Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida

Here’s what you need to know about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter if you’re visiting Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. Are you not a Harry Potter fan? What! How is that possible?

No worries, I’m not either. But, even if you don’t know the difference between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, or what on earth they are, you can still enjoy a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s amusement parks. Here’s a quick introduction, some questions answered, and links to much more information from the experts to help you prepare for your HP adventure.

In early December my husband and I took our first trip to Orlando, Florida. Yes, I know it’s hard to believe for amusement park fans, but we’ve lived in the western U.S. for most of our lives, so better late than never, right? Our adult children planned to join us and their top choice of places to visit was Universal Studios Florida Theme Park, because they’re HUGE Harry Potter books and movie fans.

Visiting Universal Studios Florida Theme Park

My husband and I haven’t read the books and have only seen a couple of the movies, but we wanted the whole family to enjoy the trip, so Universal was added to the list of must-see attractions. We originally only planned to visit Universal Studios Florida, because the additional cost for a 1-day park-to-park pass was more than $50 per person higher than the 1 park ticket.  Universal was quite crafty in creating parts of the Harry Potter World in two different parks, which forces fans to pay for both, in order to experience everything in the Wizarding Worlds.  Was it really worth that much more to ride Hogwart’s Express and see the other half of Harry Potter World? Turns out it was.

So…on our last day in town, we exchanged our original tickets for 1-day park-to-park passes for Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The one and only reason that we upgraded was so we could visit both The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Congratulations Universal. It worked.

Here are some of my favorite things about these magical worlds:

So Much Attention to Harry Potter Details

As a Harry Potter newbie, I’m sure the significance of hundreds, if not thousands, of details were completely lost on me, but that’s not to say that I couldn’t appreciate the magic of it all. I’ve always thought it would be so much fun to have a job as a Disney Imagineer or a similar creative role. Can you imagine sitting around with a group of HP fans dreaming up this world? When you walk through the passageway, spend some time observing all the quirky and creative nooks and crannies around you, especially in Diagon Alley. And if you have a Harry Potter fan in your midst, ask questions. Hopefully, they’ll have the patience to explain a bit of the significance to you.

After a bit of patient waiting, we were able to capture the fire-breathing dragon, although we couldn’t figure out an exact timetable. When we got back home, I did a bit of research to determine if the fire is on a regular schedule. Some articles declared that it happens every 10 minutes, but I didn’t find that to be true the day we were there. Perhaps since it was off-season, the intervals were farther apart.

Tips to Help You Catch the Dragon’s Flames

• When you arrive in Diagon Alley, ask a wizard when the dragon will breathe fire next. Asking ensures you won’t wait around all day for nothing.
• If it does breathe fire, the wizard will give you a time.
• Some days though, you may get a response like, “She’s not angry right now.” Hint: Sometimes, it’s too windy for the Ironbelly to breathe fire. (I’m guessing this is a fire code issue, so the flames don’t blow somewhere unsafe.)
• If she is spewing fire, you’ll notice a crowd gathered in the alley with cameras ready…but…
• Wait for the growl – Prior to the flames, the dragon makes a growl, then sparks begin to fly.
• If you’re standing in the alley, facing the dragon head-on, you’ll also see a small pilot light come on in the dragon’s mouth a few seconds before the blast.
• Wait for it…along with the sight of the flames, you may also feel the warmth. Kinda crazy considering how high it is above you.
• I think you’ll find it’s worth the wait.

There’s Fun and Unique Food and Drink:

If you stop by the cart outside of the Owl Post at Universal Studios, you can also buy postcards and have them stamped Hogsmeade so you can send them via “Owl Post.” Also stop into the bathroom next to the Three Broomsticks pub to hear Moaning Myrtle complaining and getting flushed.

If you step inside the red telephone booth outside of King’s Cross Station at Universal Studios and dial the MAGIC, you will be connected with the Ministry of Magic.

If you stop by Grimmauld Place, look up in the window of Number 12 for a glimpse of Kreacher, the Black Family’s house elf, peeking out the window every few minutes. will be connected with the Ministry of Magic.

Did you know that the Shambles in York, England was the inspiration for the crooked buildings in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

More fun and information to prepare for your adventure:

• Which Hogwarts House do you Belong In? (a Sorting Hat Quiz)

Category: Destinations, Florida, Southeast States, United States