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Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood

If you’re anything like me, the second you walk into Universal Studios Hollywood you make a beeline for one place: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . Walking through those arches and into Hogsmeade never gets old. From the snowy rooftops to the overflowing cups of Butterbeer to the towers of Hogwarts castle itself, walking through this area of Universal Studios always feels like coming home.

But there’s so much packed into this slice of the wizarding world — how does one even know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our complete guide to what you have to see, eat, drink and shop for at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is home to one of the best rides in the entire theme park: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey . This thrill ride takes you soaring over the Hogwarts grounds, through the Quidditch pitch, into the depths of the Forbidden Forest, past dozens of Dementors and into the school of witchcraft and wizardry itself.

PRO TIP: Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app and set up a Wait Time Alert for this ride, and all the rides you want to try. It’ll let you know when the line gets to your desired length, giving you more time to explore the wizarding village. That said, the queue for this one is a trip in itself. You’ll wind through Hogwarts castle, past the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore’s office, the Mirror of Erised, and so many other memorable locales. Wizarding World Fans: this is your heaven.

Flight of the Hippogriff

Want a family-friendly thrill that captures the sensation of flying over Hagrid’s pumpkin patch? This outdoor coaster is for you. The Flight of the Hippogriff begins and ends at Hagrid’s hut, where the groundskeeper instructs you how to properly approach a Hippogriff, a magical creature with a head resembling that of an eagle with the body of a horse, that made for a very memorable Care of Magical Creatures class.

Ollivanders

Any Harry Potter fan knows Ollivander’s saying “the wand chooses the wizard.” But how does that work, exactly? See for yourself at Ollivanders , makers of fine wands since 382 B.C.. During this interactive show, one lucky guest will interact with a wandkeeper where the wand chooses the wizard. That guest could be you! After, you can find a wand for yourself in the dusty old wand shop.

PRO TIP:  I recommend the interactive wand. This will allow you to perform several spells all over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Wingardium Leviosa and Alohomora. Interactive wands come with a map of the area, indicating where you can perform spells. It’ll make you feel like a veritable Hogwarts student.

Triwizard Spirit Rally

You can also meet the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang in Hogsmeade, and see them perform during the Triwizard Spirit Rally ! Catch the other European wizarding schools’ students show off their skills during this five-minute show. Afterwards, hang around to take a picture with them — no Triwizard Cup required.

Check out this amphibious quartet, which performs on the stage in-between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle. In this 10-minute show, the four-part chorus sings popular Wizarding World songs a cappella. The Frog Choir performs during the seasonal event, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As if you needed another excuse to see Hogsmeade lit up in twinkle lights.

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

Three broomsticks.

This restaurant might be my favorite in the whole theme park. Three Broomsticks is perhaps the best sit-down breakfast option at Universal Studios Hollywood — I always go for the dynamite Traditional English Breakfast (complete with several meats, baked beans, sauteed mushrooms and more), which gives me all the energy I need to face Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Shove it, Malfoy!

But if you’re with a group, you should totally take advantage of The Great Feast, a four-person meal with herb roasted chicken, spare ribs, and tons of roasted veggies. Oh, and don’t skip dessert — the Sticky Toffee Pudding is next level delicious, and the Butterbeer Potted Cream is what wizarding dreams are made of.

Hog’s Head

Speaking of Butterbeer, no trip to Universal is complete without a glass of this iconic beverage!  The non-alcoholic treat comes in three modes: hot, cold, or frozen. (The cold is my preference, but it’s worth sampling all three.) But if you’re looking for something a bit stronger, Hog’s Head has a wide selection of original draught beers and spirits. That includes Hog’s Head Brew, and Dragon Scale, a Scottish ale and a lager, respectively, both brewed exclusively for Universal parks.

WHERE TO SHOP

Hogsmeade is jam-packed with shops, so take a spin through ‘em all while you’re there! But, for the sake of guidance, here are the can’t-misses:

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods

Speaking of Filch, one of the best places in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to pick up some goods is in Hogwarts itself. At Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods , you can show your house spirit with Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin gear, or even unveil all of Hogwarts’ hidden passageways with your own Marauder’s Map.

I mean, duh. The wizarding candy shop has everything your sweet tooth could ever desire: Chocolate Frogs, Acid Pops, Peppermint Toads, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, and so much more. I’m known to drop some serious galleons at Honeydukes whenever I’m there.

Gladrags Wizardwear

Witch robes, but make it fashion. Welcome to Gladrags Wizardwear , the one-stop-shop for all the ritziest wizardwear includes dress robes, hats, ties, jewelry and jumpers. You can even get your very own replica of Heromione’s iconic pink Yule Ball dress from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

WHERE TO POSE

Hogwarts castle.

This is the shot to get in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. No — at Universal Studios Hollywood! Make your way through Hogsmeade village toward the Triwizard Stage for the best place to stand and pose with the enchanting Hogwarts castle.

Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express conductor is there to welcome new arrivals. This is a great opportunity to take a photo with the iconic steam engine as your journey through Hogsmeade village begins. Afterwards, pop into Hogsmeade Station for all the Platform 9 ¾ gear your magical little heart desires.

That’s a wrap on our guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! What’re your favorite spots in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Let us know in the comments below.

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Grace Perry

Senior Editor, Universal Studios Hollywood. Lisa sun, Smithers rising, Disco Stu moon.

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11 Places All Harry Potter Fans Must Visit In California

Winter is almost here, which means that the tradition of Harry Potter marathons aren’t far behind it. For some odd reason, cups of butter beer are craved way more than mugs of hot chocolate during this time of year; for when snowed-in days are celebrated with everyone’s favourite HP film “The Prisoner of Azkaban.” Harry Potter, with it’s themes of friendship and bravery, has always been similar to the themes of our favourite winter holiday. We always tend to gather with our family and watch Harry get compelled by soul-sucking dementors and evil wizards who have wanted him dead since birth - because what’s more Christmas than that?!

While most believe that the vast vibes of Harry Potter are found in London, the state of California offer just as much memorabilia and activities that centre around everyone’s beloved wizard. Of course, most of them are in Universal Studios and the Warner Brothers lot, but let’s try to be creative.

READ MORE: These Are The Actual Places Harry Potter Was Filmed And You Can Visit Them

Test Your Direction At Exit Game

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The world of Harry Potter always seems like a fun one, but with a constant villain and his army always lurking throughout the films, we tend to forget how bloody difficult it would be to actually survive it all. Sure, most of them end up doing, but does anyone else know what they would do if they were trapped in a washroom with a massive troll?!

At Exit Game escape rooms in Los Angeles, young Hogwarts students get the chance to experience the difficulty of the wizarding world without the actual chance of not surviving it. The room, called “The School Of Sorcery”, gives customers one hour to finish magical exams and prove their abilities within the castle. Currently there is only a 38% pass rate, but if you’re playing with the Hermione Grangers of the world, I’m sure you’ll do just fine.

Find The Cast Member's Handprints At TCL Chinese Theatre

Who doesn’t know about the legendary TCL Chinese Theatres?! Located along the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6925 Hollywood Blvd., the theatre has been quite the landmark for being the closest thing when it comes to touching your favourite celebrity (though the concrete). There are hundreds of Hollywood star handprints, footprints, and autographs - and three of them belong to the core cast members of the Harry Potter franchise.

In the summer of 2007, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) had the honour to have their handprints forever instoned at the TCL theatre along with the wands they used during the series. After visiting the theatre, you can finally say you got a selfie with them. I’m sure it counts.

Fly The Flight Of The Hippogriff At Universal Studios

I’m not sure about you, but Buckbeak the Hippogriff was my all-time favourite part of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (remember, this was before we knew Sirius Black was a badass bitch). Buckbeak was pretty wild and had quite the temper, but he ultimately ended up being one of the reasons why Harry and Hermione survived that whole time-travel stint they had gotten themselves into.

That’s right, Buckbeak is a hero - no need for an execution, Malfoy!!! At Hollywood’s Universal Studios, you get the chance to check out Buckbeak in person as you pass by Hagrid’s hut (but remember to use the proper etiquette when approaching). If he ends up liking you, don’t be afraid to get on his back for a ride - he’ll be nice to you but only if you’re nice back.

Get Into Some Serious HP Vibes At The Magic Castle

We’ve all dreamt about the day we would receive our Hogwarts enrollment letter in the mail, but unfortunately, living in a protected muggle world doesn’t allow for such sorcery to occur. At The Magic Castle, a clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts, you can experience your own kind of night in Hogwarts at a wizard-inspired venue in the heart of Los Angeles.

A private clubhouse that only allows entrance to members and their guests, the Magic Castle is an exclusive invitation to a magical night that features shows that range from miracles to full stage illusions. Also filled with memorabilia and a number of interesting bars, the Magic Castle is a chance to feel like a magician within the muggle world.

Have A Drink At Hog's Head Pub

One pint of Butterbeer, please! You may recognize the setting of Hog’s Head Pub from the Harry Potter films, but they’re not exactly in the laid-back, fun atmosphere that’s offered in Universal Studios Hollywood. Used as a hiding place for Dumbledore’s Army to travel to the Room of Requirement, Hog’s Head Inn was quite an important contribution to the win at the Battle of Hogwarts, but you won’t find anything but fun and drinks at the one in Universal Studios.

A pub in the back of Three Broomsticks, Hog’s Head Pub is a perfect joint to relax after a day of walking around the Hollywood theme park. Along with domestic and imported beers, the pub also serves Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, a Hog’s Head Brew, and mixed drinks filled with some fancy and magical spirits.

Get Lost At Watson Adventures

It is quite the coincidence that a Harry Potter themed scavenger hunt is operated by a company called Watson Adventures, but that should just guarantee how magical fun even a basic muggle will have playing this game. 

Along with the occasional wizard who would like to play, all are welcome to embark on a hunt that’s inspired by one of Harry’s many adventures within the films. Located at the Getty Center, players can expect surprises new discoveries of the museum with a magical twist.

Take The Warner Brothers Tour In Los Angeles

When people think about the Warner Brothers studio tour in Los Angeles, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the coffee shop that was constantly featured in Friends . And, sure, it’s cool that Jennifer Aniston sat on that couch before - but I’ve been in a coffee shop before. You know what I haven’t been in? An exhibit with the clothes and props actually used by the cast of Harry Potter. Now, that’s cool. So, you know, go check it out Muggles!

Grab A Treat At Sweet! Hollywood

“Anything from the trolley?!” I mean come on, how many times have you imagined hearing those words? With chocolate frogs that suddenly animate and jump out of windows to flavourful jelly beans that taste like the worst of our nightmares, the treats that are featured  in the Harry Potter films are one of the many reasons why it’s so magical.

At Sweet! Hollywood, a dessert shop located near the TCL Chinese Theatre, you can choose from a wide selection of Harry Potter inspired snacks within a store that’s much bigger than the typical train trolley. Admittedly, I’m not sure if the chocolate frogs actually come to life anymore - you’ll have to double check with the employees.

Check Out The Last Bookstore 

I feel as though J.K. Rowling should have authority over every single book that is printed and published. I mean, imagine a world where a genius like herself was in charge of every text you read? That kind of sounds like censorship, but if it’s censorship controlled by the creator of Harry Potter, than I am here for it . 

Starting out as a novel franchise, Harry Potter is a huge inspiration for every other YA saga that came out after that *cough* Twilight and The Hunger Game series *cough* so a unique bookstore in the heart of LA seems like a pretty cool and HP-inspired experience. A multilevel venue filled with local art and interesting arcs of books, the Last Bookstore will give you memories of the first time you saw Hogwart’s library on the big screen.

Buy A Joke At Zonko's Joke Shop

The ideal place for those who solemnly swear they’re up to no good, Zonko’s Joke Shop is a destination where all of your Fred and George Weasley dreams will truly come true. A place that outshines even Willy Wonka and his basic ass chocolate factory (I mean, come on, a river of chocolate is so 2005), this is a place you have to visit when walking around Universal Studios Hollywood. 

From props such as Extendable Ears, Screaming Yo-yos, Pygmy Puffs and Nosebleed - yes, Nosebleed - Nougat, customers can spend hours within this Harry Potter inspired joke shop.

Get Your First Wand At Ollivanders

Other than platform 9 and 3 quarters, Ollivanders was kind of the first glimpse that audience members got as to how big the wizarding world of Harry Potter really was. A maker of fine wands since 382 BC, you can check out the iconic shop for yourself at this remodelled venue in Universal Studios Hollywood (if you haven’t caught on by now, just visit the theme park if you want all the really good HP stuff).

Set as an interactive experience, watch as a wand chooses a wizard - though don’t expect wind and magic to suddenly surround you as you pick one. Whether you want an original Ollivanders wand or a replica of a wand from the Harry Potter series, a visit here is definitely something you must do when checking out all the go-to stops in California.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in L.A.: Your Ultimate Guide

Find out everything you need to know about the Harry Potter-themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the much lauded land based on the boy wizard book and movie series, first opened at  Universal Studios Hollywood  in 2016 but it’s easily still one of  the destinations at the theme park —second only to the comparatively newer  Super Nintendo World . The Wizarding World’s landmark attraction  offers enchantment to Potter fans and Muggles (that’s non-magical folk) alike. Whether you’re visiting Hollywood  (though the park is technically just over the hill in Universal City) and searching for things to do  or are a Potter-obsessed local looking for your fix, check out these tips and bits of info before you embark on your journey.

Is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter an entirely separate theme park?

Nope, it’s just a themed land—albeit an incredibly immersive one—in the middle of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Is there an extra admission charge?

No. Access is included with a park ticket , which ranges from $109 to $154 depending on the day.

How can I skip the lines?

Universal offers front-of-line Express passes ($209–$309, includes admission) that offer access to a priority line for each attraction. If you don’t want to spend that much money, though, waiting in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is totally bearable: We’ve most typically seen wait times between a half hour and an hour, with even lower times later in the evening.

What can you actually do there?

The Wizarding World’s village-like Hogsmeade portion features shops and restaurants pulled straight from the Harry Potter universe while the Hogwarts section features two rides.

If you purchase an interactive wand at Ollivanders, you can flick your wrist at a few designated spots in Hogsmeade (look for the gold markers on the ground) and set off some magical effects. Elsewhere, there’s a small stage near the castle where you can watch the Triwizard Tournament play out (during the holidays, you can catch the Frog Choir, and around Halloween you may spot Death Eaters roaming around).

On summer nights, you can see the four houses of Hogwarts come to life on the castle’s exterior during the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle projection show. The five-minute show occurs multiple times toward the end of the evening. There’s a similar show during the holiday season dubbed the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle (if the land is too crowded to see it, just show up a half hour later for the next presentation).

What are the rides?

The centerpiece attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is housed inside of Hogwarts Castle. You’ll fly through the castle grounds—via a cleverly disguised robotic arm that whisks you through tangible scenes and projection domes—and encounter everything from a dragon to dementors.

Across from it, you’ll find the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster. Additionally, you can line up for an interactive experience at Ollivanders, where one lucky would-be-wizard gets to wield a magical wand.

What about the shops?

You’ll find a mix of clothes, candy and other trinkets from the books and films at shops with recognizable names like Ollivanders, Owl Post, Dervish and Banges, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment and Gladrags Wizardwear. You’ll also find Zonko’s Joke Shop and Honeydukes, though the Zonko’s half of that shop is now home to Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream.

Do they sell Butterbeer?

Of course, in iced, frozen and hot formats—and it’s delicious (albeit sweet).

What other food is there?

You’ll find traditional English fare (and, frankly, some of the best food you’ll find inside the park) at the Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head Pub, as well as snacks from the Magic Neep Cart and two Butterbeer stands.

In the spring of 2024, Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream was added to the land with 10 different flavors of soft-serve ice cream (try the Butterbeer or the toffee apple), available in either a cup or a cone.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Top ways to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and nearby attractions

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Places in Los Angeles Every Harry Potter Fan Should Visit

For those still awaiting acceptance letters to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, rest assured. Despite the delay of the magical owl over the past few years (or decades), fans of the books and film series can still experience the magic life of the wizarding world outside of England and Scotland. Los Angeles is the unforeseen mecca for Harry Potter, and these are the four places every fan should visit in Hollywood’s capital.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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California Harry Potter Magic & Adventures Await!

Calling all Harry Potter fans! If you’re looking for an enchanting adventure, California is the place to be. From the iconic Harry Potter World Los Angeles to the incredible Harry Potter stores in Los Angeles , there are plenty of magical experiences waiting for you in the Golden State.

Immerse yourself in the world of Hogwarts and experience the Harry Potter series like never before. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual admirer, there are plenty of Harry Potter things to do in California that will make your wizarding dreams come true.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

• California offers a range of Harry Potter experiences, from theme parks to immersive stores.
• Harry Potter World Los Angeles is a must-visit attraction for fans of the series.
• Explore the iconic Hogwarts Castle and immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter.
• Wander the streets of Hogsmeade and discover the enchanting shops and restaurants.
• Beyond Universal Studios Hollywood, California offers additional Harry Potter-themed activities and events.

Explore the Magic of Hogwarts Castle

The centerpiece of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in California is the stunning 200-foot-high Hogwarts Castle. Visiting this iconic landmark allows you to step into the magical realm of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As you pass through the castle gates, you’ll be transported to a world filled with wonder and enchantment.

Inside the castle, you can embark on a mesmerizing journey through various famous locations from the Harry Potter series. Discover the secrets of Dumbledore’s office, witness the magic of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and feel the Gryffindor spirit in the Gryffindor Common Room.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Hogwarts Castle also houses one of the park’s most popular attractions, the thrilling ride known as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This immersive experience combines state-of-the-art robotics, filmed action sequences, and captivating special effects to bring you an adrenaline-pumping adventure through the wizarding world.

Prepare to be dazzled by the incredible attention to detail and the immersive atmosphere as you explore the magic of Hogwarts Castle at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in California .

• Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
• Discover iconic locations from the Harry Potter series like Dumbledore’s office and the Gryffindor Common Room.
• Experience the thrilling ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, inside the castle.

Wander the Streets of Hogsmeade

In the re-created wizard town of Hogsmeade, visitors can stroll through cobblestone streets and immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere. The town features snowcapped roofs, an assortment of shops like Ollivanders and Zonko’s, and even an Owl Post where you can send mail with a Hogsmeade postmark. The Three Broomsticks restaurant offers hearty English fare, while the adjoining Hog’s Head pub serves exclusive draft beers and spirits. From shopping for wands to dining on traditional British dishes, Hogsmeade offers a complete Harry Potter experience in California.

• Stroll through cobblestone streets
• Explore unique shops like Ollivanders and Zonko’s
• Send mail from the Owl Post with a Hogsmeade postmark
• Enjoy hearty English fare at The Three Broomsticks
• Savor exclusive draft beers and spirits at the Hog’s Head pub

Discover Other Magical Experiences in California

Beyond Universal Studios Hollywood, California offers a plethora of Harry Potter-themed attractions and activities that will enchant fans of all ages. From delectable sweet treats to immersive tours and captivating performances, here are some of the additional magical experiences you can explore in the Golden State.

1. Indulge in California Harry Potter Merchandise

If you’re looking to bring a piece of the magical world home with you, California offers a wide array of Harry Potter merchandise. The Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield is known not only for its delicious jelly beans but also for its assortment of Potter-inspired sweets, including Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and chocolate wands. These delectable treats make for the perfect souvenirs or gifts for fellow Potter enthusiasts.

2. Embark on Harry Potter Themed Activities

Experience the magic of Harry Potter come to life through various themed activities in California. One must-visit destination is the Warner Bros Studio in Burbank. Take a tour and get an up-close look at authentic costumes, props, and sets from the Harry Potter films . It’s an extraordinary opportunity to delve into the behind-the-scenes world of the franchise.

3. Immerse Yourself in the Award-Winning Play: “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”

San Francisco offers a magical experience for theater enthusiasts with the award-winning play, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Witness the captivating story unfold on stage and be transported into the enchanting world of Harry Potter and his friends.

4. Join the Quidditch Action in the San Francisco Bay Area

For those seeking a more interactive experience, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to official Quidditch teams. Watch thrilling matches where players take to the field on broomsticks, emulating the wizarding sport from the Harry Potter series. You can also consider joining a team and become a part of the exciting action yourself!

From delectable sweets to captivating performances and engaging activities, California offers a diverse range of Harry Potter experiences beyond Universal Studios Hollywood. Whether you’re indulging in Potter-themed merchandise, exploring the Warner Bros Studio, enjoying a live production, or cheering on a Quidditch match, there’s something magical for every Harry Potter fan in the Golden State.

California is a true paradise for Harry Potter fans, offering a multitude of magical experiences and attractions. Whether you’re exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood or participating in Harry Potter-themed activities and events throughout the state, there is no shortage of enchantment and adventure.

From heart-pounding rides and immersive recreations of iconic locations to delightful merchandise and a vibrant fan community, California has it all. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Hogsmeade, where you can stroll through its cobblestone streets, explore unique shops, and even enjoy a traditional British meal at the Three Broomsticks.

But the magic doesn’t end there. California offers a range of exciting Harry Potter experiences beyond Universal Studios. Visit the Jelly Belly Factory for Potter-inspired treats or tour Warner Bros Studio to see authentic costumes and props from the movies. And if you’re in San Francisco, don’t miss the award-winning play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” You can even witness the thrilling sport of quidditch by joining an official team in the San Francisco Bay Area.

So whether you’re a dedicated member of the California Harry Potter Fan Club or simply looking for a fun-filled adventure, California welcomes you to indulge in the world of Harry Potter. Discover the magic, connect with fellow fans, and create unforgettable memories in the Golden State.

What is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is a six-acre attraction that offers an immersive experience for fans of the beloved Harry Potter series. It features iconic locations such as Hogwarts Castle and the town of Hogsmeade, as well as world-class action rides, wizard-worthy shops, and magical beverages like Butterbeer.

What can I expect to see at Hogwarts Castle?

At Hogwarts Castle, you can pass through the castle gates and immerse yourself in the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Inside, you can explore iconic locations such as Dumbledore’s office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and the Gryffindor Common Room. The castle also houses the popular ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

What can I do in the wizard town of Hogsmeade?

In Hogsmeade, you can stroll through cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere. You can visit shops like Ollivanders and Zonko’s, send mail with a Hogsmeade postmark at the Owl Post, and enjoy English fare at The Three Broomsticks restaurant. The Hog’s Head pub serves exclusive draft beers and spirits.

Are there other Harry Potter-themed experiences in California?

Yes, there are! You can visit the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield and indulge in Potter-inspired sweets such as Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and chocolate wands. Warner Bros Studio in Burbank offers tours where you can see authentic costumes and props from the Harry Potter films. In San Francisco, you can watch the award-winning play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” There are also official quidditch teams in the San Francisco Bay Area for fans to watch matches or join in on the action.

Is California a popular destination for Harry Potter fans?

Absolutely! California offers a variety of magical activities and events for Harry Potter fans of all ages. Whether you’re exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood or participating in Harry Potter-themed activities and tours throughout the state, you’ll find no shortage of magic and adventure. California is a must-visit destination for all things Harry Potter.

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Where to Go in SoCal to Feel Like You're In Harry Potter

Discover magical spots in Southern California that transport you straight into the enchanting world of Harry Potter.

October 25, 2023

The magical world of Harry Potter has captivated audiences for decades. Many fans dream of wandering the stone-cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, sipping a frothy Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, or sneaking into the restricted section of the Hogwarts library. While you can certainly have a fantastic time at Universal Studios’ attraction Wizarding World of Harry Potter , there are other places in SoCal that deliver some immaculate Harry Potter vibes.

Southern California boasts a selection of destinations that will make Potterheads feel like they've stepped straight into the pages of their favorite series. 

The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles

Dubbed as one of the largest independent bookstores , this enchanting haven is perfect for bibliophiles and Potter fans alike. Its winding shelves, quirky design, and labyrinth of books reminiscent of the sprawling shelves of Flourish and Blotts will delight you. There’s no shortage of unique finds within these stacked walls. It’s a true bookstore experience that we in modern times dream about returning to. The mezzanine level has an actual tunnel of books, giving it a magical aura. There’s something magical about being surrounded by books.

The Bradbury Building in Los Angeles

Stepping into the Bradbury Building feels akin to wandering the grand halls of Hogwarts. Known for its mesmerizing skylight, intricate ironwork, and open cage elevators, its Victorian design whisks visitors to another era. The dramatic staircases might not move like those in the magical castle, but their ornate details echo the same sense of wonder and old-world charm. This famous filming location feels right out of Harry Potter. It's a living testament to the architectural marvels one might imagine dotting the wizarding world.

The Green Man Store in Hollywood

This charming establishment might as well be a distant cousin of the Apothecary in Diagon Alley. Catering to those drawn to metaphysical arts, The Green Man Store offers a vast array of herbs, candles, crystals, and books from pagan faiths. This is a genuine metaphysical store with numerous events from Reiki Circles to ceremonies. The staff and teachers also hold courses to learn more about herbalism or tarot. The staff is knowledgeable and it’s a wonderful place to learn about some of the nuances of magical tools and rituals that others practice in the modern world.

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The Hollywood Castle in Los Angeles

No trip to a magical world would be complete without a visit to a castle. Perched high in the Hollywood Hills, the Hollywood Castle, although not as vast as Hogwarts, radiates its own enchantment. With its stone walls, arches, and towers, it offers stunning panoramic views of the city. If you have the scratch this location can be rented out for an amazing night or weekend fo thematic fun. If the night is clear, one might just glimpse a shooting star or perhaps, if imagination permits, a game of Quidditch in the distant horizon.

The Cauldron in Buena Park

A haven for aspiring witches and wizards, The Cauldron in Buena Park is reminiscent of The Leaky Cauldron, sans the hidden entrance to Diagon Alley. This enchanting establishment serves up a brew of tantalizing treats. It’s a fun place to spend a night out with friends in a highly thematic locale. The whimsical decor, replete with cauldrons and potion bottles, makes it a perfect spot to gather and discuss the latest magical theories or just revel in the ambiance.

Southern California, with its blend of history, culture, and a touch of whimsy, offers Harry Potter aficionados a chance to lose themselves in settings that feel eerily reminiscent of the wizarding world. Whether you're searching for the perfect spellbook, longing for a taste of magical treats, or simply want to bask in the glow of a bygone era, these spots in the Golden State are sure to cast a spell on you. So, grab your wand, don your robes, and embark on a magical journey right in the heart of Southern California.

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20+ Harry Potter Vacation Ideas in the USA You’ll Love

I’m pretty sure it’s every Harry Potter fan’s dream to have a Harry Potter vacation !

But, I don’t know about you, but it’s not always feasible to pop across the pond just to indulge our Harry Potter geekiness! So, the question is: Can I visit Harry Potter in the USA ?

Well, I’ve got some great Harry Potter vacation destinations you may not have ever heard of for you to stick on your next family road trip! So, come with me and let’s plan your Harry Potter vacation in the USA!

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Harry Potter Destinations

Of course, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, the Wizarding World of Universal Studios should be on your Harry Potter destinations Bucket List and probably the first stop on your Harry Potter road trip!

You might wonder if the Harry Potter World is worth it ? Well, if you’re a Potter fan, then I say it is definitely worth it!

You can visit the Wizarding World at Universal Studios in both Orlando, Florida and Hollywood, California. I’ve only been to the Orlando one, and I have to say, it is such an awesome experience! You will definitely feel like you’re visiting the places in the Harry Potter books !

Highlights of the Wizarding World

If you’re planning on visiting the Wizarding World during your Harry Potter vacation, then here are some of the highlights to check out while you’re there.

• The train and conductor! Grab a pic with him before you get too far in.
• Butterbeer!! You should try it in all six forms – frozen, hot, ice cream, cold, fudge and potted. You can read all about where to find them here .
• Escape from Gringotts ride! Just walking through Gringotts is amazing, but the ride is also awesome!
• Hogwarts Express! You ride from one park to the other. Keep an eye on the windows to see what’s going on!
• Hogwarts Castle! You’ll want to go on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. But, if you don’t like the rides that jerk you around, you can still tour the castle!
• Lights on Hogwarts – you’ll want to stick around and see the light show on Hogwarts at night!
• Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure is new and I can’t wait to try this one out!! But, I have heard that it’s the best ride there. So, plan to head here first so you are able to get on in a reasonable timeframe.

There’s so much to see and do just in the Wizarding World (not to mention the rest of Universal)!

So, when someone asks the question is it worth it ~ I have to say yes! It’s worth checking it out and experiencing this Harry Potter destination for yourself!

Harry Potter Vacations in the USA

Beyond the Wizarding World, there are several other Harry Potter USA destinations you should check out and try to fit them into your Harry Potter road trip (I mean, family road trip , lol)!

West Coast Harry Potter Destinations

Wizarding world – hollywood, ca, airbnb luxury hp themed apt – san francisco, ca.

If your Harry Potter vacation takes you to San Francisco, you’ll want to book a few nights in this Harry Potter-themed apartment. It is two bedrooms and one bathroom. There are bunk beds in one of the bedrooms, so this would be an easy stop for a family! And, it’s not outrageously priced!

Southwest & Northwest Harry Potter Destinations

If your travels are taking you to the Southwest part of the US, here are a few Harry Potter vacation ideas to fit into your trip:

Bad Owl Coffee – Henderson, Nevada

Not only do they have coffee, but they have lots of fun gear you can come away with too!

Coffee Mugg(le) – Corpus Cristi, Texas

This place is amazing! With Harry Potter-ish themed coffees and treats, you are bound to feel the magic in this shop!

Escape Room Tempe – Horcrux Hysteria room

In Tempe, Arizona, you’ll find the Horcrux Hysteria escape room!! How fun would this be for your Harry Potter road trip!

Blackburn Academy of the Magical Arts – Springville, UT

If you want to go to school… you’ll want to check out the Blackburn Academy in Utah! This would make a great Harry Potter destination, or maybe part of a bigger road trip or family vacation.

Quidditch U S Cup – April Round Rock, TX

As Harry Potter USA activities go, Quidditch is pretty darn awesome! The Quidditch World Cup moves around the US every year. One year it was in Texas.

But, for next year, you’ll want to check their website to see where they are going to be.

And, even if you aren’t able to catch the Quidditch US Cup, you could catch some regional games that are just as fun.

If you’ve never been to a Quidditch match, you definitely should work a Quidditch match into your Harry Potter USA vacation! It’s a lot of fun!! Here’s my article about what to expect at a Quidditch Match .

The Crooked Cup – Ft. Collins, Colorado

Colorado has a few different Harry Potter-themed destinations, so if you’re in the neighborhood it would be a great stop for your Harry Potter vacation!

While this isn’t necessarily a Harry Potter-themed coffee shop, they do have butterbeer! So, if you’re in the area, it’d be worth popping in for!

Colorado Model Railroad Museum

Take a ride on the Hogwarts Express during their Harry Potter-themed day! If your family is into trains and Harry Potter, this would be a fun day!

Harry Potter Brunch – Denver

The Wizard’s Brunch offers a family-friendly option or an adult option. Either way, you’ll feel like you’re in the Great Hall with the Hogwarts gang! You can also find the Wizard’s Brunch in other cities around the world. Check out their website!

The Painted Pot – Helena, MT

At The Painted Pot in Helena, they have Harry Potter-themed pottery painting nights and summer camps!

Midwest Harry Potter Vacation Ideas

Wizard & witches beer festival – louisville, ky  ( march), colleges in the midwest with a hogwarts feel.

• Rhodes College – Paul Barrett Library, TN
• Washington University in St Louis – Brown Hall, MO
• University of Notre Dame – Basilica of the Sacred Heart, IN
• University of Chicago – Rosenwald Hall, Chicago, IL

East Coast Harry Potter themed Places

If your Harry Potter vacation plans look like you’ll be on the East Coast, then here are some great Harry Potter destinations for the Eastern USA.

Wizarding World (Universal Studios) – Orlando, FL

Check my review above! This should probably be part of every Harry Potter vacation in the US!

Smithsonian, National Museum of American History – Washington DC

The Smithsonian has had a long history with Harry Potter. They have had costume displays, summer camps, and film festivals.

So, I highly recommend making Washington DC part of your Harry Potter vacation and checking out what the Smithsonian has going on with regards to Harry Potter. You may stumble upon something really cool!

There are several magical festivals on the East Coast.

So, if your Harry Potter vacation is timed right, pack your robes and plan on attending one of these!

• Witches & Wizards Festival – Chesnut Hill (Philly), PA (Oct)
• HP Festival – Chestertown, MD (Oct)
• Mischief & Magic – Staunton, VA (Sept)
• Wizard Fest Party Cruise – Oct
• Misti Con – Tarrytown, NY (Cosplay)
• Conjuration Convention – Atlanta Nov

Colleges that will make you feel like you’re at Hogwarts

• Harvard – Annenberg Hall, Boston, MA
• Arcadia University – Grey Towers Castle, Arcadia, PA
• Yale University – Sterling Memorial Library, CT
• Vassar College – Thompson Memorial Library, NY
• Duke University – Duke University Chapel, NC

Harry Potter Themed Places to stay

Airbnb harry potter fan’s dream – chicamunga, ga.

This apartment is amazing looking! But, there is only one bedroom (with 2 twin beds), so plan accordingly.

Harry Potter Vacation Ideas

Hopefully, you have gotten some great ideas for your Harry Potter vacation this summer! Whether you and your family go on a Harry Potter road trip and hit several of these Harry Potter destinations or you just want to hit one area, you are sure to have a blast!

If you’re planning on heading out West, there are so many Harry Potter destinations to visit! Whether just a cup of coffee in Texas, a fabulous apartment in San Francisco or the Wizarding World in Hollywood, CA! Personally, I’d love to stop off in Utah and visit the Blackburn Academy!

Or, if you’re planning on being on the East Coast, you could hit several Harry Potter destinations from Florida all the way up the coast! Of course, Orlando and the Wizarding World is probably the most popular of the Harry Potter destinations along the East Coast. But, there are a few other options if Orlando isn’t on your itinerary! Washington DC is a wonderful Harry Potter destination to visit!

Whatever your plans, make it a magical family vacation and don’t let the muggles get you down!

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Becki is the author and founder of A Book Lover’s Adventures. She has a degree in elementary education, has worked and volunteered in libraries for years, and spent several years in the travel industry. All of this has led to a love of books and travel. Becki loves to share her love by finding literary escapes to share!

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16 Comments

Loved Wizarding World when we were at Universal last May. I could probably spend the entire day just in that one part of the park!

What fun! I had NO idea that there was more than one way to enjoy Butterbeer. It might be time to head back to Universal and check this out.

Great HP travel destinations and love the areas that you covered!

Really liked this idea! Never thought about planning vacation ideas around places inspired by a book.

We loved our day at Hogwarts!

Ummm, what?! How did I not know there was this much HP greatness in the US! This whole thing is added to my bucket list. If we ever make it back in the RV I am planning a trip just to hit each of these spot. Harry Potter Tour or bust!

What a fun trip that will be!

I never thought of these places around the US. You make want to go to Corpus Christi now.

What a unique post! Love how you broke it up into sections. The Airbnb seems like a fun option and we LOVED visiting Universal Studios and the Wizarding World (so many details)!!

We have been asking ourselves if it was worth the expense for several months now. Leaning towards visit a visit to UNIVERSAL Orlando soon.

The kids are really pushing to go to Universal but the expense is a big factor. “Is it worth it?” A question we have been asking ourselves lately. Thanks for the post.

Oh my gosh!! This!! My muggle to wizard dreams would love to hit each of these spots. I have sadly only been to Hogsmeade and haven’t yet gotten to see the wonders of Diagon Alley or ride the Hogwarts Express, but I am itching to! And the Coffee Mugg(le) sounds like the perfect coffee shop! Such an awesome list! Thanks!

We always have friends asking the best Harry Potter destinations so I can’t wait to share this with them! Thanks for this – and listing more than Orlando – you covered the entire US!

I was blown away by Harry Potter at Universal. But it looks like I have a lot more to see around the US! 🙂

Wizards & Witches Beer Festival sounds interesting!!

I had no idea there were so many spots in the U.S. that we can visit regarding Harry Potter! My youngest son, 16, is currently reading through the books and loves them.

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This Breathtaking Destination In Southern California Looks Like It Was Ripped From The Pages Of Harry Potter

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The Harry Potter universe is filled with countless imaginative settings — from the gothic castle of Hogwarts to the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. While it would be amazing to fly to Europe to experience the magical locations that inspired the spellbinding book series, there are actually some very awe-inspiring places here in the U.S. that feel similar to scenes described in Harry Potter. Southern California alone is home to several beautiful mountain ranges — the Santa Ynez mountains near Santa Barbara, however, offer something very special.

On a plot of land surrounded by mountains sits the ruins of Knapp’s Castle. The original estate burned seventy years ago, and today, the area is a popular spot for hikers. With a fairly easy trail, breathtaking views, and the remains of a stone castle to explore, this hike to ruins in Southern California is well worth a visit.

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Knapp’s Castle is undoubtedly magical. At this time, no permit is required to visit these ruins in Southern California. However, visitors may need to present a National Forest Adventure Pass in order to park. For more information, visit Santa Barbara’s website .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The idea of 'Hollywood magic' takes many forms at Universal Studios Hollywood , but it seems especially apt in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . With rides, shops and no shortage of Butterbeer, fans will find themselves transported into the world of the beloved boy wizard.

Even if you don’t know all of the nuances of the bespectacled kid with a lightning-bolt-shaped scar, there is an abundance of whimsy and fun in the six-acre attraction . The village-style setting has, as its focus, the iconic Hogwarts Castle, home to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Inside, underneath its soaring ceilings, you can wander the hallowed halls lined with portraits that—just like in the books and film—talk. Peruse the office of headmaster Albus Dumbledore, look around the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and visit the Gryffindor Common Room, where Harry and his fellow housemates have been known to complain about those sullen Slytherin students.

Ride your own broomstick for thrills that combine robotics, elaborate action sequences and immersive visceral effects.

The signature attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, lets you ride your own broomstick for a set of thrills that combines a robotics system, elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. Outside the castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also home to the first outdoor rollercoaster at Universal Studios Hollywood, the family-friendly 'Flight of the Hippogriff'.

The rest of the attractions focus on the wizarding village of Hogsmeade , with its cobblestone streets, snowcapped roofs and electic locals, from the train conductor welcoming arrivals to the merchants offering various wizarding wares (including wands at Ollivanders, screaming yo-yos at Zonko’s and chocolate frogs at Honeydukes). 

Don’t miss the Owl Post, where resident owls hoot as you pass by. Children can learn about the old days, when people actually used to send snail-mail messages to one another (or, in Harry’s case, owl-mail messages). Send a postcard from this location (written with actual pen, or quill, and paper) and it will get a Hogsmeade postmark.

The immersive wizard experience extends well into dining , too. The Three Broomsticks restaurant in Hogsmeade offers hearty English fare such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, as well as classic desserts like sticky toffee pudding. You’ll be tempted to start your Wizarding World of Harry Potter day right here: the Three Broomsticks does a proper full English breakfast, featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, baked beans and even black pudding. (American staples are available too.)

And here’s good news for Muggles over the age of 21: the adjoining Hog’s Head pub has original draught beers and spirits created exclusively for the attraction, including Dragon Scale, Wizard’s Brew and Firewhisky. At the pub, and all around Hogsmeade, you can also order an all-ages-friendly Butterbeer (think cream soda, with a twist), along with Pumpkin Juice, Pumpkin Fizz and gently flavoured Gilly Water. After all, fending off the Dark Arts works up quite a thirst. 

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17)

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Spotlight: universal studios hollywood.

Movie magic, mega attractions—if Hollywood is the land of make-believe, then Universal Studios Hollywood is your chance to step into that fantasy world. On a sprawling site on the eastern side of the Hollywood Hills, this film-studio-meets-theme-park blends a studio tour with rides that swoosh, swoop and dive through film-and-TV-themed worlds.

Step inside the park’s front gates, for instance, and you can choose from the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, the zombie-filled Walking Dead Attraction or the popular WaterWorld show, which features real-life stunt actors. Head to the right from the box office at the centre, and you’ll soon arrive at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, complete with a re-creation of the village of Hogsmeade. Towards the back of the park, you’ll find the Springfield of Simpsons fame, including an irreverent simulator ride and branches of Moe’s Tavern and Krusty Burger .

Take the escalator to the park’s lower area and you’ll encounter rides based on Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers . The  Jurassic World is now open.

Look out for the digital signs in the park that highlight the current waiting times for all of the rides, as well as the schedule for daily shows. Want to skip most queues? Upgrade to a Universal Express ticket that lets you bypass them, or at least buy your ticket online, which gives you access to the park an hour earlier. To plan your whole day, download the Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App , which helps you track ride waiting times (and pings you when your favourite ride reaches an ideal queuing time), reminds you about show times, and even takes you back to your car in the car park at the end of the day. Staying the night is easy, too: see the list of preferred hotels located near the park.

Make sure you save time, though, for Universal CityWalk . The park’s adjacent, neon-lit complex offers a wide range of shops and dining options, such as branches of Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs , Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and the first California VooDoo Donuts .

Read on to map out your exploration of the theme park.

The Walking Dead Attraction

Die-hard fans of The Walking Dead —or simply those who love a good scare—can now live through a zombie apocalypse at Universal Studios Hollywood . The theme park’s Walking Dead Attraction was once a seasonal event during the park’s annual Halloween Horror Nights , but it has now received a major upgrade and a permanent year-round location near the park's entrance.

The aim of the attraction is to make the TV show come to life for park visitors, who will have to 'fight for survival' as they navigate through the post-apocalyptic world. To achieve a realistic feel, Universal Studios Hollywood partnered with the show’s creative team, executive producer and director Greg Nicotero, and his special effects company, KNB EFX. They worked to 'make the attraction as 100 per cent authentic as possible,' Nicotero said in a behind-the-scenes video from Universal.

That meant using original moulds from familiar Walking Dead characters (such as 'Bicycle Girl', seen in the pilot episode) and designing sets to replicate some of the show’s most famous scenes. Guests unfamiliar with the series will love the intense, haunted-house-like adventure, while dedicated Walking Dead fans will feel like they’re getting an exclusive tour of the set.

The hungry walkers are a mix of real-life actors in elaborate makeup and animatronic zombies made from moulds and hours of detailed work—down to their flesh-tearing silicone teeth and the broken capillaries in their acrylic eyeballs.

'We’re getting a chance to do animatronic characters that we’ve never done before,' Nicotero said. 'We’re utilising moulds that were created specifically for the show and translating them into parts of the attraction. It’s one-of-a-kind and state-of-the-art.'

The effect is so vivid—and perhaps even shocking—that it’s best for children to skip this attraction: Universal Studios Hollywood does not recommend it for visitors younger than 13. 

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

This colourful section of Universal Studio Hollywood is an instant hit with kids—and anyone else who has a soft spot for the banana-coloured stars of the Despicable Me films. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is a motion-simulator ride: you sit, buckled into your seat, while the floor lifts and tilts and you seemingly hurtle about inside a 3-D film. The ride lets you into the home of the seemingly villainous (but otherwise hapless) Gru, where you bounce, plunge and plummet through a Minion training mission. And all that excitement ends with a wild dance party. Even waiting to board the ride is entertaining, with multiple screens showing bits of wisdom from Gru and his right-hand Minions Dave, Stuart and Lance.

Keep the Minion theme going by visiting the adjacent Super Silly Fun Land , which brings alive the carnival from the first film with fountains, wet and dry play areas, and the classic-style Silly Swirly Fun Ride, which gives you a full view of all of the high jinks below. Try to win one of the film’s famous stuffed unicorns in a game, or shop for them—along with character dolls and a 'fart-gun' that really smells like bananas—in the Minion Mayhem gift shop.

Studio Tour

With a behind-the-scenes look at film-making magic, plus blockbuster-themed detours along the way, the world-famous Studio Tour that snakes you through the back lots at Universal Studios Hollywood ranks as a must-do ride in California. Yes, it’s primarily a theme park ride, so you’re probably not going to see Brad Pitt strolling past, but you really do get to see the sets and learn about classics ranging from Frankenstein to Jaws . Then slip on 3D glasses as you drive into wraparound action, especially the technologically advanced Fast & Furious—Supercharged thrill ride—where make believe becomes reality as you’re placed into the action during a high-octane scene. The ground-breaking attraction, presented as the grand finale to the Studio Tour, catapults you into the high-stakes underground world of street racing at perceived speeds of more than 120 miles per hour.

Another detour takes you into a 360-degree, 3D jungle that feels startlingly real, especially when King Kong emerges to battle dinosaurs—with your tram car rocking and rolling in the middle of the brawl. Mellower sections of the tour wind through the real sets of the make-believe towns, cities and suburban neighbourhoods used in hundreds of films and TV shows, as well as the original sets from major films such as Psycho, Jaws and War of the Worlds. Live guides and onboard videos featuring late-night TV host Jimmy Fallon add entertaining insights along the way.

Insider tip: queues can be long here, but don’t worry—the trams depart almost non-stop, so they move fairly quickly.

VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood

Feel like a film star yourself when you book the VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood . First there’s that valet parking —not bad. Then there’s that private entrance leading you to an exclusive lounge, where you can relax with snacks and refreshments, in your own A-lister’s inner sanctum. Next, you meet your expert guide for the day, who will go out of his or her way to find out what kind of insider tips and film facts you’d like to know more about as you tour the back lot and soundstages. They’re also very helpful when the urge to take a group photo in front of your favourite film set strikes.

Unlike the standard back-lot tour, this tour lets you get out of your group’s private trolley and walk around. You’ll be able to wander around and get up-close looks at sets, learn about lighting and camera angles, and see where current TV shows and films are being shot. Pose for a selfie on the steps of Norman Bates’ house from Psycho , or wander through the Bravermans’ living room from the long-running TV series Parenthood . A popular stop is the massive prop warehouse, which houses an impressive collection of film paraphernalia, from vintage bowling bags to full suits of armour. The tour includes a gourmet lunch prepared by the studio’s executive chef and served in a private dining room, as well as queue-jump privileges for all rides throughout the day, prime seats secured by your guide for all shows, and meet-and-greets with featured performers.

Universal CityWalk

For a concentrated dose of nightlife, dining and oh-I-want-that shopping, make sure you visit the bustling, pedestrian-only Universal CityWalk complex. Actually, you can’t really miss it—walking routes from Universal Studios Hollywood ’s main car park take you right through CityWalk. Plus, there’s no admission, so you can visit CityWalk even if you don’t have tickets to the theme park. Don’t miss the dancing water-fountain display at its centre, designed by the same people who created the Bellagio's fountains in Las Vegas. And keep an eye out for the camera crews and hosts of the TV show Extra , who regularly film segments around the theme park and CityWalk.

Not surprisingly, films are well represented here: grab one of the plush recliner seats at Universal Cinema , a 18-screen multiplex, or at the IMAX cinema, which projects films seven storeys high. And for thrills of a different kind, experience the sensation of free-falling while skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel at iFLY Hollywood . Free outdoor concerts feature light shows and plenty of room for dancing—though you might have to find someone to hold all the shopping bags you’ll be carrying with stores like Abercrombie & Fitch , Fossil and Billabong lining the squares and avenues.

You won’t go hungry either. Choose from LA icons, such as the branches of Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs , Vivo Italian Kitchen and LudoBird (the Provencale fried chicken created by celebrity chef Ludo Lefebvre), or have a craft beer at San Diego-born Karl Strauss Brewing Company . CityWalk is also home to some notable transplants from outside the Golden State too, such as Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville , Dongpo Kitchen (an offshoot of China’s popular Meizhou Dongpo) and the first California branch of Portland’s VooDoo Doughnut .

Springfield

Step into the fantasy world of America’s loudest cartoon dad, Homer Simpson, in this crayon-bright recreation of Springfield, which now fronts the popular The Simpsons ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. Designed to make you feel as if you’ve stepped through your TV into the re-created hometown of the witty Simpsons clan, the outdoor experience gives you the chance to visit Bart's favourite places. Call in at Moe’s Tavern, Lard Lad Donuts or Duff Brewery, all in the shadow of show-inspired landmarks, such Stu’s Disco, where the marquee reads, 'Closed until disco comes back'. Other familiar Springfield restaurants come to life here too, so you can get a 'Genuine Clown-Endorsed Meal' at Krusty Burger or order a cheesy delight at Luigi’s Pizza, all while Homer’s workplace, Mr. Burns’ Nuclear Power Plant, lets loose with a (whoops, did someone push the wrong button?) make-believe meltdown.

The Simpsons Ride

Step into   Universal Studios Hollywood   ’s crayon-bright recreation of the cartoon town of Springfield, then board   The Simpsons Ride   , a simulator ride that celebrates the bizarre animated world of Homer, Bart, Lisa and the other motley characters from   The Simpsons .  

Designed to make you feel as if you’ve stepped through your TV into the long-running series, this section of Universal Studios Hollywood invites you to visit many of Homer’s regular haunts—which also make up a good portion of Universal Studios Hollywood’s inside-the-park dining options . Call in at Moe’s Tavern, Lard Lad Donuts or Duff Brewery, all in the shadow of show-inspired landmarks, such Stu’s Disco, where the marquee reads, 'Closed until disco comes back'. Other familiar Springfield restaurants come to life here too, so you can get a 'Genuine Clown-Endorsed Meal' at Krusty Burger or order a cheesy delight at Luigi’s Pizza, all while Homer’s workplace, Mr. Burns’ Nuclear Power Plant, lets loose with a (whoops, did someone push the wrong button?) make-believe meltdown.

Then board the ride, which takes the experience to another level. Technically, the Simpsons scenes are just projected around you while your car lifts and tilts, but the feeling is all real—as if you are zooming through a psychedelic animated universe. You star in a carnival mid-way through, then rocket through Krustyland, the fantasy amusement park created by creepy-and-cranky Krusty the Clown. With the show’s real actors voicing the characters and offering plenty of subversive humour, the ride effectively captures the unique essence of the show—so if you’re a fan, it’s a must-ride experience.

Live Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood

For all of the movie magic and animation at Universal Studios Hollywood , you can also catch plenty of live shows, which offer their own behind-the-scenes explorations. If you see one of these shows you’ll get a nice reminder that, beyond the theme park rides, this is still a vibrant working studio.

At the Special Effects Show , for instance, you’ll see live demonstrations of how digital and 3-D technology—as well as old-fashioned pyrotechnics—creates vivid illusions for films. Or, watch jet-ski stunts, perilous plunges and a simulated seaplane crash at WaterWorld (the top-rated live show may now be more popular than the 1995 film that inspired it). Children and animal lovers, meanwhile, won’t want to miss the Universal’s Animal Actors show, which highlights the talents and charms of a variety of dogs, cats and birds who have starred in Universal films—including a few of the owls who have winged their way into Harry Potter films.

Download the Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App to track the times for the various shows during your visit. Or, ask staff about character meet-and-greets around the park, offering the chance to pose for a pic with the Minions, Shrek, the Simpsons and Scooby Doo, among others.

More Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

What are you in the mood for? Heart-pounding adventure? Light-hearted fun? From warring extraterrestrial robotic life-forms and lurching mummies to the big, lovable Panda named Po, rides at Universal Studios Hollywood transport you to a wide range of film-themed worlds. Get swept up in the jaw-dropping, multi-sensory adventure that is the Dreamworks Theatre featuring the Kung Fu Panda attraction, which uses state-of-the-art visual effects and the first-ever interior projection mapping to place you smack-bang in the middle of the action. On Revenge of the Mummy–The Ride , rocket through impenetrable darkness and fiery pyrotechnics as an eerie, ancient world unfolds in front of you, and get heckled by particularly disgusting (were they actually hissing?) mummies. On Transformers: The Ride-3D , flight simulation technology blasts you into the future to battle for the survival of humanity against towering Decepticons. With Optimus Prime by your side, you might just stand a chance.

But not all of the giants on Universal’s rides are so likely to make your heart skip a beat from the intense adrenaline surge. Little children will love Super Silly Fun Land , inspired by the whimsical seaside theme park in the first Despicable Me film. Let them run around and cool off among the 80 water playground features, ride the old-fashioned (and not too intense) Silly Swirly Fun Ride, or test their water marksmanship at the Super Silly Space Killer arcade game—if only for the chance to win one of the soft-toy unicorns and shout the film’s famous line, 'It’s so fluffy!'

Special Events

From the heart-warming to the heart-stopping, events at Universal Studios Hollywood jazz up seasonal celebrations throughout the year.

The theme park does some serious celebrating in September and October with its Halloween Horror Nights , a scare fest that’s not for the squeamish (nor the little ones—too scary for them!). Follow creepy mazes that bring classic horror films and TV series to life, taking you through gloomy spaces and set re-creations—you never know when werewolves, vampires and zombies might jump out at you. Even the clowns are psychotic, and the whole thing is set to awesome music by guitarist Slash. Be terrorised by Jason, Freddy and Leatherface, and experience The Shining , The Walking Dead and The Purge , to name just a few of the attractions featured. And the 2018 addition? A Halloween Horror Nights maze inspired by the first season of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things . Oh, and the signature back lot tram ride? Get ready for an apocalyptic journey with yes, more zombies. (The seasonal festival is so successful that it has inspired the year-round Walking Dead Attraction .)

Winter holidays are another big draw, with Cindy Lou and her Who friends reading the Dr Seuss classic book during Grinchmas . There’s also a nightly tree-lighting ceremony complete with a picturesque evening snowfall—and Hogsmeade will offer holiday-themed foods as well as a yuletide version of the summer light show across Hogwarts Castle . Universal CityWalk marks the Christmas season with concerts, nightly snowfall of its own and a giant tree during CityWalk Holiday Season .

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43 Harry Potter Fan Vacation Ideas in the US: Harry Potter-themed Sights, Activities, Tours, and More

W ands at the ready, Harry Potter fans! If you’re looking for a way to experience the magic of Harry Potter but can’t make it across the pond to the boy wizard’s home in England, you’re in luck: We’ve rounded up some of the best places stateside where you and your budding Potterheads can live out your wizarding dreams.

Mount your broom, grab some floo powder, or head for the nearest portkey—whatever your preferred means of magical transport—to take you on an enchanted adventure to the wizarding world of Harry Potter. From theme parks and exhibitions to wand shops and Harry Potter themed vacation homes, here are 43 places in the US where you can make your wizarding fantasies come true.

If you are up for an international trip, check out our review of the Harry Potter studio tour near London. Then visit our Family Travel Guide for more great family vacation ideas.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan. Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando

Harry Potter Theme Parks, Traveling Exhibitions, and Immersive Experiences

1. the wizarding world of harry potter at universal orlando resort and universal studios hollywood — orlando, fl & hollywood, ca.

Thrilling rides, spellbinding shows, and magical shops bring Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle to life in both California’s and Florida’s Universal theme parks. In Florida’s more extensive re-creation of Harry Potter’s world you can also ride the Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley, where you’ll find even more attractions. Stay tuned: Universal Orlando is scheduled to open a new park, Epic Universe, by summer 2025, and rumor has it that it will include a trip through the floo network to the Ministry of Magic.

2.  Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience  — Little Elm, TX

Enjoy an evening walk along an illuminated woodland trail through an immersive, theatrical setting. The Forbidden Forest is possibly my family’s favorite Harry Potter experience we’ve done so far, with many interactive elements including a chance to bow to a hippogriff, fight a wizard’s duel, and cast a patronus. It's currently available in Texas, but sometimes returns to past locations as a seasonal event. Read our reviews of the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest during past stops in  Westchester, New York  and the  Washington, DC  area.

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Cameras—and wands—at the ready for Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Photo by Jody Mercier

3. Harry Potter: The Exhibition — New York, NY

This touring exhibition, currently in New York City, celebrates the wizarding world of Harry Potter through interactive experiences including the opportunity to see your name on the marauder’s map, pot a mandrake, and banish a boggart. The exhibition re-creates settings from the stories including Harry’s cupboard under the stairs and Hagrid’s hut, and many props and costumes from the films are on display. Check out our review of Harry Potter: The Exhibition .

4. Harry Potter: Magic at Play — Seattle, WA

Recently in Chicago (where my family and I visited it) and now open in Seattle, Magic at Play provides an immersive exploration of the wizarding world. You can follow Harry’s journey from Platform 9 ¾ to Hogwarts where you’ll visit the Great Hall, sit under the sorting hat, and cast spells. We had fun levitating a feather with the wingardium leviosa charm and playing quidditch. You can also buy Butterbeer, sweets from Honeydukes, and other wizarding merch. Read more in our review of Harry Potter: Magic at Play from Chicago.

5. Harry Potter Exhibit at the Hollywood Museum — Hollywood, CA

Though this exhibit is small, it includes several notable props and costumes from the Harry Potter film series. The highlight of the collection is Harry’s broom from the  Sorcerer’s Stone movie. The display also includes a pair of Harry’s glasses, two wands, a feather quill, and wizard’s robes worn by Harry and Professor Dumbledore.

6. Watson Adventures Wizard School Scavenger Hunt — Multiple Locations

Offered at several museums around the country including the National Gallery of Art in DC, the Getty Center in LA, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, young witches and wizards go on a magical journey through the galleries to discover mystical mermaids, fierce dragons, majestic unicorns, powerful sorceresses, and many more characters in the artworks who would be right at home in Harry Potter’s magical world.

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LeakyCon holds a three-day convention for fans of magical worlds and their stories. Photo courtesy of LeakyCon

Harry Potter Wizarding Festivals & Conventions

7. leakycon — portland, or in 2024.

Named for the Leaky Cauldron, the bridge between the magical and muggle worlds, this convention is a gathering for fans of all ages (the organizers recommend ages 11 and up, though all are welcome). There’s plenty for kids to do with hands-on projects, fun photo ops, a marketplace with vendors selling handmade crafts, and guest appearances from actors from the Harry Potter films. This year’s convention takes place in Portland from July 5-7, 2024.

8. Arts and Curiosities Fest — Sunbury, PA

Date for 2024: Saturday, September 24

Sunbury’s Stroh Alley becomes Diagon Alley for the day during this FREE annual festival, lined with over 40 local artists and vendors as well as visitors decked out in wizarding robes. Activities include face painting, balloon art, dance performances, and a presentation showcasing fantastic beasts.

9. Queen City Mischief & Magic — Staunton, VA

Dates for 2024: Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29

Thousands of visitors travel to this family-friendly festival to experience 12 blocks of immersive entertainment as downtown Staunton is transformed into the world of Harry Potter. Activities include costume parades, character meet-and-greets, reptile shows, quidditch matches, dance parties, wand dueling, and feasts. The festival is FREE to attend, but some activities are ticketed.

10. CONjuration — Duluth, GA

Dates for 2024: Friday - Sunday, November 15-17

A convention for fans of Harry Potter and other fantasy stories, this event was deliberately designed to appeal to all ages, from kids through adults. Packed with activities including trivia challenges, sing-a-longs, crafts, live game shows, quidditch matches, vendors, performers, and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody condenses all seven Harry Potter books into 70 hilarious minutes. Photo courtesy of the production

Harry Potter Theater, Performances, & Sporting Events

11. harry potter film concert series.

A live full symphony orchestra plays along while a film from the Harry Potter series is projected onto the big screen, creating a magical experience as you relive your favorite stories in a new light. Harry Potter in concert is traveling around the globe, including many US locations like Atlanta and Orlando, so check the website to find when it will be near you.

12. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway and Touring

Harry Potter’s story continues when his youngest son, Albus, heads off to Hogwarts and gets swept up in a time-traveling adventure full of magic spells and epic battles. Now playing on Broadway in the Lyric Theatre, in late 2023 the show announced it will also be touring for the first time. It is scheduled to play in Chicago in September 2024, with more venues to be announced in the future. Click here to buy tickets for  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child  on Broadway.

13. Potted Potter

Billed as “the unauthorized Harry experience,” this parody features two actors who take on the roles of 360 characters from the Harry Potter series, condensing all seven books into 70 minutes of non-stop hilarity. The show, recommended for ages 6 and up, promises you’ll see a fire-breathing dragon and live quidditch played on stage. Mommy Poppins founder Anna Fader loved it when she saw it in NYC in 2012, as you'll learn from her write-up . Check the Potted Potter website for the show's touring schedule.

14. US Quadball Events

Quadball is a muggle sport inspired by quidditch. The game is a mix of dodgeball, rugby, and tag played by a team of seven players who must keep broomsticks between their legs at all times. You can watch quadball teams compete in tournaments at various locations around the country, culminating in the annual US Quadball Cup , the largest quadball event in the world.

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For a magical day, visit Break the Spell at The Riddle Room of Corpus Christi. Photo courtesy of the venue

Magical Escape Rooms and Wizarding Quests

15.  break the spell at the riddle room of corpus  christi  — corpus christi, tx.

At this escape room, players are tasked with finding the dangerous red skull stolen from the Ministry of Magic by a Dark Wizard.

16. Harry Trotter at Escape Room Adventures Spartanburg — Spartanburg, SC

As part of a team of secret magicians, you’ll fight black-magic wizards to discover an antidote to free a friend from an ancient spell. This escape room is fun for children and adults and is recommended for ages 8 and up.

17. The Headmaster’s Heist at Escapades — Sioux Falls, SD

Rescue the Headmaster of your school of magic by opening a vault in Greengotts Bank to retrieve important evidence that will set the Headmaster free in this escape room that's recommended for ages 8 and up.

18. The Wizard’s Chamber at Escape Zone Long Island — Saint James, NY

Break out of Wizard Prison to collect magic stones that will help you defeat the Dark Lord and save your friends. This escape room is recommended for ages 8 and up, and children under 5 are not permitted.

19. Wizard’s Tower at Trapped Puzzle Rooms — St. Paul, MN

Dark wizards are taking over your school of wizardry and witchcraft. You must search the Headmaster’s office to find the world’s most powerful wand and save your school. While this escape room was designed with adults in mind, kids are welcome and can contribute.

20. The Wizard’s Secrets at Project Escape Room — Conshohocken, PA

Escape from wizard prison and navigate magical potions and spells to discover the dark wizard’s secret. Be prepared that this escape room is dark and may not be suitable for all youngsters.

21. Wizard Quest — Wisconsin Dells, WI

This unique experience is designed for families to do together while exploring fantastical settings full of secret passageways, tunnels, and labyrinths. Along the way, you’ll meet magical creatures like fairies, dragons, goblins, and trolls who will send you on quests that you’ll complete by solving puzzles and deciphering riddles.

22. Professor Spindlewink’s World of Wizardry — Salem, MA

This indoor adventure brings the fantasy world to life as you explore magical realms including an enchanted forest, wizards' chambers, a crystal cave, and more. This is a seasonal attraction, open April through November.

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The Seashore Lines Wizard’s Express will transport one and all into the magical world of the Pinelands on a train journey while meeting some of your favorite wizard characters!

Historic Train Rides (Almost) Like the Hogwarts Express

23. heber valley railroad wizard’s train — heber valley, ut.

Enjoy a scenic, 90-minute round-trip ride aboard a steam-powered train through the Heber Valley. The Wizard’s Train experience takes place a few times a year and includes costumed characters, wizard trivia, and tasty snacks like chocolate frogs and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans.

24. Seashore Lines Wizard’s Express — Woodbine, NJ

Each year in October the Wizard’s Express takes riders on a magical, scenic 75-minute journey with some of their favorite wizarding characters.

25. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — Durango, CO

While there are no specific wizarding-themed events, this historic steam train ride featuring stunning scenery and iconic canyon views will make you feel like you’re aboard the Hogwarts Express. The full round-trip excursion is a bit on the long side, so consider taking the half-day express route, and make sure to bring plenty of snacks and activities with you.

26. Strasburg Rail Road — Ronks, PA

Visit the oldest continuously operating railroad in the United States for a 45-minute round-trip ride on a historic steam train through Lancaster County. Various themed rides throughout the year include the family-friendly Easter and Christmas train experiences. You wizards can don their robes and pretend they're riding to Hogwarts!

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Join Mercer Museum staff for the Wizarding Academy Summer Camp filled with magic and excitement. Photo courtesy of the museum

Hogwarts-like Castles

27. mercer museum — doylestown, pa.

This museum is housed in a six-story castle designed by Henry Mercer in the early 1900s. Explore the castle’s nooks and crannies with the World of Wizarding Scavenger Hunt . In summer the museum offers a week-long Wizarding Academy Summer Camp for witches and wizards ages 7-12 with classes in potions, herbology, quidditch, and more.

28. Hammond Castle Museum — Gloucester, MA

This medieval-style castle was built in the 1920s as the home and laboratory of inventor John Hays Hammond Jr. The grandeur inside is reminiscent of Hogwarts, including the magnificent Great Hall and the Library’s whispering gallery, which feels almost magical. Guided and self-guided tours are available, and special events including a kids’ free day, live music performances, and movies on the lawn place throughout the year.

29. Mount Greylock — Lanesborough, MA

According to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, Mount Greylock is the site of Ilvermorny, America’s wizarding school. A majestic 92-foot-tall granite tower (a veterans memorial) stands on the summit, which is the highest point in Massachusetts. The surrounding park is a great place for hiking, camping, picnicking, and more outdoor activities.

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Welcome to Wizard's Way in Champion's Gate, FL and find a home designed to take you to a wonderland of magic, fantasy, and folklore. Photo courtesy VRBO

Home Sweet Hogwarts: Harry Potter Themed Airbnbs and Vacation Home Rentals

30.  wizards  way  — champions gate, fl.

If you’re traveling with a large group, this eight-bedroom, five-bath home can sleep 20 guests. It is fully decked out with custom-made Harry Potter themed designs and is about a half-hour drive from Universal Orlando Resort. The rental home includes a heated pool and theater room, and its location in Champion’s Gate Resort provides access to amenities including a water park, a game room, golf courses, and more.

31. Wizarding Home — Kissimmee, FL

Located in a quiet, residential neighborhood, this Airbnb is just 10 miles from Universal Orlando Resort and provides a magical home base for families visiting Universal’s Wizarding World. Each bedroom is themed to a different Hogwarts house, and candles float above the dining room table. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a fully equipped kitchen, and on-site laundry.

32. The Dorm Room — Chickamauga, GA

This guest suite includes two single beds and a foldout queen-sized sofa bed in the living room. Though small, it's filled with magical details and stocked with Harry Potter games, books, and movies. Reviewers comment about how much children enjoy the scavenger hunt that the host created as part of the experience.

33. Wizard’s Escape — Adamstown, MD

For overnight accommodations with built-in entertainment, book a stay at the Wizard’s Escape, where a self-run wizard-themed escape room with online clues is part of the experience. Explore the Great Hall, the potions classroom, the cupboard under the stairs, and the game room for more wizarding fun. This large home, built in the 1870s, has five bedrooms and can accommodate 15 guests.

34. Wizard House — Oak Hill, WV

This two-bedroom home is decorated with lots of fun Harry Potter themed details, including a whimsical kitchen inspired by Honeydukes candy shop and a living room with floating candles and many portraits lining the walls.

35. Earth & Sky Dwellings — Asheville, NC

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this collection of seven unique, whimsically designed accommodations has beautiful surroundings and stunning views. The two dwellings that will most appeal to Harry Potter fans are the Wizards Hollow, a 600-square-foot miniature castle in the mountains, and Alchemy, a re-creation of the tent Harry and the Weasleys stayed in during their trip to the Quidditch World Cup.

36. The Forgotten Forest — Kodak, TN

You’ll feel like you’ve truly been transported to a magical realm when you visit this collection of charming fairy homes, castles, and forest burrows situated in the scenic foothills of the Smoky Mountains. You can book a stay in the purple Wizard’s Trolley, which looks just like the Knight Bus and provides a two-bedroom, one-bath dwelling with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area.

Sorting hat-shaped cookies, chocolate frog-topped cupcakes, Butterbeer, and more await in the cafe at the Harry Potter Store New York. Photo by Jody Mercier

Wizarding Shops, Potion Bars, and Tearooms

37. harry potter store new york — new york, ny.

The flagship Harry Potter store is located in NYC’s Flatiron district. More than just a store, it’s an experience. My family took a day trip to New York last summer with this as our main destination, and we had a fantastic time exploring every detail from the Wizarding World incorporated into the store’s design. It also has one of the best collections of unique Harry Potter merchandise in one location. Take a peek inside the store with our video and post .

38. OrchardWorks Magic Wands — Stafford, CT

This wand shop specializes in hand-carved wooden wands made with extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to detail. You can work directly with the wandmaker to commission a custom-made wand, designed just for you.

39. Wynotts Wands and Remember Salem Gifts — Salem, MA

These two stores are side by side on Essex Street just beyond the pedestrian mall in the heart of Salem, a town that celebrates all things witch-related. The gift shop is stocked with all sorts of wizard wares and the wand shop looks like it would fit right in on Diagon Alley, with shelves stacked high with thin wand boxes.

40. The Cloak and Wand — Mystic, CT

The Cloak and Wand can supply all your wizarding and witchcraft needs with cloaks, wands, brooms, and more magical items for sale. It also has a potion bar where you can order custom-brewed potions in hot (flavored hot chocolate) or cold (flavored soda) varieties. Choose from a selection of unique concoctions with fanciful names like Blue Dragon, Mermaid Tears, and Giggle Juice.

41. The Cauldron Co. — NYC, Philadelphia, & Chicago

This fantasy-inspired bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue brings magic to life through interactive technology, molecular food science, and immersive design. While many of its experiences are geared toward the 21+ crowd, kids can participate in its signature potion-making class at specific times and are welcome at seasonal events like Halloween pumpkin-carving and the magical hot chocolate experience. The two NYC locations also offer a family-friendly Wizard Afternoon Tea .

42. The Clockwork Rose Tea Emporium — Beaverton, OR

This self-described “steampunk tearoom” offers a unique experience, combining a Victorian aesthetic with 19th-century industrial touches. For four weeks surrounding Harry Potter’s birthday (July 31) the tearoom hosts a Wizarding Tea, and it also holds Witching Teas in late October. Note: there must be at least one adult accompanying every two children younger than 16.

43. Drink Me! Tea Room — Tempe, AZ

This charming tearoom regularly hosts a Magical World of Afternoon Tea event that celebrates all things Harry Potter. Enjoy tasty treats like pumpkin scones, golden snitch maple cake, and Dobby’s shortbread-cookie socks. Dressing up is highly encouraged, and special decor provides fun backdrops for photo ops.

10 Magical Harry Potter Destinations Every Fan Should Visit

Posted on Last updated: March 18, 2024

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Want to plan a Harry Potter trip and don’t know where to start? Keep scrolling for the top must-see Harry Potter destinations you can visit in real life!

This list of harry potter destinations you can visit was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter movies, you’ll want to check out these places!

J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world is so magical it’s no wonder Harry Potter fans are still fascinated by it all these years later. And what better way to experience that magic than by visiting some of the real-life locations where the films were shot?

From London to Edinburgh (and even in the U.S.), these destinations will make any Potter fan feel like they’re part of the story. So put on your Gryffindor scarf and get ready for an adventure!

Keep scrolling to check out the coolest, must-see Harry Potter destinations!

Harry Potter Filming Locations FAQs

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Alnwick Castle in England was the site of Hogwarts.

London’s Leadenhall Market was used as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. You can find the Leaky Cauldron (the secret entrance to the wizarding world) at the Bull’s Head Passage.

They filmed Hagrid’s Hut in Glen Coe, Scotland. They also filmed the bridge there as well as the lake that’s nearby.

Coolest Places Every Harry Potter Fan Should Visit

Leavesden studios in england.

All eight of the Harry Potter movies were filmed here. While many places had to be traveled to in order to shoot, many scenes were filmed right here.

You can take a studio tour to get a behind-the-scenes tour of everything from props to Dumbledore’s office.

Our family went here on our trip to London with kids over the summer, and we couldn’t believe how long we stayed! This is a must-do London attraction for any Potterhead.

I recommend booking the tour with the transfer from London since it’s about an hour outside the city. Check rates and availability .

Alnwick Castle

Did you know that Hogwarts Castle is kind of a real-life place? The outside shots of the magical Hogwarts castle were of Alnwick Castle, located in Northumberland.

While a little studio magic was done to make this castle what it was in the movies, you can still visit the castle grounds for broomstick flight training.

The Elephant House

Although this place isn’t the exact birthplace of Harry Potter, a true Harry Potter fan knows that this is where J.K. Rowling came to pen the fantasy world of Harry Potter and the world of magic.

In the early days, she would come here to write out pieces of the books, so it’s still a must-see place for all Potter fans.

Platform 9 ¾: King’s Cross Station in London

If you head to London, you can actually find a 9 ¾ platform there! You won’t find it like it was in the film. However, there is a sign and a luggage cart disappearing into the wall there.

I recommend going early in the morning. Otherwise, the line gets LONG.

There’s usually a staff member there with extra-long Hogwarts scarves so you can get the ultimate Harry Potter photo. You can pretend you’re on your way to Hogwarts Express. Cool, right?

Plus, it’s right next to a gift shop full of Harry Potter memorabilia that you won’t find at other Harry Potter stores (trust us).

This is by far one of the best Harry Potter locations in London !

London’s Leadenhall Market and Borough Market

The famous shots of Diagon Alley were shot right here in this spot. This is the closest you’ll be able to get to a place like The Leaky Cauldron or Ollivanders.

But you can experience the magic here by going through these two market locations. You can get some really cool shots of you getting close to the colorful walls, and you can pretend it’s Diagon Alley!

Read more: 15 Lovely London Tours for Families Worth Booking

Universal Studios: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the U.S.

All Harry Potter fans should experience this theme park for themselves. This place is full of magical Harry Potter-themed places, from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley, recreated at Universal Studios.

You can ride attractions, get a Harry Potter wand in the parks, or even finally try a sip of Butterbeer. Plus, you can really visit Hogwarts!

What’s extra cool is that the theme parks get decked out for the holidays . It’s pretty amazing to see Hogwarts look Christmas-y and see fake snow over the attractions.

Universal Studios has locations in Orlando and Hollywood. I recommend going to Florida because it’s larger, and there are tons of other things to do in Orlando with kids !

Taking your kids with you? Here are 17 Must-Read Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids .

Harry Potter Store in New York City

Whether you are heading to New York City with kids or on a kid-free getaway, the Harry Potter Store is worth a stop!

While the store looks small from the outside, it is PACKED with all kinds of cool Harry Potter souvenirs and memorabilia.

There are also several fun photo ops. Of course, it’s hard not to go on a shopping spree there, but it’s definitely worth walking through just to soak in all the magic.

Plus, there’s even a Butterbeer Bar near the exit where you can get Butterbeer in a souvenir cup!

Czocha Castle in Poland

Known as The College of Wizardry in Poland, visitors come far and wide to stay here for a few days of magical school.

They study magic, sleep, and eat, even though there is no direct reference to the Harry Potter books or films.

It’s one of the most amazing experiences where you can experience a live-action role-playing Harry Potter experience.

Oxford University in England

Many famous scenes of the Harry Potter films took place right on the campus of Oxford University . So it’s a popular Harry Potter destination for fans to visit.

This is home to one of the most famous scenes in the movies of The Hogwarts Great Hall. The scenes of the Potter Stinks badges were filmed right there at Oxford.

Warner Bros Studios Hollywood Harry Potter Tour

If you’re already going to Universal Studios Hollywood, I highly recommend spending half a day doing the WB Studios Tour in Hollywood .

Your family can do the Sorting Hat experience (and yes, you can whisper to the staff member if your kids really want a certain house).

But they also have tons of really cool photo ops. Plus, you can ride on Quidditch brooms for a really fun video op. Check the latest rates and availability .

Harry Potter Locations Wrap-Up

If you love Harry Potter as much as I do, then you are going to feel like you’ve immersed yourself in the books and movies with these top places to visit. From awesome Harry Potter sights in London to U.S. theme parks, we have you covered!

Looking for more Harry Potter-related items? Check out my Harry Potter printables , review of the Univeral Studios VIP experience , a list of Magical Things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood at Christmas , and our Warner Bros Studio Tour review !

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All the Harry Potter Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real Life

You can't apparate, but you can fly there!

Sadly for all of us  Harry Potter  fans, Hogwarts only exists on the page/screen (and in our minds!). But the  sets and locations  that brought the movies to life  do  very much exist . The movies were one big love letter to the U.K., and many of these locations are available to at least walk around. You might even be able to find a Potter-themed tour, while you're at it. Here are the filming locations to visit that'll satisfy all your cravings for movies, muggles, and magic. Accio!

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Picket Post Close, Bracknell

Also known as the " Harry Potter house," this actual residence was used as the set for No. 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, in the first two films. It was auctioned off in 2003; It's probably still a private residence, so we wouldn't recommend asking to go inside, but you can certainly walk around.

London Zoo's Reptile House, London

Harry frees a python and realizes he can talk to snakes in  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  Both inside and outside the real-life Reptile House were used for this scene. 

Big Ben, London

It's just for a moment, but Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are two landmarks in the background when Harry first travels to London with Hagrid.

Leadenhall Market, London

This famous covered market in London is where Hagrid takes Harry to the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron Pub (42 Bull's Head Passage, in real life).

King's Cross Station, London

Hagrid takes Harry to King's Cross so he can board a train to his new wizarding home.

At the time of shooting, platforms 4 and 5 were apparently temporarily re-numbered 9 and 10. There actually is still a Platform 9 3/4 sign to this day (although you can't board the Hogwarts Express, sadly) with a cute disappearing trolley.

King's Cross was also used in other  Harry Potter  films, all the way through  Deathly Hallows . 

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan

Goathland Train Station, Goathland

And this station served as the location of Hogsmeade Station, where the students get off for Hogwarts.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

In the first and second  Harry Potter  films, Alnwick Castle   acted as the set for Hogwarts; A number of other productions have also filmed there, including  Downton Abbey  and  Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves .

The location is stunning and expansive. It also (if you happen to be a fan of the Royal Family as well) was the location for Prince William's BFF Thomas van Straubenzee's wedding to Lady Melissa Percy.

Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester

The cathedral doubled as the inside of Hogwarts on multiple movies, including  The Sorcerer's Stone,   The Chamber of Secrets , and  The Half Blood Prince .

Including when Harry and Ron spot an enormous troll down a long hallway.

And here's a shot of the late Alan Rickman (a treasure, gone too soon) shooting  The Half-Blood Prince .

Harrow School, Harrow

Professor Flitwick teaches Harry how to use a wand in the Harrow School's  Fourth Form Room  (the classroom dates all the way back to 1615).  The Crown  has also apparently shot at Harrow School. There are  public tours , but check to see when.

Duke Humfrey's Library, Oxford

The scenes in the Hogwarts Library—where Hermione reads, where Harry steals a restricted book—was one of a few locations filmed at Oxford.

Divinity School, Oxford

In  The Half-Blood Prince , Ron recovers in the infirmary after being poisoned—which was actually shot inside the Divinity School. 

New College Cloister, Oxford

In  The Goblet of Fire , Mad-Eye Moody transforms Draco Malfoy into a ferret, right in this courtyard.

Christ Church Dining Hall, Oxford

And, even though filming actually didn't take place in this iconic dining hall, it was the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts.

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

The abbey served as  another  set for Hogwarts. Harry is chosen for the Quidditch team and attends Snape's classes here. Yes, you can take  tours  of the abbey. 

Durham Cathedral, Durham

And Durham Cathedral also contributed exterior and interior locations for various scenes in the early films...

...including one where Harry walked with Hedwig through a snowy, secluded courtyard.

Glencoe, Highlands

This Scottish village was used for many an outdoor shot—the bridge to Hogwarts and Hagrid's hut, to name a couple. It's as close as we'll probably get to an actual Hogwarts campus.

Virginia Water, Windsor

Meanwhile, this was the set of Hogwart's Lake when Harry rode on a hippogriff, as well as scenes between Harry, Ron, and Hermione in  The Goblet of Fire . 

Loch Shiel, Highlands

Several Scotland lakes (lochs) were used in  The Prisoner of Azkaban  (where Harry finally summons his Patronus). Loch Eilt and Loch Morar were also used.

Warner Bros. Studio, Leavesden

When the cast and crew weren't headed off to a historical location, they shot primarily at the studio in Leavesden. Here, for  Goblet of Fire , tents were set up for the Quidditch World Cup (they likely don't exist anymore, but there's plenty more at the studio).

The studio now has a  very  detailed  Harry Potter tour , with sets, costumes, and all sorts of props from the various films.

Oh yeah, and Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Prince Harry all visited for the  opening of the attraction  in 2013. Here's the set used to depict Diagon Alley.

Here, Prince Harry visits the set of The Burrow (the Weasley house).

And the trio visit the Great Hall of Hogwarts (so impressive)!

Also included  in the tour , models of important buildings like Hogwarts...

...and some of the (creepy) makeup effects and prosthetics.

It's a Potterhead's dream, basically.

Borough Market, London

This bustling area served as the updated locale of the Leaky Cauldron (IRL: The Market Porter Pub) in  The Prizoner of Azkaban . 

London Eye, London

During  The Order of the Phoenix , the Order flies over London on broomsticks; the London Eye's just one of the landmarks you can spot in the background. 

Buckingham Palace, London

And  you can spot Buckingham Palace in the background, as well as Big Ben and the Tower Bridge.

Millennium Bridge, London

In one of the most horrifying scenes of the series, the Millennium Bridge is attacked by Death Eaters in  The Half-Blood Prince  and  collapses  into the Thames River.

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

Hardwick Hall was used for interior and exterior shots of  Deathly Hallows—Part 1  for Malfoy Manor, the Death Eaters'/Voldemort's home base. 

Piccadilly Circus, London

This bustling square was the site of a particularly key scene in  Deathly Hallows—Part 1 ...

...where Death Eaters attack Harry, Hermione, and Ron in a diner in London.

Swinley Forest, Windsor

Windsor's Great Park served as the location of Harry, Hermione, and Ron's refuge when they're on the run from Death Eaters and Voldemort.

De Vere House, Lavenham

This picturesque house was used in  Deathly Hallows—Part 2  for Harry's family home in Godric's Hollow—where Harry's parents died and where the trio is attacked by Nagini. It's unclear if you can go inside, but the village is gorgeous.

Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire

This was the location of  Shell Cottage , the house of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour (sadly it's now been dismantled). The cast and crew, seen here, filmed at the nearby beach. In this scene, the characters have just jumped off a dragon after escaping Gringotts in  Deathly Hallows—Part 2 .

So you can literally walk in Harry Potter's/Daniel Radcliffe's footsteps, if you so choose.

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Experience the Magic: Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood, California

The Harry Potter novels mean more to me than I can properly express in words. As a kid who felt very different, these books brought me so much solace, comfort and companionship. When I heard they were building a theme park of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter I remember being so excited! But as life moved on and I grew up, finding the time to visit the park kept slipping by. Finally, on our last trip to California, in collaboration with Musement , I had the opportunity to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood ! With my passes in hand, I felt Harry Potter being given his ticket onto the Hogwarts Express, bound for Hogsmeade!

After securing our tickets I immediately went online to research what to see and do in the park. I was sad to see that there wasn’t a ton of information out there for the Los Angeles Wizarding World . Everything seemed to focus on the Orlando parks. But that just meant I had my work cut out for me! My mission was to come back with a complete guide for Potter-heads, just like me. In the hopes that your first trip to Hogsmeade is as magical as you imagined it to be.

Ticket Prices

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is where muggles can get a chance to visit the streets of Hogsmeade ! Many people seem to overlook going to Universal Studios Hollywood over Orlando. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando has two different Harry Potter areas (both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley) whereas Universal Studios in Hollywood only has Hogsmeade.

While there only might be one Harry Potter area to visit the price of admission in California is much cheaper than in Orlando. A two-day park pass in California will only cost you $109 USD. Whereas in Orlando a one-day park-hopper (which will allow you to see both Hogsmead and Diagon Alley) will run you $174 USD . So if you’re looking for value for money then Universal Studios Hollywood is the place for you! I also found that by only having one park to visit, rather than two, you can really dedicate more time to exploring the world properly. Rather than rushing through, trying to see everything in too short of a time.

Expert Tips for Exploring the Park

Buy tickets in advance.

The best way to have as close to perfect a day as possible is to buy your tickets in advance . Doing this means you won’t need to worry about anything upon arriving at the park and can simply head right inside!

Arrive Early

Also, be sure to arrive early ! Early in the morning is when you’ll have the best chance of seeing the streets of Hogsmeade without throngs of people. Plus, early in the morning is the best time to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey with the shortest wait time. I would advise lining up about 30-45 minutes before the park opens. Sure this means getting up at the crack of dawn but trust me, the early bird really does catch the worm!

Download the Universal Studios app

On the Universal Studios app you have a handy dandy map that will help you find your way around the park. You can also check wait times and see when different shows are happening. The paper map makes for a great souvenir but there is nothing like the app’s convenience. If you aren’t travelling with a data roaming package, download the app before leaving your hotel. Then you can use the park’s wifi to navigate inside the app.

How to Get there

The traffic in L.A. is just as bad as its reputation. Study the options below to find the right plan for your arrival at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Downtown LA Metro

If you don’t already know, LA has its own metro system which actually runs right up to Universal City Walk. Just get off at North Hollywood Station. From there it’s about a 15-minute walk to the gates of Universal. So if you’re staying somewhere on or near the Metro line this is a great option for you. And with rides costing just $1.75 per trip, you can’t beat the price!

Another great option is to take an Uber or rideshare . Uber will take you to one of the two the rideshare drop off areas near Universal. There is one right near the entrance to the park and one inside Universal City Walk. If you want to grab a coffee and doughnut to enjoy while you wait in line, the rideshare drop off at Universal City walk is right near Voodoo Doughnuts ! Personally, this is what I would choose, those doughnuts are outta this world. From there you can easily walk over to the entrance of the park, about a 5-minute walk. Ubers are fairly affordable but obviously that depends on where you’re coming from. Leaving and returning outside of rush hours will help keep those costs down. You can always check the fare calculator to give you a better idea of the exact cost.

Shuttle Bus

Many of the hotels downtown and around L.A. have shuttle services that run to Universal Studios. Check with the front desk to see if this is available at your hotel. Pick up a copy or note down their timetables for your return journey. The shuttle service is often free with your hotel stay so definitely worth looking into.

If you rented or have your own car you can park at the Universal Studios parking lot. Parking is by far the most expensive option so be sure to weigh all your choices. Parking rates are as follows:

General  Parking  $25 before 6pm – $10 after 6pm Preferred  Parking  $40 before 6pm – $20 after 6pm Front Gate  Parking   $60 before 6pm – $30 after 6pm Valet  Parking  $25 first 2 hours – $45 after 2 hours

Arriving at the Park

If you get there early enough, you’ll be let into the park’s upper lot before the official opening. From there you’ll be held in a small group in front of the Universal Studios box office building. When it nears official opening time, you listen to this cute recording which begins to play all around you. It sounds like a movie studio getting ready to start filming, lights turning on, extra getting into place and more. Upon hearing “ action! ” you are all allowed to enter the park. It was a really sweet touch I didn’t expect.

When they finally let you in, start walking straight and veer towards the right to find your way to Hogsmeade! You can even see the Hogwarts castle on your right above the other buildings. The journey to the Wizarding World from the entrance is a fairly short one and within moments you’ll be face to face with the gates of Hogsmeade . You’ll pass under a large archway with a hanging sign which pronounces “ Please respect the Spell Limits” .

Arriving in Hogsmead

If you’re anything like me, you’ll need a minute to compose yourself. Laying your eyes on Hogsmeade for the first time is really a huge moment for any fan. In the book, Hogsmeade is described as follows,

“ Hogsmeade looked like a  Christmas  card; the little thatched cottages and shops were all covered in a layer of crisp snow; there were holly wreaths on the doors and strings of enchanted candles hanging in the trees. “

The thin, snow-covered roofs are so tightly packed together, almost like they are huddling together for warmth. Chimneys lean to one side, almost falling over from old age. If you listening closely, beyond the murmur and footsteps of other muggles, you might be able to head the sound of a steam engine…

Hogwarts Express

Just beyond the gates to your right is the Hogwarts Express in all its glory! The ramp on the left side of the train is covered in wizarding luggage waiting to be piled onto the train. In front of the engine is the conductor himself greeting visitors to Hogsmeade! While you can’t get into the train itself, you can get a great snapshot with the friendly conductor.

I was amazed by the fact he, and all the other “wizards” in the park, really play the part! They each have a Wizarding name and stay in character the entire time. The conductor and I had a lovely chat. He asked if it was my first time in Hogsmeade, inquired what house I was in and, when he saw my Prefect badge, what I had done to be good enough to be a Prefect! It was such an adorable little interaction. Don’t miss out on your chance to meet the conductor! I felt like this was something people just skipped past and it’s definitely worth your time.

Hogwarts Castle

If you’ve arrived early in the morning, you’ll want to next head directly to Hogwarts Castle. This is where you can ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Walking up to the castle for the first time I had my breath taken away. The forced perspective the architects of the park used to create the castle make it seem enormous! I tried to see if I could spot any students peeking their heads out the window. The grandeur of the castle is a spectacle all to itself. Every detail from the books and movies were taken into consideration. It looked just like what I had imagined in my head! You really do feel like your standing at the gates of Hogwarts.

On either side of the gates which serve as the entry to the Forbidden Journey ride, you’ll see two winged hogs. These are meant to embody the old saying, “ when pigs fly ,” representing the fact that Hogwarts is a place where the impossible is made possible !

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is one of the best rides in the park but not for the faint of heart . Personally, the ride seemed a little too intense for me but my husband LOVED it and couldn’t stop raving about all the different effects! But, even non-riders can experience the wonderfully immersive queue without having to get on the ride at the end.

There are three options for queues (lines) for the Forbidden Journey. You’ll see wait times posted for the ride on the sign at the entrance or on the app. The first is the regular line, the second is for single riders and the third is the Express Pass (which requires additional admission).

Unless you MUST ride with your group members, I would recommend getting in the single rider line . It’s much faster and once you’re on the ride it’s so dark and fast-paced you won’t be able to see each other anyways.

Rules & Lockers

You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the Forbidden Journey. Be warned that if you have a bag you must either leave it with another group member who isn’t going on the ride or put it in a locker. These lockers can be found directly to your right as you enter Hogwarts castle. Once you find an empty locker, follow the directions on the screen. You’ll scan your fingerprint to lock your items inside and use this same finger to unlock it. This process can be a bit lengthy depending on crowd levels so be sure to consider leaving your bag with a friend if they’re not going on the ride as that will be much faster.  

Even if you don’t want to ride the Forbidden Journey, I would implore you to walk through the ride queue! The line is designed to entertain visitors as they wait. Every inch of it is decorated with elements from the film and the books. Before entering the castle you’ll walk through a little version of the “forbidden forest”. Hiding within the trees is the iconic Flying Ford Anglia, still crashed amongst the rocks.

The Hogwarts Dungeons

The first part of the indoor queue you’ll walk through is the dungeons. Here you’ll find great Mirror of Erisded! Next, you’ll walk through the greenhouses of the Herbology department. The colouring of the decor in here felt like it was plucked right from the films. I swear I could even smell the dirt and plants growing throughout. 

Next, you’ll pass through the hallways of the castle. You’ll see the Hogwarts House Cup counters, Dumbledore’s golden Phoenix statue guarding his office, stained glass windows featuring mythical creatures, statues of great wizards and more!

One of my favourite rooms had to be the hallways of talking portraits. The people inside the portraits move and talk to one and another just like in the books. They were so entertaining and despite the fact that the line was moving so fast, I opted to stay here and listen to the chatter for a few more minutes.

Hogwarts Classrooms

You’ll turn a corner and come upon the Dark Arts classroom. On the teacher’s pulpit, there is a projection of Harry, Ron and Hermione from the film interacting with the objects in the room. This classroom was such an iconic spot for the trio so it was so neat to see it in person.

The next room you’ll approach is Dumbledore’s great office. Above his desk is another projection of Dumbledore from the film. Take a minute to look into all the different cabinets along the wall. Inside are various treasures, many of which are famous objects from the books. Be sure to find the Pensieve in the room before you leave, it was the most intricate prop and so cool to study up close and personal.

Just before entering the ride itself, you’ll find the sorting hat. It spouts off projections about future first years and banters with riders as they approach the candlelit ride. The queue is so immersive that even a long wait here is so entertaining. It really makes the time fly by.

The ride itself features 4 side-by-side seats with harnesses that fix your body in place. You are made to feel like you’re riding a broomstick through the castle. You’ll fly across the Quidditch field and over the Whomping Willow. You’ll see Aragog and even the Basilisk. But the scariest part is when you have a ghastly encounter with an animatronic Dementor! Since the Dementors are real, and not 4k projections, they feel even more intense as they come towards you! The ride finishes with Harry in the Gryffindor common room hoisted high on the arms of his fellow students. It’s the closest thing any muggle will ever have to riding a broom throughout the Wizarding world.

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods

As you leave the ride, you’ll pass through Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods shop. Inside this shop, you’ll find lots of “confiscated items”. These include; the Marauder’s Map, replicas of Death Eater masks, the time turner necklace and more. If you’re a collector, this is one of the best shops to buy your very own replica props. They even sell copies of the Harry Potter books here, as these are still on the list of banned books in various countries around the world and would, therefore, be “confiscated” items.

On top of the various display cases are replica props from the books and films. There are even boxes around the upper selves labelled with names of various students on them. These are thought to possess various items Filch had confiscated from them over the years. All the wizard employees in the shop are here serving their “detention”. Go up to any of the employees in the shop and ask them what they did to deserve “detention”. Each one has a funny little story of what they did. It’s a cute little easter egg and I loved hearing the different stories of devious things they did.

Three Broomsticks

If you’re a Harry Potter nerd like me, you’ll be over the moon to dine inside the Three Broomsticks. This pub features heavily in the books and isn’t to be missed. The best way to get a table at the Three Broomsticks is to eat early or late. 12 pm and 6 pm are the busiest times since they are the typical lunch and dinner hours for visitors. We opted to eat early (around 11 am) to give ourselves the afternoon to explore shops and go on other rides. Just outside the Three Broomsticks be sure to take a look at the wanted poster posted out front. The animated projection of Sirius Black is just like the wanted posters from the movies and adds to the realism that the park aims to create.

It’s interesting to note that the Three Broomsticks pub featured in the film  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince  was modeled after the one in the theme park! And not vice versa. Stuart Craig , who was the production designer for the Harry Potter movies also worked for Universal Creative. He designed the theme parks and loved his design for the Three Broomsticks so much he used it in the movies. There are so many details I loved inside the restaurant which made you feel like you’re in another world. Everything from the ancient paintings on the wall, mounts of magical creatures, broomstick parking, to the ancient storage boxes piled high on the second floor made you feel like you were really in Hogsmeade.

To order your food, line up at the kiosks just inside the entrance. Once you’ve placed your order, you’ll grab your food from the counter to your left. Just wait for your name and number to be called. With your tray in hand, head over to the line to be seated. When we visited, we were there early enough that it was so empty we could just seat ourselves wherever we wanted! See, it pays to eat during off-hours. As the day wore on, you had to wait in line to be seated and therefore didn’t get to choose where you ate.

The food at the Three Broomsticks was incredible! Theme park food I think is getting better and better and we loved every bit of our meal. Most of the food is traditional British cusine with things like roast chicken, fish n’ chips, cornish pasties and more. You can also order desserts like trifle, butterbeer ice cream, butterbeer potted cream and apple pie. I highly recommend the butterbeer potted cream!

If you haven’t tried a butterbeer yet than this is a great opportunity to get one! Dining inside the Three Broomsticks doesn’t have to consist of an entire meal. So if you’re looking to enjoy the atmosphere but don’t wanna spend a lot of money, ordering a drink is a great alternative. There are three versions of butterbeer you can order here; classic Butterbeer, frozen Butterbeer and hot Butterbeer.

We ordered the classic Butterbeer as it felt most authentic to the experience. How can I describe butterbeer for you if you’ve never had it before? The original is very sweet, like butterscotch, with a hint of cream soda flavoured fizz. On top, the “foam” is made from a froth that tastes like melted marshmallows. I think the foam was my favourite part! The drink is VERY sweet so I don’t think everyone needs their own. One or two are enough to share with the whole family. Then get some Gillywater to wash the rest down.

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Hot Butterbeer

Later in the day I wanted to try the hot version. It was such a chilly day, and I needed something to warm up with. And this was honestly the PERFECT thing for it! The hot butterbeer I preferred over the cold. It was similar to a butterscotch latte and I felt like the sweetness worked better in the hot version, than in the cold.

Hog’s Head Pub

If you’re looking to order a real beer than you’ve come to the right place. The Hog’s Head Pub from the books is owned and operated by Aberforth Dumbledore , the younger brother of Albus Dumbledore . At this counter-service bar you can order a variety of the locally brewed beers. Try the Hog’s Head Brew red ale, a Dragon’s Scale lager, or the Wizard’s Brew porter. These come either in a plastic cup or souvenir stein.

In addition to beers, you can also order wine by the glass, fruit cider or fire whisky (another famous drink mentioned in the books). Obviously you must be over 21 to order any alcohol here as that is the legal drinking age in America.

Ollivanders Wand Shop

Next up, check the wait times for Ollivanders Wand Shop . Usually, by mid-afternoon (especially during lunch hour) the line isn’t too long. Don’t get in line unless the wait times are about 15 minutes or less. Even when it says “15 minutes” the wait is usually much longer. Throughout the day you’ll always be able to find a time to get in here relatively quickly so there’s no need to wait over half an hour. The line is outside so if you want to enjoy a Butterbeer while you wait this is a great opportunity to do so. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing a wand, this little interactive show is well worth experiencing.

In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Ollivanders is the wand shop everyone goes to get their first wand. It’s been owned by the same family of wandmakers since 382 B.C.! When you enter inside you can feel the “age” of the building. Dusty wand boxes are stacked right up to the ceiling. They seem to lean and sway with the sagging of the walls. 

The Ollivanders Experience

An Ollivanders wand shop employee greets you in the first room. There, he explains the rules of the shop and ushers you in through a secret door. This is the private wand fitting room. You’ll be greeted by another clerk who will select one lucky person from the group to have their wand fitted.

This is a wonderful interactive experience and the actor we had playing the wand clerk was incredible and full of whimsy! Although I was disappointed not to be chosen, I loved seeing the look on the kid’s face who got picked. He got to try out various wands to see which wand was fit for him! He cast spells throughout the room and those “magical” interactive elements really made you feel that at any moment you could cast a spell yourself.

Buying a Wand

After the show is over, you are sent through another secret doorway into the main shop. This area sells wands for everyone to buy. There are replica wands of pretty much every character from the films. The replica wands were gorgeous and I couldn’t believe how many characters’ they had. I expected just the most important ten characters or so would be featured but they had everyone! I found Lavender Brown, Dean Thomas, various Death Eater wands and even Nicolas Flamel! My heart had been set on buying Luna Lovegood ‘s wand (she’s my favourite character) but I was intrigued by the personality-based “unclaimed” wands…

Unclaimed Wands

These “unclaimed” wand designs are uniquely suited to your personality and your birthday. This is based on the fact that J.K. Rowling found out that her choice of holly for Harry’s wand coincidentally corresponded with his birthday on the Celtic tree calendar. The Celtic Tree Calendar has thirteen lunar divisions, each one of which has a corresponding tree. If you want to learn more about this I found it really fascinating. It’s like finding a wand based on your celtic zodiac sign.

Wand Evaluation

When I got there I saw another girl talking to one of the employees who offered to give her a custom wand “ evaluation “. The wand clerk will ask you a bunch of questions; your birth date, your name and then a lot of other personality qualifiers. From there they will present one or two wands to you which reflect what they learned from your evaluation. When they present the wand, they go over all its properties and what kind of person would suit the wand. It was like listening to a bedtime story, there were so many interesting aspects to each one.

The wand she picked for me represented me perfectly! It was a long, Rowan wand, with a skull carved into the hilt. Although it might seem macabre, the skull in the wizarding world doesn’t always reflect evil or death. But rather refers to wizards who live well and fully. No dark witch or wizard has ever owned a rowan wand. I won’t spoil any more of their descriptions since I think getting this special wand analysis is so fun to do! Even if you don’t buy the wand in the end (they don’t mind), you should give it a try. Just ask any of the employees on the shop floor.

Interactive Wands

Whichever wand you purchase, there are two types, identified by the labels on the wand boxes. The wands with a gold label are the interactive wands that you can use through the Wizarding World. The wands with the matte labels are just ornamental. The interactive wands can be used in all Wizarding World parks to cast spells. These “spells” can be cast at different locations inside the Wizarding World. Inside your wand box, there is a map to all the interactive destinations. They also provide instructions on how to perform each spell. I got an interactive wand and loved preforming the spells in the park. It definitely makes you feel like a real wizard. But even just the ornamental wands themselves make you feel like you’ve been to Hogwarts and back. They look gorgeous to display in your home and a fun prop to use throughout your visit to Hogsmeade.

Ollivanders doesn’t have an apparent entrance door into the shop. But if you don’t want to wait in line for the Ollinvanders Experience to shop for your wand, you can enter Ollivanders through a back door inside Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment . There is also a wand cart outside Hogwarts castle if Ollivanders is too busy and you really want to buy your wand ASAP. The wand cart is generally fairly empty and has a multitude of wands to choose from. But the experience inside Ollivanders is much more authentic.

Flight of the Hippogriff

If the wait time is less than 20 minutes, head on over to Flight of the Hippogriff . You need to be 39 inches or taller to ride this ride. It’s a short, family coaster that takes you on a journey around Hagrid’s hut. While in line, you’ll get to see Sirius Black’s motorcycle, Buckbeak and if you listen closely you might even be able to hear Fang bark! Don’t expect too much from the ride but if the queue is short its a fun way to see Hogsmeade from above, at the top of the coaster.

The afternoon is a great time to spend exploring the shops. The crush and excitement of the morning shoppers will have died down slightly. Many people are also off riding rides throughout the rest of the park. Below are some of the must-visit places in Hogsmead.

I find it best to start on at Hogsmeade Station , making your way up towards the castle and finishing at Honeydukes. The most affordable and delicious treats are available at Honeydukes. This is where you might do the most shopping so it’s best to do it last. That way you won’t need to lug a heavy bag around the rest of the day and your treats won’t melt!

Hogsmeade Station

Hogsmeade station is a small shop made to look like an old fashioned train ticket booth. Inside you’ll find various apparel and souvenirs with Platform 9 ¾ on it, hidden among piles of old fashioned luggage. If you’re a train buff this is the place for you. You can find train tickets, model trains, conductor hats, images of the Hogwarts express printed on t-shirts and more!

The Back Alley

Continue along the south side of Hogsmeade and take a short little detour behind the first row of shops. This little alleyway features a few different shop front and windows which display various magical items. Although you can’t enter these shops there are some fantastic photo opportunities back here. This place is tucked away from the crowds and there are some interactive wand spots here too.

Brews and Stews is one of my favourite windows to peek into. The shop is a combination hostel for travelling wizards and seafood restaurants. Another food-related shop on this street is the Magical Neep shop. The Magic Neep is a magical greengrocer selling neep or “turnips” which are used in many different spells.

Magic Neep Cart

Right beside the Magic Neep shop, you’ll find a large, bright green cart called the Magic Neep Cart . This cart sells everything from fresh fruits, to pretzels as well as different drinks like Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice , and Gilly Water . The Pumpkin juice is served in one of the most charming bottles and I think is even more delicious than butterbeer. Hot take! Gilly water is just plain water but branded in Harry Potter-themed bottles. A great little place to grab a snack if you’re getting hungry.

Dervish & Banges

From the back alley, there is a side door which leads you into Dervish & Banges . Dervish & Banges is a shop that features a little more prominently in the books and is known to sell “magical instruments and stuff,” according to Ron Weasley. Inside Dervish & Banges you can find various house themed items and apparel. The shop is gorgeously designed. They really wanted it to feel like an old, clothing store. Antique boxes and piles of merchandise are stacked up on the second floor. Different parts of the shop move like by magic. There are flying broomsticks bobbing up and down above your head as well as the cage which holds the ‘The Monster Book of Monsters”. Be careful, it will snap at any little children who dare to put their fingers inside the cage!

This is a great place to find your own pair of Luna Lovegood’s ‘ Spectrespecs ‘ or buy a plush version of the monster book.

Quidditch equipment

Dervish & Banges also sell all sorts of Quidditch equipement, from customizable Quidditch team shirts to replicas of the Quaffles and Golden Snitches. you can even find the Nimbus 2001 and the Firebolt brooms.

Connected to Dervish & Banges, make your way up to the Owl Post Shop. All along the timber tall walls are animatronic owls who move and howl at customers as they come inside. Brown paper parcels are stacked to the ceiling awaiting their recipients. If you purchase anything from this shop you can even pay to have it wrapped in the very same iconic brown paper wrapping.

Inside a little window hidden in the shop is 3D projection of howler which screeches at passersby. The shop even has its own real post office where you can send mail from Hogsmeade! If you buy a card to mail from here it will bear the postmark of Hogsmeade, a great surprise from the receiver. The Owl Post is the best place to buy a various bit of stationery from real quills with ink, notebooks, and even your very own owl (a plush one of course). My favourite item in this shop were the notebooks made to look like the covers of various books from the movies like Tom Riddle’s diary, the ‘ Advanced Potion Making ‘ manuals from  The Half-Blood Prince , the cover of the ‘ History of Magic ‘ and even ‘ Tales of Beetle the Bard ‘.

Gladrags Wizardwear

The last shop in this large complex is Gladrags Wizardwear . This clothing shop was visited by the trio multiple times in the book and was where they went to buy a present for Dobby since the shop “ had the best selection of socks in Hogsmead” . The shop was founded in 1750 and is full of incredible items to both buy and admire. On the second level, you can see hundreds of ribbons, rolls of fabric, piles of buttons and more ready to be whipped up into a brand new set of dress robes.

In a glass case inside the shop, you’ll also be able to admire Hermione’s enchanting Yule Ball gown up close! Here you can buy your very own Hogwarts robe along with a variety of house pins, prefect badges and other jewellery and appeal.

Spintwitches and Tomes & Scrolls

Heading out of the front door of Gladrags, make a quick stop just to your right. Here you’ll find two more shop fronts to peek inside as they are not accessible to visit into. These are Spintwitches and Tomes and Scrolls . Spintwitches specializes in sporting goods and sells all sorts of Quidditch supplies and fan apparel. Tomes and Scrolls , as the name implies, is a specialist bookshop established in 1768! I loved peering into their windows to spot all the different ancient books and volumes piled up inside.

Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment

Turn yourself now to the opposite side of the street and head inside Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment . This was my favourite shop in Hogsmeade. Walking inside, the Prussian blue walls covered in gold embellishment sparkle and shine, dazzling the eye of the beholder. The shop is made to look like an ancient astronomers tower with astrological constellations painted on the ceiling. Everything from crystal balls, to telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses are displayed inside the window cases.

I love the name of this shop since a “ wiseacre ” is a term for someone who claims to be knowledgeable about everything (but is not). One can definitely imagine that someone who buys all these sorts of props would be someone trying to put on airs to seem wiser than they really are. Wisescare’s is another great place to buy your house robes if Gladrags is too busy. 

Buying a Robe

I bought my robe here since I just loved the atmosphere inside this shop. You can try on the robes in front of their “ancient” mirrors. I really felt like I was getting ready for my first year at Hogwarts! The robes are not cheap but the quality is superb, much better than any of those I’ve worn from costume shops.

I had had my heart set on buying a robe and the experience didn’t disappoint. Not only did it keep me warm (since it was such a cold and rainy day) but it also did indeed make me feel more apart of the world. And whether you buy a robe here or bring one from home, dressing the part adds to your overall experience! You could even just wear some Harry Potter coloured or themed clothing to make your outfit feel more in line with the wizarding world! I highly recommend it.

Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop

Since we’ve already been inside Ollivanders, take a moment to study its windows display from the street. The inaccessible door between the two shop windows with the sign above the door is a wonderful photo opportunity! Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop is located right beside Ollivanders and Wiseacre’s. Although the shop window says “back soon” this is another shop that cannot be entered and is just viewable from outside. Scrivenshaft’s is visited by Hermione Granger on at least one occasion when she wants to purchase a new quill. The word ‘ Scriven ‘ is a play on the Welsh word ‘ ysgrifenu ‘, which means ‘ writing ‘.

Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop 

The last two storefronts to look into but not enter are Madam Puddifoot’s and Dogweed and Deathcap . Madam Puddifoot’ s is located right beside the line into the Ollivander experience. This shop window is definitely one of the most delicious looking displays. It’s honestly a little heartbreaking since you can’t actually eat any of those delicious cakes in the window. The tea shop is described as being “ a cramped, steamy little place where everything seemed to have been decorated with frills or bows.” In the Harry Potter books, this was where couples would gather in Hogsmeade over the weekends to have a romantic date. 

Public Conveniences (Bathrooms)

Even if you don’t need to use the “loo” (the British slang term for Bathroom) take a visit to the washrooms. Take a seat and see if you can hear something strange echoing throughout the room. Throughout the washrooms, you can hear the sound of Moaning Myrtle and hear her aggressively rattling the pipes. A small touch but one that brought a smile to my face.

Dogweed and Deathcap

Dogweed and Deathcap is a storefront in Hogsmeade which you can peer into. It is known to sell exotic plants and flowers and presumably the Death-Cap s. The windows are piled high with various plants, both known and unknown, which bloom and whose vines crawl up the walls and windows.

Butterbeer Cart

Outside of Honeydukes is one of the iconic bright red, Butterbeer carts. If you haven’t’ tried butterbeer yet be sure you do before you leave. It’s easily one of the most memorable items from Harry Potter’s first visit to Hogsmeade and it would be a shame not to try the brew for yourself. Even if you don’t want to sample the drink, any of these carts are a great place for a photo opportunity!

Honeydukes is visually one of the most amazing shops in Hogsmeade. Just walking in the door you are overcome with the smell and the scenery all around you. There is just something about mint green and pastel pink that makes you smile! One of my favourite quotes from the books about Honeydukes describes it perfectly, “ …there were shelves upon shelves of the most succulent-looking sweets imaginable. Creamy chunks of nougat, shimmering pink squares of coconut ice, fat, honey-coloured toffees; hundreds of different kinds of chocolate in neat rows; there was a large barrel of Every Flavour Beans and another of Fizzing Whizzbees .”

Honeydukes was first established in 1641 and owned by Ambrosius Flume and his wife. Throughout the shelves you’ll find many of those iconic sweets from the book. Each one lovingly recreated here! The two most famous treats are Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans .

I picked up so many different items from the shop. Not only do they look delicious but the packaging of each of the treats is just as collectable as the treats themselves.

Be sure to visit the hidden back alley behind Honeydukes as it features one of the most beautiful window displays. In the front window, you’ll be able to see a collection of the various chocolate frogs and wizarding cards hidden within them.

Zonko’s Joke Shop

At the back of Honeydukes, you’ll also be able to visit Zonkos Joke Shop . Zonkos is one of Fred and George’s favourite places in Hogsmeade. It sells everything a wizard needs to play pranks and make people laugh. In the books it was known to carry such things as; Dungbombs, Hiccough Sweets, Stink Pellets, Frog Spawn Soap, Sugar Quills, and Nose-Biting Teacups. In the Wizarding World, you can still buy some really interesting items in the shop which have the most wonderful and playful packaging.

You can find Extendable Ears, Screaming Yo-yos, Pygmy Puffs and more. They also sell some “joke” candy-like Shock-o-choc, Exploding Bon-bons, and U-No-Poo. Most of this candy is pretty delicious but the hilarious boxes will make anyone smile so I think these make the best gifts! 

One of the most iconic things to be found here are the pygmy puffs . These were bred by Fred and Geroge Weasley and are usually sold at their shop in Diagon Alley. But thankfully, they have exported them to Zonkos as well. They are adorable round balls of fur which come in shades of bright pink and purple. They are some of the most popular gifts for children. Be sure to see the outside window of Zonkos where they have a mannequin hilariously puking up “puking pasties” up into a cauldron.

Guide to Casting Spells 

If you’ve purchased an interactive wand, the best time to walk around with your map to cast spells is in the afternoon. Around this time most people are lined up for rides or inside eating. The map you’re given with your wand will be able to guide you to all of the locations in the Wizarding World but there are also some secret ones to find for yourself. Ask any of the wizarding staff around the park for help if you find you can’t cast a spell. They are always happy to help you with your technique. This was one of the best parts since it felt like you were having your very own personal lesson! Once you’ve performed the proper wand movement watch closely as things inside shop windows will move, water will pour and you might even see an explosion of fire!

Entertainment

Throughout the day there are two different shows you can see on the stage, located just to the right up past Wiseacre’s, near the castle. The two performances you can see are the Triwizard Spirit Rally and the Frog Choir (my personal favourite). The Triwizard rally features different performers from the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang schools who each perform acrobatics on a stage, competing against each other. After the show, you can hang around and ask for a photo with the various characters.

The Frog Choir is something that the movies came up with but lasts in the minds of fans to this day. Seeing it in person was so special. Each of the Hogwarts students possesses their own singing frog and they all sing wizarding tunes for the gathered audience. There is something just so charming about those singing frogs…

There is so much more to see at Universal Studios Hollywood outside of the Wizarding World. If you’re a Harry Potter fan like me you’ll want a good solid portion of your day to explore the Wizarding World. A two-day park pass is a great option if you have the time since it will allow you more time to explore all the rest there is to see after you’ve fully immersed yourself in Hogsmeade.

I waited for way too long to come to the Wizarding World and am already planning my next trip to Orlando to see Diagon Alley ASAP! Let me know what you’re looking forward to seeing most at the Wizarding World or what stores you’d love to see open up if they ever do an expansion!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

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30 Places Every Harry Potter Fan Should Visit in London

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If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, then you need to visit London to see the best of everything this magical movie and book has to offer.

From studio tours to filming locations trips, there are loads of Harry Potter places to see in England’s capital.

And we’ve listed all of the best ones so that you can indulge in the world of wizardry and transport yourself into the magical world of Harry Potter.

1 – Platform 9 ¾

Located at King’s Cross station in central London, Platform 9 ¾ is where the Hogwarts Express departs. In the real-life station, you can find Platform 9 ¾ on the wall in the station concourse. Make sure you take a picture or two for Instagram.

• Compare Harry Potter filming locations tours

2 – The Cauldron Bar

Sticking with a Harry Potter-themed location, The Cauldron is a cocktail bar with drinks inspired by the movie. Learn to make a potion or two with a class and sip back on cocktails and enjoy the night.

• see price & reviews

3 – Shaftesbury Avenue

You might remember a scene from the Deathly Hallows part 1, where Harry, Hermione and Ron are attacked by death eaters? Well, that scene happened in Shaftesbury Avenue, which is just a few steps from Piccadilly tube station.

• Check Harry Potter tours

4 – Harry Potter Escape Room

Take on the school of witchcraft and wizardry with this Harry Potter escape room from Enigma Quests . Games last 60 minutes, and anyone between two and five players can attempt to graduate from the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

5 – Reptile House, London Zoo

Visit the London Zoo and go to Reptile House to see where Dudley was stuck behind the glass while the snake slithered away. Then see the rest of the animals at London’s most iconic zoo.

Read here how to book cheap London Zoo tickets and save up to 30%.

• Compare London Zoo tickets

6 – Westminster tube station

Westminster tube station is the location when Harry Potter travels in the Chamber of the Phoenix. It was closed for the entire day during filming, which is some feat considering Westminster is one of London’s busiest areas, for both working professionals and tourists.

7 – Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley provides Harry Potter with his first look into the world of wizardry. And you can find its filming location at Leadenhall Market, which is just a few steps from Monument tube station.

8 – The Leaky Cauldron

Sticking with Leadenhall Market, here you’ll find the secret wizard’s pub, The Leaky Cauldron, which in real life is an optician. But you can still enjoy the Harry Potter magic by visiting Old Tom’s Bar , which is hidden underneath Leadenhall Market.

9 – Gringotts Bank

The only bank in the wizarding world, you can withdraw your fortune at the Australia House, which is just north of Temple tube station at the Victoria embankment. Marvel at the gargoyles and impressive stonework.

10 – Lambeth Bridge

Remember in the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Knight Bus and to squeeze past oncoming doubler deckers? That was at Lambeth Bridge, a bridge that connects Vauxhall and Westminster.

11 – Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour

Perhaps the de facto Harry Potter tour, head to the studio in Watford and wander the 200-acre complex as you see magical sets from the movies. There are props and costumes to discover too.

Is it sold out? Read here how to book last-minute Harry Potter Studio tour tickets .

• Compare Harry Potter Studio tickets

12 – Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

Get yourself down to the West End and buy Harry Potter tickets for a showing of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child . This popular play takes place after Harry Potter’s children have grown up and gone off to Hogwarts. It usually plays at the Palace Theatre.

13 – 10 Downing Street

The first chapter of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince takes place in 10 Downing Street. In real life, it’s the location of the UK’s Prime Minister, and it serves the same purpose in the world of Harry Potter, though the PM can talk to the Minister for Magic occasionally.

14 – St Pancras International

Right next door to Platform 9 ¾ is where you’ll find St Pancras International with its neo-gothic facade. It’s also the location where the Weasley’s magical Ford Anglia takes off in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

15 – The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾

Get all the Harry Potter memorabilia you need at The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ . From sweaters to stuffed owls and wands, the themed gift shop at King’s Cross station has you covered with a wealth of Harry Potter gifts.

16 – Millennium Bridge

The winding, twisting bridge featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is the Millennium Bridge, and you can find it linking bankside and the city. Take a walk across and soak up the sights of London.

17 – The House of MinaLima

Located in Soho, The House of MinaLima is run by the graphic design team responsible for visual design in the world of wizarding. Visit this multiple-floor shop and get yourself Harry Potter posters, maps, and more.

18 – Charing Cross Road

Charing Cross Road is the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter novels, and it’s easy to see why J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from the area. There are loads of second-hand bookshops and antique stores to discover.

19 – Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Located near Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn is where you will find Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the place where 12 Grimmauld Place was filmed. In real life, however, it’s not quite as magical and mostly acts as an office for lawyers. Still, it’s certainly one to tick off the Harry Potter list.

20 – Borough Market

Famous for its mouthwatering foods in real life, Borough Market serves a different purpose in Harry Potter. In the Prisoner of Azkaban, it acts as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and is a popular spot on Harry Potter tours.

21 – Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square has its own place in Harry Potter folklore as the location for the final movie premiere. Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, J. K. Rowling stood on stage and gave speeches to the thousands of fans that showed up to see the stars in real life.

22 – The Ministry of Magic

Whitehall and Old Scotland Yard were both used to represent the magical counterpart to muggle organizations and are the home to muggle politicians. Head to Old Scotland Yard to see where they filmed the Polyjuice potion scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

23 – Georgian House Hotel

Make your Harry Potter experience and overnight one with a stay at the Georgian House Hotel. There’s a Harry Potter-themed room hiding behind a hidden door. Re-watch the movies and tuck into a special cooked breakfast with a broomstick & snitch.

• View prices & reviews

24 – No. 12 Grimmauld Place

In Islington, you will find No. 23–29 Claremont Square, otherwise known as No. 12 Grimmauld Place. It’s the location of Sirius Black’s familial residence in the Harry Potter movies and is located in one of London’s most popular areas.

25 – St. Paul’s

One of London’s most iconic landmarks, St. Paul’s Cathedral is used as the Geometrical Staircase seen in the Prisoner of Azkaban.

26 – Horse Guards Avenue

Where do the Ministry of Magic staff reside in Harry Potter? In real life, the Ministry of Magic entrance is located on Horse Guards Avenue, which is a road in the City of Westminster.

Harry Potter locations outside of London

There are many exciting Harry Potter locations in London, but there’s also a fair few scattered around the UK. If you’ve got the time, we recommend heading to these other great spots to discover more of the world of Harry Potter.

27 – Oxford

The prestigious university at Oxford was used for several filming scenes in the Harry Potter movies as it doubled up as Hogwarts, including the Dumfries Library, Christ Church Dining Hall, and New College Courtyard.

• Check Oxford tours from London

28 – Lavenham

A small village in Surrey is the location of Godric’s Hollow, and it was used for all the Godric’s Hollow scenes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I. The fictional village is actually located in Lavenham, which dates back to the 11th century and is around 75 miles from London.

29 – Lacock

The village of Lacock is located just over 90 miles from London. Various places in Lacock were used in Harry Potter such as the Potter’s house in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the Lacock Abbey which served as the interior for the Hogwarts School.

30 – Alnwick Castle

Madam Hooch’s broomstick flying lesson, seen in the first film, takes place in the Outer Bailey of medieval Alnwick Castle. The castle is a sight to behold and is located some 320 miles from London. An overnight stay is recommended .

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best Harry Potter places to visit in London. If you wish to book a Harry Potter tour, don’t miss our article about the best Harry Potter tours in London so you can pick the one that fits your needs, itinerary and budget.

We wish you a magic stay in England’s capital. Have fun 🙂

Victorian council was told Harry Potter event could scare off owls before approving location

In a beloved wildlife reserve on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula, Warner Brothers was given the green light to conjure up fantastical scenes, including all manner of critters, straight from Harry Potter.

But behind the scenes, the local council was warned that allowing a painstaking recreation of the series' magical world would risk banishing their own, real-world creatures.

Mornington Peninsula Shire drew backlash in supernatural proportions when its decision to approve the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience event at Mount Martha's Briars Sanctuary emerged late last year .

The conservation site is a critical habitat for numerous animals, and locals feared the ecological risks of the event far outweighed its benefit to the community.

The council eventually agreed the fenced reserve should indeed be forbidden to the large crowds expected to flock to the ticketed event. Instead, it was expelled to a nearby off-leash dog park.

Now, a detailed risk assessment for the event — summoned by its critics using Freedom of Information laws — has emerged, listing dozens of potential negative outcomes flagged before it was approved last year.

It shows the council decided to seek legal advice because of a potential breach of wildlife laws — an outcome deemed unlikely, but one that carried a high risk if it occurred.

Meanwhile, it was "possible" that light and sound from the event would force a pair of powerful owls, a vulnerable species, to flee their nearby nest during breeding season.

Among about seven potential outcomes given a high-risk rating was staff misconduct, including a likely risk that staff would leak sensitive information or not contribute constructively to the event.

A long list of risk mitigation measures included getting event producers and "influence providers" to plant trees on the peninsula as a result of the event.

In a statement, the council said it had completed necessary due diligence and "received confirmation from all relevant sources that there would be no breach of any wildlife acts whatsoever".

"We were confident all risks identified could be successfully managed and mitigated and we had expert advice from third party ecologists on mitigation strategies to be implemented," the statement said.

Questions over event benefit

The documents also stoked questions about what the community was set to receive in exchange for the risks to the reserve.

Promoting the event in the face of opposition, the council maintained the event would funnel critical funding back into the sanctuary.

However, the risk assessment flags a likely risk of cost overruns, warning the council may need to identify contingency funding or look into grants.

According to the documents, the council's initial costings were only estimates. It couldn't obtain quotes under the timeframe provided by the event's organiser.

"It's extraordinary that these things weren't actually firmly in place before they agreed to go with it," said Louise Page, a ratepayer and spokesperson for the Save Briars Sanctuary campaign.

"It just blows apart the whole rationale for it."

The ABC can also reveal that sanctuary staff urged council CEO John Baker to reconsider the location, concerned the event would cause "irreversible damage" to conservation efforts at the Briars.

"We feel conflicted and compromised as this event has been presented as a final program and we understand that the Shire needs us to support it," the staff wrote in an 8 November letter.

"In the spirit of our values of openness, integrity, courage, respect and excellence we must express our fear that the Shire's reputation will be damaged by allowing activity of this kind at the Briars."

The group of rangers, whose names were redacted in the letter, felt the scale and impact of the event had been underestimated.

The council said it met with staff to discuss their concerns and measures being taken to protect wildlife.

An ecological report, released when the council agreed to relocate the event in February, warned prolonged exposure to lights from the event could temporarily blind the powerful owls.

But the authors of that July 2023 report warned it was "high level" and general only, because detailed event plans weren't provided.

The Forbidden Forest experience began welcoming visitors at its new location earlier this month at an off-leash dog park, which is part of the Briars property but separate to its wildlife sanctuary where the event was originally planned.

The council expects it to usher in up to $35 million in flow-on economic benefits to the area during a quiet period for the tourism sector.

Asked if any cost potential overruns would be absorbed by Warner Brothers, the council said its agreement was commercial in confidence.

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