Orlando is where it all started for our family, and it is still the biggest and most complete Wizarding World anywhere on the planet. What began in 2010 as one snowy village has grown into lands across three theme parks: Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and the brand new Epic Universe. We have visited many times, and every trip finds something new. This is our complete guide.
Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure
Hogsmeade opened on June 18, 2010, and it changed theme parks forever. This snowy village sits in the shadow of Hogwarts Castle, and walking in for the first time still gives us chills.
The rides here are legendary. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you through the castle and into the skies above Hogwarts. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which opened in 2019, is a story coaster through the Forbidden Forest that our whole family agrees is one of the best rides anywhere. Flight of the Hippogriff is a gentle family coaster, perfect for younger witches and wizards.
There is plenty to watch too. The Frog Choir sings from the village, the Triwizard Spirit Rally brings Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students to the courtyard, and Ollivanders lets a lucky visitor be chosen by a wand. At night, the castle hosts projection shows: Hogwarts Always (2024), The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, and Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle.
When hunger strikes, the Three Broomsticks serves hearty British fare and the Hog’s Head next door pours Butterbeer. For shopping, do not miss Honeydukes for sweets, Dervish and Banges for magical instruments, the Owl Post where you can mail a letter with a Hogsmeade postmark, and Filch’s for confiscated goods.
Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
Diagon Alley opened on July 8, 2014, and it is hidden behind a brick wall in London just like in the stories. Step through and you are in wizarding London, with the towering Gringotts bank and its fire-breathing dragon at the far end.
The headline attraction is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a thrilling ride through the bank’s vaults. Street entertainment includes Celestina Warbeck and the Tales of Beedle the Bard puppet show.
For food, the Leaky Cauldron serves traditional British pub dishes, and Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour has wonderfully odd flavors. Shoppers will love Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, the Magical Menagerie, and Borgin and Burkes down the shadowy Knockturn Alley. Stop by the Gringotts Money Exchange to trade Muggle money for wizard bank notes.
The Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe
The newest land opened with Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, and it takes the Wizarding World somewhere it has never gone before: 1920s wizarding Paris. You enter through Place Cachée, a hidden square in the French capital, then travel by Métro-Floo to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic.
There is one ride, and it is a stunner: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, which won the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Attraction Installation in 2025. The stage show Le Cirque Arcanus brings a magical circus to life.
Dining includes Café L’air de la Sirène (try the Butterbeer Crêpe), the darker Le Gobelet Noir, and Bar Moonshine. Shops to explore are Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, Les Galeries Mirifiques, K. Rammelle, and Tour en Floo.
The Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express connects the two original lands, running between King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure. You need a Park-to-Park ticket to ride, and it is worth it: the show is different in each direction, so be sure to travel both ways. Note that the Hogwarts Express is closed on November 4, 2026, and there is no train service to Epic Universe.
Interactive Wands
The second generation of interactive wands launched on March 1, 2025, with light effects, haptic feedback, and app integration, priced at $85. Orlando has 30 spell-casting spots across the lands, including about 12 in Place Cachée with interactive talking portraits. In 2026, new wand designs arrived for Voldemort, Luna, and Sirius. Our son’s favorite souvenir by far is his wand, and hunting for spell spots never gets old.
Seasonal Events and Closures
Orlando celebrates the Wizarding World all year long. Butterbeer Season runs March 1 through May 31, 2026. Back to Hogwarts runs August 1 through September 1, 2026. In the fall, Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle lights up the night from September 5 through November 1, 2026, while Death Eaters roam Diagon Alley from August 27 through November 1. Christmas in The Wizarding World runs November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
During Halloween Horror Nights 35 (August 28 through November 1, 2026), there is no Harry Potter haunted house, but Diagon Alley and Gringotts stay open during the event while the Hogwarts Express does not run. Looking ahead, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Orlando will be closed February 8 through 19, 2027.
Our Family Photos
Every photo on this page is our own, taken on our October 2025 trip. We will keep adding more as we visit.
