Achievement unlocked, I finally visited Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando! This has been my #1 bucketlist item for over a decade and to finally be able to visit was an absolute dream come true!
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
When it comes to travel and accommodations I highly recommend choosing one of Universal’s vacation packages, especially if you are visiting Universal Studios Orlando. When choosing a package you can select a Hotel+Tickets package or a Flights+Hotel+Tickets package. We decided on the Hotel+Tickets package and of course chose the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package.
Here are just some of the perks to a Universal Studios Orlando vacation package:
Hotel Accommodations: We chose the Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites as it was included in the bundle without additional costs. I could not recommend this enough! This was my first time at a resort, the resort offered 2 large pools with plenty of spots to lounge, gym, game room, cafeteria, bar, Starbucks and Universal Studios store in the lobby and more!
Universal Studios Parks Accommodations: The vacation package offers multi-day Park-to-Park tickets with flex days plus early park admission if you stay at one of Universal resorts! The great part of the flex days is if you are staying for an extended time you can choose to go to the parks day 1 and then day 3 or 4 if you’d like to rest in-between. Also a side note, if you choose to stay at a more expensive resort offered through Universal you can also receive free Universal Express Unlimited Tickets to fast pass ride lines.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package Bonuses: Free Three Broomsticks Breakfast, free Leaky Cauldron Breakfast, free Special Themed Keepsake Box and free Shutterbutton’s Studio session which allows you to take themed interactive videos and photos. The Shutterbutton’s Studio session is honestly a bit cheesy but it’s worth doing at least once.
PARK INSIGHTS
Universal Studios Orlando offers three theme parks; Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay plus a free to roam section known as Citywalk.
Universal Studios Florida: Universal Studios offers location destinations such as Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Simpson’s, Transformers plus London and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley.
Islands of Adventure: My favorite theme park offering Marvel Superheroes, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade.
Volcano Bay: A water theme park perfect for hot summer days.
Citywalk: The free section of Universal Studios Orlando offering a multitude of restaurants for everyone to choose from.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
Calling all fellow foodies! Universal Studios knows how to do food, I mean they even have a section of the park devoted to food on Citywalk. Universal Studios offers all types of food for everyone and you won’t walk away disappointed.
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
Croissant Moon Bakery: A very cute little eatery for pastries and sandwiches.
TODAY Café: If you’re looking for a healthier and lighter breakfast give the TODAY Café a try especially the avocado toast.
The Leaky Cauldron & The Three Broomsticks: Both the Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks offer similar breakfast options which is available until 10:30am. I highly recommend the Egg, Leek, & Mushroom Pasty paired with some hot butterbeer which is available during the colder months.
Starbucks: If you’re looking for coffee there are plenty of Starbucks throughout each park.
LUNCH, DINNER & DRINKS
Universal Studios:
Central Park Crepes: If you’re a fan of crepes like myself, Central Park Crepes offers both sweet and savory options.
Finnegan’s Bar and Grill: Highly recommended spot if you’re looking for traditional Irish American pub fair such as Scotch Eggs, Shepherd’s Pie or Bangers and Mash.
Krusty Burger: Delicious burgers! The cheese sauce is a game changer!
The Leaky Cauldron: The Lunch and Dinner is quite different at the Leaky Cauldron than at the Three Broomsticks and personally my favorite WW restaurant among the two for classic UK food. For beverage options I suggest trying either the Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, Fishy Green Ale or the Peachtree Fizzing Tea. For food options I suggest trying either the Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, Toad in the Hole, Cottage Pie, Split Pea & Ham soup, the Irish Stew or the Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew.
Mel’s Drive-In: A classic ‘50s style diner with classic American food options.
Islands of Adventure:
Mythos Restaurant: If you’re looking for more Mediterranean food, this is the place.
The Three Broomsticks: The WW knows how to make amazing food and you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. I highly suggest ordering the Pumpkin Fizz or Butterbeer with either the Shepherd's Pie, Rotisserie Smoked Chicken or the Fish & Chips. You can even order the Fish & Chips from the kid’s menu if you’re looking for a smaller portion at a lower price.
**If you’re not wanting to wait in long lines for butterbeer try the Hog’s Head by popping around through the Three Broomsticks patio entrance.
Citywalk:
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: I highly recommend the table side guacamole, hands down some of the best guacamole I’ve ever had! Plus their margaritas are pretty good too!
Hard Rock Café Orlando: Fun ambiance plus music inspired food and memorabilia.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: Great service and drinks all around! This is one of my top recommended restaurants.
Pat O’Brien’s: If you’re looking for New Orleans inspired cajun food plus musical entertainment this is the spot for you!
Red Over Pizza Bakery: Delicious pizzas!! We grabbed a couple of their pizzas after a long day at the park and it was the perfect meal to end the night.
DESSERTS
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour: Delicious ice cream! My top 3 flavor recommendations are the chocolate chili, chocolate and raspberry and the butterbeer. **If Florean’s is too busy try popping around the corner to The Fountain of Fair Fortune for shorter lines.
Lard Lad Donuts: Delicious doughnuts, large enough to feed a group of 4-5!
The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks: Both magical restaurants offer delicious desserts. From the Leaky Cauldron I suggest either the Sticky Toffee Pudding, Cranachan or the Chocolate Potted Cream. From the Three Broomsticks I suggest either the Butterbeer Potted Cream, Butterbeer Ice Cream, the Freshly Baked Apple Pie, or the Chocolate Trifle.
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen: Toothsome is still on my must try list but it came highly recommended by many especially if you’re looking for gourmet chocolates and specialty desserts.
Voodoo Doughnut: If you’re been to the original location in Portland, Oregon then you know what I’m talking about. These doughnuts are amazing, I recommend trying the ODB.
WIZARDING WORLD OF hARRY pOTTER LOCATIONS
Don’t sleep on purchasing the dual park passes especially if you are a huge Harry Potter fan like myself. Without the dual park passes you will not be able to ride the Hogwarts Express to or from either destination but do not worry you can easily purchase the additional park ticket from a kiosk at either King’s Cross Station or Hogsmeade Station. Also to note, if you’re not into rollercoasters or they give you motion sickness but would still like to experience all activities throughout just ask the witch or wizard at the entrances for permission and they’ll always say yes.
All of the Wizarding World is full of little easter eggs especially Diagon Alley, here are some of my favorites in each section!
DIAGON ALLEY
The Leaky Cauldron Signs: In London, the Leaky Cauldron is represented exactly how it’s explained in the books, sandwiched between a book shop and a record shop where passing Muggles don’t see it. In Diagon Alley, the sign actually drips water from the crack in the cauldron.
The Phone Booth: In the books the red phone booth is known as the visitors entrance to the Ministry Magic, pop in and dial 62442 or MAGIC and listen carefully for a Ministry of Magic witch to assist you.
The Knight Bus: Have fun and ask the shrunken head questions or pop around to the back and have a look inside of the bus.
No. 12 Grimmauld Place: One of my favorite parts is seeing Kreacher looking out the second story window.
Ironbelly Dragon: The dragon is a she! She shoots fire every 15 minutes unless it is windy out, you will always know she is ready because she’ll roar a bit just before. Also don’t forget to go into Gringotts where you can have a conversation with the head goblin.
Gregorovitch Wand Shop: Ollivander’s is often incredibly packed, pop around the corner across from Weasley Wizard Wheezes to easily buy a wand.
The Mermaid Fountain: In the square in front of The Hopping Pot the mermaid will occasionally shoot water so watch out!
THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS
Grab a middle seat for the best views and enjoy the interactive ride! It is different going either way from Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley and is worth checking out both directions.
HOGSMEADE & HOGWARTS CASTLE
Hogwarts Castle: Hogwarts is a MUST visit, there is so much to see! From the humped back witch, the greenhouses, the house hourglasses, the griffin staircase, the portrait hall, Dumbledore’s office, the History of Magic classroom where the Golden Trio appear from the Invisibility Cloak and Ron makes it snow. To the Gryffindor common room, the fat lady in her portrait, the sorting hat and finally the Great Hall with floating candles.
Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods: Once you exit the Hogwarts ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride you’ll enter Filch’s Emporium. Ask the students there (the employees) what they got detention for or why they’re there for fun responses.
Moaning Myrtle: If you need to use the restroom while in Hogsmeade, keep an ear out for Moaning Myrtle.
