Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando secret theme park tips

UNIVERSAL Orlando has achieved record attendance figures since the launch of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Originally just focusing on the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle, the park recently expanded into Diagon Alley with the two areas being connected by a functioning steam train replica of the Hogwarts Express.

Here’s some secrets and top tips for your time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.

Ride the Hogwarts Express

The newly-opened Diagon Alley is located in the original Universal Studios park, while Hogsmeade Village sits at the back of Islands of Adventure.

Thrill-seekers can take a welcome break from the thrills as they travel between the two Wizarding World sites on the Hogwarts Express just like Harry and his pals. 

But this is so much more than just transportation, it’s a ride in itself and mercifully there’s air conditioning to battle the Orlando heat – so kick back and enjoy the five minute ride.

The simulation screens act as a window as you depart Platform nine and three quarters, showing you Voldemort’s Death Eaters flying through the streets of London. 

The return journey from Hogwarts to Diagon Alley shows a completely different scene as you pass the Whomping Willow tree and wave goodbye to friendly caretaker Hagrid.

Keep a sharp eye out for the lightning bolt as you pass Malfoy Manor and you might just get a glimpse of Voldemort.

Queues can be quite long at peak times, but it’s still likely to be quicker than exiting one park and queuing for re-entry at the other. 

Unleash your inner wizard and cast spells

Before you head to Hogwarts, follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps and pop into Ollivander’s Wand Shop in Diagon Alley to buy your first wand. 

With a slight price increase of 5 dollars, it’s worth splashing out for the interactive wands – a spell-binding $50 – which allow wannabe witches and wizards to try out their skills at 27 locations. 

Spell areas can be located with golden symbols on the floor that explain the required wand motion.

You can either purchase a replica of your favourite character’s wand or 13 unique “unclaimed” wands based on the Celtic Tree Calendar. 

Watch Molly Weasley’s favourite singer in concert

Not only does Diagon Alley play home to the thrilling Escape from Gringotts ride, but you can also catch live entertainment.

The same puppet team behind The Lion King musical have brought to life The Tales of Beedle the Bard, as seen in the Deathly Hallows film.

Four actors bring to life the harrowing story of the Elder Wand’s origins that formed much of the folklore in the movies.

The show alternates hourly with performances from musical act Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.

Created by the team at Universal from just one line in JK Rowling’s books, Celestina performs uptempo jazz numbers that has made Molly Weasley one of her biggest fans.

No attention to detail has been spared

At the very entrance to Diagon Alley lies The Leaky Cauldron pub and if you look closely at the sign of a witch stood by a cauldron, you’ll notice it’s actually leaking drops of water.

Fans will remember the moment in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince where Draco Malfoy attempted to transport a live bird through the Vanishing Cabinet.

In a corner of the Borgin and Burkes dark magic shop, there’s a life-size replica of the cabinet and if you lean in closely you’ll be able to hear the chirping of the bird and feel its vibrations on the wooden doors.

Get the best pictures of Hogwarts

There’s always a strong crowd outside the entrance to Hogwarts – home of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.

But you’ll find a much better angle for those epic selfies just around the corner.

Walking away from the castle, take a right by the Butterbeer stall and you’ll find yourself on a bridge that connects the Wizarding World to the Jurassic Park area.

With an unobstructed view of the grand castle, this is the snap that will have all your friends feeling jealous.

Another essential photo opportunity is at the entrance of Hogsmeade village where the train conductor stands with you by the Hogwarts Express.

Those hoping to get a snap of themselves stood in the middle of Diagon Alley will find the crowds a frustration.

Head around to Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and take a different angle that will include the shops and the Gringotts dragon, which – if you time it right – breathes fire and gives a mighty roar.

The ghost of Moaning Myrtle haunts the toilets

Moaning Myrtle became a fan-favourite from the books and films as the ghost who haunts the girls’ bathroom at Hogwarts.

But at Universal Orlando she’s known to occasionally pop into the men’s bathroom at Hogsmeade.

While going about your business, you’ll hear Myrtle whining and crying as she mutters away at tourists.

Look for Kreacher the house-elf

Kreacher can be seen in the windows of Grimmauld Place

At the entrance to Diagon Alley you’ll find Grimmauld Place – home to Sirius Black and family.

Wait around a while and you’ll spot house-elf Kreacher make a brief appearance behind the curtains of the window.

Look out for The Vicar of Dibley

Dawn French made a cameo appearance in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as witch stuck in an enchanted portrait. 

Sadly lost on the US tourists around me, several British visitors can often be seen surprised as spotting The Vicar of Dibley in her theme park debut. 

Serving as the queue experience for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, the castle has been painstakingly replicated meaning you’ll actually be hoping the queue takes longer so you can have a good look around you. 

Get the best views of Hogsmeade village

While the ride itself is aimed at younger visitors, you’ll be surprised at how fast Flight of the Hippogriff soars through the sky.

It gives undoubtedly the best views of Hogsmeade village as you zoom past Hogwarts and the surrounding area.

Send an enchanted message back home

Social media might have killed off the art of sending postcards but who can resist a Harry Potter stamp.

There’s a small stall opposite the Three Broomsticks pub in Hogsmeade where you can find a postbox.

Harry Potter themed stamps and postcards are available to purchase too.