1. Hogwarts Castle
This has to be at the top of our list! Hogwarts castle is spectacular and as soon as you see it, you’ll want to run over and take a picture. The towering castle looks identical to the one you’ve seen on screen, and you’ll even be able to get a glimpse of the inside on the exhilarating Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. Snap a selfie in front of the castle and give it pride of place on your Instagram.
2. Gringotts
Gringotts bank is supposedly the safest place in the world (except perhaps Hogwarts) and when you arrive in Diagon Alley, you’ll see why. You can’t fail to notice the huge fire-breathing dragon on the roof, keeping guard of the bank. If it didn’t already look intimidating enough, wait until it starts breathing out fire! The scorching flames reach temperatures of up to 3,560°F! Time your shot carefully and get the flames in the background for extra Instagram likes!
3. Diagon Alley
There’s so much to see along the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, that it’s easy to get lost in the wizarding world. Make sure you stop to take some photos though, as you’ll want to remember this moment forever! Every shop is filled with a collection of mysterious magical objects and the colourful shop fronts make for the perfect picture. Stand outside the famous Ollivanders or Leaky Cauldron Pub to let everyone know exactly where you are.
4. Hogwarts Express
The famous Hogwarts Express is a gleaming steam train that takes the students to Hogwarts. Thankfully at the Universal Orlando Resort, you won’t have to run at a wall to get to it! Climb aboard and take a selfie in your seat. You’ll need a 2-Park Ticket to ride the train, and we’d recommend taking the journey both ways as each journey is completely different and Potter fans won’t want to miss out!
5. Honeydukes
Honeydukes sweet shop is located in Hogsmeade and is the place to go if you’ve got a serious sweet tooth. There’s all kinds of weird and wonderful creations to try including the famous Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, Exploding Bon Bons, Fizzing Whizzbees, Fudge Flies and of course Chocolate Frogs. The inside of the shop is bright, colourful and striking with rows of candy lining the walls and huge jars of sweets, making this a great photo opportunity.
6. Borgin and Burkes
You’ll find Borgin and Burkes (as well as a few rogue Slytherins) in Knockturn Alley. This dark, eerie shop specialises in dark arts artefacts like Death Eater masks, skulls and sinister collectibles. This definitely isn’t the kind of place you’d find good witches and wizards! Fans will remember that this is the place that was home to the infamous Vanishing Cabinet, which Draco Malfoy used to sneak an army of Death Eaters into Hogwarts. You’ll be able to get up close to it here and take an Insta-worthy picture.
7. Knight Bus
Remember the huge purple bus that came to Harry’s rescue in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban? Well, at Universal Studios Florida, you can get up close to the Knight Bus that was actually one of two prop buses used in the movie. The service is used as emergency transport for stranded witches and wizards and while you might not be able to actually climb aboard for a ride, you can take a selfie with the conductor. Bonus points if you get the talking shrunken head in the background!
8. Phone box
If you head to Kings Cross Station you’ll see a shiny red telephone box outside- a great shot to capture for your Instagram. In the wizarding world, this is used as a visitor’s entrance to the Ministry of Magic. The normal looking phone box is supposed to stop the muggles from getting suspicious. Step inside, pick up the phone and dial 62442 (aka MAGIC) to be put through to the Ministry!
9. Butterbeer
A visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter wouldn’t be complete until you’ve tried a glass of Butterbeer. Fans will know that this is a drink Harry, Ron and Hermione have enjoyed many times. The delicious drink is a creamy combination of caramel and butterscotch flavours, and if you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth you’re going to love it! You’ll find Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks, Hog’s Head and The Leaky Cauldron. There’s even a Butterbeer cart specialising in the sweet treat. We think this definitely deserves a place on your Instagram!
10. Number 12 Grimmauld Place
This is famous for being the home of Sirius Black and the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. The house may be invisible to muggles, but you’ll be able to see it for yourself at Universal Studios Florida. Have your picture taken in front of the door, or snap a shot of the whole building. Try to get Kreacher the grumpy house elf in your photo too- he makes a surprise appearance in the window every few minutes!
Want to experience the magic for yourself? Click here, to view our great value Universal Orlando Resort tickets.
For more blog posts like this try…
- A guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Brand new ride coming to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- The ultimate guide to the best food and drink at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Find out all the latest news from Orlando in our BLOG
