At Universal Orlando Resort, there are two areas dedicated to Harry Potter:
- Diagon Alley
- Hogsmeade
They are connected by the Hogwarts Express, which is not only a transportation system but also a real attraction.
The first one is located at Universal Studios and is unique in the world – you won’t find it anywhere else.
The second, on the other hand, is inside Island of Adventure and was the first Harry Potter-themed area to open to the world. Over time, this land was also recreated in other Universal parks around the world.
Diagon Alley
I’ll start here because, in my opinion, it’s one of the most immersive areas I’ve ever experienced in my life, second only to Galaxy’s Edge.
Even before entering the main square, you’ll find the life-sized Knight Bus with a driver ready to entertain you before the next ride.
Once you’ve taken the traditional photo, just a few steps are enough to pass through the brick wall and find yourself enveloped in the atmosphere of Diagon Alley.
If I had to describe every detail, every shop, every item for sale you’ll find here, this article would be endless — but I’ll give it a try.
The highlight is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, an attraction that alone is worth the price of admission to the entire Studios!
While waiting in line, you’ll walk through the halls, corridors, elevators, and vaults of the most magical bank there is.
The ride is breathtaking, featuring 3D effects, fire, and accelerations — all without giving you time to understand if and how it’s even possible to feel so intensely part of the movie.
But perhaps there isn’t a SINGLE HIGHLIGHT of Diagon Alley.
The entire area is surrounded by the exact same shops seen in the movies. Inside each of them, you can purchase all kinds of items — from a complete Quidditch uniform to a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, a mug of Butterbeer, and even interactive wands.
These wands allow you to practice magic in both areas, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, performing small spells and interacting with the scenery:
- reassemble a suit of armor
- make it rain from the sky
- drink from a water fountain
- make jewels appear from boxes displayed in shop windows
A visit to Knockturn Alley, the shadiest and most dangerous area in Diagon Alley, is absolutely a must.
Hogsmeade
This area, although there are “clones” around the world, has featured a unique attraction in the global theme park scene since August.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — that’s its name!
A motorbike coaster that will thrill and overwhelm all your senses.
Not only is it the most expensive coaster in the world ($300 million), but also the most technologically advanced.
Accelerations, brakes, reversals, drops, animatronics.
This attraction includes the full range of movements and effects available in the industry, all within a single story that will leave you breathless from start to finish.
The other attraction in the land is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
Explaining this ride isn’t easy, but know this — it’s not what it seems.
Among:
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
— the last one is the most intense and not for the faint of heart.
However, the queue that winds through Hogwarts Castle is so beautiful that you can just visit it and, once you’re about to board, ask to skip the ride and exit.
The ride’s storyline centers around a Quidditch match — with plenty of unexpected twists.
Also in Hogsmeade, you’ll find Flight of the Hippogriff, a small coaster suitable for all ages.
And just like in Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade is packed with shops that will put your credit card to the test!
Hogwarts Express
To visit both areas in a short time, using the Hogwarts Express is essential.
To ride this transport system — which is also a true attraction — you’ll need to have a PARK TO PARK ticket.
This option can be added when purchasing your admission ticket, or directly before boarding the Hogwarts Express.
On the Hogsmeade side, the station is simpler and smaller, just like in the movie.
On the Diagon Alley side, you’ll find an identical replica of the real King’s Cross station — complete with the wall passage to reach Platform 9¾.
Tips
Both areas are large, full of shops to explore, things to buy, and details to admire — so here’s a list of the must-do’s.
Must try:
- Pumpkin juice
- Butterbeer
- Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans
Must buy:
- Interactive wand
- Platform 9¾ T-shirt
- Gryffindor scarf
Must ride:
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hogwarts Express
As I always say, leave yourself some time to let your mind be fully swept away by the incredible sensory experience these areas have to offer.
