fbpx

Top 10 Things To Do When Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Published Tuesday, Sep 07

Top 10 Things To Do When Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

From flying broomsticks and waving wands to butterbeer and chocolate frogs- as soon as you step foot into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’re sure to have a magical time!

If you’re planning a wizarding world trip to Hogwarts castle, then there’s a good chance that Harry Potter is one of your favorite things to read about and watch on TV.

If this is the case, you’re in luck because there is more than one way to have a magnificent Harry Potter-filled experience!

You can choose from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando, Hollywood, or Japan.

You can also take a trip to England or Scotland to visit many of the places where the movies were filmed, but for now we’ll stick to the wizarding world at Universal Studios Hollywood.

(If The Wizarding World of Harry Potter isn’t the only stop on your list, be sure to check out these 7 best theme parks for even more family-fun ideas!)

In addition to all the exciting rides found within the park, there are lots of food delights and interactive experiences that will make your Harry Potter vacation even more magical! SO, let’s get started with 10 of the top things to do while visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood!

1. Have a Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks

Have a Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks

If you’ve only seen The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in pictures or on TV, then you might think it isn’t anything special.

However, nothing could be further from the truth! As soon as you step through Hogsmeade’s signature archway into this world, everything that surrounds you is sure to impress!

One particularly noteworthy attraction from the world of Harry Potter is the Three Broomsticks

The Three Broomsticks is a rustic, snow-capped tavern where young Harry Potter had his very first sip of Butterbeer.

You too can enjoy the sweet drink that is loved by wizards (and now muggles).

Plus, if you’re hungry, you can order a delicious basket of Fish & Chips or a hot plate of Shepherd’s Pie.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy some good food, try a butterbeer, and immerse yourself in the magical wizarding world!

2. Use Interactive Wands

Use Interactive Wands

If you’re a big Harry Potter fan, you’re likely already planning to buy a wand from the amazing Ollivanders wand shop.

(Oh, and don’t worry- all the shops within the park accept muggle money).

Take things up a notch and get yourself an Interactive Wand, especially if you’re hoping to cast spells around the park.

This will let you see the magic unfold right in front of your eyes!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is full of interactive spells and magic you can cast with a simple flick of your wrist!

You’ll likely find it worth your investment to purchase one of the collectible Interactive Wands to see the fun spells you can perform throughout Hogsmeade.

Simply wave your wand around and see what happens!

3. Take Flight on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Take Flight on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

If your Harry Potter adventures have only been confined to the pages of a book or the screen of a TV, then you’re in for an extra special treat.

You can experience Harry Potter’s world in ways you never could before and actually fly with Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger on this unforgettable adventure!

The incredible Forbidden Journey ride is an immersive and thrill-filled adventure that takes you on the broomstick ride of your life!

Before embarking on your journey, you can enter inside the well-known Hogwarts castle and see a detailed view of Gryffindor common room, the Room of Requirement, Dumbledore’s office, and more!

Then simply hop onto one of the famous wizarding brooms (metaphorically speaking) and hold tight as you swoop around Hogwarts castle and its breathtaking grounds!

Be sure to keep your eye out for magical creatures along the way!

4. Pay a Visit to Honeydukes and Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Pay a Visit to Honeydukes and Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

From gobbling down tasty treats like Peppermint Toads and Fizzing Whizzbees to collecting wizard trading cards, Honeydukes is a must-stop for a true Harry Potter world experience.

Be sure to try the Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans as well, but beware- you could end up with a booger flavored jellybean! If you like jellybeans however, it’s worth the risk.

5. Get Your Photo Taken with the Hogwarts Express

Get Your Photo Taken with the Hogwarts Express

Muggles and wizard folk alike are in for a treat when they see their favorite shops, scenery, and characters while walking around Hogsmeade at Universal Studios Hollywood.

There’s plenty of fantastic photo ops to experience while visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but nothing quite beats the thrill of seeing the infamous Hogwarts Express steam by!

So, head on over to the train station and get yourself a photo with this special Hogwarts Express prop!

You’ll love posing in front of the train and imagining yourself riding it all the way to the wizarding world!

Grab a butterbeer afterwards to help the magic really sink in- it will be a wizarding memory of a lifetime!

6. Shop for Magical Memorabilia at Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods

Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir from your trip to Hogsmeade and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, look no further than Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.

It’s a great place to go if you’re “up to no good” and looking to buy yourself a Marauder’s Map for future mischief.

You’ll find everything from Gryffindor scarves and wizard chess sets to Harry Potter sweatshirts, pins, and keychains.

Not to mention the t-shirts, jackets, bags, hats, plush toys, jewelry, glasses, stationery, books, Harry Potter collectibles- you name it, Filch’s has got it!

7. Catch a Glimpse of Magical Creatures on Flight of the Hippogriff

Catch a Glimpse of Magical Creatures on Flight of the Hippogriff

Walk around Hagrid’s hut and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the Care of Magical Creatures grounds!

You can hear Fang barking in the background as you visit Hagrid, buy some treats for his favorite creatures, and soar through the air on Flight of the Hippogriff.

Flight of the Hippogriff is a magical and family-friendly roller coaster through Hagrid’s pumpkin patch.

It’s complete with plenty of curves and swerves and dips and dives! You and your whole family are sure to love it!

8. Watch as a Wand Chooses its Wizard at Ollivanders

atch as a Wand Chooses its Wizard at Ollivanders

If you’re looking to take home an important piece of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then be sure to stop into Ollivanders wand shop for all your wizarding wand needs!

We mentioned getting yourself an interactive wand up above, which provides an extra magical boost to your Harry Potter World experience, but you can also get a regular wizard wand if you’re searching for something a bit more budget friendly.

While inside Ollivanders wand shop, you’ll see stacks and stacks of wand boxes piled as high as the ceiling!

You can even experience the magic as a wand chooses its wizard!

Take your pick from a variety of Harry Potter character wands, collectible wands, and more.

Your wizard experience just won’t be the same without a trip to Ollivanders, Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC!

9. Check out the Iconic Frog Choir

Check out the Iconic Frog Choir

Harry Potter films are well-known for their unique and striking musical scores, including songs by the frog choir!

This small a cappella choir includes a Hogwarts student from each of the wizarding houses- Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw- and some giant bass frogs!

Their vocal stylings of familiar wizarding melodies and songs will transport you straight into the Harry Potter films.

You can listen to the hopping good harmonies while drinking butterbeer and snacking on chocolate frogs with your loved ones. What a great wizarding theme park experience!

10. Take Home a Pygmy Puff from Zonko’s Joke Shop

Take Home a Pygmy Puff from Zonko's Joke Shop

One of the last shops on the souvenir check list is Zonko’s Joke Shop.

This is the place for all things crazy, silly, and fun!

If you’re a fan of the prank-filled stylings of Fred and George Weasley (and let’s face it- who isn’t?), then you definitely won’t want to miss this!

Zonko’s Joke Shop is the ultimate destination for novelty items, toys, and jokes.

Choose from exciting items such as Screaming Yo-yos and Extendable Ears. You can even take home your very own fluffy, colorful Pygmy Puff!

You’ll also find a variety of magical trickster treats including Fever Fudge, Fainting Fancies, Nosebleed Nougat, and U-No-Poo. Doesn’t that sound delightful?

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Time at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

While the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood doesn’t quite have everything that Universal Orlando has (like the Escape from Gringotts ride, a functioning Hogwarts Express, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Diagon Alley), there are plenty more shops to explore at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Besides the shops we’ve already talked about, you can also visit the Owl Post, Dervish and Banges, Hogsmeade Station, and more!

A friendly muggle tip- don’t be afraid to really let yourself get into the magic. It will only make your wizarding experience that much more memorable! And be sure to check out Destinations Travel Guide for more theme park and family-friendly fun!

 

 

You May Also Like…