Hogsmeade is one of the two Harry Potter lands at Universal Studios Orlando. With theming just like you would find in the movies, Hogsmeade is a must-do attraction for any Potterhead!
These are the best things to do in Hogsmeade, from food and drinks to experiences and rides. Be sure you don’t miss any of these!
Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando
Hogsmeade is a land at Islands of Adventure theme park at Universal Studios Orlando.
There are two different Harry Potter lands at Universal Studios, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. each is located in a different theme park.
Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios Florida theme park. Be sure to see the Best Things to Do in Diagon Alley, too! The list is a bit longer because it’s all about the experience in Diagon Alley, while Hogsmeade is more about the rides.
Each land in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expertly themed, but is vastly different. Both lands are highly immersive, but they each focus on one location from the Harry Potter books.
You cannot walk between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. In fact, you can’t visit both Harry Potter worlds in one day unless you have a park to park ticket to get between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida on the Hogwarts Express train.
To make sure that you don’t miss any of the best things to do, use our list of what to see in Hogsmeade!
Tour Hogwarts Castle
Yes, there is a castle at Universal Studios! And it is in Hogsmeade!
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is in Hogwarts Castle, the imposing structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade.
The castle is actually home to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, an energetic ride that most people who experience motion sickness might not want to go on. Seriously, this is one of the worst rides at Universal Studios for motion sickness.
However, you DON’T have to ride the ride to see the inside of the castle!
Here is how to tour Hogwarts Castle:
- Stand in line for the ride, seeing all of the details during your wait
- Go in line (either with a rider or even if none of your party is going to ride) and absorb all of the details while walking through the queue.
- Ask a team member outside if you can do a castle tour. Sometimes, when it’s not busy, a Universal team member can show you around inside and point out the details.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, this is one attraction you do not want to miss.
Inside you will find:
- Portrait Gallery with over 100 portraits that move. Some even talk!
- Holograms such as Harry, Hermione, Ron and Professor Dumbledore
- Mirror of Erised
- Professor Sprout’s Herbology greenhouse with mandrakes
- Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom
- Dumbledore’s Office
- Gryffindor Common Room
When exploring the castle, though, keep in mind that it is a queue line that needs to keep moving in order to load guests on ride vehicles. If you stop to take pictures or absorb details, step aside to let others pass.
Related Post: Best Harry Potter Fanny Packs for Universal Studios
Candy Shopping at Honeydukes
Step inside Honeydukes and be prepared for sugar overload!
I love the bright colors and sweet aroma inside Honeydukes shop.
Inside, be sure to buy some sweets just like Harry Potter and his friends enjoy, such as:
- Chocolate Frogs
- Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans
- Jelly Slugs
- Peppermint Toads
- Butterbeer Fudge
- Fudge Flies
Truth be told, the chocolate frogs purchased at Universal do not taste great and cost a lot of money. While they are among the most popular souvenirs, once you get the chocolate home (if it makes it through the Florida heat and humidity), you might not be wowed by the flavor.
Want to save money on snacks and souvenirs? You can buy Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans and Chocolate Frogs with Collectible Cards online and bring with you to the parks.
Send a Letter Through the Owl Post
Get a special postmark on letters or postcards that you send through the Owl Post. Send mail to yourself, or to friends and family!
This is one of the best things to buy at Universal Studios!
While you can purchase stamps and postcards at Owl Post, a budget-friendly tip is to buy your postcards outside the theme park and bring to mail. Or write a letter on stationery and bring with you.
You can buy postcards there, but do you really need a pack of them?
We suggest bringing your own stamps, as well. We’ve heard of some limitations of availability in the past, so if this is an important part of your visit, it is best to come prepared.
Don’t worry, though, if you need to purchase writing items there are plenty to buy.
If you buy souvenirs at the Owl Post, those can be mailed, too!
There is an Owl Post in Diagon Alley, too.
Wand Ceremony at Ollivanders
Watch the wand choose the wizard in this highly popular Wand Choosing Ceremony that is performed all day long with small groups of guests.
There is no charge to watch or participate in the ceremony. However, if chosen for the wand ceremony, you will not be given the wand for free. You will need to purchase it afterwards if you choose to do so.
See all the details in our Ultimate Guide to Harry Potter Wands.
Find the Book of Monsters
Inside Dervish and Banges gift shop, the Book of Monsters is caged to protect muggles from his wrath.
Talk with the Hogwarts Express Conductor
When you enter Hogsmeade, you will find a Hogwarts Express photo app to your right. This is not the actual train that you can ride to Diagon Alley, this is just a replica!
The conductor of the Hogwarts Express is often at the train, talking with guests and taking pictures. Be sure to get this photo app!
This is just one of the fun characters at Universal Studios to find for photographs!
Find the Marauder’s Map
Watch footprints move across the famous map in Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods gift shop. This location is at the exit of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.
Enjoy a Drink at Hogs Head Pub
Tucked in the back of Three Broomsticks restaurant, you will find the small Hogs Head bar. This is where you can get alcoholic Harry Potter drinks, such as Hog’s Head Brew, an exclusive beer for Universal Studios.
We suggest trying a shot of Firewhisky while you are there!
Don’t miss the moving hog’s head on the wall!
Hear Moaning Myrtle
Go into the bathrooms in Hogsmeade to hear the ghost Moaning Myrtle making sounds. It’s worth it to go into the restrooms even if you don’t have to go!
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
One of the rides in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
This roller coaster ride is one for thrill seekers!
This is one of the very few rides that does not accept Universal Express Pass!
If this is on your list of Universal Studios rides to enjoy, be sure to get there early in the morning.
Peek Through the Store Windows
There is so much detail in every shop window in Hogsmeade, even if the store windows are for a store that doesn’t exist!
Be sure to spend some time just looking at all of the little details everywhere. You never know what references from the books or movies that you will find. Or where you will see moving objects or hear strange noises.
Watch Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts
The exterior of Hogwarts Castle is illuminated with projections that celebrate the four houses of Hogwarts. Dazzling lights and music bring the castle alive at night in one of the few night time shows at Universal Studios.
The lights last for 5-10 minutes. The shows take place around every 20 minutes or so. Don’t worry about being at the castle at a set time. This is not like a fireworks show.
This show is currently not running in 2023, but is expected to return at a later date.
This special castle projection show is not shown on all nights, so be sure to ask a Team Member if it will be occurring on the night you are there.
Enjoy a Family Feast at Three Broomsticks
The Great Feast at Three Broomsticks has a hefty price tag (over $70!), but it is a photo app that you don’t want to miss!
Plus, there is SO much food on this tray that you can easily feed 4 people, making it a surprisingly good value!
You can’t make reservations at The Three Broomsticks. Be sure to see our guide for Harry Potter restaurants for more details.
Find the Vanishing Cabinet
In the back of Borgin and Burkes gift shop, you will find the vanishing cabinet that Malfoy used to bring Deatheaters into Hogwarts Castle.
Listen closely by the cabinet and you might hear the chirping canary that Malfoy used to test the cabinet.
Indulge in Butterbeer
It’s just not possible to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and not drink Butterbeer, is it?
Whether you choose hot Butterbeer, cold or frozen varieties, this super-sweet butterscotch flavored drink is definitely a must-do for Potterheads (at least once)!
Flight of the Hippogriff
While many of the Harry Potter rides are for older kids and adults, the Flight of the Hippogriff is kid-friendly enough for the entire family to enjoy. This is a gentle roller coaster outdoors.
There is a minimum height requirement for this Universal Studios ride of 36 inches.
These are the best things to do in Hogsmeade. If you plan on going to both Harry Potter lands, be sure to see our big list of what not to miss in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.