5 Things Harry Potter Fans Must Do at Universal Orlando

Every Harry Potter fan must visit Universal Orlando. After reading the books and watching the Harry Potter movies, it’s natural to want to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the Universal Orlando theme parks. If you are a huge Harry Potter fan, this list of 5 Things Harry Potter Fans Must Do will make your trip to the Wizarding World absolutely amazing!

As soon as you enter Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, you know you have been completely immersed in all things Harry Potter. In fact, you can even walk through the Muggle world to the Wizard world at Platform 9 3/4. Part of the fun is watching others walk right up and disappear through the wall as they make their way to the Hogwarts Express! While this is a fun way to start your trip, there are 5 things Harry Potter fans “must do” at Universal Orlando!

Ride the Harry Potter Attractions.

Starting our list of the Five Things Harry Potter Fans Must Do at Universal Orlando is riding the attractions! Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are both home to fantastic Harry Potter themed attractions. You will find:

• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott’s
• The Hogwarts Express

Of these five attractions, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is my absolute favorite! As you roar through the Forbidden Forest, this highly immersive and well themed motorbike adventure takes you on a magical adventure! This is the longest roller coaster in Florida, and features seven launches!

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott’s is a close second on my list of favorites. Guests enter Gringott’s bank, beneath a giant fire breathing dragon. This is an indoor rollercoaster, and sort of a hybrid between a dark ride and a coaster. It is quite intense, but still a must do!

Shop at Honeydukes.

Honeydukes is located in Hogsmeade, which is in Islands of Adventure. The Honeydukes location in Hogsmeade is almost identical to what you would see in the movies. This half candy shop, half bakery houses some of the most amazing treats you will find at Universal Orlando.

The magic of Honeydukes starts before you even enter the shop. The moving window displays are not to be missed! They also make a fun photo background!

Honeydukes is full of color and whimsy from one end to the other. Each item even has its own Wizarding World themed packaging, to keep with the immersive theming of Hogsmeade. Guests will find the famous chocolate frogs, pumpkin pasties, cauldron cakes, and an entire fudge section.

Enjoy some Butterbeer.

Despite its name, Butterbeer is non alcoholic. It is a yummy concoction of cream soda, butterscotch, and topped with a sweet froth. It started as two forms ~ frozen or cold. But over time, has evolved into several formats! In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Butterbeer comes in several forms.

• Frozen Butterbeer
• Hot Butterbeer
• Butterbeer Ice Cream
• Cold Butterbeer
• Butterbeer Potted Cream

My personal favorite is the Butterbeer Ice Cream. You absolutely cannot visit Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade without indulging in some Butterbeer! If you plan to visit Universal Orlando over the holidays, the hot version is perfect!

Visit Ollivander’s Wand Shop.

When Universal Orlando added the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they wisely built an Ollivander’s on both sides. This popular experience is a must do for any Harry Potter fan!

As a Harry Potter fan, you know how important it is to have your own wand. And the wand chooses the wizard, correct? Guests can experience an entire wand and wizard choosing experience when they enter Ollivander’s. Or, you are welcome to just shop.

Wands come in all themes and styles, including interactive wands. The interactive wands can be used over and over on multiple trips. There are spell casting areas around both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade to use the interactive wands.

Send Mail from the Owl Post.

Owl Post is located in Hogsmeade. Here, you can purchase Harry Potter themed postcard packs, as well as stamps. The Universal Team Members will postmark the postcards with an official Hogsmeade post mark. Then, you can write them out to a friend and mail them! This location also sells a variety of stationery and writing tools. It’s a “hidden gem”, and something that every Harry Potter fan should visit!

Whether it is your first time visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or you are looking for a new experience, these experiences should be on your list! These 5 Things that Harry Potter Fans Must Do at Universal Orlando will make your trip extra amazing!

Will you be visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with your family?