Does Universal still own Harry Potter?

Previous Universal Harry Potter attractions A Harry Potter themed attraction at a Universal Studios park or a Disney park was rumored in 2003. However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise had been acquired by Warner Bros., which denied all rumors.



To be clear, Universal never owned the Harry Potter intellectual property; the rights to the books and films are owned by Warner Bros. Discovery (and author J.K. Rowling). Universal Destinations & Experiences holds a long-term licensing agreement that allows them to use the "Wizarding World" brand and characters in their theme parks. In 2026, this partnership is stronger than ever. Universal continues to operate the highly successful Harry Potter lands in Orlando, Hollywood, Osaka, and Beijing. Furthermore, Universal is set to expand this partnership with the opening of a massive new Harry Potter-themed land at their upcoming Epic Universe park, which will feature a highly immersive "Ministry of Magic" experience. Warner Bros. continues to manage the broader franchise, including the "Making of Harry Potter" studio tours and the upcoming HBO television series, while Universal serves as the primary global partner for physical theme park immersion and retail experiences.

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Universal Orlando has announced the closure of one of its most popular attractions next month, disappointing Harry Potter fans of all ages.

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You can only access this attraction if you have a park-to-park ticket, though! In my opinion, you can absolutely fit everything you want to do in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day, even without Express Passes. You just need to be strategic about your itinerary!

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Best Attractions at Universal Harry Potter Right off the bat, Islands of Adventure has an advantage because it has 4 rides instead of just 2. Plus, while I'd say the experience is better coming from Diagon Alley, you can ride The Hogwarts Express on either side.

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The big beast left the park in 2012 to make room for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™.

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No, they don't. Disney did try to acquire the rights to Harry Potter but they refused to give creative control over to JK Rowling. Warner Bros.

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British author Joanne Rowling, also known as J.K. Rowling, is the richest author in the world with a net worth of $1 billion. Rowling is the author of the hit children's fantasy series “Harry Potter.” The seven-volume series sold over 600 million copies and has been translated into 84 languages.

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Too wildly imaginative and expansive to be contained by any one theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™ is split between Diagon Alley ™ at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade ™ at Universal Islands of Adventure, with the Hogwarts ™ Express connecting the two.

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Although Disney would try to correct this mistake by trying to buy the movie rights, theme park privileges and even Scholastic themselves, efforts by the company ultimately failed, citing creative clashes with Harry Potter's controversial creator J.K. Rowling, along with the deals made with Warner Bros. Pictures.

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How much does a trip to Harry Potter World cost? The estimated cost of a visit to Harry Potter World is approximately $1,260 for four adults with 2 park-to-park tickets. This allows for a full day of exploration in Hogsmeade and another day in Diagon Alley.

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How much does a trip to Harry Potter World cost? The estimated cost of a visit to Harry Potter World is approximately $1,260 for four adults with 2 park-to-park tickets.

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Since Hogwarts is, well, fictional, you can't really check-in. But, the Georgian House in London has transformed some guest rooms into Wizard's Chambers. The rooms are part of the hotel's Harry Potter Tour Package.

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Another very popular question we receive is, is Disney or Universal Cheaper? And as a general rule of thumb, Universal is cheaper than Disney in almost every category, from tickets to theme park food, and the most noticeable being hotel rooms.

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After Officially Beating Disney, Universal Studios Plans Multiple New Roller Coasters. Universal Orlando Resort, also known as Universal Studios Orlando, is only getting bigger and better.

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