A busy day of flying on a broomstick and magical motorbike, casting spells, and evading dark wizards is enough to work up quite the appetite! Even wizards and witches have to eat!
When visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, there is no shortage of magical treats that are an essential part of the immersive experience. Problem is, which do you choose!?!? I can help!
- Butterbeer! (Duh!) – Butterbeer comes in SIX forms (3 beverages and 3 snacks) and can be found throughout both Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley! In beverage form, you can find it in standard cold (like a soda), frozen (like a slushie), and hot (like hot cocoa but Butterbeer). In snack form, you can find Butterbeer fudge at Honeydukes (honestly, not my favorite- too sweet), Butterbeer Potted Cream at The Leaky Cauldron, and Butterbeer ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour. I love the hot butterbeer best! Will YOU try all six? $7.99 for beverage forms, available at carts and all dining locations in the Wizarding World. Ice cream can be found at The Leaky Cauldron, Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, The Hopping Pot, and The Three Broomsticks starting at $5.99. Fudge is at Honeydukes and Sugar Plums for $4.95. Potted Cream can be found at The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks for $5.79
- Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream – This spot deserves another mention. Not down for butterbeer? This ice cream parlour has plenty of flavors to please everyone in the family. Mix and match flavors and choose from soft serve and hard pack options. My favorite is to combine the Earl Grey & Lavender with the Clotted Cream! Mmmm…
- Beef Pasties – Much much better than their pumpkin counterparts (see my “Don’t Bother” list below). Little beefy pies with veggies and potatoes, and a flakey crust. How can you go wrong?
- Cauldron Cakes – It is cake. In a cauldron. MAGIC! It is chocolate cake, to be exact, with a flaming frosting topping. The cake itself is good, not dry, but also tastes much like standard chocolate cake. So, what is so great about it? Sometimes, you just want some chocolate cake. BUT also, it comes in a silicone cauldron inside of a beautifully designed box. If you’re a big nerd, like me, you already know where I am going with this. On the off chance you’re less of a nerd, here’s a FUN TIP- The cauldron can be reused to make your very own Cauldron Cake at home. Instructions are on the bottom of the box!
- Jacket Potato – Technically, you’ll find these just outside of the Wizarding World at the London Waterfront. Choose from beans and cheese, broccoli and cheese, shepherd’s pie, or a loaded jacket potato and find a seat near the Knight Bus for a magically tasty treat with a view. This snack can run out on busier days, so catch it early, because the secret is out.
- Sticky Toffee Pudding– This one is actually my favorite for pure flavor. Warm and decadent, this will remind you of a bread pudding with a little extra magic. It is really sooo good! Snag this from the dessert menu at Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley.
- Ginger Newt Cookie– Have a biscuit, Potter! If they’re McGonagall approved, they must be good. A nice moist cookie with plenty of ginger and molasses flavor that won’t make your teeth hurt with sweetness.
- Pumpkin Juice- A little on the sweet side, but such an integral part of the story. Just make sure it is ice cold. Available at all dining locations.
- Eternelle’s Elixirs – Brush up on your potions skills with this fun interactive treat. Select one or all of the four available elixirs and add them to your Gilly Water (or any water)! The potion bottles make great souvenirs, but be careful, the tops are not very secure and can make quite the mess in your luggage… (Not speaking from experience or anything.)
- Chocolate Frogs & Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans – Why are these at the bottom, you ask? Wellll, in all honesty, they are not the tastiest treats you can get, but they sure are FUN! These are the quintessential magical treats that bring us right back to the first time we heard the stories. How can you have a trip to the Wizarding World without them? Well, luckily, it is the cards you want, really… Both treats can be purchased in collectible tins! The chocolate frogs really do come with collectible wizard cards and the kids can have a blast daring each other to try the beans in hopes a sibling gets the bogie flavored one!
The Wizarding World has soooo many wonderful things to offer and so many delicious treats. However, there are some misses… You come here for honest reviews, so here’s the low down on what you can probably go ahead and skip…
The “Don’t Bother” List:
- Pumpkin Pasties – In theory, these should be great, but really they’re dry and cold.
- No-Melt Ice Cream– This is literally just super sweet frosting in a cup. Save your muggle currency.
- Fudge – It’s too sweet and not creamy. Get your fudge literally anywhere else. This is not where wizards excel.
- Cupcakes– If you want a cupcake, just get the cauldron cake so you can at least love the packaging.
- Really anything you can find in the muggle world! Step out of your comfort zone and try something truly exclusive to the Wizarding World. Don’t be basic.
Whether you love them or hate them, the food is all part of the immersive experience in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The sights and sounds are only complimented by the scents and flavors that these treats bring. One of my favorite things to do is to grab one of these snacks or bevvies and check out one of the four sensational shows offered!
Do you agree with my list?
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