Universal Orlando and its’ cojoined twin, Islands of Adventure, are independent entities that can be visited separately or combined by purchasing a two park ticket.
They are both within walking distance of each other and are divided by Universal Orlando’s dining and retail complex ‘City Walk’.
Not only are Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure two amazingly great parks in their own right, each one has the added bonus of The Wizarding Word of Harry Potter.
Hogsmeade was the first ‘theme park within a theme park’ to open to much fanfare at Islands of Adventure in 2010 and has been such a massive success that expansion was inevitable. Diagon Alley opened it’s doors in 2014 much to the delight of Harry Potter fans all over the world.
No expense was spared in creating the two utterly enchanting lands at a staggering cost of $265 million
Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are joined by a short but thoroughly entertaining ride on the famous Hogwarts Express. Universal Orlando has cleverly created the enticing prospect of gorging yourself on the magic of Harry Potter Orlando. And, believe me, everything about both lands penned by J.K.Rowling are just magical. Ride the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge, Flight of the Hippogriff and Escape from Gringotts, eat at the Leaky Cauldron or the Three Broomsticks and check out the variety of shops selling everything that Harry and his friends might need for their mythical education and enjoyment.
The two parks are totally different, so if you only have the chance to do one, then it really depends what you prefer. Universal Studios is dedicated to the movies and tv shows. It’s home to coasters and virtual rides, live shows and a variety of attractions. Islands of Adventure offers more rides and has several themed lands.
I wouldn’t like to pick between the two and would definitely do both. Check out our Universal Ride Guide for a full run down of rides.
Now you’ve explored Universal Orlando, discover the rest of the amazing attractions:
Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Harry Potter Hogsmeade
Diagon Alley
Hogwarts Express
Can I go to the Harry Potter park if I get tickets for universal studios but skip the ride part?
Hi Tina,
There are two Harry Potter sections located at Universal Orlando Resort:
Diagon Alley is inside Universal Studios, and Hogsmeade is inside Islands of Adventure. Diagon Alley has one ride – Escape from Gringotts. The Hogwarts Express is also located here, at Kings Cross Station.
Hogsmeade has 3 rides – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Flight of the Hippogriff. Plus Hogwarts Express.
If you have tickets for Universal Studios, you will be able to visit Diagon Alley. However, without a 2 park ticket to Islands of Adventure, you won’t be able to visit Hogsmeade or ride on Hogwarts Express.