The rides at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are amazing. There’s no doubt about that. But there’s more to Universal Orlando’s Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. So the next time you’re in any section of the park and your favorite ride is down or you don’t want to ride anything, consider doing these fun things that aren’t on the Magic World rides.
1. Participate in Ollivander’s Wand Ceremony
While watching the Harry Potter series, I’m sure there’s been at least one moment where you’ve found yourself wishing the moment you walked into Ollivander’s wand shop and picked out a wand was for you. Luckily, you can now visit Ollivander’s stores in both Hogsmeade and Hogsmeade. diagon alley For a chance to be chosen for the wand ceremony. Here, you take on the role of a witch or wizard, trying out different wands alongside one of Ollivander’s apprentices, playing with rolling music, wind, and sounds from above until such a moment in the movie is created. Complete with an almost heavenly light. You will be able to purchase a walking stick.
Although many people would like to be selected to participate, it is important to note that only one person per crowd can be selected. Also, there may be long lines to get in, so we recommend going first thing in the morning. There will be fewer people, and you may be able to have your own room like I did. At least you have a better chance of being selected.
2. Purchase an interactive wand to perform spells
If you don’t like the wand selection ritual, there are other ways to benefit from purchasing a wand. In the Ollivander’s shop section, you can buy replicas of your favorite witches and wizards with added magic. The interactive wand comes with a map showing different areas of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, where you can cast different spells.
A little tip from me: look out for the little brass sign on the ground. They are a good indicator that spells can be performed nearby. There are also plenty of witches and wizards walking around who can help you if you have trouble with certain spells.
3. Watch the story of Beedle the Bard come to life
When Diagon Alley opened at Universal, I was very excited to see performances of the various stories of Beedle the Bard, especially The Tale of the Three Brothers. Even after all these years, this show is still one of my favorite shows. Selected stories will be brought to life through beautifully crafted masks and puppets by members of the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts. There are two stories the actor can play, so consider stopping and watching it multiple times.
4. See Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees live.
Interesting fact: Celestina Warbeck is only mentioned in the books and is Molly Weasley’s favorite singer. One look at her performance with her backup singers, the Banshees, and you’ll see why. At the show, Celestina sings some of her hit songs and sometimes invites someone from the audience to participate in her musical choices. She is also very easy to find! Her performance and her story of Beedle the Bard both take place in the same area of Diagon Alley, next to Hopping Her Pot.
5. Explore the shops and find Easter eggs
If I were to describe Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in one word that isn’t “magical,” it would be “detailed.” Each section of the wizarding world is packed with details. The inside of the restaurant looks like it was taken straight out of a movie, with great attention to detail.
My personal favorites from Diagon Alley were Umbridge walking the Weasleys’ tightrope in Wizarding Weeds, Gilderoy Lockhart in Madam Malkin’s all-occasion robes, and Draco Malfoy. It would be the vanishing cabinet of “Bogin and Barks” with the birdsong sent by. . In the case of Hogsmeade, there’s the Monster Book of Monsters, which allows guests to make a short jump inside a store connected to an owl post, and the exit from Filch’s Confiscated Goods Emporium (also known as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey). I love the moving Marauder map inside the Gift Shop. . )
6. Exchange money for Gringotts notes
There’s something special about going to an immersive park and even being able to use in-universe currency. While it’s not exactly the same currency used by people in the wizarding world (although I don’t think many people want to carry giant pockets full of coins), you can turn your money into Gringotts notes at your local Gringotts Exchange. Can be exchanged. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The conversion is accurate, so you don’t have to worry about feeling cheated, and you can use it not only in Diagon Alley but throughout the park.
7. Explore Knockturn Alley
Visitors can stroll through the infamous Knockturn Alley through a dark and largely unmarked entrance. You’ll see sights like a singing shrunken head, magical tattoos, and even a wanted poster for one or two of her dark wizards. Of course, this is also where you’ll find his Borgin and Burkes for those looking to make more nefarious purchases.
8. Drink butterbeer
A Butterbeer break is a must when visiting the wizarding world. Of course, there’s the classic Butterbeer and its frozen version, but Park also has a few other variations you might be interested in. “The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks” features Butterbeer’s potted cream dessert, Sugar Plum’s Sweet Shop and Honeydukes Butterbeer fudge, as well as Florian Fortescue’s ice cream parlor, “The Three Broomsticks,” There’s the “leaky cauldron” of Butterbeer ice cream. If you’re feeling a little chilly, there’s also the option to heat up your Butterbeer.
9. Take a look at the night bus
Before entering Diagon Alley, you will see the Knight Bus that appeared in the third movie. There is often a conductor and a shrunken head at the front of the bus who are happy to talk to you and take pictures with you. However, if you go to the back of the bus, you can take a peek inside!
10. Search for creatures at 12 Grimmauld Place
Diagon Alley stands amidst the hustle and bustle of London. Do you know what else is in London? Sirius Black’s childhood home and headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, 12 Grimmauld Place. Along with the Night Bus, you’ll see Grimmauld Place before entering Diagon Alley, but be sure to stop and take a closer look. Kreacher, the elf of House Black, can be seen occasionally pulling back the curtains and peering out the window.
11. Send a letter from the owl
While you may not often get the chance to see an owl take flight to receive your letter, there’s still something magical about sending a letter to the owl mailbox. Both letters and packages containing goods can be sent via owls in both Hogsmeade Alley and Diagon Alley. Letters come with a special postmark, and you can also customize your packaging with waxed parcel paper, colored twine, stamps, and even wax stickers.
12. Watch the Triwizard Spirit Rally
One of my favorite parts is; harry potter and the goblet of fire It was an introduction to visiting students from Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. The Triwizard Spirit Girlfriend Larry in Hogsmeade is like watching that scene in real life. She acts worthy of admission to both schools. The Durmstrang students demonstrate quick combat and movement with wooden canes, and the Beauxbatons girls perform ribbon she dances that are as beautiful and elegant as the students themselves.
13. Watch the frog choir sing
Hogwarts school choir students, along with one student from each house and two pet frogs, perform the same show as the Triwizard Spirit Rally on the same stage in Hogsmeade. Here we sing famous songs from movies. If the fact that a frog sings in the show wasn’t enough to pique your interest, the fact that the song is sung a cappella might.
14. Talk to the Hogwarts Express conductor
Located at the entrance to Hogsmeade near the Lost Continent, visitors can take photos with the front of the Hogwarts Express. However, if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot the conductor. If you see one, be sure to stop. They are always happy to have a quick chat and he takes a picture or two of us together on the train.
15. Watch the Hogwarts Night Show on select nights.
Hogwarts night shows can be difficult to catch. Sometimes you don’t know if the show will last until that night. However, if you end up going to Islands of Adventure on the day it comes out, I definitely recommend watching it.
Depending on when you go, the show may have a different theme. There’s a standard light show, a Christmas-themed show during the holiday season, and a Dark Arts show at Hogwarts Castle during the spooky season. Light shows are held multiple times on available nights, and the evening finale show includes fireworks.