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5 Must Dos - Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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Looking to Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

We're Sharing 5 Must Dos - Wizarding World of Harry Potter

When you first walk into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at both locations of Universal Studios you will be amazed. Not only because it is just super cool but because you will feel how Harry felt when he first saw Hogwarts. The attention to detail is just incredible and nothing was left out. From snow crested roof tops to butter beer, this is an experience like no other. From picking out your wand at Ollivander's to Escaping Gringotts, this place has everything a Harry Potter fanatic will adore.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

One activity that is really cool in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter after you pick out your wand at Ollivander's. If you have one of the special interactive ones you will be able to go around and perform “spells” throughout the park. You will know which ones they are on the map. But, just like magic, not everything is as it seems. There are hidden spell places that will take you off of the beaten path and show you a world you didn’t know existed. Just be careful, you never know when “he who must not be named” will show up.

Ollivander Wand Ceremony

The ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a short show where one person from the audience is chosen to try out different wands. It’s a mimic of the wand choosing ceremony from the actual Harry Potter books. Afterwards, you are free to browse Ollivander's to find your own wand. Both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have the wand shop, but only Diagon does the ceremony. Another great tip is if you have a child that wants to do it, try to watch the line and go in with a group of adults. They lean more to picking out children but the more kids there are, the less likely yours will be picked. Another great way to stack the odds in your favor is to have your child dress up like their favorite character.

Universal Studios

Escape from Gringotts

Everyone remembers the iconic Deathly Hallows scene where Harry, Ron and Hermione This ride takes that and puts you right in the action of the escape. You’ll have to break in, and out, and avoid dragons as well as death eaters. Escape from Gringotts is found only at Diagon Alley. This was one of my favorite rides because they animatronics was amazing.

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Dragon Challenge

This fast paced roller coaster is located in Hogsmeade. It’s two different coasters on separate tracks that race against each other. Fashioned after the theme of the first challenge for the Triwizard tournament, be prepared to ride on either a Chinese Fireball or a Hungarian Horntail.

Hogwarts and the Forbidden Journey

We’ve all wondered what’s it’s like to ride on a broomstick, right? Well, in Hogwarts and the Forbidden Journey you get to experience just that. What starts as a late night sneak out to play quidditch turns into a flight through the forbidden forest. The ride queue for this one is uniquely special considering you get to walk through Hogwarts. The Forbidden Journey is in Hogsmeade and is one of the longest waits due to being popular. Also, if you have someone with you that has anxiety, heart problems, or is afraid of high paced rides, you may want to gently suggest they sit this one out. It can be very intense.

Hogwarts Express

Okay, so this isn’t really a ride you would expect. It’s a relaxing train ride that shows a different story from the two different destinations. You sit in a carriage car much like the Hogwarts Students did at the beginning of each school year. It’s a great way to have a few minutes to yourself to relax. You board the train at King's Cross station which is located at both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Make sure you ride it both ways because the story is different each way.

So, there you have it. Whether you’re looking for thrills, a relaxing ride, or something fun to watch, Universal Orlando has it all.

Make sure to check out our other travel articles such as:

Top 10 Reasons to Stay at an Orlando Villa

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Going to Disney on a Budget

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 5 Dining Secrets at Disney – Disney Dining Plan 

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By on June 12th, 2017

About Powered by Mom

I’m Michelle aka Powered by Mom. I’m married with one daughter, my hubby was my high school sweetheart, our two dogs Nyx and Cleo and our cat Oliver. As you can see we’re a family of animal lovers. We love to travel when we can, try different food and activities all over the world and enjoy being together. My passions are writing, travelling, creating new recipes, encouraging people to adopt not shop and just to enjoy life while we can.

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30 thoughts on “5 Must Dos - Wizarding World of Harry Potter”

  1. We went shortly after the first Harry Potter area opened. Since then we have a granddaughter that is a huge Harry Potter fan. Her mom was pregnant with her when we went and didn't get to do much of anything. Now that the second area is open, we NEED to go back. Hope we will be able to go soon.

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  2. My daughter loves the Harry Potter books so I guess we will be going to this when we go back to Disney and the parks next year. We have never been to Universal yet. Good information that I am going save as we start planning next years visit. Thank you!

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  3. I was super impressed with the Hogwarts Express. You have to ride it in both directions and walking through that brick wall was so fun!

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  4. I would love to go as a family again. This is new since I went in 2011. It's been a very long time and well over do. We love Harry Potter and this would be a great treat. Thanks for the tips.

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  5. I would love to go. I've seen all the movies and read all the books. I'm loving the new writing as well. Just an overall big fan.

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  6. I never read or watch Harry Potter, but i definitely want to check out the Universal' for the new rides, looks and sounds amazing. Plus i want to try butter beer

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  7. My 2 granddaughters went to Disney World on their Easter break with their parents. There is so much to see and they plan to return. My 11 year old granddaughter is a big fan of Harry Potter, has watched several H.P. movies, and is currently reading the last book. On their next visit she will definitely need to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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  8. We have never been to Disney or any of the attracctions. I am always amazed by whatthey are coming up with. This would make any HP fan go hog wart wild!

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  9. My husband is a Harry Potter fanatic and we have yet to go to the Wizarding World! This is a fun guide for us to use whenever we do make it out there!

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  10. My daughter has been here with her dad, but I would love to take her one day as well! Hogwarts and the Forbidden Journey sounds really fun! I love the idea of walking through Hogwarts while waiting in the ride queue. Sounds awesome!

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  11. I had no idea this even existed! My daughters and I had a HP marathon a few months ago & it was the first time I saw any of the movies. If we ever go I'd be most excited to check out Hogwarts and the Forbidden Journey!

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  12. I love Harry Potter, so I loved reading your post here. I thank you so much, as it's hard to get a decent review on these films.

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  13. I had a blast at Harry Potter, and I'm saving up to take my nieces hopefully next summer so we can all enjoy it together.

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  14. I would love to take my kids to Wizarding World of Harry Potter . They love Harry Potter and would have a blast there

    Reply

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