Universal Studios-Harry Potter

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Studios expanded the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2014, with the addition of Diagon Alley.  Diagon Alley is located within Universal Studios and the original attraction, Hogsmeade, is located  within Islands of Adventure.  The two attractions are connected by the Hogwarts Express.  Because of this, guests wanting to visit both attractions need to purchase Park-to-Park admission.

Hogsmeade

I found Hogsmede a little disappointing.  There are lots of buildings to make the village look authentic, but the majority of them are simply facades.  The few stores they have include Honeyduke’s  (candy shop), a smaller  version of Ollivanders (wand shop), Dervishes and Bangles, and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.  The Three Broomsticks (restaurant) is here, along with three  rides (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (very cool), Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge).  There are also a few stages for live performances, such as the Hogwarts choir – including the giant toads.

Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express is very cool.  The inside of the coaches look exactly like the coaches from the movie and passing scenery is viewed from the windows.  (Hagrid waiving, the Weasley Twins riding their brooms, the flying car, dementors…)

Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley was my favorite part of the park.  If I could only visit one part of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley would be it.  I thought it was incredible.  The Knight Bus (double decker London bus) sits right outside the entrance and if you watch the building façade before going through, you can catch a glimpse of Kreacher peeking through a window.

Once you pass through the wall, it actually looks like you’ve entered the cobblestone street of Diagon Alley. 

The Leaky Cauldron (restaurant), Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes (novelty shop), Ollivanders (magic wands), a clothing store to purchase Hogwarts’s attire (which also displays some original costumes), a store to buy your magical pet (stuffed animals), an ice cream shop that sells butter beer ice cream (yum!), and a variety of venues for stage performances can all be found here.

Two different types of wands are available for purchase at Ollivanders.  The first is the basic replica of character wands (I bought Hermoine’s) and the second is an interactive wand.  There are various locations throughout both parks  that respond to the interactive wands “flick and swish” motion.  Kids (whose parent’s dug rather deeply into their wallets) were having a ton of fun with them.

The biggest attraction here is Gringott’s Bank, site of Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.  The ride was a lot of fun, but be prepared for long wait times.

Atop Gringott’s Bank sits the dragon that unwittingly helped with Harry Potter’s escape.  He spews fire at regular intervals.  It’s very impressive!

Most of the rides do not allow you carry things on them (purses, purchases, etc…).  Temporary lockers are conveniently located near the rides for storage and are free of charge.

Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan (which I am!) you will enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

 Lorrie Day