The Ultimate One Day Guide to Wizarding World at Universal Orlando
If you only have one day to spend at the Universal in Orlando, follow the guide below for an ultimate wizarding adventure.
See links to a printable guide and a custom Google map at the end of the post.
Note: You will need two park ticket to be able access both parks on the same day.
Start at Universal Studios and head to Diagon Alley as soon as the park opens.
First-time visitors might have hard time finding the entrance to the Diagon Alley, so this is what it looks like:
Diagon Alley | Universal Studios
1. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Start with riding the Escape from Gringotts. You will need to store your bags in the lockers that are to the right of the entrance (they are provided free of charge).
2. Gringotts Money Exchange
Exchange your dollars for wizard money at Gringotts Money Exchange. The wizard money comes in denominations of 10 and 20, and it can be used for purchases within Diagon Alley and Hogsmead, and at select locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort. Or you can save it as a souvenir.
Most muggles don’t know you can interact with the goblin at the counter. Go ahead and ask him a question!
3. Ollivanders
Purchase an interactive wand (~$50) at Ollivanders and try your spell casting skills throughout the Diagon Alley. The wand comes with the map of the spell locations, but there are two that are not on the map. See if you can find them! (If you need help locating the secret windows see our post on Diagon Alley tips, tricks, and secrets here)
The store features a wand choosing show, and you might be the one who gets picked to be a part of it.
4. Knockturn Alley
Check out the Knockturn Alley. It is often missed by first-time, or even repeat, guests.
The entrance to Knockturn Alley is under Flimflams Lanterns (see the image below), all the way to the left if you are facing the Gringotts Bank.
5. Fountain of Fair Fortune
Grab a butterbeer at The Fountain of Fair Fortune to enjoy on the way to King’s Cross station.
6. 12 Grimmauld Place
Knock on the door of 12 Grimmauld Place and keep an eye out for Kreacher the House Elf appearing in the window above.
7. Knight Bus
Check out the Knight Bus and interact with the shrunken head (if he is awake).
8. Phone Booth
Call the Ministry of Magic from the phone booth by the King’s Cross station. Dial 62442 (MAGIC).
9. Hogwarts Express
Take Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross station to Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure.
Don’t forget to check out our post on the secrets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley here:
Hogsmeade | Islands of Adventure
10. Three Broomsticks
Time for lunch! Enjoy traditional British food at Three Broomsticks.
11. Owl Post
Mail a letter with a special Hogsmeade stamp from the Owl Post.
12. Spell Practice
Don’t forget to practice spell casting as you explore the village!
13. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Don’t be deterred by long posted wait time: the queue of this ride is actually a tour of Hogwarts castle. You get to see the greenhouse, Dumbledore’s office, Defense against the Dark Arts classroom, and more.
Don’t forget to store loose items in the free lockers.
14. Hogwarts Projection Show
The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts happens every 20 minutes and lasts about 5 minutes. Check park’s map or mobile app for the show start time.
15. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
This brand new roller coaster opened in June 2019 and usually has the longest wait time out of all rides at Universal Orlando. It does not offer Universal Express Pass access.
In our experience, the shortest wait is around park closing time, so make this fantastic ride the last stop in your wizarding adventure.
See custom Google map of this guide here:
Would you like a free printable version of this guide? Download it here.
Need help planning your Universal adventure? Contact us for free, no obligation quote.
