Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood

Updated: 11 marzo 2024
 By Mel

This post provides covers things to do at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Hollywood, as well as how to save money on tickets.


OVERVIEW

There are a lot of different Harry Potter attractions in the world today, so it can be confusing to figure out which activities are included at each location.

This post covers the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which is located at Universal Studios in Hollywood. (We also have a post on Harry Potter World Studios outside of London).

In addition to thrill rides and digital experiences, there are also areas designed to replicate sets from the films.

Every now and then, actors will re-enact certain scenes from the movies and books on these replica film sets, giving audiences the opportunity to relive their favorite moments from the story of Harry Potter.

This photo of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is courtesy of TripAdvisor

All of the attractions available in this area of the theme park are included with admission to Universal Studios.

Check our tickets and discounts sections to learn more about how to visit the Wizarding World.

There is also a Harry Potter tour available at Warner Bros. Studios, but this is a different attraction which includes unique things to see and do which are not available at Universal Studios.

Both of these attractions are included with tourist passes, combo packages, and other deals.

This photo of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is courtesy of TripAdvisor

For more details on how to save money on tickets, please read our discount section

We will provide more details about this activity in our comparison between the Wizarding World and the Harry Potter tour.


TICKETS

Each of the activities at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

As such, all you will need to enjoy this attraction is a ticket to the theme park!

Here are the current ticket prices you can expect to pay:

  • 1-Day General Admission: $109-$139 per person
  • 2-Day General Admission: $149-$169 per person
  • Universal Express Admission: $179-$279 per person
  • VIP Experience Admission: $349 per person
    • Skip-the-line access to each ride/show
    • Expertly guided tour including backlot
    • Light snacks and refreshments
    • A gourmet meal in a VIP dining room
    • Valet parking at the theme park
    • Purchase tickets or learn more.

Even if this sounds a bit too expensive for your budget, you may want to take a look at the discount section.

Depending on which service you use, you could save 50% or more off general admission prices!


DISCOUNTS

This section will cover all of the best deals on general admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, including various Los Angeles tourist passes and combo packages.

We will also provide information about how to save money on tickets with various additional discount opportunities.


Tourist Attraction Discount Passes

There are currently four tourist passes in Los Angeles that offer discounts on general admission at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The first and most popular option is the Go City Los Angeles Card, which offers admission to the theme park with every 3, 4, 5 and 7-day all-inclusive pass.

This pass also includes admission to dozens of additional attractions while it is valid, including the Warner Bros. Studio tour which features a Harry Potter tour.

  • 3-Day Pass: $239/Adults | $219/Children
    • $79.67/day for Adults | $73/day for Children
  • 4-Day Pass: $299/Adults | $265/Children
    • $74.75/day for Adults | $66.25/day for Children
  • 5-Day Pass: $324/Adults | $296/Children
    • $64.80/day for Adults | $59.20/day for Children
  • 7-Day Pass: $374/Adults | $332/Children
    • $53.43/day for Adults | $47.43/day for Children

At $53 per day with the 7-day pass, you’d literally be paying less than half the price of general admission tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Starline Attraction Pass is another all-inclusive pass that typically offers admission to this theme park at a discounted rate. Unfortunately, as of March 2024, this pass is not currently active.

If you’re looking for a discount service that focuses primarily on theme parks, the Los Angeles CityPASS is an excellent option.

This tourist pass includes attractions like Disneyland, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and of course Universal Studios Hollywood.

While the deals offered by this company aren’t as impressive as their competitors, the opportunity to pick and pay for just the activities you want may be a bonus for some travelers.


Combo Packages

Although tourist passes are a great way to save money on activities like this, they aren’t always perfect for people who are only planning to do a few things while visiting Los Angeles.

If you’re only interested in a few attractions, you might want to consider getting a combo package instead.

These combination deals include anywhere from 2-4 activities for one flat price, allowing you to save some money on tickets.

If you’re not interested in all of the attractions included with that combo deal, there is usually another package offered by Starline which features both their Celebrity Homes tour and admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Unfortunately, the Starline combo package is not currently available as of March 2024.

This is an excellent option if you only have a day or two in Los Angeles and are interested in both activities.


AAA Discount

Members/cardholders can save money on all types of admission (general, express, VIP) when purchased directly online from AAA.

You can also save $10 off express tickets at the gate.

This discount can bring the cost down to $95 for adults and $87 for children.

There is also a 10% discount off at select CityWalk locations, which is a popular shopping center at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Learn more about this discount opportunity.


Military Discount

Both active and retired U.S. military personnel qualify for discounted tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Admission should be purchased ahead of time at participating Military Ticket Offices, and a valid ID will be required in order to get the discount.

Although you’ll get a better deal by buying your tickets ahead of time, you will still be eligible for a discount if you present a valid military ID at the ticket booth for $3 off general admission and children’s tickets.

For more details, make sure to read the Military Discount section on the Universal Studios Hollywood website.


Discount Sites

If all else fails and you’re not interested in using a tourist pass or combo package, there are also several services such as Groupon and Living Social which offer discounts on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets every now and then.

In addition to the deals they may offer throughout the year, these discount sites also frequently provide coupon codes for up to 20% off local activities, which could make tickets even more affordable.


WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER ATTRACTIONS

This section will cover some of the most popular attractions you can enjoy in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

We will include both thrill rides and theatrical experiences that fans may want to check out while at the theme park.


Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Enter the world of Hogwarts on this “Motion Simulation” ride which includes a special interactive film experience.

Strap in and enjoy the feeling of flying alongside Harry, visiting sites such as Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and more!


Flight of the Hippogriff

This rollercoaster will simulate the experience of flying through Hagrid’s Pumpkin Patch on a Hippogriff.

This family-friendly ride includes spirals, dives and swoops, but it shouldn’t be too frightening for most kids.


Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle

After dark, this attraction is bathed in a fantastic light show featuring creatures and characters from the Harry Potter universe flying around the castle.

The show includes music from the original score written by John Williams.


Visit Ollivander’s Wand Shop

This theatrical experience recreates the shop where young wizards find their wands.

Watch as professional actors re-enact the experience of a wand choosing its owner!


Cast Your Own Spells

Speaking of wands, there are 15 special locations throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter where young visitors can test their own skills by casting a spell.

These are interactive experiences that allow visitors to do things such as conjuring flames, open locked doors and more.


See the Triwizard Spirit Rally

During this theatrical performance, you’ll witness several students from wizarding schools including Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang participating in a special tournament.


Experience the Frog Choir

This is another theatrical experience that features students singing popular wizarding songs along with giant frogs who provide a bit more bass to the tunes!


Grab a Butterbeer

This popular drink from the world of Harry Potter is available at both the Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head taverns.

Before you ask – yes, the Butterbeer is non-alcoholic and safe for children.


Get a Bite to Eat

There are three restaurants at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter including the Three Broomsticks, Hog’s Head and the Magic Neep Cart.

Each location serves a variety of foods including turkey legs, pumpkin juice and more.


Take Your Wizards Shopping

In addition to all the fun attractions and activities available at the Wizarding World, there are also several stores selling a variety of items related to Harry Potter including wizards’ robes, wands, sweet treats, stationery, novelty items and more.


WIZARDING WORLD VS. HARRY POTTER TOUR

There are two major Harry Potter attractions in Los Angeles – one at Universal Studios Hollywood and the other at Warner Bros. Studios.

Universal Studios is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which includes thrill rides, theatrical performances, and many other fun activities for both young and old fans.

The Harry Potter tour at Warner Bros. Studios features several notable costumes and props from the film on display, including the sorting hat!

Just as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour includes access to their Harry Potter attractions.

While each of these activities is sure to be a hit with fans, you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

That said, hardcore fans may want to consider experiencing both attractions while they’re in Los Angeles!


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About The Author

Mel

Mel loves to be a tourist in her own city. With a background in performing arts, tourism, and photography, giving tours and being a story-teller comes naturally to her. She loves traveling, food, and theatre. Mel splits her time between Chicago and Los Angeles (#theatrelife) and leads tours and manages both cities!
Updated: marzo 11th, 2024
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