Thousands have had the opportunity to visit the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter park since it’s opening on June 18th. After several visits of our own, we’ve found a few secrets that will help you when you visit the park.
The running theme of the new Harry Potter park? Lines!! So, what if you could avoid some of those lines? What strategies could a more knowledgeable guest employ to enhance their visit? What if you could save a little money on your vacation?
A few of these very successful strategies may seem like elementary “magic,” but are effective, nonetheless.
- Use the single rider line at Forbidden Journey. Until Universal Express makes it’s first appearance at the new ride, this is the speediest way to get on the Forbidden Journey ride. Be warned! You skip about 85% of the “walk” through Hogwart’s Castle, though. I really enjoy the work and shows you get to experience inside Hogwart’s, so I usually don’t use the single rider line. If you’re in a rush, though it can save you a ton of time. Also, you see all those people waiting outside the castle? They’re just waiting to put bags into lockers. Leave the bag with a friend or at home and skip this part of the line, too.
- There’s a back door to Dervish & Banges. During a couple visits after the grand opening, I noticed that many of the people in the 2 hour (not a typo) wait for Ollivander’s Wand show think you have to go through the show, including the line to buy a wand. Not true!!! While the front door to the Owl Post (where you buy wands) and Dervish & Banges were being monitored and regulated, the back door was left open and fully accessible. The back door is in the alley that is part of the Dragon Challenge exit queue, just past the Owlery.
- You can buy Butterbeer in Three Broomsticks. Now, the line for Three Broomsticks can get long, but the line for the Butterbeer carts can be even longer! Step inside a nicely air-conditioned building and wait for your frosty beverage there, instead. You can also get it in Hogshead Bar, but so far, you’ve had to go through Three Broomsticks to get into Hogshead.
- Have a listen to Moaning Myrtle. Make sure to visit the bathroom in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter park. You’ll get a nice surprise when you hear Myrtle moaning to you while “taking care of business.”
- Buy your Harry Potter souvenirs before leaving for your vacation. We tell this to guests all the time when they’re traveling to Walt Disney World and the same holds true for the Harry Potter park. You will spend less money and get more for your money if you take advantage of this strategy. People always spend more money in an emotionally charged environment like a theme park, especially when they have a tired, screaming kid begging for that goodie. Buy the gifts before you leave, wrap them up like a present, and give them to your children when you arrive in Orlando. They will love it! Plus, they’ll be less likely to ask for stuff at the parks — although, they’ll still ask. This makes them happy and keeps you on budget. Everyone wins. This tip is even more true, now that Universal has raised the price on all Harry Potter souvenirs in the park by about 10% since the grand opening.
These Harry Potter park secrets should really make a difference in your Universal Orlando vacation and we’re just giving you a few to whet your appetite. We’ll be posting quite a few more…along with some very special things we have in the works!
Got some tips or secrets of your own? Please share them with the group in the comments!
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