A lot of people ask this question: is Harry Potter World in Disney World?
The answer is no, actually.
Most people confuse one for the other, or think they’re in the same area, but Harry Potter World is not – and never has been – part of Disney World.
It’s actually licensed under Universal Studios.
So if you want to visit it, you’ll need to go to Universal Orlando Resort.
Here’s a more detailed overview on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s location, and what you can expect when you visit.’
Where You’ll Find Harry Potter World
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is part of Universal Orlando Resort.
It covers two different parks there: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
A third Harry Potter area, called the Ministry of Magic, is coming soon.
It will be inside a new park called Epic Universe and is expected to open in May 2025.
Currently, you can technically just stay in either park, but many agree that experiencing both is more magical.
The park in Universal Studios Florida is themed after Diagon Alley while the park in Islands of Adventure is themed after Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle.
Each area has its own unique shops, features, attractions, and rides.
Visitors can easily travel between parks via the Hogwarts Express, which you can ride with a Park-to-Park ticket.
The train is a full interactive ride in and of itself, so a Park-to-Park ticket is highly recommended.
You may even be able to get it at a discount or part of a package deal if you book through a travel agent.
Why is Harry Potter World Not in Disney World
The truth is, Disney actually wanted to build Harry Potter World themselves.
So they reached out to Warner Bros., the company that officially owns the Harry Potter movies, media, etc.
However, Universal Studios offered Warner Bros. a better deal for rights to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Since Disney didn’t outdo their offer, Universal Studios won.
That’s why Disney doesn’t have any Harry Potter-themed rides or areas — they legally aren’t allowed to.
Everything related to Harry Potter is under Universal Studios.
What Does Disney Have Instead?
So, is Harry Potter World in Disney World?
No, but they do have other popular themed lands for fans to explore.
For example, Disney Hollywood Studios has Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Here, fans of the franchise can build their own lightsaber, fly the Millennium Falcon, and eat Star Wars-themed food.
It’s very immersive, and if you love Star Wars, it’s definitely a place worth visiting.
Disney also has the Magic Kingdom, although this one is more focused on general fairy tales rather than a specific franchise.
Here, park goers can meet princesses and ride through castles.
What’s Inside Harry Potter World?
There are three Harry Potter areas to explore in Universal Studios Orlando.
Each one is themed to look and feel like the books and movies.
Here’s a quick overview of all three:
Hogsmeade
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade is at Islands of Adventure.
You can walk through the cozy, snow-covered village and visit Hogwarts Castle, off in the distance.
Popular rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure can be found there.
There’s a branch of Ollivanders where you can buy a wand.
And if you’re feeling peckish, duck into The Three Broomsticks for food and a nice tall glass of Butterbeer.
Diagon Alley
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios Florida.
What might immediately catch your attention is the fire-breathing dragon perched on top of Gringotts bank.
Entering the bank will let you ride the Escape From Gringotts ride.
You’ll find plenty of shops from the book, like Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and The Leaky Cauldron for some dining.
You can even explore Knockturn Alley if you want something a little darker.
To ride the Hogwarts Express between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, you’ll need a Park-to-Park ticket.
Ministry of Magic (Coming Soon)
In 2025, Epic Universe will open a third Harry Potter land.
This one will take place inside the British Ministry of Magic.
You’ll go on a ride with Harry, Ron, and Hermione to chase down Dolores Umbridge.
The area will also include new shops and restaurants, as well as a unique transportation system called the Métro-Floo.
This area will feature scenes from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, too.
Is Harry Potter World Better Than Disney?
Now that you know the answer to, is Harry Potter World in Disney World?, does that mean Harry Potter World is better than Disney World?
Well, the answer really depends on what you like.
If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, then yes; you might not be happy with what Disney World has to offer.
In which case, Universal is the better pick.
As a fan, you’re going to love the chance to drink Butterbeer, use wands to cast spells, and walk around an incredible replica of Hogwarts Castle.
But if you’re more into Star Wars or Disney princesses, Harry Potter World may be too niche for you to enjoy.
In this case, Disney World would be the best destination for you.
Which Harry Potter World Is Best?
There are actually other Harry Potter World locations aside from Universal Orlando.
Hollywood, for instance, has a smaller version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade.
Japan also has a similar setup to Orlando, but on a smaller scale.
In fact, London has the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
Here, guests can see – and sometimes interact with – the real sets from the films.
However, note that it’s a tour, not a theme park.
Ergo, there won’t be any rides.
So speaking just in terms of size and experience, Universal Orlando is the only place where you get two full Harry Potter World experiences — as well as a third one, coming very soon!
This makes it arguably the biggest and most complete Harry Potter World experience.
What About Food and Shopping?
Harry Potter World in Orlando has special food and snacks you won’t find anywhere else.
The Three Broomsticks and The Leaky Cauldron serve classic British food like fish and chips.
You can drink Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, or even try Butterbeer ice cream.
Shops like Honeydukes, Ollivanders, and Borgin and Burkes sell everything from wands to Chocolate Frogs.
You can even buy a robe and get sorted into your house.
Can You See It All in One Day?
Yes, but you’ll need to plan well.
Start early and get a Park-to-Park ticket so you can visit both parks.
Ride the popular rides early, like Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure and Escape from Gringotts.
Use the afternoon to shop, eat, and explore.
If you want to take your time, spend two days.
And once the Ministry of Magic opens, two days will be even better.
Want to Visit Harry Potter World? We Can Help
So, is Harry Potter World in Disney World?
No, it isn’t – and now you know!
And if you’re ready to see it in person, let us help you.
Here at Team Thompson Travel, we’re dedicated to planning the perfect trip for you.
We’re travel consultants who specialize in Universal and Disney vacations.
We’ll help you pick the right tickets, book early entry, and build a plan that fits your time and budget.
You won’t pay anything extra — our services are free to you.
Let us handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the magic.
Reach out today!