Heading to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? We’ve got a plan for spending an entire day at Universal Studios Hollywood! While this park has fewer attractions than Universal Orlando Resort, there’s still plenty to do (be sure to check out Universal Citywalk!). We’ve put together this list of Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood rides to help you get ready. Show
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If it’s your first time at the park, please note that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is in the Upper Lot. If that’s all you care about, then you won’t even have to venture anywhere else! While you’re in Los Angeles, though, we highly recommend checking out everything Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer! No Diagon Alley in HollywoodHarry Potter fans will probably be sad and disappointed to learn that there is no Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Hollywood. You’d have to travel to Universal Studios Florida to enjoy this attraction. It’s definitely worth visiting someday if you can swing it, though. Overall, the Orlando park has a lot to offer. Goals, right? The good news is that you’ll still have a spectacular time in Southern California! Flight of the HippogriffOne of the two Harry Potter rides at Universal Hollywood is Flight of the Hippogriff. It’s a small roller coaster suitable for small kids and Harry Potter fans of all ages! The wait time for this really depends on when you go. I’ll be honest, that I’ve ridden this at three Universal parks and never waited more than 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the app, get there early, and plan ahead!
There are a couple of really sweet things about this ride. The first is that you’ll get to see the outside Hagrid’s Hut if you get on this ride. The second is that on the lift hill, you’ll have a great view of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Harry Potter and the Forbidden JourneyThe signature attraction at Hollywood’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It’s easy to find, of course, because it’s inside Hogwarts Castle! We’ve been on this ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal Studios Japan. Every version is a little different, but it’s always so much fun!
We absolutely love the queue for this attraction, which is a good thing because the wait time can be brutal. Definitely plan for that! It’s cool going through the castle, though, seeing the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor Common Room, and so much more. It’s a little bit creepy, though, so you might feel as nervous as a student competing in the Triwizard Tournament! The ride vehicle on this dark ride is legit. It twists and turns, giving riders a truly immersive experience (watch out for the Whomping Willow!) and maybe a little motion sickness. It definitely made me feel like I was living in one of my favorite movies! Be sure to read our guide to How Scary is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey for more details. What to Do at Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal HollywoodWalking through the village of Hogsmeade, you know our first stop (after the rides) is to grab some Butterbeer! Along with the gift shop, it’s definitely one of the best things about a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Things to do:
Where to eat:We’ve created a guide for Where to Eat at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Check it out, be sure to note which places are only at Universal Orlando.
More Great Rides at Universal Studios HollywoodWhen you’re ready to explore the rest of Universal Studios Hollywood, you’ll find many amazing attractions to explore (especially in the lower lot). But first — head to Lard Lad Donuts, if your diet allows! That giant donut is delicious and so famous (inspired by one of the most popular television shows of all time, The Simpsons). Here are some of the rides and attractions you can check out:
Halloween Horror NightsIf you get the chance to visit a Universal theme park in September or October, try to check out Halloween Horror Nights. It’s one of the best special events at Universal Hollywood, for sure. We strongly recommend the R.I.P. Package so you can skip the lines while you eat and drink your way through the night. So worth it! You may have heard that the Wizarding World is usually closed during Halloween Horror Nights. This year, though, it seems that Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff are open! Don’t quote me on this, but keep your fingers crossed! Enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!It’s hard to name just one fun thing about visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Even though Universal Studios Hollywood doesn’t have many rides, it’s still an amazing, immersive experience. If you want to get on the Hogwarts Express, ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and stroll through Diagon Alley, though, your best bet is to head to Universal Orlando Resort (if you’re into extreme thrill rides, be sure to hop on the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Velocicoaster!). Whether you’re in Florida or on the west coast, there’s nothing like Universal Parks. Yes, we like Disney World too, but how can you compete with Harry Potter?! We hope this short guide helps you have a great time on your next trip! JeanneJeanne Croteau B.A., M.Sc. is a social sciences professor who lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and general travel anxiety. She created this blog with her partner to help inspire others to see the world and live their best lives. She's been a long-time contributor on sites such as WeAreTeachers.com, Forbes, SocialMoms.com, and more. What rides are in Universal Studios Hollywood?Universal Studios Hollywood was a theme park for grown-ups because there were fewer rides for the younger kids, who tended to be shorter. In recent years the Los Angeles theme park has introduced rides which the younger children can enjoy – Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda, Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, Flight of the Hippogriff, etc.
Does Universal Studios Hollywood have Harry Potter?The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the much lauded land based on the boy wizard book and movie series, has quickly become the destination at Universal Studios Hollywood since its 2016 debut. The Wizarding World’s landmark attraction offers enchantment to Potter fans and Muggles (that’s non-magical folk) alike.
What are the best attractions at Universal Studios?Universal Studios Florida: The 10 Greatest Attractions, Ranked
How many rides are at Universal Studios Hollywood?There are over 20 rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood which are all very achievable within one day, especially during the off-season or mid-week. There are 11 rides which include motion simulation and 4D shows and the world-famous studio’s tour where you can spot celebrities.
How many Harry Potter rides are in Universal Studios Hollywood?There are two rides in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood.
What are the 3 Harry Potter rides at Universal?Another common question we receive is, what are the 3 Harry Potter rides at Universal Islands of Adventure? The 3 Islands of Adventure Harry Potter rides are Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
Does Harry Potter world have any rides?The Studio Tour isn't a theme park and as such doesn't feature rides or experiences of this nature. We offer visitors the ultimate opportunity to step on to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series.
Does Universal Studios Hollywood have Harry Potter ride?Attractions in the Wizarding World in Hollywood
As you walk through the streets, you'll see the silhouette of Hogwarts Castle, home to the park's most popular ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a 3D heart-pounding journey in which you'll follow Harry as he flies on a broomstick.
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