CityBuddy
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Best time to visit
Early mornings right at park opening help avoid long lines, with weekdays in spring or fall offering the least crowded experience. Evening visits reveal the castle beautifully illuminated against the night sky.
Budget tips
Consider a multi-day Universal Studios pass to save on admission, and look for combo tickets including both parks. Butterbeer and snacks are pricey, so grab a refillable mug or share treats to save money.
Recommended for
Harry Potter fans, Families with kids, Theme park enthusiasts, Adventure seekers
Plan your visit
4-6 hours
About
Quick facts: Thousands of fans immerse themselves in the spellbinding world where you can walk through Hogwarts Castle and sip Butterbeer. Each year, intricate details bring the magic to life from talking portraits to dragon fire atop Gringotts Bank.
Highlights: Wizards and Muggles alike enjoy riding the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a motion-based dark ride inside Hogwarts that combines 3D effects with real sets. Diagon Alley features a fire-breathing dragon that roars and lights up the sky every few minutes, dazzling visitors with a spectacular display.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking and standing in lines.
- Capture photos near the Hogwarts Express with castle views in the background.
- Skip the single-rider lines for group rides like Forbidden Journey which do not have them.
- Visit shops early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed shopping experience.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Orlando, United States, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
