14 Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips (California)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has remained the most spellbinding place in California since it opened in 2016. Whether you’ve just received your acceptance letter to Hogwarts or you’re already a Quidditch champion, these Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood tips will help you get the most out of this magical place.

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1. Pick the right time of year to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

If you’re looking to experience Universal Studios Hollywood when it’s less crowded at the park, I recommend traveling mid-January, February, or September. Families are focused on school and work during these off-peak months. For longer park hours and more entertainment options, however, plan your trip for March, April, May, June, July, October, November, December or early January. My family visited the first week of the New Year and The Wizarding World was even more magical all dressed up for the holidays. No matter when you go, you’re sure to have a bewitching time.

2. Get to Universal Studios Hollywood early.

If you want to be the first muggle (or wizard or witch!) in the park, plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before Universal Studios Hollywood opens. This is especially true if you’re visiting during peak season. Then head straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the most enchanting part of the whole theme park.

3. Join Harry Potter on the Forbidden Journey ride.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the star ride in the Wizarding World. Be sure to queue up for this attraction early as the line will grow and grow as the day goes on. Riders (48″+) come face to face with mystical creatures while taking flight with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Soar above Hogwarts while visiting iconic locations like Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

4. Find your wand at Ollivanders.

At Ollivanders Makers of Fine Wands, you can either purchase the wand of your dreams or have your wand choose you. If you would like to be a part of a wand choosing ceremony, you should probably line up for this popular activity first thing upon your arrival. Although you might not get picked to have a wand choose you, it’s still fun to watch.

Of course, you can also simply select your own wand or seek out a shopkeeper, who will ask questions to guide you toward the right choice. Wands of characters like Lord Voldemort, Dumbledore and Harry himself are available for purchase, too.

These wands are not cheap. Keep in mind, though, that they are more than mere souvenirs. Use these wands to “cast spells” on interactive scenes within the Wizarding World. This was probably my kids’ favorite part of our visit to Universal Studios Hollywood and well worth the investment!

5. Ride Flight of the Hippogriff.

If you have young wizards who aren’t quite tall enough to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, don’t worry. Flight of the Hippogriff welcomes riders 40″+ for a not-too-scary roller coaster journey around a pumpkin patch and past Hagrid’s hut.

6. Taste Butterbeer.

Although house elves may get tipsy off Butterbeer in the Harry Potter books, parents can rest assured that the Universal version is alcohol-free. Whether you love the butterscotch flavor of this unique beverage or find it too sweet, a Butterbeer sampling is an absolute must at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Order your Butterbeer frozen or cold and fizzy. During the winter holiday season, you can also purchase a hot Butterbeer, but only inside the Three Broomsticks restaurant and Hog’s Head Pub (not from beverage carts). I recommend getting one of each to taste and split among your park-going group.

7. Eat at Three Broomsticks.

The Three Broomsticks is one restaurant Harry Potter fans definitely don’t want to miss at Universal Studios Hollywood. Here, you can try a variety of traditional British foods like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and more. Save room for the Sticky Toffee Pudding!

In the mornings, you can even get a traditional English breakfast here. Expect eggs, sausage, black pudding, English bacon, baked beans, grilled tomato, sautéed mushrooms, and breakfast potatoes.

8. Visit Hogwarts Express.

Unfortunately, unlike the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, there is no Hogwarts Express Train ride. Thankfully, though, you can still take a peek at this mythical train at Universal Studios Hollywood. A photo of this train is definitely Instagram-worthy.

9. Indulge in sweets from Honeydukes.

Even if you’re not a “Sirius” Harry Potter fan, Honeydukes will satisfy your sweet tooth. Honeydukes is filled with sweets like Acid Pops, Exploding Bonbons, Peppermint Toads, Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizzbees and more. Those with a sense of adventure and a strong stomach will want to try Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans. You never know what flavors you’ll discover!

10. Shop Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

Ollivanders and Honeydukes aren’t the only shops in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Honestly, shopping Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade was my favorite part of Universal Studios Hollywood. The theming and authenticity are spot on.

Dervish and Banges sells magical items like Spectrespecs and The Monster Book of Monsters plus all sorts of Quiddich gear. Jokesters will love Zonko’s for its collection of Extendable Ears, Screaming Yo-yos, Pygmy Puffs and the like. Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated goods is where to go for a Marauder’s Map, along with lots of other souvenirs of the Boy Who Lived. Meanwhile, if you really want to get in the Harry Potter spirit, head over to Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where you can purchase your very own house robe.

Look up to the wooden rafters inside the Owlery to find a dozen resting owls dozing, hooting, turning their heads, and ruffling their feathers. There, you can buy all sorts of stationery, Harry Potter stamps, and owl-themed toys and goodies. You can even drop a postcard into the post box to be delivered with a Hogsmeade postmark!

11. Use Rider Switch.

If exploring Harry Potter Universal Studios with young children, Rider Switch will be your best friend. Rider Switch allows two adults or older siblings to take turns riding attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey while one stays behind with the youngster, without needing to wait in line twice.

12. Look for live entertainment.

During your Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood vacation, be sure to check the daily schedule to see when the Frog Choir will be playing. This a cappella group of wizards and witches sing some favorite songs from the Harry Potter movies.

Be on the lookout for special entertainment during high seasons like summer and the winter holidays, too. Ooh-and-ahh-worthy nighttime light shows are projected onto Hogwarts Castle, accompanied by music and topped off with fireworks.

13. Purchase a Universal Express Pass.

To make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, consider buying a Universal Express Pass. Lines for rides can be enormous at Universal Studios Hollywood, especially if visiting on summer weekends or during the winter holiday season. During our visit during the first week of January, lines stretched to 2.5 hours+!

This upgrade will allow you to get to the front of the line of each attraction once. The best part? The Universal Express Pass can be used on both Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. This will save you valuable time that you can use casting spells in Hogsmeade, drinking Butterbeer, or exploring the rest of the park outside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

14. Save money on your California vacation.

Now that you’ve passed your O.W.L. exam make sure to put your wizarding skills to the test at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. To book your vacation to Hogwarts, visit getawaytoday.com or call 855-GET-AWAY. Plus, get an additional $10 off your hotel and tickets vacation package when you use promo code TravelMamas. Make sure to mention Travel Mamas sent you!

Learn More

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Save these tips for future reference!

Unless you can conjure up a memory spell, you’ll want to save these Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood tips to make the most of your vacation. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest for future reference. We hope you’ll Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Have you ever visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in California or Florida? Share your tips or questions in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: I did not receive any discounts or comps from Universal Studios Hollywood related to this story. This post includes affiliate links for which Travel Mamas receives a small commission at no additional cost to consumers. Your clicks and purchases help to keep Travel Mamas free for readers like you. All opinions are my own, as always.

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