Is Hogwarts Express worth it at Universal?

The main reason is this is the only way to make sure you see absolutely everything that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer. The other main reason we think the Hogwarts Express is worth it is that it's a convenient way to travel between the two parks and you can enjoy a different experience both ways.



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The Hogwarts Express is a first-of-its-kind ride that links multiple geographical locations in one themed experience. The train not only provides transportation from park to park but also presents two different “stories” for passengers to enjoy on their routes.

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We learned from a Universal employee that it takes 35 minutes to leave Diagon Alley, exit the park, enter Islands of Adventure and walk to Hogwarts. So if the wait is 40 minutes for the Hogwarts Express (and your kids can handle the hike) don't take the train. You'll save time just walking around.

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For that reason, we recommend devoting a minimum of a full day to each Universal Orlando theme park, especially if this is your first visit. Three days is ideal, particularly with a park-to-park pass, as it will allow you to fully explore each park and revisit your favorite attractions.

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You can also opt to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure one day with a park-to-park ticket and spend your second day splashing at Volcano Bay. If you want to maximize your two-day visit, we recommend: Getting the Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited Pass for skipping the general queues.

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The Leaky Cauldron Accio breakfast! One of the best-themed eateries at Universal, The Leaky Cauldron is the perfect stop for a late breakfast after you've hit some early-morning rides, and is a true experience for any Harry Potter fan.

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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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Yes, it is possible to see both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day. You will need a one-day two-park ticket to experience all that the Wizarding World has to offer, since Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade is located in Islands of Adventure.

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Hogwarts Express is a single-track elevated cable railway running over the backlot between the two theme parks, with a two-track passing loop at the midpoint. It is 676 meters (2,218 ft) long and has a track gauge of 1,800 mm ( 5 ft 107/8 in).

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The only stations the Hogwarts Express is noted as stopping at are King's Cross and Hogsmeade. Pottermore states that all students have to board the train per Ministry decree. This also includes students from Scotland, Wales and more remote parts of England and Ireland.

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Students have lessons Monday through Friday, leaving only weekends when students could potentially return home on a frequent basis. We know that the Hogwarts Express departs from King's Cross on the 1st of September at 11:00 (11am).

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You'll need a Park-to-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts™ Express and visit both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. The train travels between Hogsmeade™ in Universal's Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida.

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Best Time of Year to Visit There's really no off season for Universal, but the week after Labor Day until mid-December (excluding Thanksgiving week) and January to mid-May (excluding spring break) are known for smaller crowds, cooler weather, and less humid air.

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You may be wanting to pack in a few theme parks in your short trip, which may leave you wondering, “can I do Universal Orlando in one day?” Lucky for you, with strategic planning and a little help from us, it is totally possible to do Universal Studios Orlando in one day.

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The simple answer is: Yes! it's toadally possible to fit Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure into one day. What makes park hopping easy at Universal Orlando is the fact that the two parks are right next to each other.

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