To purchase your ticket to 9 ¾, please call or visit the Universal Website. When making your selection, please ensure you choose the 2 park pass (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures)
Universal Studios: (407) 224-7840
Website: https://www.universalorlando.com/webstore/en/us/park-tickets
Estimated Price (Excluding Tax): $199.00
Fast Passes may also be purchased online for those interested.
Feel free to call or book your room directly through the hotel.
Hotel Number: (407) 939-1936
Website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/coronadosprings-resort/rates-rooms/room-only/
Estimated Price (Excluding Tax): $338
Pro’s: Same Hotel – airport transportation included
Con’s: 13 Miles from the park, high priced hotel
Aloft Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Feel free to call or book your room directly through the hotel.
Hotel Number: (407)-778-7600
Website: https://www.marriott.com/enus/hotels/mcoav-aloft-orlando-lake-buenavista/overview/
Estimated Price (Excluding Tax): $137
Pro’s: Ability to use Marriot points
Con’s: Moving hotels (luggage)
Gryffindor was one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was founded by Godric Gryffindor. Gryffindor instructed the Sorting Hat to choose students possessing characteristics he most valued, such as courage, chivalry, nerve and determination, to be sorted into his house. The emblematic animal was a lion, and its colors were scarlet and gold and its house point hourglass was filled with rubies. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, also known as "Nearly Headless Nick", was the House ghost.
Gryffindor corresponded roughly to the element of fire, and it was for this reason that the colors scarlet and gold were chosen to represent the house. The color of fire corresponded to that of a lion as well, with scarlet representing the mane and tail and gold representing the coat.
The Gryffindor motto was "Forti Animo Estote", which was displayed on a stained glass window in the common room. The Gryffindor house emphasized the traits of courage as well as "daring, nerve, and chivalry", and thus its members were generally regarded as brave, though sometimes to the point of recklessness. Some Gryffindor's had also been noted to be short-tempered..
Slytherin was one of the four Houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by Salazar Slytherin. In establishing the house, Salazar instructed the Sorting Hat to pick students who had a few particular characteristics he most valued. Those characteristics included cunning, resourcefulness, leadership, and ambition. Many Slytherin students tended to clique together (often acquiring leaders) which further exemplified Slytherin's ambitious qualities. The founder highly valued and favored pure-blood students and the Sorting Hat admitted that it could be a factor when being sorted. Students of any blood status could be placed in the house. However, a Muggle-born student from that house was considered to be quite rare.
The emblematic animal of the house was a snake and the house's colours were green and silver. There were two notable heads of the house; Horace Slughorn took the role twice (first leaving in 1981 and then taking the role again from 1997 until leaving before 2016 and Severus Snape. The patron ghost of the house was the Bloody Baron.
Slytherin corresponded roughly with the element of water due to serpents being commonly associated with the sea and lochs in western European mythology, as well as serpents being physically fluid and flexible animals. Similarly, in Celtic mythology, water is seen as a portal another world, leading some to believe that the element was chosen to symbolize a Slytherin's dream for a world in which their goals and ambitions had finally been achieved. Others speculate that it was chosen to symbolize many Slytherins' hope for a purebloodonly wizarding society. The colors also corresponded with waters around lakes and lochs often being green, and silver being often associated with grey rainwater.
Hufflepuff was one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Its founder was the medieval witch Helga Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff was the most inclusive among the four houses, valuing hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play rather than a particular aptitude in its members The emblematic animal was a badger and yellow and black were its house colors. The Head of Hufflepuff was Pomona Sprout, and the Fat Friar was the House's patron ghost. Hufflepuff corresponded roughly to the element of earth, and it was for that reason that the House colors were chosen: yellow represented wheat, while black was emblematic of soil. The Hufflepuff point hourglass contained yellow diamonds. Students sorted into Hufflepuff often demonstrated strong abilities in Herbology, owing to their correspondence to earth. Students belonging to this house were known to be hard-working, friendly, loyal, honest and rather impartial. It might be that due to their values, Hufflepuff's were not as competitive as the other houses, and were more modest about their accomplishments. Hufflepuff was the most inclusive among the four houses; valuing hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play rather than a particular aptitude in its students. Hufflepuff's were known to have a strong moral code, and a sense of right and wrong. Hufflepuff's were usually accepting of everyone. Students in Hufflepuff were known to value everyone and treat them as equal.
Ravenclaw was one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Its founder was the medieval witch Rowena Ravenclaw. Members of this house were characterized by their wit, learning, and wisdom. The emblematic animal symbol was an eagle, and blue and bronze were its colors. The Head of Ravenclaw was Filius Flitwick and the House ghost was the Grey Lady, real name Helena Ravenclaw, daughter of Rowena. Ravenclaw corresponded roughly to the element of air and it was for that reason that the House colors were chosen; blue and bronze represented the sky and eagle feathers respectively, both having much to do with air. The Ravenclaw points hourglass contained blue sapphires.
Ravenclaw House prized learning, wisdom, wit, and intellect in its members. Thus, many Ravenclaws tended to be academically motivated and talented students. They also prided themselves on being original in their ideas, and methods. It was not unusual to find Ravenclaw students practising especially different types of magic that other houses might shun. Hermione Granger, an extremely intelligent witch and the top student in her year, was sorted into Gryffindor, though she admitted that the Sorting Hat had seriously considered placing her in Ravenclaw. Ravenclaws tended to be curious about the world and paid attention to the world around them. Ravenclaws were known to be logical and rational. In addition, Ravenclaw students tended to have abilities regarding Memory. Garrick Ollivander, for example, possessed an eidetic memory and can remember every wand he has sold and Gilderoy Lockhart had an exceptional talent in the Memory Charm.
Hogsmeade Village, or simply called Hogsmeade, was the only all-wizarding village in Britain. It was founded by Hengist of Woodcroft. Since before 1714 (when the 1714 Edict was passed), Hogwarts third-years and above had been permitted weekend trips into the village. Mainly, students frequented the High Street in the village, which contained the named specialty shops and pubs such as Zonko's Joke Shop and Honeydukes. Otherwise, they wandered on to observe the infamous Shrieking Shack. Hogsmeade was a picturesque little village of cottages and shops, with enchanted candles hanging in the trees during the holidays. It was also near the location of the train station used by the Hogwarts Express.
Diagon Alley was a cobblestoned wizarding alley and shopping area located in London, England behind a pub called the Leaky Cauldron. Inside the alley was an assortment of restaurants, shops, and other sights. All items on the Hogwarts supply list could be bought at Diagon Alley. The alley was completely hidden from the Muggle world, which was right outside of its boundaries. It was very large in area and essentially the center of wizarding London. Consequently, the demand for space here was steep, and rent costed "loads of Galleons". The entrance was behind the Leaky Cauldron in a small, walled courtyard with a dustbin. Diagon Alley could be accessed by tapping the correct brick in the wall behind the Leaky Cauldron (from the rubbish bin, three up and two across). The wall went in a small hole first but formed a large archway. It could also be accessed by Floo Powder and Apparition. There might have been other entrances as well. Diagon Alley connected to a second, less reputable shopping district, Knockturn Alley. This alley was completely devoted to the Dark Arts and was considered disreputable and "dodgy" by the wizarding community at large. A wizard seen visiting the alley was considered to be up to no good.
At number 12 Grimmauld Place, you will spot some movement up in the windows. If you look closely you will catch Kreacher scowling down at you as he watches over the Black residence.
In Madam Malkin’s Robes shop, you can stand in front of the Talking Mirror and hear it’s opinion on your sartorial sense. (Be prepared, it’s not always nice!)
I Solemnly Swear I
Before entering Diagon Alley, you will see a classic red phone booth outside of King’s Cross. Go inside, pick up the phone and dial MAGIC to call the Ministry of Magic.
If you will be shopping during your stay at Diagon Alley, be sure to exchange some muggle money for wizard money at Gringott’s Money Exchange. (The magical money can be spent within the park.).
This very hidden spot in Diagon Alley (just past the bathrooms) is a well-kept secret and home to many fun spell spots, black light mysteries, a collection of singing shrunken heads, Let your eyes adjust and look around….
When leaving Diagon Alley towards Hogsmeade, stand in front of the illusion mirror. You will be disappearing into the wall.
If you are taking part in the wand experience, be sure to check out our post with all of the wand spots – including two secret wand spells!
Seek out this snarling, growling and biting book at Ollivander’s – don’t worry, it’s in a cage!
She hangs out in the public restrooms in Hogsmeade at Hog’s Head Pub– even if you don’t need the bathroom, pop in and see if you can cheer up this poor unhappy ghost.
Watch for shadows, you may see some house elves working! Also, go and take a peek on the patio…..
I Solemnly Swear I Am Up To No Good
Keep an eye out for the Gryffindor sword, magical gadgets, including the Pensieve.
If you listen you can actually hear the hog’s head snarling
You may see some instruments playing… on their OWN!
Go and visit the alley behind the building….`.
There is a quill that writes the names of newly born wizarding babies. Look for it in the window.
In line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you can hear potted Mandrakes screaming as you walk past. This is in the greenhouse, right before entering the castle.
Go and visit the owl post to send packages and post-cards home!
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Legend has it that only the bravest witches and wizards dare to test their fate on these rides……
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The Harry Potter Escape from Gringotts ride is a coaster/simulation ride that packs a punch for those visiting Diagon Alley. Guests descend into the safest place on Earth, Gringotts bank, with Bill Weasley and explore the vaults during the timeline of the Deathly Hallows films. During this Harry Potter Universal ride, you can expect drops, high-speed turns and chases, and 4D technology to enhance your experience. Just be careful, you never know who you’re going to encounter down in the vaults … especially someone like He Who Shall Not Be Named. There is even a fire breathing dragon sitting on top of the magical bank, so beware!
This “low-key” Harry Potter ride at Universal takes you for a flight around Hagrid’s pumpkin patch. Board a hippogriffshaped train and swoop, dive and soar as you listen to Hagrid’s special instructions on magical creatures. . This coaster ride is curated for smaller witches and wizards, making it not so thrilling but very entertaining and perfect for kids. Also, you will capture great views of the Hogwarts Castle during the ride.
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This 4-D simulation ride that runs into some misfortunes and mishaps along the way. is thrilling and dynamic with special bench seating that is unlike any ride before it. Encounter dragons, Death Eaters, spiders and even fly around on the Quidditch pitch with Harry as he chases around the Golden Snitch in this exciting attraction.. Throughout the queue and even during the ride, you get some of the best up-close views of specific Hogwarts rooms, truly making it feel like you are inside of the castle. The biggest downfall of this ride is that it can easily aggravate motion sickness. If this isn’t a ride for this witch or wizard, still walk through the castle for the experience.
Hop into Hagrid’s motorbike and soar around the Forbidden Forest to locate all of the magical creatures on the Hogwarts grounds. You will be pleasantly shocked during this Harry Potter ride with launches, drops, high speeds, and so much more! The storyline of this Harry Potter ride cannot be beat, and it totally checks all of the boxes for theme, queue and overall experience. With a maximum speed of 50 mph throughout seven launches, the ride includes more launches than any other roller coaster in the world. Beware…. You will go backwards. BLOODY HELL!
• Estimated to be high of 72, low of 64 degrees.
• Comfortable shoes
• Small bag pack if needed (there are lockers). Helpful if you are planning on purchasing merchandise in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade
• Ticket, money and ID (butterbeers are a must!)
• Harry Potter Attire is encouraged, if not try to wear your house or favorite house colors.
• Sunscreen if needed
• Bring a postage stamp!
This is a loose agenda, please note some of these event times have not been officially posted. Any Witch or Wizard who would prefer to fly on their own broomstick and deviate from the group is completely okay.
Event Time Night Bus
9:00 AM
Enter Diagon Alley 9:10 AM
Escape from Gringotts 9:15 AM Shop in Diagon Alley 10 AM-12 PM
The Tales of Beedle the Bard Show 11:30*
Lunch at the Leaky Cauldron 12:00 PM
Walk to King’s Cross Station to Platform 9 3/4 1:00 PM
Hogwarts Express
Flight of the Hippogriff
Grab a Butter Beer and Watch “Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear” and “Frog Choir”
1:30 PM
2:00 PM
2:30* PM Hagrid’s Magical Creatures 3:30 PM
Shopping In Hogsmeade
Forbidden Journey
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
Pint and Snack at Three Broomsticks 5:45 PM
* Official show schedule not posted, time based on historical data
• Universal Studios Tickets Website: https://www.universalorlando.com/webstore/en/us/park-tickets
• Fast Pass Ticket Website: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/ticketspackages/express-passes
• Download Universal Studios App (including Map): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/universal-orlandoresort/id878217080
• Wait Times: Universal Orlando App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wait-times-universalorlando/id383973080