Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
The hottest thing to hit Orlando since Cinderella's Castle, and further expanded in 2014,
the magnificently whimsical Wizarding World of Harry Potter invites muggles into JK
Rowling's imagination. Alan Gilmore and Stuart Craig, art director and production design-
er for the films, collaborated closely with the Universal Orlando Resort engineers to cre-
ate what is without exception the most fantastically realized themed experience in Flor-
ida. The detail and authenticity tickle the fancy at every turn, from the screeches of the
mandrakes in the shop windows to the groans of Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom; keep
your eyes peeled for magical happenings.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is divided into two sections, each with rides, at-
tractions and over-the-top detailed theming: Hogsmeade sits in Islands of Adventure and
Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios. If you have a park-to-park ticket, you can ride the
Hogwarts Express from one section to the other.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade
RIDE, SHOW
park admission required; 9am-6pm, hours vary; Lynx 21, 37 or 40)
Poke around among the cobbled streets and impossibly crooked buildings of Hogs-
meade; munch on Cauldron Cakes; and mail a card via Owl Post - all in the shadow of
Hogwarts Castle. Two of Orlando's best rides are here - Harry Potter and the Forbidden
Journey and Dragon Challenge. Come first thing when the park gates open, before the
lines get too long and the crowds become unbearable. Guests staying at Universal Or-
lando Resort hotels get one hour early admission.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Wind through the corridors of Hogwarts, past
talking portraits, Dumbledore's office and other well-known locations, to one of the best
rides in Orlando. You'll feel the cold chill of Dementors, escape a dragon attack, join a
quidditch match and soar over the castle with Harry, Hermione and Ron. Though it's not a
fast-moving thrill ride, this is scary stuff. Little ones can enjoy the castle but sit out the
ride with a parent in the Child Swap waiting room. There's a single-rider line as well, but
it's tricky to find - ask at the Hogwarts entrance.
Dragon Challenge
Gut-churning dueling roller coasters twist and loop, narrowly avoid-
ing each other; inspired by the first task of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter & the
Goblet of Fire.
