Universal Studios VS. Islands of Adventure – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Are you thinking about visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando? Unsure about which Harry Potter Theme park to go to? Let’s compare Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure and which Harry Potter Universal Studios park is better.
Both of these parks are amazing and I am excited to share with you all of my favorite parts about each park and ultimately give you my opinion on which Harry Potter World is better and ultimately which park wins in the battle of Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure.
In this post, we are primarily going to focus on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the differences between Universal Studios Harry Potter and Islands of Adventure Harry Potter.
(Hogsmeade – Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley – Universal Studios) We will learn what the best Harry Potter theme park is.
Let’s explore both Universal Orlando parks to find out which Harry Potter World is better and plan a trip to Harry Potter World!
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How Much Time Do You Need at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Universal Orlando?
Are you wondering how many days you should spend at Harry Potter World? Well, for Harry Potter fans the more days you stay the better.
I suggest at least two to three days. In this section, we are focusing on which park (Islands of Adventure vs. Universal Studios) to spend most of your time in.
The first time we went to Harry Potter World we only had one day. It was not enough time!!!! We even bought front-of-the-line passes and bought a park-to park ticket.
You might be in the same situation we were. If so, this post will help you know where to spend most of your time. (Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure)
This is the ultimate Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure… aka Diagon Alley vs Hogsmeade post. Even if you have several days at the park this post can still help direct you on where to spend your time.
Now let’s explore which Universal park is better for Harry Potter and plan a Harry Potter Universal trip!
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on how many days you go, and if you want a park-to-park pass or a front-of-the-line pass.
One Park Per Day Ticket
Ticket prices start at $109 for a one-park-per-day ticket.
Park-to-Park Ticket
The park-to-park pass starts at $164. This allows you to:
- Ride the Hogwarts Express
- Enjoy both parks on the same day
Multi-Day Ticket
You can buy a multi-day pass. This will save you money if you plan to spend more time at the park.
Front of the Line Pass
Front of the line is an additional option to skip the lines. This pass is typically less expensive if purchased ahead of time. Some of the Universal Hotels include Express Passes and early park admission to the Magically World of Harry Potter.
Promotions
Universal Studios Florida typically runs deals such as buy 2 days get 2 free. The longer you stay the ticket prices go down per day. Sam’s Club also has discounted tickets. GetAwayToday is one of the best places to get your tickets. They make sure you get all promotions available.
If you are wondering which Universal Studios park has Harry Potter, the answer is both!
1. Harry Potter Rides at Islands of Adventure
If you love rides, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will not let you down. There are rides located in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Universal has the best rides! You will have the best time riding all of them!
Let’s start with Harry Potter Islands of Adventure rides and list the most popular attractions.
Harry Potter Rides at Islands of Adventure
The rides at Islands of Adventure are more thrilling. So naturally you can expect the same type of thrill rides in the Harry Potter World (Hogsmeade) at Islands of Adventure.
At Islands of Adventure Harry Potter, there are three amazing main rides. However, two have a height requirement that will not allow younger/shorter children to ride.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Ride Time: 4 minutes
The Forbidden Journey ride takes you inside the castle of Hogwarts. It is almost as fun to stand in line as it is to ride the ride. As a huge Harry Potter fan I find it difficult for me to describe because it is so detailed and perfect! It brings me such happiness and joy.
The ride is just as wonderful! I love every aspect of it. From Dumbledore’s office, the forbidden forest, to the quidditch pitch, you get to help Harry along the way and around the iconic Hogwarts Castle! I could ride it over and over again. However, Some people get a little motion sick, so keep that in mind.
If you would like a low wait time come right before the park closes!
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Ride Time: 3 Minutes
Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure is the newest addition to the Harry Potter area of Islands of Adventure. This ride is a roller coaster. It is fun and unlike any other roller coaster you will ever go on! The design and execution of this ride is one you do not want to miss.
Hot Tip
Download the Universal App before you go to the park. During busy times, you will need to select a time in the virtual queue to ride the Hagrid ride. If it is extremely busy you will want to do this at the designated times on the app. Prepare for long wait times.
Flight of the Hippogriff 
Height Requirement: 36 inches
The Islands of Adventure Harry Potter ride Flight of the Hippogriff is a junior coaster. The line is fun and is themed around Hagrid’s house and his care of magical creatures. This is a great option for younger/shorter Harry Potter fans.
Harry Potter Rides at Universal Studios
The rides at Universal Studios are more virtual. There is only one main Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios. It is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
The height requirements are shorter so younger children can ride the ride.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Height Requirement: 42 inches
The detail on this ride is incredible! There is an actual fire-breathing dragon on the top of the bank. It is unreal!
As you enter the ride you will be entering Gringotts. The detail is phenomenal. The dwarfs are so realistic. The ride is fun but in my opinion it is not as fun as the two rides at Islands of Adventure – The Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s. It is still amazing!
Hogwarts Express
Hogwarts Express is located at both parks at the train station. It is the transportation to/from Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. It is a train ride with a virtual experience. It is a different experience depending on which direction you are going.
You have to have a park-to-park ticket to ride this attraction.
Islands of Adventure vs. Universal Studios Winner is……
Hands down Islands of Adventure – Hogsmeade wins on rides. There are more choices plus they use superior technology. Hagrid’s Motorbike adventure is unlike any roller coaster you will ever go on.
Islands of Adventure Harry Potter is a great option if you love rides.
2. Harry Potter Food Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure
There are stores in both areas that will have similar food items and Harry Potter Souvenirs such as butterbeer, butterbeer ice cream, and candy items. However, there are two restaurants, one in each area.
Let’s see which Universal Park is better Hogsmeade vs. Diagon Alley.
Three Broomsticks Restaurant – Islands of Adventure – Hogsmeade
The three broomsticks is located at the Islands of Adventure in Hogsmeade. This restaurant is a quick-service location.
Price:
Adults: $17.99
Child: $12.99
What to Eat
Breakfast is what you should try to eat if you arrive early to the park. These menu items are more kid-friendly. The lunch/dinner menu may not be great for picky eaters.
However, if you want to save your appetite go to this Islands of Adventure Harry Potter restaurant during lunch or dinner. There is a great feast that is $70. It comes with all sorts of delicious meats and side dishes such as rotisserie smoked chicken, spare ribs, roast and potatoes, and corn on the cob.
Leaky Cauldron – Universal Studios – Diagon Alley
Price Range:
Adults: $21
Child: $7.49
The Leaky Cauldron is in my opinion not a kid-friendly location. The food is more English style. The atmosphere is fantastic. If you like fish and chips, beef lamp, or fisherman’s pie then this is for you. It is a unique experience and fun if you have sophisticated taste buds.
Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure Winner is….
In this battle of Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure Harry Potter food. Islands of Adventure wins. I don’t have sophisticated taste buds so I wasn’t a fan of the Leaky Cauldron. The Three Broomsticks would be my choice.
Deciding if Hogmeade vs Diagon Alley for breakfast, lunch, or dinner will be a fun experience.
3. Harry Potter Shows Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure
There are three shows at Islands of Adventure – Hogsmeade. There are nightly light shows on the Hogwarts Castle. This is one of the best shows as it uses music and lights to tell a story. It is incredible.
The other two shows at Hogsmeade are located between the Hogwarts Castles and Hogsmeade Village. These Island of Adventure Harry Potter shows are amazing! Each show alternates throughout the day every half hour with a total of around 12 shows in a day.
Triwzard Spirit Rally
Triwizard Spirit Rally is a show located at Islands of Adventure. This show has both the students from beauxbatons and durmstang performing on stage. They use a combination of rhythmic gymnastics and martial arts. These schools were invited to the Triwizard Tournament in book 4.
Frog Choir
The Frog Choir is also located at Islands of Adventure – Hogsmeade. This choir has a representation from each house. They perform wizarding songs with their croaking frogs!
Harry Potter Universal Studios Show
Celestina and Banshees is a live show featuring Molly Weasley’s favorite singer! These shows do not have set times but are usually hourly. Even non Harry Potter fans will love this up beat performance.
The Tale of the Beedle and the Bard
This puppet show is a 10-12 minute account of the Tale of the Beedle and the Bard first introduced in book 7.
Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure Winner is….
In the battle of Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure Harry Potter World show category. It’s a tie!!! Universal Studios wins with the two shows in Diagon Alley, but the Hogwarts Castle show is amazing and happens to be at the Islands of Adventure.
Harry Potter fans will enjoy all of them. Hogsmeade vs Diagon Alley -both are awesome choices.
4. Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure - Ollivanders Wand Shop
There are Ollivanders Wand Shops in both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Ollivanders is where you can participate in a wand-choosing ceremony and buy an interactive wand that you can use around both parks.
Which Ollivanders at Universal park is better you ask?
Universal Studios Harry Potter- Diagon Alley
If you are a die-hard Harry Potter fan you might want to have the experience where Harry did. Diagon Alley is where Harry purchased his wand. The Ollivanders in Diagon Alley has been said to have shorter wait times as well. Reservations are required only in Diagon Alley.
Islands of Adventure Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Ollivanders in Hogsmeade is the exact same experience you would have if you went to Diagon Alley. Usually, early morning hours will be in Hogsmeade making the wait times a little longer.
Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure Winner is….
In the competition between Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure, this one is almost a tie. Like I said, if you want to do it like Harry did Diagon Alley at Universal Studios wins. It is kind of nice to have a specific reservation time too….if you can get one.
Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure - Interactive Wand Experiences
Once you get your wand you can participate in interactive experiences throughout the park. You actually make magic happen. There are medallions located on the ground that indicate that magic can happen in this spot.
So which Universal park is better for Harry Potter wand execution? Let’s find out!
Universal Studios Harry Potter- Diagon Alley – Wand Execution
In Diagon Alley there are more options to practice your skills and perform magic. There are also many workers to assist young wizards and witches and help them learn how to execute the spells. It is a magical experience.
You will also get to sneak into Knock-Turn Alley with dark arts and with dark witches and wizards known as death eaters. Although it is dark, it is once again exceptional.
Islands of Adventure Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Wand Execution
There are many spots to perform magic in Hogsmeade however there are two things that you should be aware of. One is the medallions are located farther away from the windows which means that people can walk right in front of you. Also, the spells are more difficult to execute.
Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure Winner is….
Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure Harry Potter wand practice, I like Universal Studios Orlando for wand practice.
I feel like there are more interactive experiences for wand practice and because of that the lines are shorter. There is also Knock-Turn Alley which is out of this world cool!
5. Universal Studios Vs Islands of Adventure - Shopping
Shopping at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an experience you want to have.
Shopping at Universal Studios Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
- Quality Quidditch Supplies
- Weasleys Wizard Weezes
- Madam Malkam Robes
- Borgin and Burkes
- Ollivanders Wand Shop
- Magical Menagerie
- Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment
- Gringotts Money Exchange
- Scribbulus
- Wands by Gregorovitch
- Globis Mundi
- Sugar Plum Sweet Shop
Shopping at Islands of Adventure Harry Potter- Hogsmeade
- Honeydukes (chocolate frogs)
- Dervish and Banges
- Owl Post
- Finches Emporium and Confiscated Goods
- Hogsmeade Carts
Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure Winner is….
Both Universal Parks offer a great shopping selection. When comparing Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure in Harry Potter Shopping, Universal Studios wins – Diagon Alley is where you want to go to shop.
The difference between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios when it comes to shopping is that in Universal Studios Diagon Alley is where Hagrid brought Harry to shop for his first year at Hogwarts.
Everything in the stores is unique and true to the Harry Potter series book. It is part of the whole Harry Potter experience. Plus, there are so many more stores in Diagon Alley!
It is fun to bring some of these souvenirs back to the muggle world!
Harry Potter World Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Before I wrote everything out I would have said there was no contest between Hogsmeade vs. Diagon Alley.
Hogsmeade and Islands of Adventure Harry Potter wins and Hogsmeade was the best Harry Potter World experience. The rides are amazing! So If you are going for rides Islands of Adventure wins.
After writing this complete guide about the wand experiences, shopping, and shows I feel like Universal Studios wins.
I am more of a ride person so Islands of Adventure will always have my heart.
Which Harry Potter Park is Better
No matter which Harry Potter Universal Studios park you choose, an unforgettable Harry Potter adventure is waiting for you. You will have to let us know your opinion on Islands of Adventure vs. Universal Studios and which Harry Potter park is better! Comment Below!
Just FYI
Universal Studios Orlando Harry Potter World is very similar to Universal Studios Hollywood Harry Potter.
Also, Universal is opening a new park Epic that will have the Ministry of Magic. I can’t wait to check it out!
Facebook Community
Do you have any more questions about planning a trip to Universal Orlando? Join my Travel Community on Facebook. This is a great group that can help answer any travel question you might have. I also try to add any deals that companies send me as well.
Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure Questions
Which Harry Potter Park is Better?
Well according to my analysis, I would stay if you want amazing rides Islands of Adventure, if you want more interactive experiences Universal Studios.
What is the Difference Between the Two Harry Potter Worlds?
Diagon Alley at Universal Studios is based in London. This is where Harry goes to get his school supplies, visit Gringotts Bank, and get lost in Knock-turn alley where the dark wizards like to hang out.
Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure has the Hogwarts castle and the wizarding village near Hogwarts. You can go inside the castle, go on an adventure with Hagrid on his motorbike.
Do You Need to Go to Both Parks for Harry Potter World?
Yes, Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade is in Islands of Adventure.
Which Harry Potter Park to Visit First?
If you have a double park pass start at Universal Studios and pretend to be Harry. Get your wand, and supplies, and hit the bank before boarding the Hogwarts Express.
The Hogwarts Express will take you to Islands of Adventures Harry Potter World where you will go to Hogwarts, fly with a hippogriff, and ride a motorbike with Hagrid.
If you only have one day at Harry Potter World and do not have a double park pass, go to Islands of Adventure. The rides are incredible!
Can you Do Both Harry Potter Parks in One Day?
We tried and it wasn’t enough time! If you only do Harry Potter World and do not do any of the other rides at Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios you might be able to do it in one day.
Universal Resort has so many other awesome areas I would give yourself more time to explore it all!
What is the Best Age to go to Harry Potter Universal?
Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure based on age. I think 9-10 is the best age for the Universal Orlando Resort. Both Harry Potter Worlds are fabulous if you have read the series.
How Many Days Do You Need at Universal Studios Harry Potter World?
Plan at least two days for a Universal Orlando vacation. However, with the promo, it is nice to have a few free extra days to play and enjoy all parts of the parks.
We absolutely LOVE the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I don’t think we ever spend much time anywhere else when visiting either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure!
A true Harry Potter fan can spend the entire day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Love this guide to Harry Potter World Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Great tips to plan and navigate between the two to best meet your preferences.
I prefer the rides but there is so many cool things to see!
Excellent info! I want to experience BOTH parks, when I get to go.
It is worth spending time in both!
I haven’t read the books but I can see why fan flock to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
They are fun books!
This is so helpful! I’ve never been to either; we are not much of amusement park fans. BUT I would love to see anything Harry Potter!
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you have to go!
Wow! Either one of these sounds amazing!!
I love Universal!
This makes me want to go to Universal and Islands. If only it weren’t so expensive!
You will have to find a good deal!
My daughter was 11-ish when the first Harry Potter book came out, so she grew up with him. Our family were in line when the books were released, read all the books, and saw all the movies – so, hands down it would be Harry Potter World for us.
Yes, I was 19 when I first started reading them….I was hooked.
Thank you for sharing such a detailed comparison of Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure. This is so helpful when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
It is nice to know, so you can make a game plan!
What a great comparison of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I have not been to both parks, and have wondered the difference.
Thanks! They are both great!