peek. Always wanted to go to Florida as it is but this is like the cherry on top.
I know right! Harry Potter World is so amazing, you will love it!
Great information and your photos are awesome! I finally got to go last year (took too long considering I only live 1.5 hours away) and it was amazing. That whole area is so magical, just like the movies.
I want to go back now that they have the new ride! I’m glad you got to go!
We really need to get back there for a visit. We did only one day and NOT enough time at all. Thanks for all the info
I agree with you, so many people say you can do everything in a day and we wanted more time!
Woah, this looks like an amazing and memorable trip. My sister would love something like this!
It is so fun!
I am one of the few who is not a fan of Harry Potter. I know, I’m sorry. I just could never get into it. BUT, your pictures make it look like I would have a lot of fun. I know my nieces would have a blast.
The rides are really cool and the snacks are good so I’m sure you would have fun even if Harry isn’t your guy!
If I ever get to Disneyland, then I will definitely be going to see the Harry Potter world, but I’m probably more likely to experience the UK version, having been in the “real” Diagon Alley and climbed the stairs used as the stairs the children stood at the first time they arrived at Hogwarts. However, the experience at Disney would be “magical”!
I was just in London and went to the Harry Potter Studios, It was awesome! Different not an amusement park but very entertaining.
Lisa, this looks so fun! I’m a big fan of HP and hope to get my family down there soon. It looks like you guys all had a great time.
It was so much fun, I just wish we had more time!
This is so on my bucket list! I am a die hard harry potter fan!
You should totally go!
I am a huge HUGE Harry Potter fan. I have made it to Universal in L.A, but not to Orlando yet. That is my next plan hopefully. So thanks for the tips. These are great!
I haven’t been to California yet!
I’m a huge Harry Potter fan! I’d love every bit of this…except the food would pose a problem. But I’m sure I could get by! Thanks for all the info.
I wasn’t a big fan of the food!
This is o our family’s bucket list. I’d love to go so bad!!! Great tips.
It is a fun family vacation for sure!
This sounds like so much fun! I think Payton would love it! Thanks!
Harry Potter World is so fun!
We loved Harry Potter World. We visited for the first time last year. We can’t wait to return! Great post!
Thanks! It is really fun!
We did this trip with our kids and it was amazing. I hadn’t watched the movies but the kids loved it so much and the details made it fun for us adults.
I am a big fan and it really is fun for adults and kids!
This is such a helpful guide. My 12 year old daughter just started reading the first Harry Potter book this week. She’s never been into it before. I have a feeling that a trip is in our future.
I just made my 11 year old read the series this summer. He wasn’t too into it until he was! He is on book 6 now. I am so happy he likes it now.
I have been to Harry Potter World once, before the add-on, and have been wanting to go back since! This post is so helpful and I will definitely use it for my next trip. Thank you!
Thanks! I love that keep adding cool things!
I really want to take my 10-year-old. She would love to see Harry Potter’s World. I love all the themed food in the park, super cool. I know she would love the caldron cake.
That is the perfect age to go! It is so detailed!
Oh, boy! Our kiddos are so into Harry Potter, and this would be their dream trip right now! Looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing all the details, we will need them…So happy you visited in 2020! Looking forward to going there soon!
I hope you get to take your kids, they will love it!
Really appreciate all the detail and tips. As a first time visitor it’s hard to know what to do and see. This would be a super fun couple of days for Harry Potter fans.
That was my hope, that if you are going for the first time that this would be helpful!
What an amazing trip! I appreciate all your tips. Can’t wait to make it out there.
It is so fun! You will love it when you go!
This is so helpful – thank you! I am pinning it so that I can re-read it when we visit Harry Potter. My daughter and I are HUGE HP fans, so we are wanting to go. Covid has delayed our plans, but hopefully we can make it in the not too distant future!
Yes, Harry Potter is so fun! You will love it when you get to go!
This is so informative, and looks so fun! I’ve seen the Harry Potter world at universal studios Hollywood, but it’s nothing like this!
It is a little bigger in Orlando.
I bet this is really popular with the kiddos!
My kids loved it! It is for a little older kids not little kids.
I would love to visit Harry Potter world. Probably without the kids so I could fully indulge.
We took our kids but this last trip was just a couples trip and it was amazing!
I’m a huge Harry Potter fan! I’d love to visit HP World…just me.
Oh yes! Harry Potter World is amazing for all ages!
I can’t wait to see this! Its been on my must see lit for a few months.. hopefully next year! Thank you for the great info!
I hope you get to go!
This is a great guide! I love HP World, especially the FROZEN butterbeer!! So delicious!!
We are huge butter beer fans. We are also making it home with different recipes. But Universal has the best so far.
How fun! I like Harry Potter and look forward to sharing this with my little one some day!
It is such a magical place!
We went to Universal Orlando a few summers back. I loved Harry Potter World and I am not even into the books or movies. The Forbidden Journey was by far the best ride there when we went. So fun walking through and visiting all the shops. Would love to go back!
It is my favorite ride too!
The last time we visited Universal Harry Potter World was only in one park, so it sounds like we need to go back! I’ve actually been considering a trip for the last few years, but we keep ending up at Disney instead!
I know how that goes! We love Disney, but Harry Potter World is the same quality as Disney Parks. I actually like the Castle Ride better than Avatar and they are similar.
Oh. My. GOSH this looks awesome! We’ve been to the WB studio in England, but have yet to see Harry Potter world!
Universal is so fun. The Castle ride is incredible!
This is such great information! This destination is totally on my bucket list I believe my kids would love it but I am a Harry Potter fan so I’m sure I’d love it even more. Thank you!
You would love just as much as your kids!
Great comprehensive post. Thanks so much. Appreciate your caution for the food plans. The park looks amazing though – all the detail. Just watched the first movie again yesterday – so this was timely to read in your post. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Love Harry Potter!
What a wonderful trip for Harry Potter fans. Glad to see all the masks.
They did such a great job with making everyone feel safe and still have just as much fun, just like before Covid.
What a fun trip! I’m happy they are taking precautions to make sure everyone is healthy!
They really are. I was so impressed with all the COVID precautions they had in place.
Forget the kids, I want to go!!
Exactly! It is totally for adults!
Great detailed information and lots of good tips in general! My kids love Harry Potter 🙂
Oh good! Hope it helps plan a Harry Potter trip!
Good to know that the meal plan isn’t worth it! I’m super excited to go hopefully next year!
The food plan wasn’t great! Harry Potter World was amazing!
Oh this looks like so much. My nieces love Harry Potter so I’ll have to pass this song to my sister!
Oh for sure! It is such a fun trip!
The Harry Potter series is what finally made my son find a love for reading. I wish this had existed when the boys were younger.
I love all the magic and it really is a great series.
One of our family’s favorites to watch all together. This looks like so much fun, definitely worth the trip.
For sure, I love watching the last movie over and over!
Wow, I really felt as if I was there through your photos! What an amazing place! They didn’t have Harry Potter World when my kids were young and into Harry Potter books. We all would have loved this. I’m sure I still would!!
When we went last time there were more adults than kids!
We’ve never done HP, but I know many other families that would find this magical.
Oh it is pretty cool and there is magic all around if you buy the $50 wand. HAHA
Looks like a really fun experience!
It is so fun!
I can’t wait until we finally make it there. I just started reading my kids the first Harry Potter book. Thanks for the tips. I’ll be referring to them once we can get there!
My son is finally reading the series and is on book 6. He is 11. I want my 8 year to read book 1 before we go for Spring Break.
What a fun and iconic attraction!
It really is so cool!
my husband and I visited last year on a brief stop in Orlando and it was so fun. This post has really great info and helps for those who haven’t been able to try it yet.
Thanks, It is so fun for adults. When we went last time there were more adults than kids!
We LOVE LOVE LOVE Harry Potter World! We were so lucky to get a couple of days there in January before COVID hit. It was our third time there, and this time, we stayed onsite. Amazing! I have to say, my fave ride was Hagrid’s Motorcycle! lol… best ride ever! The kids were thrilled that they got to use their wands a second time too. Next time, we hope to hit the park in California!
When we heard they were opening in June we booked tickets and went. But it was just my husband and I so now I want to take my kids for spring break.
This looks fantastic! You sure seem to have had a good time. We wish there was a HP – themed park in India. 🙁
If life gets back to normal hopefully they will build one!
Awesome, this is such a thorough and helpful guide! I’m a big HP fan but we haven’t made it here yet. Our kids are too young, but hopefully, the husband and I can sneak away here just ourselves sometime soon!
This is a park I think older kids would like for sure. But there are kiddie areas at Universal as well just not in the Harry Potter area.
We loved visiting the HP world, was so fun! Great info for anyone going for the first time.
Thanks! It is a cool experience!
I have wanted to go here for years! Literally since they opened. I haven’t gotten there yet 🙁
It is worth a trip. I would plan to take advantage of their deals and stay longer!
Looks like a great time. Great information.
It is a really fun place!
We took our nephews to Harry Potter World, and had an amazing time. Like you, we booked straight to Ollivander’s Wand Shop before the lines got long, and my nephew was chosen for the wand pairing ceremony. It was definitely a highlight of our visit!
That is so exciting! We love Harry Potter World!