Attention all muggles and wizarding enthusiasts! Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort and wondering if you can see all of Harry Potter World in one day, or should you make it more?
Can You See All of Harry Potter World in One Day?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. It is possible to see all of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day, but it’s going to take some careful planning, but based on my experience, you can do it!!
The Wizarding World is split into two sections, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and they are located in separate parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure respectively). So to see both sections, you would need a Park-to-Park ticket, which allows you to travel between the two parks on the Hogwarts Express.
The Plan
- Arrive early to Islands of Adventure and head straight to Hogsmeade.
- Ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, keep an eye out for the Golden Egg from Goblet of Fire while in the line.
- Head towards the Hogwarts Castle to take photos on the bridge while it is less crowded.
- Head into the line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and explore Hogwarts Castle. Take your time enjoying the line and all of it’s hidden gems. Stop and watch Dumbledore in his office or the trio in the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom. You can let others pass and enjoy the details.
- After riding, shop in Filch’s underneath the castle. Send any merchandise to the front of the park so you don’t have to carry it all day.
- Next, grab a Butterbeer at the cart or in the Hog’s Head and explore Hogsmeade’s shops, including Honeydukes, the Owlery, and Dervish and Bangs
- Take a picture with the Hogwarts Express and if you are lucky the conductor!
- Get out your park ticket and take the Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade Station to King’s Cross Station
- Enter through the brick wall into Diagon Alley, and remember to wait for a photo with the Dragon.
- Either ride Escape from Gringotts now or after lunch, depending on how hungry you are. The line for this ride is amazingly impressive, don’t forget to take photos with the Goblins!
- Stop for lunch at the Leaky Cauldron followed by ice cream at Florean Fortescues (Salted Caramel Blondie is my favorite)
- Go to the Gringotts Money Exchange and trade up your muggle money for some Wizard money.
- Use your new Wizard money to purchase a different beverage from either Fountain of Fair Fortune or Hopping Pot (pumpkin juice, Fishy Green Ale, Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice, Gillywater or wizard beers, my favorite is Wizard’s Brew)
- As the line for the wand choosing ceremony has usually died down by the afternoon, head to Ollivander’s and hope to be selected for the ceremony. Even if you aren’t chosen, explore the wand shop and purchase the wand that chooses you!
- Once you have a wand, wander around and find all of the interactive spots within Diagon Alley. Don’t forget to explore Knockturn Alley as well, and shop in Borgin and Burkes and listen for the bird in the Vanishing Cabinet.
- Spend more time exploring the shops in Diagon Alley while you beat the afternoon heat. Don’t miss the Celestina Warbeck and the Tales of Beedle the Bard shows.
- Before heading back to Hogsmeade, leave Diagon Alley and visit the Knight Bus and chat with the conductor. Call “M.A.G.I.C.” in the red telephone booth. Knock on No. 12 Grimmauld Place until Kreacher comes out.
- Get your park ticket out again and go to King’s Cross Station (bonus if you ask the TM’s where platform 9 3/4 is). Get a video of your party running through the barrier at Platform 9 3/4.
- Now that you are back in Hogsmeade, find all of the interactive wand locations here. Watch the shows in front of the castle, the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Tournament show. Stop by the bathrooms in Hogsmeade to hear Moaning Myrtle.
- Grab dinner at the Three Broomsticks
- If you have time, ride Flight of the Hippogriff or one of the rides you have already ridden. Hagrid’s Motorbike at night is magical!
- Explore some more until the Nighttime Lights show on the Hogwarts Castle. Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts Castle look magical at night even without the nighttime show.
- As you exit the park, pick up the merchandise that you sent to the front of the park, and enjoy the memories!!
Did you make it?
Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day can be an exciting and magical experience. By following the tips and tricks provided, such as arriving early, and prioritizing must-see attractions, you can make the most of your time in the park and create unforgettable memories. Remember to savor every moment and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Harry Potter
