The Rides and Attractions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

So, you’re going to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but there is a burning question in your mind: What is there to do at The Wizarding World?

The answer: A lot! But it’s easy to waste valuable vacation time getting your bearings. Fear not. Below is a description of the rides, entertainment, shops, eateries, and other things to do at The Wizarding World.

First off, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located inside Islands of Adventure theme park (one of Universal Orlando’s two theme parks). Your ticket to Islands of Adventure gets you into The Wizarding World. You can’t buy a ticket for The Wizarding World only.

When you arrive at Islands of Adventure, pick up a park map and head directly to The Wizarding World. First stop, the rides!

RIDES: Check the park map for locations.

Dragon Challenge: It’s a wild, loop-the-loop, roller coaster. The waiting area offers some interesting sights and is worth a visit even if you choose not to ride. Riders must be at least 54 inches tall.

Flight of the Hippogriff: It’s a mild “family” roller coaster whose highlights are seeing a “real” Hippogriff up-close and breathtaking views of Hogwarts castle. Riders must be at least 36 inches tall.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: This unique ride alternates motion simulation with real-life sets. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall. The queue offers a “tour” through a few areas of Hogwarts Castle where characters from the movie come to life. People who don’t wish to ride the ride can request a “castle tour only” at the front entrance.

ENTERTAINMENT:

Ollivanders (located in Hogsmeade): The shopkeeper picks one lucky guest from each group that enters the shop and lets a wand chose him or her.

Frog Choir (located between Ollivanders and Flight of the Hippogriff): Hogwarts students and their frogs sing.

Triwizard Spirit Rally (located between Ollivanders and Flight of the Hippogriff): Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students perform. The boys are quite acrobatic!

SHOPS:

Honeydukes/Zonkos (located in Hogsmeade): These two connected shops sell sweets, like chocolate frogs, and toys, like Sneakoscope Reproductions.

Dervish and Banges/Owl Post (located in Hogsmeade): These two connected shops sell a variety of items including robes, t-shirts, gear, wands and stationary. Be sure to check out the broomsticks magically floating by the ceiling and a “real” Monster Book of Monsters in a cage.

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods (located at the exit of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey): It sells a variety of items including t-shirts and stuffed animals. Don’t miss the “working” Marauder’s Map inside a glass case.

EATERIES: All eateries are located in Hogsmeade.

Butterbeer carts/ Snack carts: The carts serve butterbeer and snacks respectively.

Hog’s Head Pub: Non-alcoholic drinks, including frozen butterbeer, are served up by a bartender who is watched over by a grunting hog’s head.

Three Broomsticks Restaurant: The counter-service restaurant serves meals, drinks and desserts. As patrons eat, they can spot shadows of house elves and owls “upstairs.”

OTHER:

Hogwarts Express (located at The Wizarding World main entrance): A train conductor can often be found here and is happy to chat with guests and pose for photos. Guests cannot board or ride the train.

Train station (located at The Wizarding World main entrance): It looks like a train station, but offers lockers to store bags and belongings.

Window displays (located in Hogsmeade): Many of the window displays are “enhanted.”

Restrooms (located in Hogsmeade): Moaning Myrtle can be heard just inside the entrance.

Costumed Actors (located in Hogsmeade): Some of the actors in Hogsmeade are very much in character and can help create fun photo-ops and conversations.

For helpful tips for a dream come true visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, check out this article:

http://voices.yahoo.com/wizarding-world-harry-potter-tips-9020609.html

For a detailed review of one family’s visit, check out this story:

http://www.mydreamcametrue.com/wizardingworld


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