7 BEST Things to Do in Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (2024)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Well, look no further!

Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter transports you straight into the magic from J.K. Rowling’s books and films. 

With a Harry Potter themed area in each of its two parks (and soon to be three as Universal completes its new Epic Universe Park), there’s tons of amazing things to experience!

Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure contains the Hogwarts Castle itself, in addition to multiple rides and lots of cool photo opportunities. 

All in all, it’s a whimsical land where you can spend hours exploring all sorts of intricate details.

Keep reading below for more details of the 7 best things to do during your visit to Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure!

Hogsmeade Village in Harry Potter World Universal Orlando Resort Islands of Adventure. Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.

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THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

1. Try EVERY Butterbeer!

Frankly, if you visit Hogsmeade and don’t try out the famous Butterbeer drink, you’re missing out. 

Universal Orlando Resort Hogshead Butterbeer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade. Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.
Butterbeer

It’s an iconic beverage from the Harry Potter stories, and it is also extremely tasty!

What does Butterbeer taste like?

Butterbeer at Universal Studios has a butterscotch flavor while tasting sort of like cream soda. It does not contain any alcohol.

What does butterbeer taste like? Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.
Cream Soda + Sugar Cookie = Butterbeer!

All in all, it’s interesting, unique, and worth the price. 

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Why Butterbeer is One of the Best Things to Do in Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

What’s even more magical about it is that there are multiple varieties of the drink to try! 

Hot cold and ice cream butter beer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort Trip Report with Rebecca. Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.
Trying ALL the Butterbeer!

You can have regular cold butterbeer, frozen butterbeer, and hot butterbeer. 

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There are even butterbeer flavored ice cream and fudge if you can’t get enough with just the drinks! If you’re looking for a keepsake, be sure to get your Butterbeer served in a souvenir mug.

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2. Ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

As the newest and most exciting addition to the Hogsmeade area of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hagrid’s roller coaster is an all-around awesome experience. 

Hagrid Motorbike Roller Coaster in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort.
Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

The ride is thrilling in lots of different ways, but tame enough to not be too extreme for most guests.

WATCH NEXT: 27 Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Orlando for YOUR Trip!

Why Hagrid’s is One of the Best Things to Do in Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It’s a fast and smooth roller coaster that zips riders through the Forbidden Forest and past all sorts of iconic Harry Potter creatures. 

Universal Orlando Resort Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Islands of Adventure unicorn. Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.

The ride also features an animatronic of Hagrid himself!

Universal Orlando Resort Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Islands of Adventure preshow with Arthur Weasley and Hagrid

This Harry Potter inspired ride often has the longest wait time in the whole park, so it’s a good idea to get to the park early to ride before the crowds gather!

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3. Use Your Magical Wand from Ollivander

One of the most unique aspects about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the ability to use magic!

Nikkyj holding wand in Diagon Alley : Ollivander's Wand Shop. Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.

 If you purchase a wand at any of the merchandise locations, you can use it to interact with lots of different things within Hogsmeade. 

As you cast different spells, objects can move, characters can appear, and practically anything can come to life!

Ollivanders Wizarding World of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios

If you’re vacationing on a budget and don’t have that much use for a wand, you can always watch other guests cast their own spells to see the effects. 

It’s still fun to see what happens even if you’re not the one causing it!

Why Ollivanders is One of the Best Things to Do in Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There are all sorts of different spots to use your magic, so it’s a good idea to take a good amount of time exploring the area of Hogsmeade and casting spells wherever you can. 

Ollivanders Wizarding World of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios

If you’re able to travel to Diagon Alley, don’t forget to use your wand there, too!

Just be sure to visit Ollivander’s Shop to choose your perfect wand.

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4. Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

This ride is located inside of the Hogwarts Castle itself and is completely unique. 

Hogwarts in Harry Potter World Universal Orlando Resort Islands of Adventure. Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.

With nearby Disney and SeaWorld, it’s rare that an attraction feels truly one of a kind, but Forbidden Journey pulls it off!

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Why The Hogwarts Castle is One of the Best Things to Do in Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The ride takes you on a harrowing journey through iconic parts of the Harry Potter story, including flying from a dragon, soaring through the quidditch pitch, and stumbling into the forbidden forest to face dementors. 

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Hogwarts Castle Boarding Station Universal Orlando Resort Islands of Adventure. Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.
Boarding the Forbidden Journey Ride Inside the Hogwarts Castle

You’ll be seated on a seat connected to a robotic arm that swings you and flips you around as you fly through movie screens and physical sets.

Universal Orlando Resort Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Journey Ride in Castle Islands of Adventure Fat Lady Painting in Hogwarts

Once you add in the awesome queue experience of traveling through the castle, it’s a ride every Harry Potter fan will surely love!

Read NEXT: 7 AMAZING Things I Can’t Wait to Do at Universal Epic Universe in 2025!

5. Visit Three Broomsticks

The Harry Potter-themed restaurant in Hogsmeade is a must-do if you’re getting hungry during your visit. They have a variety of tasty options, and also serve Butterbeer on tap!

Front Entrance to the Three Broomsticks and Long Island Tea at Harry Potter World Universal. Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.

Once you get your food, you can sit outside of the restaurant and watch other Universal visitors fly by on the Velocicoaster. 

Why The Three Broomsticks is One of the Best Things to Do in Hogsmeade at Harry Potter World

You can also get some of the best views of Hogwarts while enjoying your delicious meal.

Fish and Chips at the Three Broomsticks and Long Island Tea at Harry Potter World Hogsmeade Universal
Fish and Chips at the Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It’s a great spot to take a break away from the park crowds!

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6. Grab Some Treats at Honeydukes

Honeydukes is a candy shop in Hogsmeade that is filled to the brim with character. 

Honeydukes Menu in Harry Potter World Hogsmeade Universal Orlando Resort Islands of Adventure

Aside from being every kid’s dream, it’s a great spot to relax in the air conditioning and take in some of the magical storybook theming.

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Why Honeydukes is One of the Best Things to Do in Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

You get to pick from various candies sold by the pound such as fudge, cookies, cupcakes, or other simple pastries. 

Honeydukes Pumpkin Cake and Cupcake in Harry Potter World Hogsmeade Universal Orlando Resort Islands of Adventure

All these treats pair well with your Butterbeer!

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7. Get a Picture with the Hogwarts Express Conductor

During the busiest parts of the day, the conductor of the Hogwarts Express will be outside posing for pictures next to the train itself at the entrance to Hogsmeade. 

NikkyJ in front of Hogwarts Express Harry Potter World Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure

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Why The Hogwarts Express is One of the Best Things to Do in Hogsmeade at Harry Potter World

Since the Hogwarts Express is such an iconic piece of the movies and books, getting a candid picture with its conductor is a great way to capture the spirit of your vacation! 

Universal Orlando Resort Hogwarts Express Train at Universal Studios Florida. Keep reading to get the best things to do at Hogsmeade in Universal.

If you need another great picture location, try snapping one in front of the castle from the bridge to Jurassic Park.

Hogwarts Castle Wizarding World of Harry Potter Islands of Adventure Hogsmeade.

Hipster Power Tip: You can actually ride the Hogwarts Express if you have a two-park, one-day “park hopper” ticket. The train travels between Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in the Universal Studios Park and has a unique story for each direction.

What to Know Before You Go to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure

Now that you know what the best things to do at Hogsmeade are, let’s go through a few of the most commonly asked questions.

Universal Orlando Resort Hogwarts Castle Nighttime Show Dark Arts in Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Islands of Adventure

Which Park is Harry Potter World Located in Orlando?

Harry Potter World in Orlando is divided into two sections: Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.

What is the Difference between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley?

Diagon Alley focuses on the Wizard’s experience shopping, dining, and socializing in the secret London location.

Universal Orlando Resort Dervish and Banges Shop under the Owlery in Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade

Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure focuses on the experience of the Hogwarts students living and learning inside the castle. Plus, their experiences exploring the little village of Hogsmeade.

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Does Universal Hollywood have Diagon Alley?

Universal Hollywood currently does not have a Diagon Alley section. You can still experience the Hogsmeade adventure in the Hollywood park!

Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Gladrags Wizardwear

What is Butterbeer?

In case you’re a Muggle, Butterbeer is a drink mentioned several times in the Harry Potter books.

Universal Orlando Resort Butterbeer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade

Butterbeer is the drink of choice for many of the adolescents throughout the famous Wizarding story.

It’s a staple drink and a must have beverage whenever you visit Islands of Adventure.

How is Butterbeer served?
  • Cold Butterbeer
  • Frozen Butterbeer
  • Hot Butterbeer (seasonal)
  • Potted Cream Butterbeer
  • Butterbeer Fudge
  • Soft Serve Butterbeer Ice-Cream
  • Vegan Butterbeer
Where to find Butterbeer in Islands of Adventure?

You can find a Butterbeer offering of some sort inside the Hogsmeade section of Islands of Adventure at:

  • Three Broomsticks
  • Hog’s Head Pub
  • Honeydukes
  • The Butterbeer street carts

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My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort

So, now that I’ve given you my top ideas for some of the best things to do at Hogsmeade in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I can’t wait to hear what new things you try and what experiences you love!

HARRY POTTER HOGSMEADE ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE with Hogwarts Old Castle
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Universal Orlando Resort has a lot to try. So much so, that you almost can’t see it all in one trip.

Thanks for Reading and Listening!

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Listen to My Theme Park Podcast Episode 9 Below: Beginner Tips for Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

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Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: April 12, 2018/Updated on February 22, 2024)

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