Random Tips For Getting Most Out Of A Visit To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter (12 items)

• 

  (#1) Split A Butterbeer

  A trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter wouldn't be complete without its signature beverage, the Butterbeer. Cherished by young and old alike within the Harry Potter canon, the sweet, fizzy confection is served in a replica goblet, a collectible beer stein, or an inexpensive disposable cup, which can hold the most Butterbeer of the available options.

  Park-goers say it tastes like a combination of cream soda and butterscotch, with a slight element of succulent bitterness. You can get it hot, cold, or frozen. If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, many recommend splitting one.
• 

  (#11) Ride The Hogwarts Express Both Directions

  After a long day (or two, or three) at the park, you probably won't complain at the prospect of sitting down in an air-conditioned space for a few minutes. Beyond that logistical benefit, the Hogwarts Express offers a breathtaking view that is best experienced in both directions. 

  If you depart from both the Kings Cross and the Hogsmeade stations, you may see Hagrid, Harry, Ron, Hermione, the Weasley twins, and several of your other favorite - or least favorite, if you count the Dementors - characters, if you pay attention.
• 

  (#9) If Rides Aren't Your Thing, Go On A Castle Tour

  For those who don't care for roller coasters but still want to see the interior of Hogwarts, one secret attraction you'll enjoy is the Castle Tour. When you reach the front of the line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, tell the attendant you want to take the Castle Tour.

  They'll direct you to a separate queue leading straight into the castle, which you can explore at your leisure. You can see the dungeon, the Mirror of Erised, the greenhouse, the classrooms, Harry Potter himself, and many other curiosities.
• 

  (#10) Know The Height Requirements

  Nothing will yank you from the magic more quickly than your child screaming because they aren't tall enough to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. To avoid this, research the height requirements for each attraction before you leave for the park. 

  Since you planned ahead, you'll also be able to reframe an unfortunate situation to your child in magical terms: “I wish you could ride the Dragon Challenge, but kids under 54 inches get cursed when they ride it. I don’t want for that to happen to you.”

  Forbidden Journey: 48 inches 
  Dragon Challenge: 54 inches  
  Flight of the Hippogriff: 36 inches  
  Escape from Gringotts: 42 inches
• 

  (#7) Avoid The Long Lines

  Long lines are notorious for disrupting the park experience. To most dedicated Potter fans, the attractions are well worth the wait, but you can plan out your visit ahead of time so you can spend as little time in line as possible. 

  First and foremost, get to the park before it opens. The hours vary month to month, but aim to arrive right before the gates open. This way, you can quickly head for the most coveted rides, such as Escape from Gringotts and the Forbidden Journey, before the lines get too dense. The crowd is also known to thin out in the hour before the park closes, so pace yourself if you want to last until the end of the night. 

  Other tips include the "no locker line" for people who don't need to store their items before riding, as well as the single-rider line, which is ideal for adults and older children. For those with young kids, you can ask for the "rider swap" system, where you can take your kids on a ride in turns without having to get back in line.

  If you're willing to shell out the extra cash, there's also the Universal Express or the VIP pass.
• 

  (#3) Consider Visiting During The Winter

  If you're able, consider going during the park’s “off season." Months with colder weather are generally a safe bet, and adults have a major advantage during the school year. Many travel guides suggest going in early to mid-January, when the park is still decorated for the holidays and there are relatively few guests.

  Florida and California can only get so cold, but there’s nothing a warm Butterbeer can’t fix.

New Random Displays    Display All By Ranking