The 5 Best Things to Do at Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This list was inordinately difficult to make – because to make a list of only 5 things we had to leave off some amazing options – so our honorable mentions: butterbeer, the Hogwarts Express, and the Ukranian Ironbelly perched atop Gringott’s Bank as you make your way into Diagon Alley. So if those didn’t make the final list, what did? Read on.
5. The Knight Bus – this makes the list because it is exactly what the Wizarding World of Harry Potter encapsulates – attention to detail. Sitting just outside of 12 Grimmauld Place you can find Ernie and Stan waiting to whisk you through the streets of London. So often overlooked, the Knighs Bus is so much fun to see it brought to life. And true to form, you can expect Ernie to be waiting for you with a wisecrack! (Added pro tip: look up at second floor of 12 Grimmauld Place while you are standing at the Knight Bus – directly above the placard that tells you the address – you might just see a certain house elf spying on you!)
4. Interactive Wands – Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can be a wizard too. With an interactive wand you are able to cast your own spells. Make it rain, animate bones, or repair a suit of armor. Some spells require more skill than others but there are usually wizards out and about who are more than ready to help you perfect your spellcasting, after all we don’t want to look like Seamus after he first attempted to cast Wingardium Leviosa.
3.Knockturn Alley – What do we love about Knockturn Alley (aside from being a cool respite on a hot day) is that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter recognizes that not all witches and wizards are good. And this nod to the dark wizards has the same immaculate attention to detail as the bright, colorful parts of the Wizarding World. From a recreation of Borgin and Burkes to the ability to cast spells with your interactive wands on spells that Dumbledore might frown upon, Knockturn Alley reminds us that darkness lingers even in the bright frivolity of Diagon Alley.
2. Hogwarts Castle – Yes, Forbidden Journey is a great ride (as long as you aren’t stuck by the Whomping Willow, don’t ask!) But for fans of the books and movies – Hogwarts Castle itself, yes, the queue, is simply amazing. No detail was overlooked. Meander through the greenhouses while searching for Professor Sprout. Get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat, see if you remember the password to Professor Dumbledore’s office – it’s all there. How often do you lament that the line was taking too long? You might find yourself doing just that inside Hogwarts!
1. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – Was there any doubt that this would be at the top of the list? There is a reason the line for this experience is often over 90 minutes – simply put, it’s fantastic. This ride marks the first time we venture to the Dark Forest. And along the way, you will see some beloved (and feared) creatures from the world of Harry Potter. Book fans will be excited to see some creatures that we haven’t seen in the movies (blast-ended skrewts, anyone?) And some movie favorites are probably just waiting to be woken up…have we not yet learned to let sleeping 3-headed dogs lie? This action-packed coaster features 7 launches, almost a mile of track, a vertical free fall, and enough of Hagrid’s creatures to entertain everyone, and then want to do it again!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s book your Wizarding World of Harry Potter adventure and you can find out if you agree with our list!