Top things to do in Harry Potter World

[V2000]

Hi there!

This will be my first visit in October. What are some things I should not miss in Harry Potter World?
I will be going to both parks.

 

[Kelli4Cy]

I'll be going for the first time in March (can't wait) and I've hear Butterbeer is a MUST!

 

[HM]

Here are some things we enjoyed beside the rides: checking out the windows of all the stores; watching the live acts like Celestina Warbeck, The Three Brother's Tale, and the Hogwarts chorus; watching people use their interactive wands around Diagon Alley; getting some ice cream from the parlor (I loved the Salted Carmel Blondie)

 

[CyndiLooWho]

We've only been to Hogsmeade (fixing that in June!), but I would make sure to try both the frozen and regular butterbeer (now they have ice cream and hot butterbeer too?); going through the queue at FJ; sitting under the awning in front of 3 broomsticks to watch everyone go by and soak in the ambiance; getting a treat at Honeydukes (the boys loved the cauldron cakes).

I am looking forward to doing the following on this summer's trip: finally doing Ollivander's; seeing the interactive wands; riding the coasters (neither of my boys would ride them in 2012); seeing more streets / scenes in Diagon Alley; eating at the Leaky Cauldron; taking a photo of my boys in the gap in the brick wall coming into Diagon Alley; riding Gringotts.

 

[V2000]

We've only been to Hogsmeade (fixing that in June!), but I would make sure to try both the frozen and regular butterbeer (now they have ice cream and hot butterbeer too?); going through the queue at FJ; sitting under the awning in front of 3 broomsticks to watch everyone go by and soak in the ambiance; getting a treat at Honeydukes (the boys loved the cauldron cakes).

I am looking forward to doing the following on this summer's trip: finally doing Ollivander's; seeing the interactive wands; riding the coasters (neither of my boys would ride them in 2012); seeing more streets / scenes in Diagon Alley; eating at the Leaky Cauldron; taking a photo of my boys in the gap in the brick wall coming into Diagon Alley; riding Gringotts.

That sounds lovely. I can't wait to go.

 

[V2000]

Does any one have a link that is helpful for planning in HW? I feel that the universal website doesn't give me enough info or pictures.

 

[Newsies]

Does any one have a link that is helpful for planning in HW? I feel that the universal website doesn't give me enough info or pictures.

Here you go!
http://www.wizardingworldharrypotter.com/

 

[V2000]

Here you go!
http://www.wizardingworldharrypotter.com/

Awesome! Thank you!

 

[klo1335]

http://orlandoinformer.com/page/index.html

This is a really good website too.

 

[sharona]

Will you have park to park access? One must do for us is the Hogwart's Express, especially from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade. The walk through the wall feature in the boarding queue is very cool. Also there is a different "show" on the reverse train ride so be sure to take it both ways. And the dragon on Gringotts spews fire every ? minutes so be sure to check that out during dusk or after dark. Maybe someone can chime in on the exact schedule for that. We totally would have missed it if another guest hadn't mentioned it. There is a great view of Hogwart's castle from the first crest on the Flight of the Hypogrif (sp?). Not sure if you are male or female but in the Ladies Room in Hogsmeade you can hear Moaning Myrtle. Can't comment on if the Men's has the same feature.

 

[Queen of Oakville]

ha ha ... we also call it Harry Potter world.

 

[MsHook]

Confirmed there is now hot butterbeer. I tried it last month. It's amazing! Much better than the regular butterbeer. And definitely try the ice cream in Diagon Alley. They have a butterbeer flavour soft scoop. My bf says you can hear Moaning Myrtle in the men's toilets too. Also in terms of meals - we went to both Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley) and Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade) and all agree we prefer the food in Broomsticks.

Also don't eat before going on the Forbidden Journey - it can make people a little motion sick. Still love it though.

Have a great time!

 

[CyndiLooWho]

I can't believe I forgot to add that you should get the two- (or three-)park ticket so you can ride the Hogwarts Express. Haven't done that one yet, either, but looking forward to it.

And since we're traveling with hubby instead of mom this trip, I intend to try some of the dining options at Citywalk. Mom is a cook in the condo type, dh is a try new places to eat type.

 

[cgattis]

I think the biggest tip is to make time to wander the areas and SEE everything. Just take in all the amazing details. It really is like walking into the movies.

And I know Butterbeer has a lot of fans, but the Pumpkin Juice is my favorite treat!

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

I thought t he "Orlando Informer" had some really good an helpful info! Just google "orlando informer harry potter ' and you should see several links

 

[DPCummerbund]

http://orlandoinformer.com/page/index.html

This is a really good website too.

I thought t he "Orlando Informer" had some really good an helpful info! Just google "orlando informer harry potter ' and you should see several links

I agree with both of you - while the DIS main page has lots of Universal info as well, Orlando Informer has a ton of guides, touring plans, reviews, blog posts, "insider info" etc. that are all very helpful. Touringplans.com has some of the best restaurant info and up-to-date menus.