The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a "theme park within a theme park" at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. It consists of a series of exhibits, rides, shops, and eateries situated within two of the resort's theme parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Since opening, it has attracted millions of Harry Potter fans worldwide and shattered theme park attendance records.
Three Must-See Attractions at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Start your visit by checking out the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" dark ride, which includes encounters with dementors, Aragog the spider, a dragon, and the "Whomping Willow" tree.
Go to Ollivander's and get your very own wand from the wizarding world's most esteemed wand maker.
Hardcore roller coaster aficionados should check out the "Dragon Challenge" and "Escape from Gringotts" rides; families with smaller children are better suited for the "Flight of the Hippogriff" slow-coaster.
Where to Stay Near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Orlando is dotted with tourist-friendly hotels, but your best bet is to stay at one of the resort's on-site hotels. The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one family-friendly option, while Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a more upscale lodging. Loews Royal Pacific Resort is a (relatively) bargain-priced luxury hotel that frequently offers special rates.
Best and Worst Times to Go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade, is frequently crawling with muggles. If staying at one of the on-site hotels, take advantage of the early admission option, which allows you to enter the park one hour before the public. During peak hours (roughly 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), the park is especially packed. Very early and very late are the best times to visit.
Universal Orlando Resort periodically hosts large, free concerts featuring nationally known musicians. Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on one of these nights, when much of the crowd is at the live music venue.
Discounts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The most economical way to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is to book a vacation package through Universal Studios. Nearly 50 hotels in the area (both off-site and on-site) have partnerships with Universal that allow visitors to purchase all-inclusive theme park tickets with their hotel reservations. Check out the "Hot Deals" section of Universal's website for specifics.
Food at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
More than 50 restaurants are located within Universal Orlando, ranging from fine dining establishments to fast food chains. Within Wizarding World, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley both feature a range of eateries, including the Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks, which serve authentic British pub fare. Street vendors throughout the park serve ice cream, snacks, butterbeer (non-alcoholic), and Pumpkin Juice, among other quick, casual foods and drinks.
Parking at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
A large, enclosed parking garage sits next to Universal Studios, at 6000 Universal Boulevard. Daily parking costs roughly 20 dollars. For an extra 10 dollars or so, you can upgrade to Preferred Parking, which will allows you to park considerably closer to the entrance. Valet parking is available, but pricey (close to 40 dollars for a 2-hour stay).
Transportation Alternatives to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Most hotels in the area operate shuttles that drop guests off at the resort's main entrance.The Lynx public transit buses, geared largely towards tourists, connect commuters to the resort and stop at many area hotels as well. Guests staying at an on-site hotel are within walking distance of the park.
Insider's Tip for Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Because the crowds are large and the attractions are many, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter generally takes 2 or 3 visits to experience fully. Plan for at least one of your visits to begin late in the evening, when the crowds have diminished and Hogsmeade is lit up beautifully. With less body heat, the park is considerably cooler at night as well.
Author's Bio: Marcus Whelchel is just some muggle who lives, works, and writes in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife and daughter. Those who know him best believe he must have been kicked in the head by a hippogriff or something.
Epcot is the Disney theme park that celebrates technological advances in Future World and international cultures in World Showcase. Roam the beautifully landscaped grounds as you sample cuisine and browse items from various counties. There are also plenty of indoor activities. While preschoolers may not enjoy it as much as Magic Kingdom, rides, shows and extensive educational opportunities make this theme park appropriate for children and adults.
Three Must-See Attractions at Epcot
See the dinosaurs and travel through space with the comedy of Ellen DeGeneres on Ellen's Energy Adventure, an indoor ride for all ages. Mission Space delights thrill seekers as they transform into astronauts-in-training, and blast off into space. SeaBase, (appropriate for all ages), is an interactive adventure that features one of the largest man-made ocean environments in the world.
Where to Stay near Epcot
Hotels and resorts on location range from the luxurious Disney Yacht Club Resort, mid-luxury Dolphin Hotel, to the budget friendly Pop Century Resort. Guests staying at a Disney resort get several extra perks, including extended park hours (on several attractions), free shuttle service, free magic bands and the ability to reserve fast passes weeks ahead of your visit. If you're staying in one of the luxury suites, it may be worth the money for the experience and convenience. Otherwise try a nearby hotel like Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center (about 1.5 miles away) which entertains guests with indoor replicas of Key West, St. Augustine, and the Everglades, plus world class dining and shopping -- plus it's quiet.
Best and Worst Times to go to Epcot
The International Flower and Garden Festival runs several weeks in March through May. Visitors during this time will see incredible themed flower gardens and Disney character topiaries. Outdoor kitchens offer seasonal food in the World Showcase section.
Discounts at Epcot
Tickets are discounted for Florida Residents, but there are block out dates. Throughout the year special rates are offered on multi-day passes. Annual passes have no block out dates, give free parking and provide a discount on merchandise.
Food at Epcot
Dining options include counter service, buffet, family style, themed, fine and signature. Prices range from $18 all the way up to $70. If you love Mexican food, San Angel Inn Restaurante offers old world favorites in a twilight atmosphere amid Mayan Ruins. The only negative is that the tables are very close together. It is imperative to decide on your restaurant and make reservations before you go. It can take weeks or months to get a reservation for certain restaurants.
Parking at Epcot
Parking costs $20 to $25 depending on your vehicle. Staff directs you to a parking area when you enter. Shuttle service picks you up and takes you to the park and back to your parking lot. It's a good idea to take a picture of the parking lot sign if you think you may not remember at the end of the day. If you plan to stay at a Disney resort, go to the resort first and get a free parking pass.
Transportation Alternatives to Epcot
Public transportation is available on Lynx busses. Ride the monorail from the ticket center.
Author's bio: Edie Schmidt is an internationally published freelance writer in Central Florida. She loves to visit the theme parks on the coldest day of the year. See her other interests here.
