When most people think of Universal Orlando Resort, their main
objective is usually The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And without
a doubt, you could spend days upon days exploring both amazing
sections of the Wizarding World, so I thought it might be fun to give
you a list of my MUST DO’s in both sections in case you don’t have a
time turner and are short on time!

Hogsmeade Village

The first section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter constructed
was Hogsmeade Village. This section originally opened in the Summer of
2010. While it has had many changes and additions since then, this Village
continues to evolve and entertain HP fans worldwide. I
can definitely confirm that as many times as I have visited here, you
can spot new details every single time you are there! But, there are a
few things in this section of the park that you have to experience!

As soon as you enter Hogsmeade, you can’t help but grab a spot in line
for the best coaster in Orlando, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike
Adventure! This coaster took the place of the original Dueling Dragons
and what a great upgrade! Ever since its opening, the draw to this
magnificently done coaster has not waned. It is without a doubt the
top attraction in the Wizarding World! Surprises and rare magical
creatures around every turn, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime
trying to help our own, Rubius Hagrid out of another scrape!

Once you have your adventure with Hagrid, you’ll want some
refreshment. My favorite spot for all things drinks is none other than
Hogs Head! Located in the back of the Three Broomsticks, you will find
everything from Fire Whiskey to Butterbeer and everything in between!
Even a spot of Pumpkin Juice! I especially love exiting through the
back (be sure to note not to feed any of the local creatures) and
enjoy the sounds of the Wizarding World from the quiet picnic area
behind the pub.

Once you’ve fueled up on refreshments, my last must-do of this area
is the centerpiece of the original Wizarding World, Hogwarts Castle!
And even though it’s beautiful to look at, especially at night and
during different holidays due to the amazing projection shows, it also
houses Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction deep inside.
What I love about Hogwarts Castle is its attention to detail and
authenticity both within and without! So Hogsmeade Village flanked by
Hogwart’s Castle is so immersive, that you’ll most definitely feel as if
you have left the muggle world far behind!

Diagon Alley

The most recent addition to the Wizarding World is Diagon Alley as of
Summer 2014. In my humble Potterhead opinion, this area takes the
entire cake! While I love strolling through the streets of Hogsmeade,
there is literally nothing more completely immersive than Diagon
Alley! There are so many things to do, see, and experience in this
section that I could write for days, but I’ll do my best to narrow it
down for you! If you arrive here on foot, be sure to enter quietly.
You can actually hear the bricks move and open to reveal this
unbelievable land.

I, for one, am usually famished on arrival. And a stop at the Leaky
The cauldron is just the key to curbing my hunger prior to exploring!
From the menu to the long and inviting tables, this is a near exact replica
of the cozy pub from the movies. I always fill up on the specialty
chicken sandwich with apple mayo and wash it all down with a hot
Butterbeer! It is literally the most comforting Potter-ish meal for
me!

Knockturn Alley

After filling up here, it’s time to do my absolute favorite thing
here….skulk around Knockturn Alley! Being so inclined by my Death
Eater nature, I love exploring all the details friendly and not so
much throughout this dark and secret area! Make sure you head into
Bourgin and Burkes where you can spy one of the sister vanishing
cabinets and if you listen very carefully, you may even hear the song
of a sweet bird inside! And take the time to peer in the
windows all throughout the alley, you’ll definitely get a surprise or
two, but don’t worry, wanted witches and wizards are sure to keep out
of sight….most of the time!

As you depart Knockturn, you may feel the need to sweeten yourself
back up. After all, there are some sour folks hanging out around
there. Never fear, sweet is the order of the day at Florean Fortescue!
From traditional to eccentric, there is an ice cream flavor or
three for everyone! I absolutely love cooling off with a crazy combo
of ice cream flavors!

Hogwarts Express

There’s one must-do I would like to add that is most definitely a part
of both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley and that is the Hogwarts Express!
Even though you can arrive in both lands on foot, the best way to
arrive on either side is this famous steam engine! When you board in
Diagon Alley to venture to Hogwarts school, make sure you take a big
run so you can get on to Platform 9 3/4. And have those cameras on
standby, your friends will disappear right before your eyes! When
heading to Diagon Alley on the train, you will enjoy the creepy and
stormy scenery of London streets and more.

While there are so many more things that I could mention, these are
some of the highlights that I enjoy the most each time I visit. On a
side note, don’t forget to stop by Ollivander’s and let a wand choose
you! You can cast spells throughout both sections of the Wizarding
World and see amazing magic take place! So keep your eyes and ears
open, there is so much to see and experience here in the Wizarding
World of Harry Potter! If you blink, you just might miss something
like the swish of a wand or a fire-breathing dragon!