Every major Harry Potter fan lost their mind when it was announced Universal’s Harry Potter Park was being built in 2010. Since then, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has drawn millions of fans and continues to be one of Orlando’s largest attractions. While living in Florida during my college years, I frequented the trip to enjoy a glass of butterbeer with my fellow Potterheads. Here are some secrets only true Harry Potter fans will appreciate about the park!
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Universal’s Hogsmead and Diagon Alley Stores
The stores that line the streets of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmead are exactly how I pictured them in the books. Stores that didn’t even make it into the movies give book lovers a feeling of nostalgia. One of my favorite things to do at the park is wandering with a butterbeer in my hand and peek in the magical shop windows!
Knockturn Alley
While the main road in Diagon Alley is usually crowded with people, Death Eaters are secretly prowling Knockturn Alley. Here, dark magic stores can be found in the dimly lit street. Borgin and Burkes is open to visitors, where you can see the Hand of Glory grasping for a candle, or even hear a bird fluttering in the vanishing cabinet if you’re lucky. Malfoy sure is up to no good!
Moaning Myrtle at Universal’s Harry Potter Park
In the bathroom next to the Hog’s Head in Hogsmead, Moaning Myrtle can be heard wailing throughout the stalls. You won’t see her, but after Harry Potter’s experience with her in his bath, do you really want to?
Understanding Parseltongue
Heading to The Magical Menagerie, where Hermione adopted Crookshanks, Harry Potter lovers can see dozens of different magical pets for adoption. However, in the alley just to the left of the shop, you can overhear a very talkative snake in the shop window. If you listen closely enough, you can even begin to understand the Parseltongue!
Alcoholic Butterbeer
In the Harry Potter books, butterbeer is described as almost slightly alcoholic. Winky can get drunk off the stuff, but the students never seem to! At Universal, butterbeer is strictly non-alcoholic, whether you get it cold or hot. However, the bartenders at Hog’s Head can give you a shot of liquor separate, and you can add it to your butterbeer yourself!
*Universal ALWAYS cards, and will promptly kick out any guests found to be drinking underage
Ride the Hogwarts Express, Just Like Harry Potter!
Finally, you can ride the Hogwarts Express as Harry Potter did! Riding the train is a completely different experience in either direction, and it is used to connect Universal’s two parks.
*You MUST have a multi-park ticket in order to ride!
Just like the books, you will get to go through Platform 9 3/4 coming from London to Hogwarts. Going from Hogwarts to London, Hedwig and Harry Potter’s luggage can be seen near the train!
Speak to a Gringotts Goblin
Near Gringotts Bank is a small money exchange shop. There, you can speak to one of the Gringotts Goblins! Be sure to ask him about the rumor of dragons hidden below ground, guarding the vaults. (Even though there is a giant dragon sitting on top of the bank just outside).
Find Kreacher at Universal’s Harry Potter Park
Poor Kreacher was abused by many of his masters until Regulus Black, then Harry Potter showed him kindness. This house-elf can be seen peeking through the curtains of 13 Grimmauld Place overlooking the streets of London. Some say he will poke his head out when you use the knocker on the door!
A Magical Phone Booth
One of London’s famous red phone booths can be seen just outside Grimmauld Place. It looks oddly familiar to the one used by Arthur Weasley to access the Ministry of Magic. Try dialing MAGIC on the phone and listen to what it says…
Vegetarian Meals at Universal’s Harry Potter Park
Finally, I have to mention the food. The meals served at the restaurants inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are all classically British. Unfortunately, this can be tough for vegetarians and vegans to find something to eat. My favorite restaurant, The Leaky Cauldron, has a listed Pescatarian option (my favorite!) as well as unlisted, and very tasty, vegetarian and vegan plates. Just ask an employee in the restaurant!
Universal’s Harry Potter Park is an incredible place! Fans come dressed in robes and as their favorite characters. Wands can be purchased at Olivander’s and used to interact with storefronts and decorations throughout the park. Book lovers will find Harry’s favorite treats at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor, Honeydukes, and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. Just don’t eat too many puking pasties!
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