10 Tips for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If there’s one book series that I can read, and reread, it’s Harry Potter. I watch the movies every Halloween, and love to listen to the audiobooks on road trips (and I’m completely unashamed of how basic that makes me). I’m not a huge fan of Universal Studios – but I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter section of the park, so today, we’re sharing some of our best WWOHP tips.


-To ride the Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross to Hogsmeade Station or vice versa you will need a park ticket for both Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure.

-The ride from King’s Cross to Hogsmeade has one experience. The ride from Hogsmeade
Station to King’s Cross has a different experience. Make sure to do both of them.

-When you are in Diagon Alley, make sure to explore your inner Slytherin and go to Knockturn Alley.

-Most of the big rides at Universal require you to store your things in a locker – make sure that you’re only bringing things with you that will fit in a locker easily. We once had a large camera backpack that BARELY fit, and it was only with some extreme squashing.

-You can send mail and have it postmarked from Hogsmeade (which would make anyone’s day).


-You can hear Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom.

-Snacks and drinks at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are amazing, but the food leaves a lot to be desired. If you’re only going on a day trip, and can eat at CityWalk, instead of in the park, you’ll probably have a better experience.

-Get to the parks before they open. The Harry Potter sections of the park, are actually pretty small, and if you don’t have a lot of time, consider staying on property, so you can actually get into the park earlier than anyone else.

-The rides are great, but the best part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the immersive details, and how you really feel like you’ve stepped into the movie. The best part of your day will be slowing down to wander, and appreciate the small things.

-Try all three kinds of butterbeer (frozen, hot, and cold), to find out what kind is your favorite.