Ever wanted to try Butterbeer or ride the Hogwarts Express? How about dining in the Leaky Cauldron? If your answer is yes, yes, and heck yes, then you’ve come to the right place! There are so many fun things to do at Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Orlando to experience. Plus, there’s no need to travel halfway across the world to London for your next wizard themed vacation.
If it’s your first time visiting Orlando or going to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, check out this guide to find out what to expect and how to make the most out of your trip.
Where Is Diagon Alley?
Located within Universal Studios Orlando, Diagon Alley is an immersive experience allowing Harry Potter fans to live out their wizarding fantasies.
Entering Diagon Alley is simple, as it is included in park admission. But, if you want to visit Hogsmeade, you will need to buy an Islands of Adventure ticket as well. There are Park-to-Park tickets available that allow you to travel between the two theme parks within the same day via the Hogwarts Express! Keep reading to learn about purchasing tickets and the various options.
Top Rides and Attractions at Diagon Alley
With so much to do, it’s hard to decide what to include, but these four top rides and attractions are the ones you should definitely stop by or try out while you’re here!
Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts
Travel alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione in search of a Horcrux during this multi-dimensional thrill ride! You’ll even have a chance to battle Voldemort in a scene right out of the Deathly Hallows. You can find Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts located beneath the massive fire-breathing dragon. We promise it’s hard to miss!
Casting Spells with Interactive Wands
This might just be our favorite part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Studios theme parks! Interactive Wands let you practice all your favorite spells and watch the magic unfold before your eyes. Simply wave your wand, recite the proper spell, and see what happens!
We recommend moving slowly when casting your spells; sometimes, it’s even best not to move your arm (that way the magic… ehem, cameras… can catch what you’re doing). And, if you need one of these novel wands, our favorite places to buy an interactive wand are listed in the next section.
Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
This colorful emporium is another one that’s hard to miss! Located right at the entrance to Diagon Alley, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes is a real-life version of the joke shop created by the prank-loving Weasley twins. The inside is pure magic and filled with toys and games for all ages! Plus, if you like trying unique flavors, check out their hilariously named candy, including Nosebleed Nougat, Puking Pastilles, and U-No-Poo.
Hogwarts Express
Hop on the Hogwarts Express and ride between Kings Cross Station and Hogsmeade. Onboard, you’ll experience some of the most memorable moments from the series, including a visit from some remarkable soul-sucking guests.
The Best of Diagon Alley: Shopping!
Looking for the perfect magical wand to add to your collection or after a souvenir to remember this incredible adventure? These Diagon Alley shops are excellent for some good ol’ retail therapy!
Gringotts Money Exchange
Chat with the goblin inside Gringotts Money Exchange and change your US currency for Gringotts money. Use it to make purchases throughout Diagon Alley. And don’t worry if you have some leftover notes, you can hop over to Guest Services and they’ll transfer them back to US currency.
Quality Quidditch Supplies
Your go-to shop for all things Quidditch. Stock up on Quidditch brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Quaffles, and so much more! Do you have a favorite team? Holyhead Harpies? Show your team spirit by buying apparel, hats, accessories, and more.
Magical Menagerie
Want to bring home a furry friend? Visit this whimsical pet shop in search of a variety of plush versions of popular Harry Potter creatures, including Buckbeak, Crookshanks, Aragog, Fawkes, Hedwig, and Fang.
Ollivanders Wand Shop
Stop by Ollivanders for all your wand needs. You can buy your own unique wand, wand sets, character wand replicas, or an interactive wand that you can use throughout Diagon Alley. With a flick of the wrist, you can cast spells along Diagon Alley stores, making things move or appear.
Wands by Gregorovitch
If the line at Ollivanders looks a little too long and you need a wand quickly, Wands by Gregorovitch is the place to go! It’s a smaller store, but the wands sold are the exact same, minus the crowds. Plus, we love the charming purple entrance!
Borgin and Burkes
If the dark is calling your name, you’ll be in paradise here! There is an assortment of objects with powerful and freakish properties for every Harry Potter enthusiast to geek out on. We mean, who can resist costume replicas, skulls, Death Eater masks, and collectibles?
Where Should You Eat at Diagon Alley
Feeling hungry after a jam-packed day? Check out these favorite places to get a delicious bite to eat!
The Leaky Cauldron
Hit up the Leaky Cauldron and enjoy traditional British dishes such as bangers and mash or toad in the hole. Seating is on a first-come basis, so your best bet is to get there for an early or late lunch to avoid missing out.
Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor
No trip to Diagon Alley is without a taste of Butterbeer ice cream! But if that isn’t up your alley, there are many different and unique flavor options that you can have served in a waffle cone or a souvenir cup.
Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment
Thirst be gone with this quick-service beverage kiosk in Diagon Alley. They have many unique beverages if you’re after a cool drink or just a fun souvenir. Each potion has a different color and flavor you mix with Gillywater to create a one-of-a-kind drink.
Purchasing Tickets to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Like we’ve mentioned, you will need to buy a ticket for entry into Universal Studios Orlando to visit Diagon Alley. You do not need a separate ticket as it is included in regular park admission.
You can buy the One Park Per Day ticket, which will allow you to visit one park all day. However, you will need a Park-to-Park ticket to actually ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Station and King’s Cross Station. You’ll be able to choose from 1-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, 4-Day, 5-Day tickets depending on how long you intend to stay. We recommend planning to stay for more than one day to get the whole experience of the Wizarding World at Harry Potter.
Want more information about purchasing tickets? Head over our to theme park resources!
Insider Tips & Tricks
If it’s your first time visiting Diagon Alley, you’re in luck because here are some tips to ensure you get the best out of your visit!
Don’t Do It All in One Day
If you have to, so be it. You can absolutely manage most things in one day. But, if you decide to stay longer, it’ll be so worth it. Instead of cramming everything into one day, take your time and enjoy each new experience.
Arrive Early and Stay Late
Arrive before the crowds and stay late to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Diagon Alley at night! Like all parks, nighttime brings out a different kind of magic you can’t experience during the day.
Don’t Skip the Queues
Crazy, right? Queues can be so boring, but the ride queues in Diagon Alley are far from it. Take in all the intricate details of Hogwarts Castle and Gringotts Bank. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
Ready to experience Diagon Alley?
Universal Studios’ Diagon Alley is waiting for you! And all you need now is a place to stay, right? But with so many options, it’s hard making a decision. That’s where we come in. As a family-run business, we know what families need. Let us do the heavy lifting and find the perfect vacation rental property for you.
Plus, we even have a vacation home with a Harry Potter themed bedroom! Check out our properties by selecting one of the Villakey Curated collections below and don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email with any questions you may have.
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