Universal Studios Theme Park Archives

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Guide YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED

Ready to take an adventure to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Wizards call it home. Muggles call it the Islands of Adventure. And us Harry Potter fans? We just think of it as our own personal heaven.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is one of the most popular and iconic theme parks of all time. With the films grossing over one billion dollars, the scrawny, green-eyed Chosen One has got many supporters in the Muggle world.

And if you are one of them good guys… WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

Here at ThemeParkHipster, we are totally obsessed with the ragtag bunch of teenagers that vanquished the Dark Lord. Personally, I can recite the movies to you as they play– word-for-word (well, if I’ve had A LOT of coffee I can).

So, it is a small wonder that I know the Wizarding World like the back of my hand. Luckily for you, I’m ready to spill the beans (magic or otherwise)!

Velocicoaster ride at Universal Jurassic Park

VelociCoaster has CHANGED THE GAME! (23 Tips for the BEST ROLLER COASTER)

You may be wondering, is VelociCoaster scary?

No need to worry because I’m going to give you the top things you must know before heading out to this Jurassic World inspired roller coaster.

And yeah… it’s wild, it’s crazy, but it’s also FUN!

Before we get started. I was invited by Universal Orlando Resort to explore their wonderful roller coaster. As always, the opinions I express in this article are my own. Enjoy!

Dragon breathing fire on top of Gringotts Bank in Diagon at Universal Studios

SMACKDOWN: All Wizarding World of Harry Potter Rides Ranked!

Ready to conquer ALL the Harry Potter rides on your trip to Universal Orlando?

Muggle, wizard, hag, goblin or elf, you have DEFINITELY heard of the Boy Who Lived. And if you are a regular ThemeParkHipster like me, you have DEFINITELY heard of the Harry Potter World in Universal Studios, Orlando!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is something of a legend on this blog. It is one of the most well-integrated lands in any theme park I have ever seen.

From the Beauxbatons dance to Ollivander’s shop to the looming Hogwarts castle, everything is straight out of the movies.

BUT, the true icing on the cake are the Harry Potter rides!

From riding a Hippogriff to escaping Dementors on the Hogwarts Express, your adrenalin will be pumping throughout the visit. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter rides are not for the weak-hearted– at least, not the rides we explore on this blog.

We are NOT here to talk about kiddy rides or the rides designed to keep the kids occupied while parents gulp down some Fire Whiskey.

Instead, we are going to talk about rides that have you screaming, gasping, laughing and awe-struck.

We’re a tribe of independent, solo ThemeParkHipsters! And we are on a mission to conquer the most daunting rides the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer!

24 BEST Halloween Horror Nights Tips (2021 Survival Guide)

2021 Halloween Horror Nights Tips and Survival Guide!

You poor unfortunate soul. Do you dare to venture out to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights?

If so, you are in for more than ghostly encounters. This year’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) will take place on select nights from September 3rd through October 31st of 2021 at Universal Studios Florida.

That’s almost two whole months!

Tips and secrets located in The Wizarding World of Diagon Alley

19 Incredible Things to Do at Diagon Alley Universal (Definitive Guide)

Complete Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Universal Orlando Guide for Muggles

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a dream come true for the legions of Harry Potter fans the franchise has built over the last two decades.

As one of the more popular attractions at Universal Studios, Diagon Alley features a huge selection of magical activities that range from riding the Hogwarts Express to being a part of the wand selection process first hand.

Diagon Alley is themed around the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling and is a must do for any fan!

Hogsmeade Wizarding World of Harry Potter World

A Wizard’s Guide to Ollivanders: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

Are you ready to take a secret trip with me to Ollivanders at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure?

I was browsing through The Daily Prophet while my kettle was pouring me a cuppa. And Merlin’s beard, would you believe what I found? Ollivanders in Hogsmeade!

Now, I knew that the Muggles actually pay to get into Diagon Alley in London (through the Portkey at Universal Studios, Florida), I also knew that Ollivanders was a huge success with the Muggles.

They love waving fake wands around while Ollivander secretly cast spells (the sly old fox).

But a whole new branch in Hogsmeade (in Universal Studios) was something I would have never predicted! So of course, I packed up my truck (well, it packet itself), and decided to investigate both the shops.

And you, my lucky wizard/witch, are coming with me!

But hold your threstals!

It is of utmost importance that this piece of parchment does not fall into the hands of a Muggle. So please keep it off that thing they call the ‘Ethernet’, ‘interweb’ or whatever alright?

Alright, now grab some Floo Powder, and off to Ollivanders we go!

Men in Black Alien Attack front entrance at Universal Studios Florida

Why a Universal Orlando Annual Pass Should be Your Next Big Purchase!

Well, with theme parks reopening and life returning to *somewhat* normal, it’s time to talk about one of our favorite topics: Annual Passes!

Annual Passes are a crowd favorite among many theme park aficionados. Mostly because they often pay for themselves within a few visits.

And luckily, this is no different for Universal Theme Parks and Resorts in Orlando, FL.

Today we’re going to talk you through Universal Orlando Passholder perks, tips, and tricks so you can decide if an annual pass purchase is the right move for you!

(Spoiler alert: It probably is!)

Universal Studios Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster on the lift

Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar: Know When to Go!

Did you know that there is a Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar that can help you choose the best time to go?

You know there’s nothing we love more than giving you all the best tips and tricks for planning out the best theme park day ever. From what to ride, to what to eat, we love to cover it all so that you can have the most memorable theme park experience possible!

So today, we’re excited to share with you some tips and tricks to consider in phase one of planning your theme park visit: when to actually go!

Universal Studios Hollywood California with Transformers The Ride Ride

23 First Timer Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood (2021 Complete Planning Guide)

Going to Universal Hollywood Studios is such a fun thing to do, whether you have one day, three days, or more at this theme park.

However, if you are going, you want to ensure that you have the best time possible and get to do everything you want to do.

If you are new to theme parks, or just new to this park, if you just head into your visit unprepared, you may miss out on some awesome opportunities.

Through this article, you will find all the tips and tricks you need to know to get the most out of your day or days in Universal Hollywood Studios.

17 Easy Steps to the Best Universal Studios Itinerary

Do you have your Universal Studios Itinerary ready so that you can Ride the movies and be a star?

This is (or was) Universal Studios Florida’s claim to fame when it first opened. You can still see remaining relics of the past, but things have shifted into dominant franchises of today.

Now, I am not a stickler of living in the past, but I still do miss classic attractions such as the ORIGINAL King Kong ride KONGfrontation.

..but we’re not here for nostalgia.