THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER: HOGSMEADE

Islands of Adventure has always been known for putting guests right in the middle of the action. Instead of watching all of the thrilling adventures on the screen, Islands of Adventure lets you experience it firsthand. But that immersive experience went to a whole new level when Univeral won the rights to create a theme park area after the bestselling book series and smash hit film franchise, Harry Potter.

On June 18, 2010, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened and featured two attractions, several shops, and dining experiences lifted from the pages of the beloved books and the scenes of cherished films. Now, muggles can walk into this magical world and see if they have what it takes to be chosen by a wand at Ollivanders, hold their own when they enter the Forbidden Forest, or take flight on a Hippogriff.

If we just dress up as a witch or wizard, they’ll let us in, right?

With the opening of a sister location, Diagon Alley, in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure also the Hogwarts Express as a means of not only experiencing both sections of the Wizarding World in both parks but also as another element of immersion on this iconic attraction.

In 2019, the most recent attraction was added, Hargid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, with a unique attraction vehicle mimicking the flying motorcycle that Sirius passed onto Hagrid, and a multiple launch sequence that keeps you speeding through the Forbidden Forest and past many magical creatures.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

No trip to the Wizarding World would be complete without some butterbeer, which you can grab at Hog’s Head or the Three Broomsticks. And Ollivander’s has expanded and created an outpost shop here, in case you need a new wand for your next adventure.

Three Broomsticks

And if you have a park-to-park ticket, you can board the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade station over to King’s Cross station.

And while you explore Hogsmeade, make sure to take time to check out the live entertainment of the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally. These shows take place in the town center.