Random Tips For Getting Most Out Of A Visit To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter (12 items)

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  (#4) Grab A Bite To Eat

  After a long day of shopping, riding, and waiting in lines, you're certainly going to want some of the finest delicacies the Wizarding World has to offer. You'll be faced with many options, but most of the crowd favorites are located in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

  One Hogsmeade highlight is the Three Broomsticks, a tavern offering classic wizarding drinks like Butterbeer and pumpkin juice, as well as some bar food and light fare. It even features a cordoned-off bar, the Hog's Head.

  Over in Diagon Alley, you can sample classic British fare, such as cottage pie or bangers and mash, in addition to the usual signature drinks you can find throughout the park. If you're in the mood for something sweet, you can visit Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour for unusual and sweet frozen treats. If you go in the morning, they even offer a continental breakfast with pastries and juice.
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  (#5) Get The Park-To-Park Pass

  While the upfront cost can be hefty, the Park-to-Park pass may be a worthwhile investment. As the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between the two levels of Universal Studios Orlando, you need this pass to access the full experience - especially for the Hogwarts Express, which shuttles you from one to the other. The pass will run you an additional $55. 

  If you really want to get your money’s worth, couple that with the Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited passes, which allow you to cut past the punishingly long lines for all of your favorite attractions. The Express pass ($70) allows you to skip the line once per ride, while the Express Unlimited ($90) allows for unlimited skips.
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  (#11) Ride The Hogwarts Express Both Directions

  After a long day (or two, or three) at the park, you probably won't complain at the prospect of sitting down in an air-conditioned space for a few minutes. Beyond that logistical benefit, the Hogwarts Express offers a breathtaking view that is best experienced in both directions. 

  If you depart from both the Kings Cross and the Hogsmeade stations, you may see Hagrid, Harry, Ron, Hermione, the Weasley twins, and several of your other favorite - or least favorite, if you count the Dementors - characters, if you pay attention.
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  (#9) If Rides Aren't Your Thing, Go On A Castle Tour

  For those who don't care for roller coasters but still want to see the interior of Hogwarts, one secret attraction you'll enjoy is the Castle Tour. When you reach the front of the line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, tell the attendant you want to take the Castle Tour.

  They'll direct you to a separate queue leading straight into the castle, which you can explore at your leisure. You can see the dungeon, the Mirror of Erised, the greenhouse, the classrooms, Harry Potter himself, and many other curiosities.
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  (#12) Skip The Wand Show At Ollivanders

  Should you choose to visit the Ollivanders Wand Shop, you will be dazzled by the great attention and care the park has given to their replication of the shop and the wand-selection process. A costumed shop attendant selects one person in the crowd for a wand selection - usually a child - and a performative ceremony ensues.

  It’s all very charming, but is it worth waiting over two hours in line just for you or your children to not get picked? There are other wand retailers available that will take up less of your time, meaning you can maximize your time on other attractions at the park.
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  (#10) Know The Height Requirements

  Nothing will yank you from the magic more quickly than your child screaming because they aren't tall enough to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. To avoid this, research the height requirements for each attraction before you leave for the park. 

  Since you planned ahead, you'll also be able to reframe an unfortunate situation to your child in magical terms: “I wish you could ride the Dragon Challenge, but kids under 54 inches get cursed when they ride it. I don’t want for that to happen to you.”

  Forbidden Journey: 48 inches 
  Dragon Challenge: 54 inches  
  Flight of the Hippogriff: 36 inches  
  Escape from Gringotts: 42 inches

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