This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read our Disclosure Policy.
Calling all Harry Potter fans! This is Rachel Knight again and I am excited to share the magic of Harry Potter at Universal Studios! I snuck away for a day without kids and had a fantastic day! Here are some tips for making the most of Hogwarts.
First and most important, GET TO THE PARK BEFORE IT OPENS! You won’t regret getting up a little earlier to make it to the park on time.
Then HEAD STRAIGHT TO THE CASTLE for the Harry Potter ride. Do not be distracted by the fact that you feel like a little kid and want to run up and down yelling “EXPELIARMUS!”. Yes, it is magical to walk through Hogsmeade. However, walk straight to the castle and get in line.
The castle itself is amazing to walk through! So if you end up in a long line (maybe the 2nd time through) enjoy touring the castle. Can I use the word magical too much? It is magical.
**Also, please know that the ride might make you dizzy. Maybe I am getting old, but I was pretty dizzy. You have been warned.**
Up next is Hagrid’s for a short and sweet little roller coaster. This may be the shortest ride you have ever been on. Still it is fun.
Now it is time enjoy Hogsmeade! Head over to the Three Broomsticks and get some breakfast. I thought prices would be astronomical, I am happy to report they are very reasonable! All meals are around $12. Not to mention delicious. My french toast and bacon were scrumptious.
One of my FAVORITE things to do is Ollivander’s Wand Experience! At first I thought, meh, not necessary. Beyond worth it and fantastically magical! Ollivander is in full character and makes this a must see.
You end up in Ollivander’s shop afterward. For a little extra you can get an interactive wand. Go for it. You can experience magic all over Hogsmeade.
Honey dukes is fun to wander around. You can find all the goods. From chocolate frogs to every flavor jelly beans. Things to get:
- Butterbear. Cold cream soda with butterscotch flavoring and buttery froth. Loved it.
- Chocolate Frog. Solid chocolate, not hollow. Comes with a cool card.
- Bertie Bots Every Flavor Beans. Play Jelly Bean roulette with the crazy flavors.
Things to pass:
- Frozen Butterbeer. A slushy with a fraction of the flavor.
- Pumpkin Juice. Basically apple cider. Nothing special, except the fun pumpkin top.
- Gillwater. Just expensive water. Bring your own.
- Pumpkin Pastie. Cold, kinda dry, pumpkin pie. Meh.
Don’t miss the Tri-Wizard Rally. Really fun to watch! Makes you feel like you are a part of the story! Check your map for times.
I actually ate at the Three Broomsticks twice! Dinner was fabulous as well! I had Shepard’s Pie. Really yummy. I also tried ALL the desserts. You read that correctly. All of them.
Go for the Butterbeer Potted Cream or the Toffee Cake. Skip the apple pie and the chocolate trifle.
After all is said and done, you will probably spend 4 -5 hours in Harry Potter. Plenty of time to visit the rest of the park. It was completely fantastic and made me feel like a little kid. Plan your trip and enjoy every moment!
And wear comfy shoes.
Thanks for reading and I hope you have a blast in Harry Potter land!
Love this so much, we are total Potterheads and had a blast there, also. I can’t believe you didn’t take your kids along! Everyone told us the frozen butterbeer was better than the regular, but I agree with you. Pretty sure I’ve heard that in cooler months they also offer a hot option. Love that you tried every dessert. Don’t forget the awesome owlery! https://untoadoption.org/wizards-for-a-day/
Yes, it’s such a magical place. Looks like your kids had a blast. So many fun things to do with kids and sometimes without kids!! : )