Is Harry Potter world different in California?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Orlando has two Wizarding World lands — Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley — connected by the Hogwarts Express train, while Hollywood has only Hogsmeade with the iconic Hogwarts castle (and plenty of Butterbeer, of course).



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Universal Studios in California is sometimes maligned when compared to that neighboring iconic theme park in Anaheim (cough cough). But we think a visit to Universal Studios is 100-percent worth the money if your kids are Potterheads. It's the ultimate experience for people who love all things Harry Potter.

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More rides you'll find in California but not in Florida Other attractions you can currently experience at Universal Studios Hollywood but not at Universal Orlando are Secret Life of Pets and the WaterWorld stunt show. Universal Studios Hollywood also has different walk-around characters than in Orlando.

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If your family is partial to high-octane thrills, then Universal Orlando would probably be the better choice. Although Hollywood features some rides for thrill-seekers, such as the aforementioned Revenge of the Mummy coaster, Orlando boasts eight roller coasters between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood is great for a concise getaway, but ultimately, nothing beats Universal Orlando when it comes to the full magical experience. Those looking to enjoy the best of all the flavor, fun, and attractions will want to head to Orlando to find it.

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Both Hogwarts Castles are identical but each have their own setting. In Florida you access Hogwarts from two areas; one by crossing a bridge from the outside near Jurassic Park, or inside after wandering through Hogsmeade. In California, you get to Hogwarts by passing through the Forbidden Forest outside of Hogsmeade.

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Do I Need A Separate Admission Ticket For The Wizarding World? No, a standard Universal theme park ticket will admit you into the Wizarding World. To experience both lands on one day or ride the Hogwarts Express you will need a two-park ticket.

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But at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter a half a day is enough, there's only a few rides, but the recreation of Hogwarts and Honeymead's is really beautiful, plus there's shops and restaurants and other fun little attractions, if your a Potter fan like I am, you could spend all day there, but the rest of the park is ...

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There are two rides in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood. The Flight of the Hippogriff is Universal Studios Hollywood's first outdoor roller coaster. It is family-friendly, short and appropriate for muggles 39 inches and up. Be sure to take notice of Hagrid's hut and Buckbeak in his nest.

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And as you can imagine there are so many amazing things to do in each section, you should give yourself at least two days to experience everything the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer.

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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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Travel between both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™: Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida™ and Hogsmeade™ in Universal's Islands of Adventure™.

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The main differences between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are the themes. Universal Studios centers around TV shows and movies, and various rides reflect that. On the other hand, Islands of Adventure features adventure and thrill rides, as the park is themed around superheroes and magical creatures.

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Plus, that one day would be extremely rushed, and it's better to have that extra day to take more things in. I found that two days was the perfect amount of time to see everything in the Wizarding World, explore other Universal lands, and go on plenty of rides.

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Each of the activities at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. As such, all you will need to enjoy this attraction is a ticket to the theme park!

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Another popular question we receive, is how many days should I plan at Harry Potter World? And as you can imagine there are so many amazing things to do in each section, you should give yourself at least two days to experience everything the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer.

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That said, Wizarding World (like most of the rides at Universal Studios) is probably best suited for kids 7 & up. Kids who are already well-versed in all things Potter will have the best time since every nook and cranny is inspired by J.K. Rowling's sprawling imagination.

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Starting in either park guarantees you a great day — obviously, you're at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you really can't go wrong — but we recommend starting at Hogsmeade, catching the train over to Diagon Alley mid-day, and then coming back to Hogsmeade to finish the night.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood is great for a concise getaway, but ultimately, nothing beats Universal Orlando when it comes to the full magical experience. Those looking to enjoy the best of all the flavor, fun, and attractions will want to head to Orlando to find it.

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