What is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an area of Universal Studios theme park in Florida. It is currently split into two sections: the first is a recreation of Hogwarts Castle and the village of Hogsmeade, with three rides (the Forbidden Journey, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Flight of the Hippogriff). The second section is a recreation of Diagon Alley, which includes the Escape from Gringotts ride. Each section has a train station, with the Hogwarts Express ride connecting the two parts. There are also countless shops and restaurants from the books and films.
What is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter like?
I'm not a huge Harry Potter fan but even I found it impressive. I'd visited the HP park in the UK, so the Diagon Alley section was as I expected. But Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle were beyond anything I'd imagined - the attention to detail was really special. It's a must-see for any Harry Potter fan.
Where is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Florida, USA
When did we go?
August 2024
How did we get there?
I went with my godsons and their parents, flying from London to Orlando and staying at the Swan Resort. We also visited Walt Disney World (410).
Worth noting:
A third section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be opening in 2025, focusing on the Ministry of Magic.
What was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter's place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
It was a new addition in 2020. Walt Disney World, which had been listed at 155, was pushed down to 410 in the new edition.
Does the Wizarding World of Harry Potter deserve its place on the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
It's undoubtedly impressive but I'm not sure it should be so high in the rankings.
