The Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Orlando

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, oh how I love this place.

This was my second time at the theme park (see my first trip here). I followed the same road map as before. This time around since our flight was at 5pm we only visited Diagon Alley and Hosmeade without visiting the rest of the parks. The purpose of my day was to show my mom all things Harry Potter since she has never been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located in Universal Orlando Resort, Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade is in Islands of Adventure. The Hogwarts Express connects the two parks. Therefore a park to park pass is required to visit both parks on the same day.

Be sure to get to the park early because you have to get through security first and then it is about a 10 minute walk to the actual park entrance. We arrived at Universal Studios around around 9am and picked up our tickets at will call. Once entering the park we cut through Rodeo Drive and made our way to Diagon Alley. Our day went in the following order:

1. Grimmauld Place: Knock on flat number 12 and catch a glimpse of Kreacher the house elf from the window.

2. Knight Bus: Say hello to the conductor and Dre Head. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation and snap some photos.

3. Ministry of Magic: Step into the booth and dial MAGIC (62442) for a message from the Ministry of Magic.

4. Diagon Alley: Head straight to Gringotts Bank. Check your bag in the locker and stand in line for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Afterward snap a picture on Hagrid's motorcycle. If you are lucky the dragon will breathe fire and snap a photo or boomerang video! Before leaving Diagon Alley exchange your muggle money at Gringotts Money Exchange for a Wizarding bank note that can be used to purchase things around the park or kept as a souvenir. You can purchase an interactive wand at the park and use it throughout Diagon Alley to cast spells. To be honest I purchased a regular wand last year and brought it along this time around for photos around the park, the interactive one is really cool if you buy it at the beginning of the day and use it through out the day at the park.

5. King Cross Station: Ride the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade. On your journey be sure to pay attention to all the details throughout the station. Snap a photo at the perfume ad similar to the movie when Harry and Dumbeldore stand in Half-Blood Prince. Make sure to get a video of yourself jumping through to Platform 9 3/4!
6. Hogsmeade: At this point it's probably before noon and it's in your best interest to head straight to Three Broomsticks and order lunch before the lunch crowd hits. I would recommend the fish and chips and the frozen butterbeer! It really hits the spot! Afterward head straight to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey inside Hogwarts. The ride gives you the chance to explore inside the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In Homemade the other rides to check out are Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff. This time around we skipped Flight of the Hippogriff because it is a very short ride and very underwhelming in my opinion. Once you have the rides out of the way take your time to explore Hogsmeade. Be sure to explore Olivanders and Owl Post, Dervish and Bangers, Filch's Emporium, and grab some delicious treats at Honeydukes. My favorite souvenirs to pick up from Honeydukes are the chocolate wands, jelly beans, and chocolate frogs. Note that any shopping you do at the park you can ask one of the helpful wizards to send your bags to the front entrance of Universal to pick up at the end of the day. Before leaving Hogsmeade be sure to snap photos with the conductor of Hogwarts Express!
7. Return to Diagon Alley: Once you have throughly explored Hogsmeade it's time to take the Hogwarts Express back to Diagon Alley. If you happen to be hungry grab a bite at Leaky Cauldron or some ice-cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour. Now enjoy your time exploring Diagon Alley! Don't forget to head down Knockturn Alley to explore all the Death Eaters Shop!
8. Butterbeer: You must try as much butterbeer as you can! There are a few different versions of the drink. There is regular butterbeer, frozen butterbeer, and butterbeer ice-cream, They are all delicious! my favorite is most definitely the frozen butterbeer. It basically tastes like a butterscotch/vanilla slushy but only better!

This park itinerary works for adults because you are jumping around in order to avoid the crowds and can truly enjoy the park! It may be harder to navigate such an itinerary with small children because they will be distracted by all the amazing details of the park. I really had to stop myself from getting sidetracked, but honestly sticking to the itinerary allowed me to see EVERY aspect of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade and truly enjoy it!

My friend Katie convinced me to vlog my day at Harry Potter. I'm always hesitant about vlogs because I'm afraid no one cares but I took her advice and video documented my day. I'm convinced now that videos are so much more fun than pictures!! It gives life to the experience! See my short vlog of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter below and comment what you think :)

Get my outfit details here and here. Have a magical day!