Random Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Secrets Revealed By Employees (13 items)

• 

  (#1) Employees Aren't Supposed To Insert Themselves Into The Story

  Though some Wizarding World employees might be tempted to insert themselves into the Harry Potter narrative, they are forbidden from doing so. According to a Universal Studios Los Angeles employee, if asked what Harry Potter is up to, employees must respond vaguely rather than reference any specific knowledge of his doings. 

  They also must refrain from claiming ties with existing characters, such as being Snape's daughter or Remus Lupin's best friend. In fact, unless they work in the castle or Filch’s Emporium, they aren't even allowed to say they attend Hogwarts.
• 

  (#2) The Park Is Set Between The Third And Fourth Books

  Not every plot point or element from the Harry Potter franchise is going to be on display in the park. That's because everything is set between The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire. At this point in the series, Voldemort has been defeated for the first time but hasn't yet reappeared, creating an atmosphere of fun and magic rather than foreboding danger.

  If asked directly about Voldemort, employees are expected to use the nickname "He Who Must Not Be Named" and act fearful. They also can't refer to events that happened beyond The Goblet of Fire and must improvise if park-goers engage them in such conversation. Some employees, however, will break character if they think it will improve a guest's experience. 
• 

  (#3) The Special Castle Tour Allows You To Take Great Pictures

  Not everyone comes to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to go on rides. In fact, some guests are there simply to take photographs. One former Redditor provided a special piece of advice for these guests: ask for a Castle Tour.

  This free service allows you to take photographs of the iconic Hogwarts castle without having to wait two or more hours just to snap a good pic. 
• 

  (#4) The Parks Use A British Exchange Program

  Considering that the Wizarding World parks are located in the US and Japan, some visitors may be surprised that so many park employees have British accents. The parks actually employ an exchange program specifically designed to hire people from England.

  These employees work at the park for a year while living in a nearby communal apartment. Throughout that time, they rotate to different areas of the park so they can gain the full experience. This includes switching between Dragon Challenge, Forbidden Journey, Merchandise, and Food & Beverage every three months.
• 

  (#5) There's A Special Room To Clean Up If You Get Sick On A Ride

  No one wants to deal with motion sickness in an amusement park, but it does happen - especially on rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey that simulate actual travel. Luckily, if the worst does occur, the park provides a convenient solution more dignified than a public restroom. 

  A former employee of the park revealed on Reddit that there's actually a special room for park guests to freshen up if they lose their lunch. 
• 

  (#6) The Park Is Overcrowded Thanks To A J.K. Rowling Request

  If you've ever been to one of the Wizarding World parks, you know how crowded the tiny shops can get and how difficult buying souvenirs or food can be - not to mention the long, cramped ride lines. While Universal Studios wanted a large, open shopping area to prevent crowding, J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. specifically wanted a "small and intimate" experience.

  Unfortunately, this resulted in a serious overcrowding problem that has turned shopping into a "logistical nightmare." According to Redditor /u/notaMuggle, an expansion may be on the horizon but has not yet been confirmed. 
• 

  (#7) The Parks Host Private Parties

  For $300,000, you can rent out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a wild party, complete with full use of rides and shops, an open bar, a DJ, live entertainment, catering, and more. Due to the high costs, these parties are typically thrown by ultra-rich celebrities or by corporations as a reward for their employees.

  While sneaking into one of these parties may sound tempting, it's not worth it. The timing of these events is top-secret and can only be accessed through Universal Studios' intranet, so even determining the date of one of these events is nearly impossible. What's more, Redditor /u/notaMuggle claims that the punishment could involve permanent banning from the park or even prosecution for trespassing.
• 

  (#8) The Wand Ceremony Isn't Just For Kids

  One of the many fun activities at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Wand Ceremony at Ollivander's. During this magical performance, a person is matched with a wand, just as young wizards are matched with wands in the books.

  While many assume this experience is exclusive to children, according to a former Redditor who worked at Universal Orlando, people of all ages are selected. While the exact selection methods are a mystery, enthusiasm is likely a factor.
• 

  (#9) Wand Spells Can Be Activated In Secret Locations

  Buying a wand at Ollivander's isn't just for show. In fact, many of these wands are interactive and allow you to activate "spells" in different locations throughout the park. While many of these locations are clearly marked on the park map, there are two secret locations that parkgoers can try to find on their own.

  As Redditor /u/adumbkat, an employee at Universal Orlando, explains, some park employees might reveal these locations, but others prefer to let guests find the secret locations themselves.
• 

  (#10) Employees Aren't Hired For Their 'Harry Potter' Knowledge

  When asked about the park's hiring process, Redditor /u/adumbkat explained that an encyclopedic knowledge of Harry Potter isn't necessary to work there. In fact, many employees have practically no foreknowledge of the franchise when they're hired - they just have to be willing to learn.

  Part of that learning process is the special "Potter Orientation," in which new recruits study up on their Harry Potter basics - this, unfortunately, doesn't include a movie screening. Despite this accommodation, Potter Orientation is often unnecessary for many hires. According to another anonymous employee, Harry Potter trivia is a significant part of the hiring process, and those without extensive knowledge are asked even more questions than their more knowledgeable counterparts.
• 

  (#11) January Is One Of The Best Times To Go

  Due to the parks' intense crowding, some times of year are better for attendance than others. According to Redditor /u/notaMuggle, who works at Universal Orlando, the best times of year to visit are mid-September, early November, and the entirety of January.

  This is likely because these dates don't align with holidays or school vacations. If you're free during January, it might just be the perfect time to get a less-crowded peek at a Wizarding World park. Also, attendance usually drops about an hour before closing, so that might be the best time to seek out the more popular attractions.
• 

  (#12) Marriage Proposals Happen Frequently

  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is actually a hot spot for proposals. Considering some fans' emotional attachment to the Harry Potter franchise, it's no surprise that some think of the park as an ideal location to ask one of the most important questions of their lives. A Redditor who worked at the park said they've helped with dozens of proposals. 

  These proposals take place all over the park. One man proposed to his girlfriend at Ollivander’s Wand Shop, hiding the ring inside of the wand box. Another man proposed to his boyfriend in front of Hogwarts Castle, an arrangement that required eight months of planning.

New Random Displays    Display All By Ranking