๐ Welcome, fellow witches and wizards, to the spellbinding realm of Harry Potter! โจ In this enchanting travel blog, we are going to follow a whimsical journey through the โกWizarding World of Harry Potter in both Hollywood and Orlando! ๐ซ๐ Where magic and wonder await at every turn, ๐งโโ๏ธโจ So grab your wands, don your robes, and let the magic begin with Haque's EYE! ๐๐
๐๏ธ Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort beckon with promises of immersive adventures and captivating experiences, each offering its own unique charm and allure. But fear not, dear readers, as we go we will unveil the secrets of both magical destinations and discover which one truly casts the most enchanting spell! ๐ฐ๐
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
โก๐งโโ๏ธ๐Harry Potter is more than just a movie or a story. It's a big feeling for many kids, including me. I first heard about Harry Potter at a fun party at my friend Lamia Ahmed's house. ๐ After that day, everything changed! Waiting eagerly for the next book when I was a teenager was such a big deal. ๐ And I wasn't alone. There were thousands of fans just like me all over the place!
When Warner Brothers said they were delaying the release of Half-Blood Prince until 2009 instead of 2008 like they originally said, they got over 100 scary threats! ๐ฑ Can you believe it? It shows just how much people love Harry Potter. Whenever I got a chance to explore these relem by myself I took it over and over again! โก๐๐
Hollywood vs. Orlando
The Harry Potter world in Orlando is bigger than the one in Hollywood! ๐ In Orlando, you get two areas to explore: Diagon Alley at Universal Studio and Hogsmeade Village at the Island of Adventure, linked by the Hogwarts Express!
๐โก๏ธ But in Hollywood, it's all in one place, a bit smaller but still magical! ๐ฌ
โจ In short, Orlando has more to see and do, while Hollywood is more compact! ๐ฐ๐ด
Present in Both Locations
๐ฐ Hogwarts Castel
๐ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
๐ข Flight of the Hippogriff
๐งโโ๏ธ Hogsmeade
๐ช Olivanders Wand Shop
๐ฎOllivander's Wand Experience
๐ฏโโ๏ธLive Performances
What are the Most Distinctive Attractions in Orlando?
๐ Hogwarts Express Ride from Park to Park
๐ Diagon Alley
๐ Firey Dragon at Gringotts Bank
๐ Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes
๐ฆ Gringotts Bank
๐ต Gringotts Money Exchange
๐ข Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
๐ Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
๐ The Knight Bus
Now Let's Dive Deeper....
Hogwarts Castel
๐ฐโจ Both Hogwarts Castles are identical but each has its unique setting. ๐ด For the ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" you will walk through the castle.
๐ In Florida, visitors approach Hogwarts from two distinct points: one involves crossing a bridge from the external area near Jurassic Park, while the other occurs after exploring through Hogsmeade. ย Orlando, the queue winds through more elaborate castle interiors, offering a more immersive experience.
Did you know? 14 cars were destroyed to create the scene where Harry and Ron crashed into the Whomping Willow!
๐ฒ๐ฆ Conversely, in California, access to Hogwarts is through Hogsmeade and then the Forbidden Forest where keep an eye out for Mr. Weasley's muggle car, still stuck in the Whomping Willow's grasp! ๐๐ฅ
Fun Fact: Did you know? ๐ฐThe stunning medieval fortress Alnwick Castle, served as the exterior of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films? โก๏ธ๐ฐโจ From Lacock Village and Abbey in Wiltshire to the stunning Highlands of Scotland, these places brought Hogwarts to life on the big screen! ๐ฌโก๏ธ
During the queue ๐ฐโจexplore the greenhouses, where you'll find Professor Sprout's mandrakes growing beautifully. ๐ฑ๐ช
Fun fact: There are 142 Staircases at Hogwarts! ย
Then, venture into Professor Dumbledore's office, where you'll encounter magical artifacts like the Pensieve and the Sword of Gryffindor, along with a warm greeting from the headmaster himself!
โจ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ฅ Did you know that Harry Potter's lightning bolt scar was applied a whopping 500 times by the makeup artist throughout the films? ๐ซ This made it the most expensive (smallest) makeup in the film industry! ๐ฐ โก๏ธ๐ฌ #HarryPotterTrivia #MovieMagic
Next, head to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione will pop up from under the invisibility cloak to share their plans. ๐โ๏ธ
After a quick visit to Gryffindor's common room via the Fat Lady's portrait, say hi to the Sorting Hat on your way to the Room of Requirement for your adventure. ๐ฉโจ
Haque's EYE
๐ถโโ๏ธThe Hogwarts Castle Tour is a hidden gem that not many know about, but you can ask about it as soon as you enter Hogwarts Castle. ๐ฐโจ This special experience allows you to explore parts of Hogwarts that aren't typically accessible in the ride queue. ๐ถโโ๏ธIt's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the magic of Hogwarts! ๐งโโ๏ธ๐
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
When it comes to thrills, buckle up for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journeyโit's intense! But over in Hollywood, it's next-level intense because it's in 3D and HD! ๐ข๐คฉ Get ready to feel like you're flying with Harry and his friends in stunning detail! โจ๐ถ๏ธ #ForbiddenJourneyFun
Did you know during the filming of the Harry Potter movies, Daniel Radcliffe went through over 160 pairs of glasses? ๐ค๐ฌ
๐ขโจRiding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey feels like flying through scenes straight from your imagination! ๐ช๐๐ฎAs you fly through the Forbidden Forest, brace yourself for a run-in with the enormous Whomping Willow tree, its branches ready to clobber you!
๐ณ๐ฅHold on tight as Dementors swoop down during the Quidditch match, leading you on a chilling journey deep into the Chamber of Secrets. ๐ฑ๐จAnd then... well, you'll just have to experience that for yourself! The story is identical in both places.๐คซโจ #MagicalJourney #WizardingWorld
Flight of the Hippogriff
The queue for Flight of the Hippogriff is an adventure on its own, taking you through the twists and turns of the Forbidden Forest and past Hagridโs cozy hut. ๐ฒ๐ Did you know that the Flight of the Hippogriff's track stretches over 1,100 feet, with speeds reaching up to 29 MPH?
๐ช๐ And here's the best part: the height requirement is just 36 inches! ๐๐ฆ It's a kid-friendly roller coaster, perfect for some easy, magical fun and it is present at both places! ๐ขโจ The only difference is At the Flight of the Hippogriff ride in California, each rider has their own individual lap bar, while in Florida, the entire car shares one lap bar. ๐ข๐ช Also, in Florida this ride would be at the Island of Adventure Park! ๐ฆ ๐๏ธ
๐งโโ๏ธ Hogsmeade
๐ฐโจ At Universal Studios Hollywood, Hogsmeade sits snugly among California's hills, offering breathtaking views.๐งโโ๏ธ๐ฌ
Meanwhile, over at Universal Orlando Resort, Hogsmeade sprawls out with more attractions, including the magical Hogwarts Express connecting to Diagon Alley. ๐๐ผ
Both locations offer the delightful Butterbeer experience without any magical spells needed! ๐บโจ This tasty beverage comes in both cold and frozen versions, catering to every wizard's preference. And despite its name, Butterbeer is non-alcoholic!
๐ป Pro Tip: Many agree that the Frozen version is even more delicious! โ๏ธ๐Costs about 8$-9$.
๐งโโ๏ธ Moreover, in Hollywood's Hogsmeade, you can also dine on classic British dishes like bangers and mash and shepherd's pie at the Three Broomsticks, which is a bit bigger than the one in Orlando. ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฐ
At Dervish and Banges, one of the shops located on the Holywood Version, visitors can buy all sorts of Potter-themed merchandise! ๐๏ธ
๐ช Explore the wonders of the Wizarding World and take home some magical souvenirs to cherish! โจ๐ฐ
๐ช Olivanders Wand Shop
In Florida, there are two Ollivanders shopsโone in Hogsmeade and one in Diagon Alley. But in California, there's only one, and it's extra special! ๐ช๐
When you enter the California Ollivanders, you're greeted with a main area filled with wand boxes. But here's the magic: a secret panel in the room opens up to reveal not one, but two wand ceremony rooms! ๐คฏโจ You'd never guess there were two rooms! It's like a hidden surprise waiting to be discovered! ๐๐
๐ฎOllivander's Wand Experience
๐If you are buying a wand - go for the interactive one! ๐ช It's pricier ($45-50), but worth it for the added magic in various locations in Hogsmeade. ๐ซ They provide a map with every wand, to complete every spell on the map one should consider about an hour at each park! โฑ๏ธ ๐ช๐บ๏ธ
We've uncovered two hidden wand spells near Hogsmeade Station, right after the Hogwarts Express in Universal Studio Hollywood.
Incendio: Casting this spell ignites the chimney nearby, and you can actually feel the warmth radiating from it! ๐ฅโจ
Alohomora: When you perform this spell in front of the large door, it triggers a magical effectโa dragon appears to pound on the door, and smoke billows out from below! ๐๐จ
โจ๐ชOn the other hand, in Florida, across both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, you'll find 25 different locations where you can experience the enchantment of wand magic! ๐๐ฉ
Live Performances
Both locations offer outdoor shows featuring Hogwarts students and their singing frogs, along with characters from the Tri-Wizard Tournament! ๐ธ๐ช Be sure to check the app for show times! ๐ฑ๐ถ
๐ธ Frog Choir
Outside Hogwarts Castle, enjoy a cappella tunes with puppet frogs! Perfect for kids! ๐ถ
๐ช Triwizard Spirit Relay
Be dazzled by Beauxbatons' ribbon dances and Durmstrang's acrobatics! Snap pics with the performers afterward! ๐ธโจ
๐Hogwarts Express
๐ช๐ A major difference between the two studios is Hogwarts Express itself. Hop aboard the Hogwarts Express in Orlando for a magical journey between Hogsmeade and King's Cross Station! ๐โจ
Traveling on the Hogwarts Express gives you two distinct experiences!
๐ Departing from King's Cross Station feels like starting your first term at Hogwarts. Encounter friends, enjoy treats from the trolley, and watch out for Dementors.
Bunch of first years!
๐ฐ Heading from Hogsmeade to London is a different adventure. Keep an eye out for familiar faces and the Malfoy Manor.
๐ฐ๐ Each leg of the trip offers a unique experience, from the excitement of passing through Platform 9 ยพ to encountering beloved characters and magical creatures from the movies. ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ฆ
Haque's EYE
To ride the Hogwarts Express from one park to another, you'll need either a 2 Park 2-Day ticket or a 2 Park 1-Day ticket. ๐๏ธ๐ This allows you to experience the magical journey between the parks aboard the iconic Hogwarts Express! โจ
Conversely, in Holywood, the Hogwarts Express is a true-size model but not an actual train that you can ride on!
๐ Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade? Or Both?
Step right into both the wizarding wonders of the Harry Potter Movie at Universal Studios Orlando! Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village are both in the same place! ๐ชโจ
In both places Hogsmeade is almost identical.๐งโโ๏ธโจIn Diagon Alley, the cobblestone streets transport you into the heart of wizarding London, where every corner holds a magical surprise. ๐ฐ๐ซ
๐๐ฅ The fiery dragon atop Gringotts Bank is a huge hit! Every 10-15 minutes, it breathes scorching flames at 3560ยฐF! ๐ฒ๐จ Listen for the Ironbelly's growl just before the fire showโit's your cue! ๐
From the iconic Ollivanders wand shop to the mischievous Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, the shops are brimming with enchanted treasures waiting to be discovered. ๐ชโจ
๐ฐAs you wander through the bustling streets, you'll encounter towering buildings adorned with whimsical signs, each promising a unique adventure. ๐งโโ๏ธโจ Peek into the windows of Flourish and Blotts, where shelves are stacked high with spellbinding books, or marvel at the intricate designs of magical artifacts in the windows of Borgin and Burkes. โจ๐
๐ฆ Gringotts Bank & Money Exchange
๐๏ธAnd don't forget to visit Gringotts Bank, where wizards stash their gold and secrets! ๐ฆ๐ฐIn Diagon Alley, it's the fanciest building around, all marble and statues.
โจ๐ฆ Step into the grand lobby of Gringotts Bank, where busy goblins work tirelessly. Admire four stunning chandeliers with 62,000 sparkling crystals above! ๐๐ผ
Inside, it's bustling with wizards and witches doing their banking. ๐ผ๐
๐งโโ๏ธ๐ฎVisit the Gringotts Money Exchange to trade your muggle money for Gringotts Bank Notes. Use these special notes for purchases in Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and select places across Universal Orlando Resort. ๐ฐ๐๏ธ
๐ข Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
โจ๐๏ธThere's more to Gringotts than deposits and withdrawals. It's also home to a super exciting ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. ๐ข๐ฅ
๐ขโจYou will be surrounded by stunning 360-degree sets, with mind-blowing 4K digital animation all around you.
It's like stepping right into the heart of the Harry Potter movies! Hop on to the elevator and zoom through the bank's tunnels, dodging dragons and trolls! ๐ฅ๐
Haque's EYE
The ride felt too short. It seemed to begin and end quickly. So it did not add any value to my visit to Orlando, Universal Studio. Again it is just my personal opinion!
๐ Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
๐ข "Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure" is an iconic ride exclusively at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
๐ฆ๐ฟ Step into Hagrid's cozy hut in the queue for the ride! ๐ ๐ณ Enjoy the warm firelight and the enchanting atmosphere of the Forbidden Forest.๐งโโ๏ธโจ
๐งโโ๏ธExplore its rustic charm, adorned with magical treasures like Dragon Eggs, Dragon Skin Hand Gloves, and peculiar cages for mystical creatures. ๐ฅ๐ฎ
๐ฐ As you journey through the Forbidden Forest, you'll come face to face with Hagrid himself! ๐งโโ๏ธโจHagrid's incredibly realistic appearance is thanks to Universal's groundbreaking human-like animated figure technology! ๐
๐ฐ This thrilling roller coaster takes you through the Forbidden Forest, meeting magical creatures and sights from Harry Potter. ๐ณ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ And get thisโover 1,200 real trees were utilized to craft this enchanted forest setting! ๐ณ๐ฐ Sadly, you can't experience this ride in Hollywood's Wizarding World. ๐
๐ฑ As you glide along the longest coaster in the state, spanning nearly a mile at 5,050 feet, brace yourself for a jaw-dropping 65-foot catapult that sends you soaring at over a 70-degree angle before plunging backward in one electrifying motion! ๐ด
๐ข And that's not allโthis coaster is the world's most launched, boasting 7 heart-pounding launches! ๐ Prepare for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime with the first free-fall vertical drop in the U.S., plummeting nearly 17 feet! Uooff...๐คฏ
Another cool feature about this ride is you can go to Universal Orlando's Website and download all the cool posters, like the one in the picture, from here!
๐ Knight Bus
๐ฐ๐ Find the Knight Bus parked outside Diagon Alley! At Universal Orlando, the Knight Bus isn't just a propโit's an interactive experience!
Step inside and chat with the Knight Bus conductor and the talking shrunken head for an immersive encounter straight out of the movies. ๐๐ฌ
๐ฅBONUS!
Don't miss out on the nighttime light show at Hogwarts Castleโit's an absolute must-see at Universal Studios! ๐๐ฐ
In both locations, no matter the season, Hogwarts' nighttime shows start at dusk and run every 20 minutes until park close! ๐โจ Rain or shine, they'll go on, unless there's severe weather. โ๏ธ
Haque's EYE
Triwizard Spirit Rally/Frog Choir stage offers the best view, but it gets crowded. ๐ธ๐ชTry to go on a weekday or catch the last shows for fewer crowds and an optimal experience. ๐๐For best photo opportunity Stand close to the rail and do not use Flash! ๐
Whether you're in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort is pure magic! โจ Each place brings J.K. Rowling's world to life in its own special way, inviting fans of all ages to dive into Harry's adventures. So grab your wand and get ready for a journey full of fun, friendship, and enchantment! ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ฐ
Will come agian with lots of useful tips about some other corner of the World, so stay tuned with Haque's EYE and Happy Travelling!
Comments