Your Daily Prophet Scoop: Top 5 Enchanting Experiences in WWoHP at Universal Orlando Resort

by Ashlynn Webb

1. Enjoying a Butterbeer

Forget the Sorting Hat for a moment, because the absolute first thing any Harry Potter fan must do in the Wizarding World is grab their very first Butterbeer! It’s practically a rite of passage, and the best part is, you can find this iconic, frothy beverage almost anywhere your magical journey takes you. Plus, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy it! 

You can go classic and grab a stein of cold or frozen Butterbeer at the Butterbeer street carts in Hogsmeade, sit down at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley for nice hot Butterbeer. Enjoy the newest Butterbeer Ice Lolly or a Butterbeer Soft Serve Ice-Cream available at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour to help beat the summer heat! You can even get your crepe cravings satisfied at the Café L’air De La Sirène in the Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. 

2. Casting Your Favorite Spells

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is where you can transform from a Muggle to a Wizard or Witch because you can cast spells throughout all of the lands with interactive wands. With the opening of Epic Universe, you can now cast even more spells and, with the Universal Orlando App integration, it has unlocked even more magic. 

P.S. There are locations hidden throughout the Wizarding World where you can cast spells not marked on any map, but like any great wizard or witch, you have to find them and figure out which spell you need to cast. 

3. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

Ever dreamed of using Floo powder to travel to your next adventure? Well, at Epic Universe, they have made this dream reality. As you walk into the Paris Métro-Floo, you’ll use some Floo Powder and be transported right into the Ministry of Magic! This attraction is epic (no pun intended). You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported right into the Harry Potter movie set. From the details in the Ministry offices to the script, this attraction will truly take your breath away. Plus, grab your Muggle camera because every second in this queue is a picture-worthy moment. 

Fun fact: The Métro-Floo alone has over 80,000 subway tiles, and the British Ministry of Magic spaces have over 125,000 of the iconic Ministry tiles in five colors!

4. Le Cirque Arcanus

One word – WOW. The new Le Cirque Arcanus show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe is spectacular. This attraction transcends traditional Muggle circus experiences, fully immersing audiences into the enchanting universe of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The narrative unfolds as the enigmatic ringmaster, Skender, absconds with Newt Scamander’s magical suitcase – a container brimming with fantastic beasts recognizable from the Harry Potter films, books, and video games. The production is a dynamic fusion of live performances, intricate puppetry, and dazzling special effects, creating a truly spectacular and unforgettable theatrical experience.

5. The Hogwarts Express

You cannot miss catching the Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios Florida and riding it to Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure. This is no Muggle train ride; this journey will be full of adventure, surprises, and beloved characters featured in the films.

Access to the Hogwarts Express requires a Park-to-Park ticket, enabling seamless transitions between the two theme parks. Notably, you are permitted to bring your Butterbeer on board, enhancing the magical commute.

Fun fact: The train ride is different in each direction, so be sure to take it both ways.