without muggles!
The no FLUFF rundown on must-add things for your Wizarding World to do list!
Many Harry Potter fans go to Universal with the primary objective to see and do ALL things Harry Potter. While many people will tell you “It is easy, you can wing it,” it is also intricately detailed and can be overwhelming, and therefore, easy to miss things.
To aid in the endeavor of not missing a thing, here are some easy to overlook but integral to a magical day gems:
(Get the pretty printable version HERE)
- Minimal-Muggle Photo Spots: Sometimes you just want to be the star of the photo! The parks, and especially the Wizarding World, can be crowded, but I have found that there are a few spots where you can get a great shot with either no people or very few people!
- Back side of the Knight Bus (Universal Studios Florida, London)
- Room of Requirement door (Universal Studios Florida, Diagon Alley, Near Owl Post)
- Hogsmeade Station after departing the Hogwarts Express
- Hidden Honeydukes window to the left of Three Broomsticks
- Magic Billboard in King’s Cross Station (queue)
- Character Interactions: While there are not many characters in the Wizarding World (other than the Team Member Witches and Wizards), the few we have here are must-see! My favorite is the Dre head. He tells great dad jokes, and the banter between him and Stan is great entertainment. I can’t wait to see what characters we get at Epic Universe!
- Gringott’s Money Exchange Goblin (Universal Studios Florida, Diagon Alley)
- Dre Head and Stan Shunpike (Universal Studios Florida, London)
- Hogwart’s Express Conductor (Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade Village)
- Non-Butterbeer Beverages: Obviously, ButterBeer is THE beverage everyone comes for, but I stay for the Otter’s Fizzy Orange and the Lemon Squash. Gillywater is also fun, because it is interactive and there are multiple flavors you can try.
- Fishy Green Ale – Don’t worry, no fish- kind of a sweet mint julep with blueberry boba bubbles.
- Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice- Like an orange soda with a hint of vanilla, served with an orange slice and a brown sugar- cinnamon rim.
- Gillywater- Essentially just bottled water, but 4 flavored elixirs available to mix in make it an experience: Fire Protection Potion – a tasty blend of watermelon, strawberry and peach; Babbling Beverage – a tropical fruit punch; Draught of Peace –blueberry, blackberry, raspberry and a hint of cherry, and Elixir to Induce Euphoria – pineapple with green apple and mint – BONUS- save the bottles to display as potions at home
- Pumpkin Juice- Apple juice meets pumpkin spice- and another BONUS souvenir as it comes in a neat pumpkin topped bottle.
- Tongue Tying Lemon Squash- Lemonade, but more puckery than muggle lemonade, hints of vanilla.
- Reclusive Relaxation Spots: Even the most magical beings need a break every now and again. Whether you’re in sensory overload or the feet just need a break, these spots are great for getting away from most of the crowds, out of the sun, and taking a breather. Don’t be afraid to explore nooks and crannies, there is always something interesting to find.
- Alleyway behind Honeydukes
- Knockturn Alley
- Stairway behind Hagrid’s Motorbike in back of Diagon Alley
- Shady Corner outside exit of Filch’s Emporium/Hogwarts Castle
- Alley between Magical Menagerie and Bathrooms
- The Shows: Do not sleep on these shows. Since they are out in the open, it is great to simply stumble upon them. There’s plenty of room in both locations to wander up with your Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream, and still have a great view.
- Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees- One of the best live shows in the parks! Guest participants are selected from the audience. Located in Carkitt Marketplace in Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida) this show runs approx 12-13 min 6-9 times per day. Not only a great show with singing and choreography, but listen for numerous references to the stories we love! American Sign Language friendly show around 4pm.
- Tales of Beedle and the Bard- Alternates on the same stage as Celestina. “The Fountain of Fair Fortune” and “The Tale of the Three Brothers” are performed using puppets. Shows are approx 10-12 min and run 6-9 times per day. An ASL friendly show is performed typically around 4pm.
- Frog Choir- On the stage just outside Hogwarts Castle, students sing acapella with their musical toad friends. About 10 min alternating once an hour with Triwizard Spirit Rally.
- Triwizard Spirit Rally- On the same stage as the frog choir, the Triwizard potentials from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang show you their stuff! Also approximately 10 min showtime alternating about once an hour with Frog Choir.
Don’t forget, you can download and print a copy of this list to bring with you on your trip! Click here to get it delivered right to your email inbox!
If you want to follow along on more of my nerdy adventures, I would love it if you’d follow me over on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @ nerdymomtravels. I love sharing about my travels, tips & info, but most of all, I love Universal! If you are not yet working with a Smart Moms Travel Agent, I would LOVE to help! Fill out this short questionnaire for a seamless experience: https://pages.letsdisney.com/vacation-questionnaire-lindsy-jackson
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