It is Hogwarts House Pride Week! Each year, from 20-23 March, we celebrate each Hogwarts house and everything amazing they bring to the Wizarding World. In celebration of this week, this blog is all about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort. Unfortunately, Universal Studios Singapore doesn’t have any Harry Potter-related attractions at the moment. We’ll run through the attractions and rides, entertainment, dining, and shopping – everything you need to know to make the best of your time at one of the parks. For a little bit of fun, we’ll also sort each ride into a Hogwarts House! Information on the upcoming expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ into Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort isn’t included as there’s not enough official information out there currently – when we have more info, you all will know!
Where in the world is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ can be found at four out of the five Universal parks around the world – Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort. Unfortunately, you won’t find a Wizarding World attraction at Universal Studios Singapore.
Universal Orlando Resort
Located in Orlando, Florida, USA is the largest Universal resort property, comprising of two theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, CityWalk district, a water park – Universal’s Volcano Bay, and multiple hotels and resort. Their third gate, Epic Universe, is currently under construction and is slated to open in 2025.
Contains: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Located in the Universal City district of Los Angeles, California, USA is the Universal Studios theme park and CityWalk district that is part of the working Universal Studios, you can even take a tour of the backlot!
Contains: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ in the Upper Lot area.
Universal Studios Japan
Located in Osaka, Japan is the first Universal theme park located outside the USA and one of the most-visited theme parks in the world.
Contains: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ located near the front of the park.
Universal Beijing Resort
Location in the Tongzhou District of Beijing, China is the youngest Universal Park in the world.
Contains: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ located toward the back of the park.
Rides and attractions
Hogwarts Express
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™ and Diagon Alley™)
Climb aboard the Hogwarts™ Express and travel between Kings Cross Station in the London are of Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade Station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Make sure to ride it both ways – you’ll get a different experience each way!
Minimum rider height: Riders under 122cm (48”) require a supervising companion
Tip: Get the full Harry Potter™ experience – start your journey from Kings Cross Station to head to Hogsmeade to start your term! And don’t forget to ride both ways!
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort
Join Harry Potter™ and his friends as you make your way through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts™. You’ll then soar over the grounds and through the Forbidden Forest, encountering fan-favourite characters, magical creatures, and some terrifying foes, on this thrilling, state-of-the-art, motion simulation ride.
Minimum rider height: 122cm (48”)
Tip: Take your time and look around as you navigate the line area – you’ll head through immaculately decorated Hogwarts corridors and classrooms!
Flight of the Hippogriff™
Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort
Make sure you give your Hippogriff the proper respect as you approach it, before you let the magical creature take you for an adventure through the pumpkin patch, and past Hagrid™’s Hut. This family-friendly coaster is great fun for everyone.
Minimum rider height: 99cm (39”). Riders under 122cm (48”) require a supervising companion
Tip: This ride is great for the youngens that might be spooked by the bigger rides but still want some thrill. You get a great view of Hogwarts™ and Hogsmeade™ too!
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™
Hogwarts House: Gryffindor
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™)
Jump onboard an enchanted motorcycle, or into the sidecar, and join Hagrid as you fly over the castle grounds, and deep into the Forbidden Forest, encountering some of the Wizarding World’s rarest magical creatures. You’ll need a Park-to-Park ticket to ride as you board in one park and disembark in the other.
Minimum rider height: 122cm (48”)
Tip: Make sure you’ve decided if you want to ride on the motorcycle or sidecar before you get to the front of the line!
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™
Hogwarts House: Slytherin
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Diagon Alley™)
Head past scrupulous goblins and down into the subterranean vaults of Gringotts™, the wizarding bank. On this exhilarating, motion simulation coaster, you’ll encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermione, as well as members of the Order of the Phoenix, as you evade magical creatures, trolls, Death Eaters, and villains like Bellatrix Lestrange and Voldemort.
Minimum rider height: 107cm (42”). Riders under 122cm (48”) require a supervising companion
Tip: If you’re looking for a more thrilling ride, ask if you can be seated toward the back of the ride.
Shows and entertainment
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort
On select nights throughout the year, watch in awe as incredible nighttime shows light up the castle and the skies. Celebrate the magic of Hogwarts™, and the houses with beautiful lights and projections on the outside walls of the castle.
Frog Choir
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort
Stop and listen to vocal stylings of Hogwarts™ students, accompanied by the bass rumbles of their giant frogs! You’ll hear familiar wizarding world songs with an acapella flourish.
Triwizard Spirit Rally
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort
Cheer on the delegations of students from Hogwarts™, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang as they build the excitement around the Triwizard Tournament.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Diagon Alley™)
Using puppets and not just a little bit of magic, the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts will perform a beautiful portrayal of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, including the fan-favourite, The Tale of the Three Brothers.
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Diagon Alley™)
Sway and groove to the dulcet tones of this singing sensation of the wizarding world. The swinging show features never-before-heard songs including 'A Cauldron Full Of Hot, Strong Love', and 'You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me'.
Wand Studies
Parks: Universal Studios Japan
Witness magic right in front of your eyes as students from Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry showcase their wand skills. You might even get to have a go yourself!
Seasonal shows
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™ and Diagon Alley™)
During the Halloween and Christmas seasons, you will find beautiful, or spooky, seasonal decorations, performances, and shows. Death Eaters roam the streets of Hogsmeade™, and the Dark Mark is projected on the castle during Halloween, and the shops and buildings are decorated with garlands and trees during Christmas.
Dining
Three Broomsticks™
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort
This rustic tavern is a Hogsmeade™ ‘must visit’! It’s your place to go for a delicious Butterbeer™, and a good hot meal. Enjoy tasty British fare, including fish and chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and more!
Dining Type: Quick Service, Snacks & Beverages
Hog’s Head™
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort
Located at the back of the Three Broomsticks™, head into the dark, seedy bar with the stuffed hog’s head hanging over the bar – it might even snarl at you. You can purchase alcoholic beverages here (21+ with a valid ID) including the pub’s exclusive Hog’s Head™ Brew!
Dining Type: Quick Service, Snacks & Beverages
Leaky Cauldron™
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Diagon Alley™)
Start your Wizarding World adventure with some delicious British grub, including Bangers and Mash, Fisherman’s Pie, and more, and a delicious Butterbeer™ in this small, grubby looking pub and inn. Inside, you'll find yourself under a cathedral ceiling with views towards the guest rooms in the inn.
Dining Type: Quick Service
Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Diagon Alley™)
Wizards and Muggles™ of every age can indulge in scoop and soft-serve ice-creams here, with fantastic flavours like Butterbeer™, Granny Smith, Earl Grey and Lavender, Chocolate Chili, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Salted Caramel Blondie, Chocolate and Raspberry, and more; along with Pumpkin Juice™, ciders, teas, and water.
Dining Type: Quick Service, Snacks & Beverages
Shopping
The streets of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ are full of colourful and interesting shopping experiences. From choosing an animal companion at Magical Menagerie, to picking up the latest wizarding garb at one of the many clothing and merchandise stores. Below is a selection of the stores on offer - check out the full list for each park on their respective websites.
Ollivanders™
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™ and Diagon Alley™), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort
Step inside the small dusty shop where you can see a wand choose a wizard. Choose from an array of Ollivanders™ wands, or purchase replicas of the Harry Potter™ film characters’ wands, Collectible wand sets and more.
Honeydukes™
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort
A sweetshop loved by students of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this colourful shop is full of unique sweets. Enjoy popular sweets from the wizarding world such as Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans™ and Chocolate Frogs™.
Owl Post™ & Owlery
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Hogsmeade™), Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Japan
At the Owl Post™ you can shop Hogsmeade™ stamps and stationery and even send letters with a Hogsmeade™ postmark. Don't forget to cover your ears when you pass by the Howler in the window! Next door is the Owlery-a sitting area with a magnificent, vaulted ceiling. Look up to see dozens of owls perched on wooden beams and listen for the clocktower, where owls hoot the time.
Borgin and Burkes™
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Diagon Alley™)
This dark and dusty Knockturn Alley shop is infamous for its shady patrons, and objects with unusual and powerful properties. As you walk among the dimly lit shelves, you'll find Death Eater™ masks, skulls, Harry Potter™ film costume replicas, apparel, accessories, jewellery, and collectibles.
Magical Menagerie
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Diagon Alley™)
If it croaks, creeps, leaps, slithers, or flies, it can be found in this colourful shop. Here, you can purchase a variety of plush toys including Crookshanks™, Fang, Buckbeak™, and Scabbers™. An assortment of owls is also available, including Pigwidgeon and Hedwig™.
Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes
Parks: Universal Orlando Resort (Diagon Alley™)
This colourful emporium is the novelty joke shop run by identically ingenious prankster twins Fred and George Weasley. The shop offers patrons all manner of mischief, such as magical jokes, tricks, and toys including Pygmy Puffs, U-No-Poo pills, Skiving Snackboxes, Puking Pastilles, and more.
