As someone who lives for immersive worlds and epic adventures, I can honestly say that both The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are next-level theme park experiences. I’ve explored every nook of both—ridden the rides, tasted the snacks, soaked in the atmosphere—and while I love them both dearly, if you’re only picking one to start with, Harry Potter wins for me every time.
Let me tell you why.
Walking Into the Magic
The first time I stepped into Hogsmeade and looked up to see Hogwarts Castle rising above the rooftops, I got chills. I’m not exaggerating when I say I teared up. It was a moment of pure awe, because for a second, I wasn’t just in a theme park. I was in the world I’d grown up reading about, dreaming about, and sharing with my own kids.
That emotional punch is something you feel immediately in the Wizarding World. Whether you’re stepping through the brick wall into Diagon Alley or hearing the whoosh of the Hogwarts Express pulling into the station, it all feels achingly familiar, in the best way.
The Rides Are Some of the Best Anywhere
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is easily my favorite ride, not just in this park, but anywhere. It’s thrilling, full of surprises (no spoilers!), and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Escape from Gringotts is another gem, with its wild storytelling, special effects, and a dragon perched on top of the bank that actually breathes fire. Even the Hogwarts Express—technically a mode of transportation—feels like a full-blown ride, complete with magical windows and trolley visits.
It’s the Little Things, Too
I adore walking through the wall into Diagon Alley. That reveal moment? It hits just like it does in the movies. There’s something about those little details—the cobblestones, the shop signs, the music in the background—that makes you forget you’re in Orlando.
And while my kids are still young and don’t totally grasp the Harry Potter story yet, my daughter Charlie loves it simply because I do. She gets to watch her mom be in total awe of something, and I think that’s powerful. It shows her that imagination and wonder don’t have an age limit and I hope it helps her believe in magic a little longer.
The Food Feels Like Part of the Story
You can’t visit the Wizarding World without trying Butterbeer (frozen is my go-to). The Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks serve food that feels like it belongs in the story—hearty British fare that makes you feel like a regular in the wizarding world. It’s cozy and immersive, and the theming goes all the way down to the tableware.
Why Not Star Wars First?
Honestly? Galaxy’s Edge is incredible. The rides are phenomenal, especially Rise of the Resistance—an experience that still blows me away every time. But Batuu is a new planet, not one from the original films. You’re not reliving classic Star Wars scenes—you’re writing a new one. It’s immersive, but it doesn’t tug at my heart in quite the same way.
That said, it did tug at my dad’s. Watching him explore Galaxy’s Edge, after growing up with Star Wars as a kid, was something special. It reminded me that these places hit us all in different ways.
Final Thoughts: Go Where Your Heart Lives
If you’re deciding between the two, my advice is simple: go where your heart already lives.
For me, that’s the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s nostalgic, emotionally rich, and full of magic that feels deeply personal. You’re not just watching the story—you’re in it.
But if your heart belongs to the Millennium Falcon and lightsabers, I get it. And you’ll love Batuu.
And hey—if you’re anything like me, the best answer might be… visit both.
Just start with the one that makes your heart skip a beat.
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Mischief managed,
Allison
