Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a Universal Orlando Resort so you can enter Diagon Alley one hour before the park opens
to the general public.
TOP TIPS FOR VISITING HARRY POTTER'S HOGSMEADE & DIAGON
ALLEY
You haven't seen crowds and lines until you've seen Universal's Wizarding World of Harry
Potter during high season. It can be upwards of five hours just to enterthe Harry Pot-
ter-themed section, and then there are the lines for rides, restaurants and shops once
you get in. It can be a nightmare. But don't be deterred: with a little bit of smart planning,
a visit to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley can be magnificently joyful, easy and stress free.
Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel
Harry Potterattractions open one hour
early for guests at all four on-site hotels. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the gates open
to the general public, and do not dawdle.
Strategize
Head to Islands of Adventure's
Hogsmeade
on one morning - hit Harry Pot-
ter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge, Flight of the Hippogriff, and finally
shops and restaurants (in that order). The other morning, zip straight to Universal Stu-
dio's
Diagon Alley
, hop on Escape from Gringotts, and then explore at leisure. There is an
Ollivanders Wand Shop in both parks - on one of the two days, make this your first stop.
Buy a park-to-park ticket
This allows you to ride the Hogwarts Express between Diag-
on Alley and Hogsmeade.
Visit during low season
Do not go Christmas through early January, March and sum-
mer.
Take advantage of Universal's 'return time' tickets
If the Wizarding World of Harry
Potter doesreach capacity during your visit (usually after 10:30am), it only allows new
guests to enter once others have left; this electronic ticket allows you to enjoy other at-
tractions and return for entry into the Wizarding World within a specific window of time.
Look for the blue banner directing you to the easy-to-use kiosks.
Universal Studios
Divided geographically by film-inspired and region-specific architecture and ambience,
