Are you looking for the best Wizarding World of Harry Potter itinerary for your upcoming trip?
Witches and wizards, if you’re heading to Universal Orlando Resort to brush up on your magic and be immersed in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then look no further.
From Diagon Alley and the darker Knockturn Alley to Hogsmeade I’m covering everything you need to do if you only have one day at the two Universal theme parks.
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Morning: Start at Hogsmeade (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
To start, you’re going to want to ensure that you have a ticket that allows you to go to both theme parks in one day because the train from Platform 9 3/4 will leave without you if you don’t have a ticket.
The first thing you should do after getting to Universal Orlando Resort is head straight for Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
This is where you’ll find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade.
Here there are three attractions, and the Hogwarts Express that will take you between the two Harry Potter-themed lands at Universal Orlando Resort.
Ride Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure
To start, hop on the newest Harry Potter attraction, Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure.
The thrilling rollercoaster takes you on a tour of the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid as your guide.
Throughout the ride you’ll spot plenty of magical creatures like Hippogriffs, unicorns, and centaurs.
The line for this attraction does get long very quickly, so getting here right when the park opens is the best bet for the shortest wait time.
Visit Hogwarts Castle then Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
After whizzing through the forest, take a tour of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry before getting on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
This high-flying attraction takes you through the school to iconic moments from the movies like a quidditch match, through the Forbidden Forest, and coming face-to-face with the villains from the movies.
One thing to note about this attraction: if you have any sort of motion sickness you definitely should not ride.
You can still go through the queue if you’re traveling with friends or family to see the moving photos and the precise detail of the castle, then exit just before boarding.
Ride Flight of the Hippogriff
By now it should be close to 11:00 a.m. If you’re traveling with smaller kids then hop on Flight of the Hippogriff, which is a family-friendly roller coaster just in view of Hogwarts Castle.
The coaster is short but has a few fun drops that kids will like.
Relax and Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade
If you’re traveling solo, make your way through the shops, listen to the Hogwarts Frog Choir, and explore the storefronts to see what types of goodies are available to pick up later.
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Afternoon: Take the Hogwarts Express Train to Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida)
Hop onboard the Hogwarts Express to Universal Studios Florida and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Here, you’ll find one attraction, plenty of shops, our favorite ice cream shop, and a decent spot for lunch.
Have Lunch at the Leaky Cauldron
Once you’ve gotten off the train make your way to the Leaky Cauldron. This is themed after the pub and inn of the same name from the Harry Potter series.
The casual eatery is serving up British staples like fish and chips, Shepard’s pie, and more.
After ordering, you’ll be taken to a table and just a few minutes later your food will show up. Take time to really enjoy your lunch because you’re only halfway through the day.
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Shop at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
After lunch, take a gander around some of the shops in Diagon Alley.
One of my favorites is Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which looks exactly like it did in the movie, complete with moving toys and an adorable entryway.
Take a Stroll Down Knockturn Alley
Be sure to make your way to the dimly lit Knockturn Alley, where you may come face-to-face with a Death Eater, or you can buy a curious dark relic from Borgin and Burkes.
Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
When you’re done browning around, get in line for the premier attraction in this area, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
The 3-D roller coaster attraction takes you through the depths of the wizard bank before trying to break free due to the presence of Voldemort and his motley band of Death Eaters.
In the process, you’ll also attempt to free the dragon that’s been held in the bank’s basement for years.
Tour London
Make your way through the winding streets of Diagon Alley and out to London.
This is where the immersiveness of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter somewhat ends because you can see other parts of Universal Studios Florida.
However, you’ll want to step out to see the Knight Bus and say hello to Kreecher the house elf.
You can find the Knight Bus just outside the station for the Hogwarts Express, and Kreecher peers through the window of Number 12 Grimmauld Place every few minutes.
Enjoy a Harry Potter Sweet Treat
After seeing London, make your way back to Diagon Alley for an ice cream cone at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour.
Here you can get just about any flavor you can think of as either hard-pack ice cream or soft-serve ice cream.
My favorites are butterbeer, sticky toffee pudding, and earl grey and lavender.
Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley
This is your time to enjoy the wonderful shops, visit Ollivander to possibly be chosen for a wand, watch the Tales of Beedle the Bard, and listen to Celestina Warbeck!
Evening: Hop on the Train and Go Back to Hogwarts (Islands of Adventure)
As the sun sets, get back on the Hogwarts Express and make your way back to Hogsmeade.
Depending on the line, the train can take a long time in the evening, but it’s worth it because the theme of the ride is different going both directions, and you’ll want to experience both.
Eat at the Three Broomsticks
Once in Hogsmeade, grab a snack at the Three Broomsticks or a drink at the Hog’s Head Pub.
If you want the real Harry Potter experience, you’ll dine at the Three Broomsticks then get a butterbeer from one of the many carts around the area.
Watch the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle (Temporarily Postponed)
When darkness falls, be sure to get close to Hogwarts Castle so you can watch The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.
The projection show is filled with favorite Harry Potter characters, exciting music, and school house pride.
This really is the best way to end your day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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3 Pro Tips for Your Wizarding World of Harry Potter Itinerary
Now that you have your own personalize Wizard World of Harry Potter Itinerary, let’s go through a few tips for your trip.
1. Skip Ollivanders
If you really want a wizard wand, consider getting it from one of the merchandise carts versus going to Ollivanders.
Adults are rarely chosen to take part in the show, and the line to get in here can be very long.
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2. Try ALL the Butterbeer!
Butterbeer comes in a variety of items, from frozen and hot beverages, fudge and ice cream. Be sure to try them all before leaving the park.
3. Dress Like a Hogwarts Student
Wearing those wizarding robes always look fun, especially since you can show off your house colors, but they are incredibly hot.
A better way to show off your house pride is to dress in those colors in a more theme-park-friendly way, like a t-shirt and comfortable shorts.
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My Final Thoughts on Your Wizarding World of Harry Potter Itinerary
And there you have it!
I hope you enjoyed this full touring plan for your next Wizarding World of Harry Potter adventure.
Do you think this Wizarding World of Harry Potter itinerary is doable in only one day? Did I leave something out? Leave your comment below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
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(Original Article Date: January 10, 2022/Updated by Editor on February 23, 2024)