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If you are enchanted by magical spells and wands, wizards, mythical creatures, castles and magic, dark alleys and artifacts, adorable shops & their souvenirs, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter may have always attracted you. For all the Potterheads, this Wizarding World is turned into a reality at three locations: Osaka, Japan, Los Angeles, California, USA, and Orlando, Florida, USA. London does have a Harry Potter attraction, but it is not the Wizarding World, literally. Brimming with all the fascinating stuff from Potterworld, there are some secret spots too, which can be easily missed. This guide will help you navigate the Potter world more consciously and amazingly.
10 Discovering Platform 9 ¾ By Yourself
Do you remember the baffled look on the muggle’s face when Harry asked for the directions to Platform 9 ¾? When you enter King’s Cross to board the Hogwarts Express, look out for Hedwig and a pane of glass. This glass pane looks seemingly toward a brick wall that has signs of Platforms 9 and 10. Remember Mrs. Weasley’s words here, “Best do at it a bit of run if you are nervous” and surpass this brick wall and head towards the platform
9 Experience The Hogwarts Express Ride
Basically, Orlando’s Wizarding World has been divided into two Universal Parks. Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle are in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, whereas Diagon Alley and Gringotts are in Universal Studios, Florida. Both are connected by Hogwarts Express, one of the enchanting experiences to behold. Covering both locations isn’t quite feasible on the same day; thus, a multi-day visit is advised. Also, one needs a Park-To-Park ticket to experience Hogwarts Express, and the ticket is not allotted with single-park tickets.
8 Spotting Out Diagon Alley
It’s quite easy to miss Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, especially without even realizing it. Located in the original Universal Studios Florida Park, the Diagon Alley entrance can be found across the famous Knight Bus. Well, there are two entrances to reveal the splendor of Diagon Alley, where the giant brick wall leads you to it inevitably. Whereas the second one is less obvious and is placed to the right of the brick entrance near Grimmauld Place. Harry Potter & Escape From Gringotts ride over here is quite adventurous, which is partly a roller coaster and 3D motion-simulator ride. Also, Diagon Alley is a hot spot for having plenty of fun.
7 The Dark Alley: Knockturn Alley
The sinister reputation of Knockturn Alley is quite known since Harry lands in Borgin AND Burkes in Chamber of Secrets instead of Diagon Alley. People visit Diagon Alley, mostly with Knockturn Alley lost in oblivion. An alley bustling with spookier shops, the prime attraction is Borgin and Burkes, interactive wand locations, Death Eater Masks, Singing Heads, and Dark artifacts. As one walks from Diagon Alley, the mysterious passageway leads to Knockturn Alley.
6 Spell Magic With Wands Here
Do you know that you can actually spell magic with wands at these spots? Well, they are intended indeed to make you experience the magic. At Slug & Jiggers Apothecary, if one waves their wand in the right-hand window where there is a display of dragon dung, the lid will levitate by itself, and one can smell the scent of the fertilizer in Herbology class. The spell "Incendio" can ignite the lanterns on the second floor of Flimflam’s Lanterns which is at the end of Horizont Alley, and also and "Wingardium Leviosa" to lift the feather quill at the window at Scribbulus. Magical Wands can be purchased at Ollivanders in Hogsmeade, Ollivanders in Diagon Alley, Wand Cart on the Path To Hogwarts, or Wands by Gregorovitch in Diagon Alley. However, "Ollivanders in Diagon Alley" is a fulfilling experience. In case you don’t wish to splurge on the wand, request one from a Universal friendly staff member to not miss this secret spot experience.
5 Magical Spots One May Never Know
The Vanishing Cabinet at Borgin and Burkes, which Malfoy uses in Half-Blood Prince, stands in the corner to the right of the cash registers in the Knockturn Alley. If one puts their hand on the handle, one can hear the bird used by Malfoy to test the Cabinet for Death Eaters. Also, one should not miss the snake in the window at Diagon Alley’s Magical Menagerie, which speaks in English and Parseltongue.
The ghastly-looking Monster Book of Monsters is kept at Dervish and Banges or the mirror at Madame Malkin’s Robe For All Occasions can be traced serendipitously.
4 The Impressive Hogwarts Castle
The towering Hogwarts Castle is as impressive as it has been in the movie, where the visitors walk through the halls and resonate with familiar scenes of Harry Potter. Of course, you will pass through Dumbeldore’s office, Defense Against The Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor's common room, and encounter talking portraits but keep a watch for Sorting Hat, Mirror of Erised, Mandrakes, and carefully analyze Hall Of Portraits.
3 Attractions In Hogsmeade
As Hogsmeade is located in the Islands of Adventure, it focuses on the experience of Hogwarts, living in the castle, as well as the student's life, whereas Diagon Alley focuses on the Wizard’s experience in socializing and dining. There are many attractions in Hogsmeade, but the prime one is the fascinating “Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure.” This is the fastest roller coaster ride where you will encounter the whimsical Pumpkin Yard from Prisoner of Azkaban, visit the Forbidden Forest, devilish Pixies, flight of Hippogriff, and so many magical creatures. Don’t miss the chance to visit Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade, which sells Brooms, Golden Snitches, Hogwarts uniforms, or Honeydukes, the candy shop in Hogsmeade selling Bertie Bott’s every flavor beans, Cauldron Cakes, or Owl Post shop selling.
2 Discovering The Mandrakes
Mandrakes are known for their shrill voices used as a remedy for petrified students. The class of herbology had a mandrakes session taught by Madam Sprouts. Well, all Potterheads know this already, but where to discover the hidden Mandrakes in the Wizard World of Harry Potter, right? The Mandrakes sit in the Hogwarts greenhouse along the line for Forbidden Journey, whereas an animated one can be found inside a Hogsmeade shop window.
1 Meet The Founders Of Hogwarts
The Four Founders of Hogwarts are the primary reason for the existence of Hogwarts. Even though they aren’t showcased in the films, they were actually depicted in the living paintings in Hogwarts, all holding objects stolen by Voldemort to create Horcruxes. If you want to witness them for real, they can be found in a high-ceilinged room as one waits in line for Forbidden Journey.