19 Things You Have to Do at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Are you planning to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort? If you are, you’re probably already planning how to spend your days.

Which one do you go to first: Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida? As you start the countdown to your visit, make sure to add to your list a few things I think should not be missed.

1. TRY A BUTTERBEER

Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, sampling a Butterbeer, if only once, is a must. The butterscotch-flavored drink comes in two varieties, chilled and frozen, and can be purchased in the WWOHP restaurants and drink stands. If you really want try it but don’t feel like downing a drink, head to Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour and order a Butterbeer cone.

2. VISIT KING’S CROSS STATION AND RIDE THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS

A trip (or two. Or three.) on the Hogwarts Express is a journey in itself-figuratively and literally. The enhanced train ride travels back and forth between Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley and Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Hogsmeade and each way is an entirely different adventure. Keep an eye on the windows and doors as Harry, Ron, and Hermione make an appearance.

3. CATCH AN OLLIVANDER’S WAND SELECTING CEREMONY

We’ve watched the wand ceremony at Ollivander’s Wand Shop several times- and one time The Kid got lucky. While you can see the wand selecting ceremony at both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, the latter offers a larger room and interactive wands. If you are chosen for the ceremony, you don’t have to purchase the wand, but it sure makes for a fun souvenir!

4. CATCH A LIVE SHOW

We know, we all love heading for the thrill rides at Universal Orlando Resort, but really do take the time to catch a live show at both areas. The shows bump up the feel and ambiance to much and you may just find yourself humming the tunes for hours

5. EXCHANGE MUGGLE MONEY AT GRINGOTTS MONEY EXCHANGE

Gringotts Money Exchange in Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley is the place we Muggles visit to exchange U.S. currency to official Gringotts Bank Notes. In $10 and $20 notes, they may be used in Universal Orlando Resort or kept as souvenirs.

—- More Harry Potter Rides Coming to Universal Orlando