Come face to face with the wizarding world in the first-ever themed area of its kind. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts Castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade, hop on pulse-pounding rides, and encounter attractions that transport you into a world of magical thrills and excitement.
This park opened on June 18, 2010, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida.
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Attractions
- Flight of the Hippogriff - This family-friendly coaster simulates a hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts Castle.
- Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure - On this thrilling story coaster, guests embark on a highly themed adventure with Hagrid in which they will come across some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures, some of which were never seen in the films.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - Located in Hogwarts Castle, this ride is a thrilling, new, state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters, and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced.
- Hogwarts Express - Guests with a Park-to-Park ticket can ride the Hogwarts Express and enjoy the British countryside while encountering characters from the Harry Potter films before arriving at King's Cross station (Universal Studios Florida).
Entertainment
- Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle – This nighttime experience casts a mesmerizing display of light, music, and special effects, unleashing the darkest creatures and villains, including the powerful Dark wizard Lord Voldemort. It brings more intense tones and drama that reflect the Dark creatures and wizards that challenge goodness in the wizarding world.
- Frog Choir – Listen to the student choir accompanied by their frogs.
- The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle – This is the wintertime equivalent to the Hogwarts light projection show.
- The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle – Guests can see a dazzling light projection against the backdrop of Hogwarts with music from the Harry Potter films.
- Ollivanders Wand Shop – In this shop, the wandkeeper will select one guest to get the full experience of testing and choosing a wand.
- Triwizard Spirit Rally – Cheer on the colorful procession of students from the legendary wizarding schools of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang.
- Wand Magic – An interactive wand will offer guests the chance to cast spells at hidden magical points found via the magic map they receive with purchase.
Shops
- Dervish and Banges
- Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods
- Honeydukes
- Ollivanders
- Owl Post
Dining
- Butterbeer Street Carts - These magical carts are sure to satisfy your craving with your choice of original or frozen butterbeer.
- The Hog's Head - If you need a quick refresher, the Hog's Head is the place to go. Located in the back of the Three Broomsticks, this pub offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including the exclusive Hog's Head Brew.
- The Magic Neep Cart - Stop by the Magic Neep Cart for a quick pick-me-up after a long day of spell-casting! Here you'll find a variety of drinks such as gillywater, pumpkin juice, and canned beers, as well as an assortment of snacks from fresh fruits to pretzels.
- The Three Broomsticks - Start your day with a hearty breakfast, or come by later for a classic British meal such as Fish and Chips, Shepherd's Pie, or Beef Pasties. Don't forget to finish your meal with a Butterbeer Potted Cream for dessert.
Butterbeer Available
- Cold (vegan available)
- Frozen (vegan available)
- Fudge
- Hot
- Ice cream
- Potted cream
Universal Studios and Warner Brothers made a joint announcement this evening from Leavesden Studios on the set of Dumbledore's Office to reveal that a Harry Potter theme park is currently in development. The announcement was made live via internet at 12:01 AM EST today to select media, including MuggleNet. You can watch the video here.
Here's what we learned from Potter set designer Stuart Craig and a representative from Universal Studios (both of them hosted the big reveal):
- "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort"
- Areas of park to include Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, and the Forbidden Forest.
- 20 engineers working on project.
- Universal came to WB looking for authenticity.
- Potter park to be built in "Islands of Adventure" area of Universal.
- Stuart wants to "take his grandchildren" to the park.
- Opening early 2010.
- J.K. Rowling has been involved "since the very beginning" of the project. Also "supportive and encouraging."
- Stuart thinks that the park will be better off in the United States.
- Have been in design "for at least a year and a half."
- "Important that the theme park represents the entire saga from Book 1 to Book 7"
In a rather cute way to end the announcement, the Universal representative asked Stuart Craig, "Now where's Dumbledore?" Stuart paused for a moment, looked around the office, and replied, "He was just here."
Around the park are hidden things from the books and movies (easter eggs) that MuggleNet visitor Jaimie and her sister Jennifer had fun spotting since opening day. They compiled a list of easter eggs and other helpful information to get Harry Potter fans excited about their trip to the park. Hope you enjoy!
Dervish and Banges
Take a look around the windows of Dervish and Banges. There is a copy of Advanced Potion Making from the sixth movie and a neat music box with a dragon chasing Harry on his broomstick around Hogwarts. Inside the shop, look for the sign by the registers detailing the closing procedure for the store including to double check the lock on the Monster Book of Monsters and to cast a security spell. Look up to the second floor and you'll see jars of Stewed Mandrake and Flobberworm Mucous.
Dogweed and Deathcap
In the window shop for Dogweed and Deathcap Exotic Plants and Flowers, there is a Mimbulus Mimbletonia that moves. In the next window, there are potted mandrakes. Bring your earmuffs because you can hear the mandrakes cry. There were seed packets with great details for Gillyweed, Mimbulus Mimbletonia, Mandrakes, Devil's Snare, Bubotubers, and Fanged Geranium that have been removed, but who knows, they may add them back.
Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods
In Filch's Emporium, find file boxes with students' names on them (Charlie, Dean, Ginny, Neville, Parvati, Seamus). In a glass case, you'll see the Marauder's Map that actually shows the students' names and their footprints wandering the corridors. On the shelves, spot a bottle of Skele-Gro. Look at the shelves around the ceiling and you will find copies of The Quibbler, a Weasley Wizards Wheezes box, broomcare wax, and more.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Near the express queue line for Flight of the Hippogriff is a bottle of Flesh Eating Slug Repellent and a Blast-Ended Skrewts box. By Hagrid's Hut, look for a baby Norwegian Ridgeback box, a Monster Book of Monsters wooden crate, and a jug of Wood Lice for Bowtruckles. If you look closely, you will see that the stain glass windows say "carpe diem." At the loading station, look up in the rafters and you will find a Fire Crabs crate and a Doxy Eggs basket.
And of course, don't miss out on the opportunity for Buckbeak to bow to you.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
If you go into the Forbidden Journey queue, don't walk too fast or you'll miss hearing a professor instructing Neville on how to correctly perform a spell near the Potions door. Listen below:
In Dumbledore's office, there is a book that moves in and out of the bookcases lining the right side. Also in the Gryffindor common room, there is the Defense Against the Dark Arts movie prop book that Umbridge makes them use from the fifth movie.
SPOILER: Most people who just do this ride once may not notice that the last dementor is sucking out your soul, as it projects the picture of you and your fellow riders taken earlier onto the fog. When you first board the ride and hear Hermione say "Over here," look forward and upward or you'll miss her casting the spell on the enchanted bench.
Hog's Head
In the Hog's Head, stand by the staircase, where you can hear a maid complaining from above. Behind the bar, try to spot the bottles of Firewhiskey and Doxy Eggs. On either side of the actual hog's head you will see the shrunken heads used in Prisoner of Azkaban.
After the Gringott's Bank (ATM), there are the bathrooms, and if you listen closely, you can hear Moaning Myrtle moping. Look up and find the Wizarding Wireless Network Sign.
Honeydukes
There is a great assortment of candy to buy, including:
- Chocolate Frogs - Each frog comes with a card and each founder has their respective Horcrux, except for Gryffindor who has his sword.
- Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans - The boxes are just like the movies and include flavors like pizza, fish, and mashed potatoes.
- Cauldron Cakes
- Treacle Fudge
- Pumpkin Tarts
- Rock Cakes
- Ton-Tongue Toffee
- Sugar Quill lollipops
- Dark Mark lollipops
- White Chocolate Skulls
- Acid Pops
- Pepper Imps
- Ice Mice
- Coconut Ice
- Peppermint Toads
- Blood Pops
There is also sign for Exploding Bon Bons, but you currently cannot purchase them.
Owl Post
Outside the Owl Post, the window has a holographic Howler and yells about you not having your permission slip to Hogsmeade. Go inside and seek out the Daily Prophet Delivery Owl of the Year trophies. At the top of the owlery, an owl comes out of the top tower every 15 or 30 minutes like a cuckoo clock with hooting sounds.
Spintwitches
Spintwitches window display includes Quidditch World Cup programs and broomcare wax containers. There is a holographic snitch that has escaped from the Quidditch trunk and flies. Try to spot the book You & Your Owl.
Three Broomsticks
In the Three Broomsticks, there are shadows of house-elves working, owls flying, and brooms cleaning. Look around while you eat or ask the people who work there to point them out to you. Some of the pictures lining the wall when you enter are also featured in the sixth movie. When you are facing the front of The Three Broomsticks, go to your left; there is a walkway and a window that displays a bunch of dishes. You can hear the dishes clattering and being cleaned. There is also another Honeydukes display down this walkway. Try to spot the three broomsticks symbol on the facade of the building. The workers' aprons have this little embroidered symbol, too.
Tomes and Scrolls
Behind the windows of Tomes and Scrolls, you'll see Gilderoy Lockhart smiling at you from every direction. The bookstore contains his books including Magical Me and Travels with Trolls among many others.
Zonko's Joke Shop
You can see boxes on the higher shelves around the shop:
- Nose Biting Teacups
- Portable Swamp
- Decoy Detonator
- Jinx-Off shield cloak, hat, and gloves
- Dr. Filibuster's Wet-Start No-Heat Fireworks
- Sticky Trainers
- Electric Shock Shake
- Screaming Yo-Yos
- Fanged Flyer
If it is quiet enough, you can hear a faint whispering from the Extendable Ears, which are hanging from the ceiling near the registers. There is even a sign warning you to their presence. You can adopt your own pygmy puff and when you do, the clerk rings a bell and announces your pygmy puff's name to the whole store. You can also buy U-No-Poo, The Constipation Sensation That's Gripping the Nation, which is an M&M-like candy, as well as boxing telescopes. Take a look at the sign telling you not to walk on the walls.
The Tasty, Pasty World of Harry Potter – October 26, 2013
A report about the food that is offered within Universal Studios Orlando Hogsmeade.
MuggleNet represented by Eric Scull
You can read the report here.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – March 25, 2010
A thorough and definitive report on WWoHP Hogsmeade's featured ride.
MuggleNet represented by Eric Scull
You can read the report here.
Photos
Concept Art – September 15, 2009
Videos
Public Grand Opening – June 18, 2010
VIP Grand Opening Review and Footage – June 16, 2010
Forbidden Journey Ride Tour with Mark Woodbury – April 8, 2010
Behind the Scenes of the Forbidden Journey Ride – March 18, 2010
Wizarding World Super Bowl Commercial – February 3, 2010
Cast Discussions and Preview – September 15, 2009
Wizarding World Theme Park Map – September 15, 2009
Official Announcement – May 31, 2007
Awards Won
Theme Park Insider Awards 2020
Best New Roller Coaster
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Golden Ticket Awards 2019
Best New Attraction Installation
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Thea Awards 2019
Outstanding Achievement
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Golden Ticket Awards 2016
Best Dark Ride
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Golden Ticket Awards 2015
Best Dark Ride
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Theme Park Insider Awards 2015
Best New Family Attraction
Hogwarts Express
Golden Ticket Awards 2014
Best Dark Ride
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Golden Ticket Awards 2013
Best Dark Ride
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Golden Ticket Awards 2012
Best Dark Ride
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Golden Ticket Awards 2011
Best Dark Ride
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Thea Awards 2011
Feature Attraction
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
New Theme Park Land
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Technical Achievement
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Thematic Integration of Retail, Food & Beverage Experiences
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Golden Ticket Awards 2010
Best New Ride
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Theme Park Insider Awards 2010
Best New Attraction
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
