The Harry Potter Theme Park at Universal Studios in Orlando
Harry Potter Brings Magic to Orlando, Florida
Look out Walt Disney World, more and more often, tourists in Orlando, Florida are heading to spend vacations at the Harry Potter Theme Park at Universal Studios. Since it opened on June 18, 2010, the amazing world of witches and wizardry has been delighting kids of all ages.
Based on the wildly popular book series written by J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter theme park literally brings the magic to life. It was a good gamble for Universal Studios, despite the recession. Potter mania will never die - from books, movies and video games, toy wands and robes, to creative Harry Potter Legos, you can feed your wizarding hunger in many ways!
Although I haven't traveled across the country yet to see the new theme park, I talked to my nephews (ages 11 and 13) about their recent visit in Orlando. They were so enthusiastic about the experience, I almost felt as if I had disapparated from Oregon and ended up in Florida alongside them.
Now, I am just waiting for Harry to conjure up some cheap flights to Orlando for my family, and we'll be there faster than you can say "time turner...."
Universal Studios Opens the Harry Potter Wizarding World
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been open to Muggles in Orlando since June 2010. After two years of construction and building excitement, the attraction was finally revealed within the larger "Islands of Adventure" in the Universal Studios Orlando.
Harry Potter fans will be thrilled by the three exciting rides at the theme park: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff. Six new Potter-based stores include items from the Weasley twins' mischievous magic and every flavor beans. You can even enjoy a unique dining experience at Three Broomsticks and raise a Butter Beer to Harry and the gang.
Simply walking into the Wizarding World is an experience in itself. The world of Harry Potter has been so amazingly recreated that you may even forget you're in a theme park, and not actually transported to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle. Talk about magic!
Just watch this video:
Creating the Magical Harry Potter World in Universal Studios
Experiencing the Harry Potter Wizarding World: Two Kids' Perspective
If you're considering visiting the Harry Potter Wizarding World, you'll want to get the real perspective about what to expect. My nephews, ages 11 and 13, just returned from Orlando and could not wait to share their experiences with me.
First, I talked with Brian, who will be a freshman in high school this fall. He's read all the Harry Potter books and seen the movies. This guy knows his stuff. Brian was really impressed with Hogwarts Castle (he noted that you wind your way through while waiting in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey). He marveled at the moving portraits, "just as cool as in the movies," and said that you don't feel like you are in a movie set, "you feel like you are actually there."
Brian explained the Forbidden Journey ride, which is the park's main attraction (you've probably seen commercials with Harry Potter and friends riding on brooms). He said that the state-of-the-art 3D technology was very impressive. Groups of four riders get into a harness and are moved in sync with the 3D images on the screen. It feels like a roller coaster and is worth the wait in line to experience.
Brian also told me that the crowds were pretty thick and lines for the rides took 1-2 hours. Because his family stayed at a resort hotel, they had early admittance to the park at 8:00 a.m. instead of the usual 9:00 opening, which helped. Overall, he loved the Harry Potter park and would return!
Next, I talked with Conor, age 11, who will be in 7th grade in the fall. Conor told me about "Flight of the Hippogriff." This is a roller coaster ride for all ages - he said that you ride in a woven basket and the front of the coaster is a Hippogriff head. Before the ride starts, you have to bow your head to approach Buckbeak, to show him respect, just as in the book. Conor says "the ride is really cool, but its super short." An hour-plus long wait for 40 seconds of fun.
Conor said that his favorite experience in the Harry Potter park was seeing a little girl have a wand choose her. While waiting in line for the shops (the shops are small and lines last up to an hour to get in), Olivander chooses a person from the lines to test a wand. The child is given a wand and a spell to cast - if it works, then the wand has "chosen you." Conor was very impressed, and I'm sure the young girl was too!
My nephews enjoyed a meal at Three Broomsticks, which includes Hogshead Pub at the back, and Butter Beer ("Its really good," said Conor). The boys also had some Pumpkin Juice, which Conor reviews as "apple juice with pumpkin spice in it," which he said "tasted good, but it was too grainy."
Overall, the boys loved the new Harry Potter Theme Park and would return again! They complained about the long lines and the heat (it was June in Florida, after all). They didn't ride on the Dragon Challenge because the lines were so long, but Conor said that it looked "really cool," and he explained the two dragons that fight each other in the roller-coaster ride that you experience with your feet dangling down.
My nephews are not the only ones impressed by the new Harry Potter theme park. J.K. Rowling herself provided input into the design and planning, commenting that "the plans I've seen look incredibly exciting" and adding, "I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed."
Welcome to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Admission, Hours and Directions to the Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando Florida
Admission:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter truly is a theme park within a theme park. You don't have to pay extra to enjoy the experience, once you have admission to Universal Orlando Resort's "Islands of Adventure. As of June 2010, tickets are $79 for adults and $69.99 for children for a single day.
You may want to consider a 3-day 2-park pass to allow time to fully enjoy Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure during an extended visit in Orlando. You can save money and even get a kids eat free pass.
Hours:
Harry Potter conjures up magic 365 days a year in Orlando! The parks open at 9:00 a.m. each day, and closing times vary.
Directions:
From Orlando Airport, take SR-528 West 11 miles to I-4 East, then drive 2 miles to exit 75A and follow the signs to Universal Orlando.
GPS address: 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
Parking:
Universal Orlando guests are required to park at the resort parking structure. Parking is $14 for the entire day. Motorcoach/RV parking is $20. Valet parking is also available for $22 (all day).
Virtual Tour of the Wizarding World in Orlando
Beyond the Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando Florida
Of course, the Harry Potter Wizarding World is not the only attraction in Orlando, Florida. If you are going to venture beyond Universal Studios, there are several other theme parks, and plenty of other things to do in the area.
If you are on a theme park vacation, you are probably already aware of the Disney parks in Florida (Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT). Those that visit Universal Studios already know about the main park and Universal Islands of Adventure. Don't forget about SeaWorld, which features live animal shows and wildlife.
Adults can be delighted, as well, In Winter Park which features stained-glass works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and in Loch Haven Park, showing American art from pre-historic times to the present at the Orlando Museum of Art.
Overall, when you visit "The City Beautiful," you'll be treated to pristine natural areas featuring 300 lakes and rivers, wildlife-filled preserves and parks, and manicured public spaces and gardens. Be sure to hit the Harry P. Leu Gardens, which showcases 50 acres of maintained flowers, plants, and trees.
Traveling to Orlando Florida
If you are traveling to Orlando to see the Harry Potter Theme Park, consider going with a package deal. From $285 per adult, you'll have a 4-day vacation including hotel and admission to Universal Studios.
The Orlando International Airport is centrally located to many attractions in the area, including the Orange County Convention Center - should you have business travels that will take you to the Sunshine State.
Of course, overall, most people that fly to Orlando are there to enjoy a vacation! If that's the case for you, I hope you enjoy the magic at the Harry Potter Wizarding World. If you've been there, be sure to share in the comment section below!
© 2010 Stephanie Hicks
Related
Universal Orlando Florida: What to Do With Younger Kids
The Complete Guide to Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Ideas for Family Vacations and Road Trips From Illinois to Florida
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
12 Things to Do in Orlando, Florida
Comments
- AUTHOR
Thank you Bernie! I miss Florida, too! Cheers, Steph
It has been far too long since I've taken a trip to Florida. Thanks for giving me yet another reason to pine for the opportunity. Nice Hub. Voted Up!
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Hi Jeannie, I'm with you! I'd love to try the butter beer and pumpkin juice at the Harry Potter Theme Park. :) Best, Steph
I want to go so much! This is a great hub and your nephews are very lucky to get to go there. I am curious about the taste of butter beer and pumpkin juice. I think I've read too many Harry Potter books!
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A LONG ROLLER COASTER.
- AUTHOR
You're right Peggy - one more great reason to visit Orlando Universal Studios! :)
It sounds like a fantastic addition to the attractions already there in Orlando. There is all kinds of fun for kids of all ages!
- AUTHOR
Hi Painted Seahorse, I think the HP theme park is great with kids or without! Please feel free to include a link in your hub. I'm off to go see if you've published it! Cheers, Steph
Nice hub, stephhicks! I've been dreaming of going to the park for a while, and I don't have any kids yet! I hope it's okay if I include a link to your hub in my newest hub about Harry Potter.
- AUTHOR
Very excited for you, Malcom! Be sure to post another comment and let me know if the Harry Potter Theme Park met your expectations. Have a blast, Steph
I'm going in June! Can't wait after reading this blog!!!!
I enjoyed reading this post, now makes me want to visit the Harry Potter theme park. If I had the spare cash!!
- AUTHOR
Thanks Petertheknight - You are lucky you live close enough to drive to the Harry Potter Theme Park! And good for you for saving up gradually for the trip. Hope you have a great time, Steph
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Your blogs are so well written and organized! I can learn a lot from you! Anyhow, I guess I am kind of a dork because I have a little envelope that I am saving money so that I can go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. I have only began to save, but I can't wait. Tickets are about $80. So it should not be too hard. I will be driving from Tennessee so I will need to save some gas and hotel money, too. I hope you get to go! I can tell you work hard on your blogs.
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Hi chspublish - I'm sure you'll enjoy the Harry Potter Theme Park one of these days. Perhaps the crowds will lighten a bit after the last 2 Harry Potter movies... ;-) Cheers, Steph
A very comprehensive hub and very inviting to even an 'oldie' like me,who would like to visit this theme park being an avid fan of the Harry Potter stories. Judging by all the other comments, everyone else is excited also. I particularly love the interactive website from the Orlando site. It's a long way off for me to visit, but maybe someday with my grandchildren when they're a bit older and can really appreciate the themepark having studied the books and videos first.
Thanks for such a great hub.
I've just been writing about this at work and your hub helped a lot. I can't wait to have the chance to visit here though it looks brilliant!!!
Cant wait to see the next movie! Great hub!
Wow! Looks amazing! I hope I get to go there someday! And I love how you described the theme park, good job!
i went in august, its awesome! i got a butterbeer, went on the rides, walked down diagon alley, a truly brilliant experience. If i was actually still a child i think i might have been uncontrollable!
Harry potter theme park is really the best way of developing the garden. This is great hub through which I visit the harry potter theme garden.
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Thanks hattersmen - glad you know about the Harry Potter Theme Park! ;-)
I am a big fan of harry potter from the start. I did not know that there is a harry potter theme park
in orlando. I think it is nice to know it. Thanks steph!
- AUTHOR
We are all excited for the new Harry Potter film too! ;-)
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I have to go here, and I'm super excited for the newest Harry Potter.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Janessecret - yep! Harry Potter is the place to go in Orlando. enjoy!
That sure makes a (or should I say another!) trip to Orlando worthwhile. It looks amazing, what a fantastic ideaa Harry Potter theme park, I didn't know this place existed.
- AUTHOR
John, I hope you do get to visit the Harry Potter theme park! Orlando is a lovely place to visit.
OMG, what a lovely place it might be. I must visit there at least once.
- AUTHOR
Have a great time at the Harry Potter theme park! Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment.
This is so great and so helpful as I am planning to go for spring break!
this theme park will be a must see for me when i visit Florida! thanks!
Wow, I had no idea there was a Harry Potter Theme Park
- AUTHOR
I'm game Dianne!! :)
Lets take a trip Steph :)
Cool spot. I can hardly wait to go to Orlando...to Hogwarts!
- AUTHOR
Great idea - like Disney, it would make sense for Universal Studios to create parks around the world. Harry Potter has a huge European fan base, obviously ;-)
Super Hub. I would love to bring my son here but it is, alas, too far from France. Wonder if the'll build one here.
You learn something new everyday, I've got to get out more!
- AUTHOR
Hi talfonso - I love Soarin' too! Appreciate the comment sharing your experiences at Harry Potter theme park!
Went there twice and it was great! I totally dig Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - if you love Soarin' (at Epcot) and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at the same time, go on it!
- AUTHOR
Have a great time at the Harry Potter park, Living! Safe travels!
I can't wait to go with my fellow Harry Potter fangirls! Thanks for the preview of the theme park.
It has been a great read! I'm a theme park fan myself but I haven't tried going to Harry Potter theme park. Hope I could make it this year.
Thank you for this wonderful review of the Harry Potter theme park. Next year, I'll probably have the opportunity to visit it. After reading about it here, I'm even more looking forward to checking it out.
- AUTHOR
Hi Skye2day, I appreciate your sincere comment! It was a joy to research and write this fun article on the Harry Potter theme park and my nephews are tickled to have the opportunity to be "featured" in the hub. ;-) Best to you, Steph
p.s. Will definitely drop by to read your hubs too!
stephhicks68 I can see why you have a load of fans. Your writing is absolutely Fab. My Friend was just telling me about the park today. She said it was 'awesome' I love the pictures you gave to your readers. The videos are a plus. Your nephews must love auntie big times. Great Job on this piece. You should be on the advertising team for the Park. (-;
voted up and awesome!!
Come over for a read sometime. I would Love it. Many Blessings
It is great park. Your kids will love it.
Wizard!
Shame we sold our condo out there.
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Hi BYUman - too bad you'll be so close in Orlando to Harry Potter but not able to take the trip this time. Appreciate the comment - perhaps you'll be able to see the park at another time (off peak, as well!)
Very cool hub. I'm going to be going to Disney World next week with my wife's company and I'm really, really sad that we aren't going to be able to make the small trip to Harry Potterville. I'm not a big theme park fan (long lines and hot weather), but the Harry Potter theme park sparks my interest. Oh well, thanks for the review.
Nate
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Hi Aileen, Orlando Florida is the perfect place for this new Harry Potter Theme Park! I'm with you on the next movie of the franchise - cannot wait to see it!
I am an avid fun of harry potter. This would make wonders for me what a great park. I have to visit it sometime it would become a goal by the looks of it. And of course it had to be in florida. I can't wait to watch the last and upcoming movie of the franchise.
- AUTHOR
Have a terrific time tm - hope you and the kids love Harry Potter!
What a great article! My kids are dying to visit this theme park, so finding such detailed information online was spectacular. Thanks so much!
- AUTHOR
Hi Chris - thanks for the Digg too! I think Universal Studios knew just what they were doing in bringing the Harry Potter magic to life at this new theme park. Thanks much for the support!
- AUTHOR
I appreciate the vote up, Jenny! Let me know what you think about Harry Potter during your trip to Orlando this year. :)
Really great Hub Steph. I liked seeing the pictures of what this epic theme park looks like. I can imagine that kids are going to really love this place. It just feels magic like the books and the movies.
I just "dugg" this article cuz it deserves it!! Take care.
Thanks for this great hub, looking forward to visiting the ride on my trip to Disney this year. I rated it UP and USEFUL!!! Keep up the great work!
Jenny
- AUTHOR
Thanks creamice - hope you and your kids enjoy the Harry Potter Theme Park as much as my nephews. Safe travels!
Great hub. My kids are really big Harry Potter fans. This is a place we definitely will have to visit soon.
- AUTHOR
Thanks hubpageswriter - I love how you can feel like you are in the movie at the Harry Potter Park!
Amber Allen - I was so excited to talk to my nephews about their trip to Orlando. I am glad you liked that touch. :)
A truly spellbinding hub! The comments by your nephews are a nice touch giving your review another dimension.
Amber:)
This is cool; would be great to experience this and relive all those moments in the movie. Great hub.
- AUTHOR
Hi lender3212000 and bd160900, kids of all ages really love the new Harry Potter Theme Park - I hope you (or your family) get to go sometime soon!
- AUTHOR
ddavis24 - you are right! We went to Disneyland last March and it is quite expensive for food and drink. But I'll bet you can't find a butter beer anywhere else in the world but at the Harry Potter park! :)
Wow, that looks really cool! I had never even heard about it before. My sister's kids would absolutely go crazy over that!
I've been a harry potter fan for years. Now I have a new destination to go to. Thanks for the hub.
I went to Orlando this summer and saw this! It was pretty awesome. I definitely recommend going, especially for Harry Potter fans. But save money because everything is three times as expensive as it should be. I never thought I would pay $5 for a drink until I was in the middle of the Magic Kingdom, sunburned, sweating in 90+ degree weather. But it was definitely worth it!
it was 10 years ago the first time i saw harry potter,your hub really reminds me of good memeriese,thanks,hope i could visit the park someday
- AUTHOR
Seakay,
The four-day package deal for the Harry Potter Theme Park sounds perfect! I'll check out your hubs about buying the good cranberry sauce :)
I am a huge Harry fan! I plan on going in November. Can't wait! Thinking about doing the four day package deal. (Life is short! See as much as you can and .... buy the good cranberry sauce!) (Re: see my hubs if you are curious.)
- AUTHOR
Glad you liked the info on Harry Potter! Next time you travel to Orlando you'll have to check it out.
Wow! That was a great hub. Now I can take my kids to this park. They just love everything related to Harry Potter. Great information.
- AUTHOR
Thanks yensid - hope you enjoy Harry Potter in Orlando as much as Mickey Mouse :)
Great job on this hub – wonderful pictures. I hope to catch some of US Orlando next time I go to Disney.
- AUTHOR
Me too FactandFiction - I cannot wait for the last 2 Harry Potter movies to come out, as well. :)
I would really like to go. I love Harry Potter
- AUTHOR
Isn't this theme park wonderful? Thanks Mary and maruthirp! We love Harry Potter!
There is no limit for creativity. Sky is the limit. Unfortunately I am living in a place where i cannot see this kind of wonderfuls.
I did not know that they were even going to put a park in. I think that is a great idea. I will have to make a special trip to Florida to see the fun. I love Harry Potter. The only complaint I have is that the movies are not coming out fast enough.
- AUTHOR
That's right, vaalion! The Harry Potter theme park is finally open. Hope you enjoy the trip ;-)
Wow, I remember hearing about this a year or so ago but completely forgot about it. I guess its finally open! Next time I'm in Florida I'll probably check it out instead of Walt Disney :)
- AUTHOR
Thanks RedElf! I am a huge Harry Potter fan too. Next family vacation we plan, we will definitely consider Orlando.
Excellent review, steph! I love the Harry Potter books, and this looks like a real treat for any fan.
This is so interesting, love 'Harry Potter' excellent blog! Paul Alexander Web Design
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Hi Maria and Radiant - thanks for the comments! Florida is quite a ways to travel for me too, but it sounds like it would be worth the trip to Orlando to visit Harry Potter :)
I'll be headed to Orlanda in November. Can't wait to go on this ride!
I'm a Harry Potter fan too but Florida is far from my country anyway this is a very interesting story....
- AUTHOR
Hi expand and mickey, thanks for the comments. I hope the next time you travel to Orlando you check out the new Harry Potter theme park!
Thanks for all the detail. I'm planning a trip to Orlando later this year and will visit this new attraction.
Can't wait to see this new attraction, it looks as if the general public have given it the thumbs up!!
I hope I will go there....................You know I really love that place.
Do they charge visitors?
- AUTHOR
Cool Flightkeeper - hope you enjoy the trip. September should be a good time to travel after the kids are back in school. :)
Now I'm not as young as your nephews but I so want to see this new addition to Universal Studios, I'll probably wait after the kids have started school again in September.
- AUTHOR
Alex, my nephews were also telling me that Hogsmeade village really looks like it has snow on the top. It sounds so authentic, I'm sure that people of all ages who love Harry Potter will be thrilled with the new theme park. :)
WOW! This looks so sleek. A great summer destination for those who have kids ... and not only. I'm an HP fan, too, wish I was there.
- AUTHOR
Hi Nifty, thanks so much for the compliment - I hope your wife loves the hub and you will soon be off to Orlando to see the cool Harry Potter park! ;-)
- AUTHOR
Hi Robie, I'm with you there - theme parks often have oppressive crowds, but I'm willing to brave them to see Harry Potter!
You really did a bang up job on this hub! I could see Disney using this as their promo as is! My wife is a huge Harry Potter fan(has every book, cd And video!) When she sees this we'll be off to Orlando!
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