Guide to the Harry Potter™ Rides at Universal Orlando Resort
Guide to the Harry Potter™ Rides at Universal Orlando Resort
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort is one of the most immersive and magical theme park experiences anywhere in the world. Spanning three extraordinary lands across Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and the brand-new Universal Epic Universe, the Wizarding World brings the beloved Harry Potter books and films to life in breathtaking detail. Whether you're a lifelong fan who knows every spell by heart or you're stepping into this magical world for the very first time, the rides, attractions and experiences here are unlike anything else in Orlando. Here's your complete guide to every Harry Potter™ ride at Universal Orlando Resort and what to expect before you visit.
Ministry of Magic™
Wands at the ready — The Ministry of Magic™ has arrived at Universal Epic Universe. Prepare to be transported from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry in a journey through a realm spanning decades of wizarding history. Get ready for more spells, secret corridors and mind-blowing magical battles in one of the most immersive and ambitious lands ever created at a Universal Orlando Resort theme park.
Diagon Alley™
Step through the hidden entrance and discover the bustling wizarding street where Harry and his friends shop for robes, wands and spell books. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida brings the iconic street from the Harry Potter films to life in extraordinary detail, from the towering Gringotts bank to the flickering flames of the Leaky Cauldron. Alongside the shops, restaurants and immersive atmosphere of Diagon Alley™ came one of Universal Orlando Resort's most beloved experiences — the Hogwarts™ Express, a real train ride connecting Diagon Alley™ with Hogsmeade™, with a completely different experience depending on which direction you travel.
Hogsmeade™
The original Wizarding World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Hogsmeade™ at Universal's Islands of Adventure was the attraction that started it all. Wander the snow-capped rooftops and cobblestone streets of this beloved wizarding village, browse the shops of Hogsmeade™ for souvenirs and wizarding essentials, sip on a Butterbeer and come face to face with the iconic Hogwarts™ Castle — home to the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™. With the Hogwarts™ Express connecting Hogsmeade™ to Diagon Alley™, you can experience both worlds in a single unforgettable day.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™ (at Ministry of Magic™)
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™ - Help Harry, Ron, and Hermione bring Dolores Umbridge™ to justice as you traverse the many departments of the Ministry.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™ (at Diagon Alley™)
This is an indoor rollercoaster with incredibly realistic 3D graphics – and the whole immersive experience of this ride begins even before you board the coaster!
As you emerge into Diagon Alley™ you’ll notice the huge Gringotts Bank building at the far end of the alley, with a huge fire-breathing dragon sitting on top!
Entering the bank, you’re surrounded by ridiculously lifelike animatronic goblins going about their business as you queue for the ride. The whole area really is just like the film, and the stunning crystal chandeliers inside the bank are amazing! You really feel like you are on the journey with Harry and his friends as you’re plunged through the perilous underground vaults of Gringotts Bank.
What I loved about this ride was that it didn’t need the usual upside-down loops and adrenaline to make it scary; it’s so different to a traditional rollercoaster and you have no idea what’s going to happen next – these kinds of rides are definitely the future!
All of the Harry Potter rides have a definite scare-factor; I would give Escape from Gringotts a “Scare Rating” of 7/10. Being in darkness makes the twists and turns and 3D elements coming your way all the more nerve-wracking.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ (at Hogsmeade™)
This is the most unique ride in the Harry Potter area. You’re strapped into individual seats, but this is not a rollercoaster as we know it!
The ‘robocoaster’ – which uses a special type of seat and technology – pivots, swings and moves around so at times you can be completely on your back but you are not moving up or down on a track in the way a coaster would.
The 3D elements mean that most of the time you feel like you’re flying, floating and sometimes falling! It is another ride that illustrates what the future of rollercoasters might look like.
For me this was around 7/10 in terms of scariness. But the enjoyment factor was a definite 10!
Flight of the Hippogriff™ (at Hogsmeade™)
This is more of a smaller, family coaster, with cars that are modelled on the Hippogriff itself – a magnificent, mystical creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a horse.
Starting at Hagrid’s hut, you’ll set off on a “training flight”, which takes you swooping and spiralling at an impressive speed. And if you keep a sharp eye, you might even spot a Hippogriff in its nest!
The Hogwarts Express™
Just like in the Harry Potter books and films, this is a real train ride that takes you between the two Wizarding World theme parks.
Although this isn’t strictly a ride, in some ways it’s just as enjoyable as the main theme park rides as it’s such a realistic experience. You’ll pass all kinds of familiar scenery and even see some familiar characters outside the windows!
All of the elements are completely authentic to the films; I couldn’t believe that they even used the same fabric inside the cabins as the train in the films – they used the same company and flew in the fabric for the train seats!
This is no normal train journey – there are some wonderful movie twists as you would expect. My top tip without spoiling the experience is to look to both sides as you travel so as not to miss anything.
The train ride takes about 4 minutes and is well worth waiting for if you even have to queue!
Ready to experience the rides of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™?
The Harry Potter™ rides are all excellent and I would definitely recommend to head straight for these magical areas when you visit Universal Orlando Resort!
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HARRY POTTER, and all related characters and elements are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling.