Is Harry Potter World in Universal? Comparing Orlando, Hollywood & More

If you’re planning to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then you probably need to know; is Harry Potter World in Universal theme parks?

Yes, it is. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – often just referred to as Harry Potter World – exists in several Universal Studios parks worldwide. 

Each location brings the magic of iconic places like Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and Diagon Alley to life with rides, restaurants, and shops straight from the books and movies.

So if you want to know which Harry Potter World to visit first, here’s a quick guide to each location.

We’ll cover general experiences, main attractions, and how to make the most of your magical visit.

Where Is Harry Potter World Located?

Harry Potter World can be found in four Universal Studios parks across the globe.

Universal Orlando Resort (Florida, USA)

Universal Orlando has the largest Harry Potter experience and is the only location with two separate themed areas:

• Hogsmeade (Located in Islands of Adventure)
• Diagon Alley (Located in Universal Studios Florida)

To see both, you need a Park-to-Park ticket, which allows you to ride the Hogwarts Express between the two lands.

What’s more, Universal has announced that they’ll be expanding the park by opening a third area.

The new addition will be based on the Ministry of Magic and is set to open at Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025.

Universal Studios Hollywood (California, USA)

Universal Hollywood – like the one in Orlando – has Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle.

However, unlike Orlando, Harry Potter World in Hollywood doesn’t have Diagon Alley or the Hogwarts Express.

So there’s no need for a Park-to-Park ticket for this iteration.

It’s smaller, sure, but still fully immersive for Harry Potter fans.

Universal Studios Japan (Osaka, Japan)

Universal Japan features Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle, similar to the Hollywood location.

Despite the lack of Diagon Alley or Hogwarts Express, it still manages to provide a magical experience.

In fact, many visitors fall in love with how interactive this Harry Potter World is.

Universal Studios Beijing (Beijing, China)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in Universal Beijing in 2021.

It features Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle, plus the highly-rated Forbidden Journey ride.

Like Hollywood and Japan, it does not include Diagon Alley or the Hogwarts Express.

Therefore, a Park-to-Park ticket is not necessary. 

How to Travel Between Harry Potter World Areas in Universal Orlando

So, is Harry Potter World in Universal Orlando?

Yes, it is. 

And if you want to experience everything this park has to offer, we recommend riding the Hogwarts Express to travel between the park’s major areas: Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

Steps to Ride the Hogwarts Express

1. Start at Diagon Alley. Enter through the hidden brick wall inside Universal Studios Florida.
2. Go to King’s Cross Station. Walk through and watch the illusion of people disappearing into Platform 9¾.
3. Board the Hogwarts Express. Enjoy a train ride full of surprises as you head to Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure.
4. Explore Hogsmeade. Visit Hogwarts Castle, shop at Honeydukes, and eat at the Three Broomsticks.
5. Return to Diagon Alley. The Hogwarts Express ride is different each way, so be sure to take it both directions.

But in order to ride the Hogwarts Express, you must first purchase a Park-to-Park ticket.

How Is Universal Studios Hollywood’s Harry Potter World Different?

The Hollywood version of Harry Potter World is smaller than Orlando’s.

Key Differences:

• Hollywood has Hogsmeade, but no Diagon Alley.
• It also doesn’t have the Hogwarts Express train ride.
• Fewer rides; it doesn’t have Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure and Escape from Gringotts.
• Hollywood has an exclusive Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, which is a light show with music projected onto the castle.

While smaller, Hollywood’s version is still a fantastic experience, especially for West Coast visitors.

What’s Special About Universal Studios Japan’s Harry Potter World?

Is Harry Potter World in Universal Japan different from the one in Hollywood?

Yes, but they share a lot of similarities, too. 

It has Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, and Forbidden Journey.

And, like the one in Hollywood, it doesn’t have Diagon Alley or the Hogwarts Express.

If you’re visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Tokyo, you might as well drop by the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.

This is an incredibly interactive experience for Harry Potter fans, as it features real movie sets and behind-the-scenes exhibits.

Best Rides at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Each Harry Potter World location features exciting rides that bring the stories to life.

Hogsmeade (Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing)

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. A 4D adventure inside Hogwarts Castle featuring flying with Harry and escaping Dementors.
• Flight of the Hippogriff. A family-friendly roller coaster near Hagrid’s hut.
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Orlando only). A high-speed roller coaster through the Forbidden Forest.

Diagon Alley (Orlando Only)

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. A 3D coaster where you join Harry in a wild ride through Gringotts Bank.
• Knockturn Alley. A hidden section filled with dark magic and interactive spell-casting spots.

Hogwarts Express (Orlando Only)

• A train ride between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, featuring different scenes in each direction.

Best Food and Drinks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Every Harry Potter World has themed food and drinks inspired by the books.

Here are some drink and dining options that come highly recommended. 

Must-Try Drinks

• Butterbeer – Comes in cold, frozen, and hot versions.
• Pumpkin Juice – A cinnamon-flavored pumpkin drink.
• Fishy Green Ale – A minty drink with blueberry pearls.
• Wizard’s Brew & Dragon Scale – Exclusive beers served at Hog’s Head Pub.

Best Restaurants

Diagon Alley (Orlando Only)

• The Leaky Cauldron – Serves British dishes like fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers & mash.
• Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour – Try unique flavors like Butterbeer, Earl Grey & Lavender, and Clotted Cream.

Hogsmeade (All Locations)

• The Three Broomsticks – Offers hearty meals like roasted chicken, ribs, and Great Feast platters.
• Hog’s Head Pub – A great spot for Butterbeer and specialty drinks.

Best Times to Visit Harry Potter World

Is Harry Potter World in Universal always packed?

Yes, very much so.

So, to avoid large crowds, we recommend visiting during these times:

• September – The least crowded time.
• January – After the New Year’s rush.
• May – Before summer crowds arrive.
• Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) – Shorter wait times than weekends.

If visiting during peak seasons, arrive early and consider buying a Universal Express Pass to reduce wait times.

Plan Your Trip to Harry Potter World with Team Thompson Travel

So, is Harry Potter World in Universal worth the hype?

Many believe so!

It’s a fantastic and magical theme park that can be enjoyed by fans and casual consumers alike.

And now that you know the different location options, it’s time to start planning your visit.

At Team Thompson Travel, we make booking easy by helping you:

• Find the best Universal Studios ticket deals.
• Book hotel packages near the parks for a stress-free trip.
• Plan your itinerary to experience all the best rides, food, and attractions.

We handle everything; all you need to do is focus on enjoying your trip. 

Let’s plan your magical Harry Potter World adventure.

Contact us today!