A Muggle’s Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley
When I was 9, I spent most of my afternoons curled up in my bed, firmly clutching my Harry Potter book. No one tried to get my attention because they knew they would fail miserably. I was immersed into this magical world and everything else was just secondary. Every book was re-read, every movie re-watched. I basically grew up with Harry Potter and his friends by my side. So imagine my excitement when I first set foot onto the cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmead.
I was grinning from ear to ear while my eyes wandered around. It was like I was walking inside a candy store for the first time and I didn’t know where to start! As a fan of Harry Potter, I noticed every detail. From the oddly shaped buildings to the colors on each signage..it was like I was transported into a whole other world. My husband couldn’t contain his laughter when I kept pointing out every single thing I saw. He must feel very lucky to be married to a Harry Potter dork lol.
First things first…
Before you reach Diagon Alley, you will first come across King’s Cross Station. This is where you can take a train ride via the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade. Some people may not be aware of this but the only way you can ride the train is by buying the Park-to-Park admission ticket. This may come as a shock but the price to have access and enjoy this train ride is $219.99 per Adult. FYI: Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios Florida & Hogsmeade is in Islands of Adventure.
For more ticket info click on this link: Universal Studios Pricing
What did we do?
We ended up purchasing the 2-Day Park to Park Ticket so we can focus on one area (Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade) per day just to have a better experience. We could’ve saved money if we did the 1-Day pass but we didn’t want to tire ourselves out by doing both parks in one day. If you actually want to explore every nook and cranny and don’t want to be rushed, then I suggest for you to do the same. On our first day, we spent most of our time in Diagon Alley alone and we barely had time to go on the rides inside Universal. For the most part, we just stayed inside the two Harry Potter parks for each day we were there.
If you decide to start with Diagon Alley, then you must meet the Knight Bus conductor and the shrunken head. The Knight Bus is located right across the entrance to Diagon Alley. Just look for a purple triple-decker bus and you won’t miss it! It was cool talking to the conductor. He asked me some questions about Harry Potter, while the talkative shrunken head chimed in every now and then.
After chatting with the conductor and the shrunken head, we made our way to the hidden entrance of Diagon Alley. In true Harry Potter fashion, the entrance (found beside the Leicester Square Station) is a brick hole in the wall that opens to towering shops, colorful signs and a dragon, perched on top of the Gringott’s Bank. You can easily miss it if you’re just a regular Muggle like me. If you guys recall in the movie, the entrance to Diagon Alley is also hidden and can only be revealed by tapping on a brick. Although you won’t be tapping on anything here, it’s still a pretty cool way to enter the alley.
Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley is Universal’s latest addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The expansion was greenlighted after the success of Hogsmeade that debuted in 2010. This also paved the way for Hogwarts Express to get made and it’s one of the best attractions in the park. I liked Hogsmeade but Diagon Alley was far more superior in my opinion. Sure, Hogsmeade has most of the rides but I really enjoyed exploring the shops at Diagon Alley. I thought it was more magical and immersive than the former which is why we spent most of our time there.
Must See:
weasley’s Wizard wheezes
This is one of my favorite attractions at Diagon Alley. It’s crazy how it’s a mirror image of Fred and George’s shop in the movies. Inside this colorful shop you will find novelty items (extendable ears, pygmy puffs, fanged flyers, boxing telescopes, etc) & sweets (fainting fancies, puking pastilles, fever fudge, nosebleed nougat, chocolate frogs, etc) that you will definitely enjoy.
Ollivander’s
Every witch and wizard needs their own wand to cast their spells. The best place to get them is at Ollivander’s. Stacked to the ceiling with wand boxes, this quaint shop is home to some of the most powerful wands in the world of Harry Potter. I had a hard time choosing what to buy so I ended up getting 3 wands – Hermione’s, Sirius Black’s & Lord Voldemort’s. There are two kinds of wands: regular and interactive. I bought an interactive Hermione wand and the other two were just the regular one’s. What exactly is an interactive wand? More on that later.
You can also join a short interactive show where you, along with a small group of people, will head to the back of the store and one of you gets chosen to have a wand magically selected. The wand’s not free but you have the option of purchasing it or not. Basically, you’re not obligated to buy anything & you’re just doing it for the experience. We were not the “chosen one’s” but I thought it was a magical experience nonetheless.
Knockturn alley
Knockturn Alley is famously known for shops devoted to the Dark Arts. Just like in the movies, this is where you will find Borgin and Burkes. This antique shop holds the other half of the vanishing cabinet that Draco Malfoy used to transport several Death Eaters into Hogwarts. You can find the replica sitting in the corner of the shop – don’t forget to listen for a bird chirping inside just like in the Half-Blood Prince.
Here you can also purchase Dark Arts objects such as Death Eater masks, skulls and costume replicas. If I may add, you might not be able to take good photos here in Knockturn Alley because it’s dimly lit and really cold. Colder than any part of Diagon Alley! If you want to explore this sinister side of Diagon Alley, make sure you arm yourselves with your wands and a few casting spells.
Gringott’s bank
Perched on top of the bank is an angry Ukrainian Ironbelly that breathes fire every 15-20 minutes. This is the focal point of Diagon Alley and rightfully so. As we entered the grand marble lobby of the goblin owned bank, I couldn’t help but admire the towering columns and gigantic chandeliers. You’ll also get to meet the not-so-friendly lifelike goblin tellers that are hard at work inside the bank.
Must Do
Purchase an interactive wand at ollivander’s
Casting spells are no longer just for real wizards and witches. Even muggles can cast spells now! Just as long as you buy the interactive wand, of course. The wand comes with a map with medallion marked locations. Once you find the medallion, you can start casting spells. To cast a successful spell:
- Make sure you’re facing the right direction. The medallion is marked with an arrow to where you should be facing.
- When you’re going through the spell casting motion, make sure you keep your arms straight and point it directly to where the four dots of red light are.
- Your movement should be minimal. Don’t move your whole arm but instead just move your wrist.
- Don’t forget to say the words to your spell. Remember: It’s LeviOsa not LeviosAR! 😀
If you forget how to do the motions, just take a look at your map or better yet ask the park member overseeing the medallions. They will gladly help you perform your spell.
experience the thrilling ride, “escape from gringotts”
This is the only ride inside Diagon Alley so brace yourselves for the inevitable long lines. This 3D multi-dimensional ride takes you through the scenes of Harry, Hermione and Ron escaping the Lestrange vault in Deathly Hallows Part 2. Although it’s a short ride, I still enjoyed it.
try on robes at madam malkin’s robes for all occasions
Here, you will find a great selection of wizard wear such as: school uniforms, ties, scarves, sweaters, cardigans & accessories inspired by your favorite four school houses of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
exchange money & talk to a goblin at gringott’s money exchange
Exchange your muggle money (US currency) for Gringott’s notes that can be used throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade! They’re available in $10 or $20 denominations. You can also talk to the animatronic goblin that will answer all of your questions.
shop your favorite creatures at magical menagerie
Do you want your own Hedwig, Crookshanks, Fang or Buckbeak? How about Scabbers or Fluffy? This shop is the perfect place to find your own magical creatures. Don’t forget to listen to the snake outside the shop. It speaks Parseltongue!
dine at the leaky cauldron
This is the pub and inn that Harry and his friends often visit. But unlike the movies, there’s no inn inside the restaurant. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu consists of traditional British food which includes: Fish & Chips, Ploughman’s, Bangers & Mash, Beef Lamb and Guinness Stew, Toad in the hole, Cottage Pie, Fisherman’s Pie, Soup and Salad.
They also serve kids meals and desserts. We didn’t get to try their breakfast menu so I’m not sure if it’s any good. But the Bangers & Mash (english sausage, mashed potatoes, green salad) was pretty tasty. Prices are decent, ranging from $9-16 per person.
What I loved most about dining here was the ambiance. The whimsical decor was on point and will definitely remind you of the pub in the movies.
indulge in treats at florean fortescue’s ice cream parlour
If you’re craving for something sweet, then you should stop by this quaint ice cream parlour. They offer a variety of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Don’t miss out on the magical flavors available for soft serve and scoop ice creams. Some of the flavors are: butter beer, toffee, granny smith, orange marmalade, & peanut butter.
drink butter beer at the fountain of fair fortune
Get your Butterbeer fix at The Fountain of Fair Fortune. Butterbeers can either be served hot, cold or frozen. I got mine cold and of course I had to have it on the souvenir cup! It tastes like root beer but on the sweeter side. You can’t leave the park without trying one!
Before you head out, grab some gillywater, fishy green ale or dragon scale to hydrate you throughout the day.
Part 2 Hogsmeade – Click this LINK
Have you been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? What did you like most about it?
Let me know in the comment section below.
This was awesome! I have some serious envy pangs because I totally want to visit Universal Studios just to see the Harry Potter attraction. I loved your pictures. Thanks for all of the suggestions.
Aw thank you so much! Hope you get to see it for yourself too. Its one of a kind! 🙂
I’ve never been there but I’m so jealous haha and happy that you got to achieve this wish. I can’t wait to go there. I’m probably going to be emotional and all because just like you Harry Potter has rocked my childhood, and even today, I tend to imagine that hogwarts is somewhere in this world, very well hidden from the muggle world. Amazing about what we can all do there, I did expect some interesting attractions but it’s like you really enter the harry potter world. I think it’s going to be worth the price going there
Aww same here Nadia. I actually shed a tear. I’m not even embarrassed to say that because it really reminded me of my childhood and how it was a dream come true for me to be there. Right? If only!
And yea, it’s crazy how immersive the park is. Every detail was on point! They did an amazing job!
We missed out on Diagon Alley when we were in Orlando but I am determined to go to the Hollywood one this year! I feel like it would bring me back to such great memories of my childhood!
Thanks for sharing!
Unfortunately they wont have the Diagon Alley one in Hollywood. I dont think they have enough space for Hogwarts Express and for this one. But I’m sure it will still be an awesome experience!
And no problem Erin! Thanks for stopping by!
They were building it when I was there last. I have to go again soon. Your pics and descriptions are amazing!
Aw thank you Liv! Glad you think so. Yea, it was the latest addition to the park. I heard it was a no brainer to start this one since the other one was a big success!
I grew up with Harey Potter too 🙂 thanks for this post! It brings back so many memories as I was here almost 4 years ago. Great to see there are new editions! I’ll have to revisit sometime.
No problem Portia! Glad you were able to visit 4 years ago. What were the new additions they didnt have before? Just curious.
Your pictures are amazing! I bought an annual pass for Universal just so I can do all the Harry Potter things whenever I want! I love it so much, I think they did such a great job bringing it all to life.
Thank you Ashley! That’s awesome! I would love to purchase the annual pass. It’s a bit pricey now right? And yes, I agree. They did an amazing job!
Jealous! I went before Diagon Alley was built! Our entire trip to America was planned around visiting Harry Potter world…now I just have to go again!
Ohh too bad it wasn’t open yet. I guess it’s time to go back and visit again? 🙂
This looks really fun! This is the first time I am hearing of it!
Thanks for sharing!
Not a problem at all Valerie! Yes, they opened a while back. But they have another one opening in Hollywood. You should check it out!
Oh my word! So fun! I am a little obsessed with Harry Potter, so this would be a dream come true. Ha!
Karin | truncationblog.com
It was really fun! I particularly enjoyed the interactive wands. They were one of a kind!
This looks AWESOME. I’ve been wanting to visit since it opened! I love how detailed you are in your post, so thanks for that. I’m sure it’ll be helpful once I make my way to Universal, myself 🙂
Hey there Brianna! Thank you so much. And I’m glad you liked my detailed post. I really want my readers to see how Universal thought of every detail, making it a truly remarkable experience. 🙂
The Harry Potter books and movies are one of my favorites! I look forward to sharing them all with my kids soon as they are getting old enough to enjoy them. I would LOVE to take a family trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I love how they thought of every little detail to make it such an amazing (and true to form) experience!
I’m so amazed at how they thought of each and every detail…Truly creating an awesome and immersive experience for every park goer. I hope you and your kids get to visit soon. They will love it!
Thanks for posting such a great review! As a fellow Harry Potter enthusiast I hope to visit the parks someday. Your post will definitely give me a few things to keep in mind.
Aw thank you Lauren! Glad that I found another HP fan! Hope you get to experience this magical world for yourself. You will go bananas! 😀
Ugh I’m such a huge Harry Potter junkie, it’s not even funny! I have a Harry Potter tattoo that I’m pretty sure I want to add more to somehow. The Harry Potter generation is me and I’m so proud of it. Alas, I haven’t been to the Wizarding World yet so seeing these photos and hearing your full review was so great. Makes me feel a little more like I’ve been there. I swear, when I get there I’m going to lose my mind entirely.
xoxo,
Dannie
http://www.stilefotocibo.com
Hello fellow Harry Potter fan! 🙂 That’s so awesome that you have a Harry Potter tattoo! What is it, if you dont mind me asking?
Aw thanks for saying that. My goal is to share my experiences and for you guys to feel like you were there and hopefully inspire you to see it for yourself. Hope you get to visit soon Dannie!
I have to be one of the last people on the planet not to have read a Harry Potter book, or to have seen any of the films. I’ve always thought Harry Potter wouldn’t be my thing, but this looks seriously cool. Cool enough that I might have to reconsider ; -)
That’s okay Sage. It’s not for everyone but glad you’re reconsidering. Hope you get to check this place out! It’s a great place to visit for sure.
I am so envious of everyone who has had the chance to visit Diagon Alley! I have loved Harry Potter since the release of the first book and have been a die hard fan for all of these years. I am wanting to plan a trip there within the next year, I think my whole family would enjoy it.
Glad you and your family are planning a trip there nxt year. Its great for the whole family to enjoy. They have one opening in Hollywood but it’s only going to be Hogsmeade. But I’m still glad that they have one near where I live.
Ahhhhh, I’m itching to go SOOOOO BADLY!!!!! My friend went last summer and said it was AMAZING. I’ve also never seen pictures as clear or as beautiful as yours!!! It almost feels like I’m there 🙂
You have to go Calista! Your friend is right. It’s absolutely amazing! Aw thank you for liking my photos. Appreciate it so much! 🙂
I hate to be rushed, especially when its a place I may never get to return to. I’d purchase the 2-day pass also. Also I’m not a Harry Potter fan, this looks very interesting. Maybe I am a fan and don’t know it?!?
Right? Plus it’s better to fully immerse yourself rather than rushing. You’ll never enjoy it!
haha maybe Tami you are and you just don’t know it yet. Maybe when you visit, you’ll find out. 🙂
I always wanted to visit Disney World… until they opened this! While I would love to visit both halves, I think I would mostly spend time in the Diagon Alley half like you did. I know my husband has said he wants to get his own wand and a Slytherin scarf while I want one of those cute Hedwig plushies!
Me too! I haven’t been. Yea, Hogsmeade was nice and all but I felt like it wasnt as immersive as Diagon Alley. Granted, it has most of the rides but still. I liked Diagon Alley better. Aw how nice! And he likes the Slytherin house? That’s new! I always hear people go for Gryffindor. That’s the popular choice haha.
The kids always love visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter whenever we go to Universal Studios. There’s so much to see and do. We’ve made some great memories there. We really need to revisit.
I cannot wait to go there. We just need to wait for my 8 year old to gain more weight so she can go on all the rides. She would be devastated if she couldn’t go on and I would feel terrible not letting her. We are huge Harry Potter fans!
I have never been to into Harry Potter (I know GASP!), But if I went to Disney I will totally check it out. I have seen some of the movies so I do know a little bit about it. Looks like you guys had an absolute blast.
My kids were too little when Harry potter was huge that we have totally missed this one.
Looks like you guys had a great time…so much to see!
I have not read the books, but I have seen quite a few Harry Potter movies with my nephew…unfortunately probably only one in its entirety. The storyline is so absorbing. Holy cow…there was a lot to explore there. I love the gift shop, and very cool to be able to touch and buy the wizard’s wands.
I just started reading the first book with my kids, and seeing your pictures got me very excited (I’ve never read the books or seen the movies,either)! I want to see the wands and go to gringott’s, and the leaky cauldron! Looks like so much fun.
Welcome to the HP world Jacqui! You and your kids will definitely enjoy the books. Maybe in the near future, all of you can check out the parks as well.
I personally am not a huge Harry Potter fan. I do think my boys would enjoy it though. I hope I can plan a visit to Disney and Universal one of these days.
We have been there 4 times and it gets better each time! My kids LOVE Universal JUST because of Harry Potter! how did you get an image INSIDE the bus!!!
Me too! I actually just stayed inside the two harry potter parks for the two days we were there lol. You can go behind the bus and you can see it from there!
OMG. HUGE Harry Potter fan here. SOOO Jealous, I can’t wait to go. It looks just as amazing as I’d imagine! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Ashlyn! Glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you get to experience this soon. It’s a must for every Harry Potter fan!
What a wonderful adventure. Thanks so much for the details. I loved it and now I want to go visit too
My husband and I visited last October. Loved it. I love your photos and your tips. Every muggle should definitely visit 😉 My absolute favorite place was easily the Leaky Cauldron. We even bought an interactive wand and went through the park impressing random kids with our skills. Ha ha ha…
Aw thanks Jenn! And yes, every muggle should! haha I did exactly the same thing. I enjoyed the interactive wand so much!
What an incredible place! I have to admit that I’ve never read the books, so most of these reference have no real meaning to me, but those wands are AWESOME!
No worries. I’m glad you still enjoyed the post. 🙂
How awesome is this. I’m not gonna lie I’m so jealous of all that candy. I wish my kids were more into Harry Potter – We’ve never seen any of them. We will have to!
I do recommend the books. Maybe get them started with those first? They will love it!!
We are huge Harry Potter fans. We’ve even won cosplay costume contests when they used to have parties to celebrate the movies. I can’t wait for that to happen this year when the new one comes out! I so want to take my husband. He is such a huge fan of the books and the movies. It looks like such an awesome place.
That’s cool Stephanie! I’ve actually seen some of those cosplay costumes and I must say you guys are so creative! Hope you and your husband can visit soon. I’m sure he will love it.
It is my dream to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!! I hope to visit it one of these days! Looking forward to part 2 of your post.
Hope you had the chance to check it out Peachy! I posted it a week ago. 🙂
What an incredible place! I can’t wait to go. It looks just as amazing as I’d imagine!
Yes, definitely visit Jasmine!
I love love love Harry Potter!! I remember reading all of the books while Iived in England! I am definitely jealous right now…
I’m actually jealous that you guys have the WB studios! That is something I would def want to do.
The knight bus is very interesting! How convenient, with a bed inside?
Its not really a place to sleep in. It’s just for show lol. Like in the movies, they have a bed inside for the passengers to sleep in.