Grab your wand. We’re going in.
Whether you’ve seen the movies a dozen times, can recite Hogwarts, A History by heart, or just want to see what all the hype is about, this is your ultimate guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know to have the most magical (and efficient!) experience possible. From where to start your day to what’s actually worth waiting in line for, we’ve got tips, tricks, and a few hidden gems to make sure you know how to navigate Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade without feeling too much like a Muggle.
And with this guide, plus our deep dives into Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and even how to tackle both parks in a single day, you’ll be more than ready to take on the Wizarding World like a seasoned pro.
Important Things to Know
- This itinerary is built for guests tackling both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in one day—with a strong focus on all things Harry Potter. Universal technically has three parks now (including Epic Universe), but this post is focused on the two original parks that most guests aim to conquer in one day.
- To experience both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in the same day (aka both Harry Potter lands), you must have a Park-to-Park ticket. If you’re visiting separately, you can still use this itinerary!
- The Hogwarts Express is a unique ride and experience between the two parks—FYI that riding it both directions gives you a different show. We don’t consider it a must to go both ways though (we promise you won’t have strong FOMO after riding it once).
- Hogsmeade tends to feel busier than Diagon Alley because of its straighter, narrow layout and because of people cutting through. We much prefer and recommend to chill in Diagon Alley at Universal versus its next door neighbor.
The Itinerary
To begin with, we suggest starting your day in Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure) if you plan to visit both parks.
There are three attractions in IOA (excluding the Hogwarts Express, which spans both parks) compared to the one attraction in Universal Studios, so we prefer Hogsmeade in the morning and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios) in the evening. The crowd levels are easier to manage that way!
- If you’re using Early Park Admission and can arrive at the turnstiles before it starts, consider rope dropping Hagrid’s. It should have a short enough wait.
If you aren’t using EPA, skip to step 2. - Ride Forbidden Journey during Early Park Admission, OR if not using EPA, hit this attraction first when you enter the park.
- Ride Flight of the Hippogriff if desired (a kids’ coaster, adults can skip if desired).
- Catch Ollivander’s Experience.
- If you purchased an interactive wand, cast some spells. The earlier you do it, the fewer crowds you’ll have to deal with!
- Check showtimes and see the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally.
- Explore the shops and have an early lunch at Three Broomsticks before the line gets too long. Or, plan a late lunch at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley and enjoy a snack in the meantime.
Insider Tip: We prefer the Three Broomsticks – and you should check it out even if you don’t dine there. The theming and music are amazing! - Grab a Butterbeer or adult drink at Hog’s Head pub.
- Take the Hogwarts Express (Hogsmeade Station) over to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios when ready.
- Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts if the wait is reasonable. Otherwise, wait until the evening.
- Explore all of Diagon Alley! The shops here are an experience alone. Check performance times and watch The Tales of Beedle the Bard and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Get ice cream (Butterbeer soft-serve!) at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. Have a conversation with the Goblin at Gringotts Money Exchange.
- If you didn’t do Hagrid’s in the morning, make sure to set Wait Time Alerts in the app for the evening when you’re back at Islands of Adventure.
- Exit Diagon Alley and explore London, which is still Harry Potter-themed. Visit the Knight Bus for photos and talk to the Conductor.
- If desired, hit any attractions in Universal Studios. If waits aren’t long, E.T. and Revenge of the Mummy are our top two choices. Kids and teens will appreciate Men in Black Alien Attack!, and even Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (which usually doesn’t have a long wait).
- When ready, take the Hogwarts Express (King’s Cross Station) back over to Islands of Adventure.
- Ride any attractions outside of the Wizarding World if desired. Our top picks are VelociCoaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
- See the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle closer to park close.
- Experience other attractions with lower wait times during the final part of the evening. If you haven’t done Hagrid’s because of long lines, get in line the last half hour of park time.
Have Fun!
Whether you’re here for the rides, the Butterbeer (Frozen, plz), or just to wave a wand around Diagon Alley, we hope this guide helps you make the most of every spellbinding moment.
The Wizarding World can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it all in one go, but with a bit of planning (i.e., this guide), you’ve totally got this.
And don’t forget, we also cover everything Disney!