Potterheads Beware! The Ultimate Guide to Hogwarts Universal Studios

JessAugust 7, 2024

Universal Studios has masterfully recreated the world of Harry Potter, providing fans the chance to step into the shoes of a Hogwarts student. From wearing house robes to using interactive wands and enjoying themed dining experiences, here’s your ultimate guide to fully immersing yourself in the wizarding world.

Capes and House Attire

Where to Buy:

Purchase house robes complete with embroidered crests. Complement your look with house scarves, ties, and other accessories.

Here you can buy house gear including apparel items as well as magical items ranging from replica props to quidditch supplies. Also make sure to see the various collectibles.

Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions (Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando): The robes are designed with a convenient wand pocket and are made form high-quality materials that stand out compared to other robes you may find online. The costs range around 145$. You can also choose to embroider your robe for an additional fee, making it a personalized and unique souvenir from your trip.
Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods and Dervish and Banges (Hogsmeade, both Universal Orlando and Hollywood): Both are treasure troves of items for Harry Potter fans looking to take home a piece of the magic.

Tips:

Try on different sizes to find the perfect fit for your robes.
Accessorize with house scarves, ties, and sweaters to showcase your house pride.

Wands: Your Magical Companion

No Hogwarts student is complete without their wand. Universal Studios offers an interactive and immersive wand-buying experience.

Where to Buy:

Interactive wands can allow you to cast spells at various locations throughout the parks and are prices at around $63 plus tax. Noninteractive wands are slightly cheaper costing around $55 plus tax,

There are also limited-edition collector’s available for $75 plus tax, even if you don’t want to shell out the money I still recommend seeing their designs.

Ollivanders (Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando; Hogsmeade, both Universal Orlando and Hollywood): take part in a magical ceremony where a wand may choose you. It’s an unforgettable experience that adds a personal touch to your visit.
Wands by Gregorovitch (Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando): Another excellent option for purchasing a wand, with a variety of styles available.

Tips:

Opt for an interactive wand, which allows you to cast spells at various locations throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Follow the map provided with your wand to discover all the spell-casting spots

School Supplies and Magical Merchandise

Where to Buy

Scribbulus is a stationery shop that caters to all your wizard in writing needs, I recommend purchasing a quill and ink for the ultimate Harry Potter student experience.

Dervish and Banges offers a wide array of house robes, scarves, shirts as well as drinkware with house crests and more. Here you can buy sneaky scopes, wands, brooms and toys.

Scribbulus (Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando): Find all your writing needs, including quills, ink, parchment, and notebooks adorned with magical themes.
Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment (Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando): Shop for essential school supplies like telescopes, hourglasses, and other magical instruments.
Dervish and Banges (Hogsmeade, both Universal Orlando and Hollywood): Offers a variety of Hogwarts school supplies and magical items.

Tips:

Pick up a Hogwarts-themed journal to document your magical adventures and keep track of your spells.

Look for collectible items like house-themed notebooks and bookmarks to complete your student experience.

Currency Exchange at Gringotts

To fully immerse yourself, exchange your Muggle money for wizarding currency at the Gringotts Money Exchange.

Where to Exchange:

The highlight of this experience is the extra layer of immersion added to your Wizarding adventure by exchanging your money to bank notes which you can use around the park. Additionally, visitors can purchase bags of chocolate coins for souvenirs to bring to friends and families at home!

Gringotts Money Exchange (Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando): Here, you can trade your Muggle money for Gringotts banknotes, which can be used throughout the park. Enjoy interacting with the goblin teller for an authentic experience.

Tips:

While the banknotes are great souvenirs, they can also be used at various shops and restaurants within the Wizarding World.
Take photos with the interactive goblin for a memorable keepsake.

Dining Like a Hogwarts Student

Eating at the themed restaurants enhances the experience of being a Hogwarts student.

Where to Eat:

Pro tip: You can get a kids pancake breakfast for $12.99 which features two fluffy buttermilk pancakes, crispy bacon, one sausage link and a butter croissant.

I recommend trying the specialty chicken sandwich for $14.99 which features apple butter mayo, Colby cheese, smoky apple bacon and house-made specialty buns.

Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade, both Universal Orlando and Hollywood): Enjoy traditional British fare in a rustic, charming setting. Menu highlights include Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and the Great Feast Platter.
The Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando): Savor classic British dishes such as Bangers and Mash, Toad in the Hole, and Fisherman’s Pie.
If you have space for dessert, try the Wizard inspired treats such as butter beer potted cream and sticky toffee pudding!

Tips:

Try the Butterbeer, available in cold, frozen, and hot (seasonal) forms. It’s a must-have for any wizarding fan.
Save room for dessert; the Sticky Toffee Pudding and Chocolate Trifle are fan favorites.

Sweet Treats and Snacks

No school day is complete without a bit of indulgence. Universal Studios offers a variety of magical treats.

Where to Buy:

Absolutely make time to stop-by Honeydukes where you can indulge in magical confections, including but not limited to; Fizzing Whizzbees, cauldron cakes and chocolate frogs!

My all-time favorites are Butterbeer (of course), Earl Grey & Lavender and the sweet berry taste of Huckleberry.

Honeydukes (Hogsmeade, both Universal Orlando and Hollywood): Satisfy your sweet tooth with Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavor Beans, and other magical confections.
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour (Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando): Delight in unique ice cream flavors like Earl Grey & Lavender or Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Tips:

Try all the different forms of Butterbeer to find your favorite.
Don’t forget to take some magical sweets home as souvenirs.

Immersive Experiences

Universal Studios offers numerous interactive and immersive experiences to enhance your journey as a Hogwarts student.

Must-Do Activities

Have your cameras ready walking through the station as there’s an invisible wall effect which allows guest to watch others appear to walk through a solid brick wall!

If you were a One Direction fan back in the day, Forbidden Journey was the ride where the band surprised fans as undercover employees.

The Hogwarts Express: Travel between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade aboard the iconic train. The journey offers different scenes and experiences depending on the direction you travel.
Interactive Spell Locations: Use your interactive wand to cast spells at various marked spots throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Each location provides a unique magical effect.
Escape from Gringotts and Forbidden Journey: These thrilling rides combine state-of-the-art technology with beloved scenes from the Harry Potter films, making you feel like part of the story.

Tips:

Plan your ride on the Hogwarts Express to coincide with quieter times for shorter wait times.
Spend time exploring each area to find all the interactive spell locations and other hidden magical details.

By following this guide, you’ll fully embrace your role as a Hogwarts student during your visit to Universal Studios. From your house robes to your personalized wand and magical supplies, every detail is designed to transport you into the enchanting world of Harry Potter. Enjoy your magical journey!