September 1st is the annual ‘Back to Hogwarts' Day, symbolising the return of students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For Harry Potter fans worldwide, it’s a celebration of the magic of the past, present, and future.
One of the most thrilling (and somewhat emotional) ways to celebrate ‘Back to Hogwarts Day’ is with a frozen Butterbeer in hand while wandering through Hogsmeade. To make this dream a reality, you must visit Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here’s how to celebrate:
1. Feast Your Way Through the Franchise
Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs, Cauldron Cakes, Fizzing Whizzbees… We’ll take the lot! When visiting both Universal destinations, you can visit Honeydukes to feast on iconic Harry Potter sweet treats in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. For a more filling meal, find a table at the Three Broomsticks for authentic British cuisine, including Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Beef Pasties, and more!
2. Try Different Forms of Butterbeer
Butterbeer is irreplaceable with its rich butterscotch flavour and caramel tones. However, did you know that there are many different ways of indulging on this famous delight? You can drink Butterbeer frozen, cold, or hot, and there’s even scooped Butterbeer ice-cream and soft-serve. Oh, and a potted cream version! To celebrate ‘Back to Hogwarts' Day, we recommend trying at least one form of Butterbeer.
3. Soar Above the Castle Grounds on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This 4D experience sends you to thrilling new heights as you venture through Hogwarts Castle like never before. Using incredible technology, you’ll soar above Hogwarts and come face to face with both friends and foe using mind-blowing technology. This attraction can be experienced at Universal Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort, and at Universal Studios Hollywood.
4. Journey through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
If you’re seeking a family-friendly multi-launch coaster featuring magical creatures and an 8-foot half-giant wizard, you’ll find it at Universal Orlando Resort. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is one of the most immersive roller coasters ever created with endless in-depth details and a 17-foot drop. We highly recommend heading straight there once the park opens, as this attraction is the most popular one for Potter fans!
5. Experience fun for all on Flight of the Hippogriff
Glide by Hagrid’s hut and bow low to Buckbeak to gain the respect of a Hippogriff as you embark on this family-orientated coaster. With picture-perfect views of Hogwarts as you swoop and spiral through Hagrid’s pumpkin patch, you should add this to your list when in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
6. Feel Like a True Hogwarts Student and Board the Hogwarts Express
When visiting Universal Orlando Resort with park hopper access (which is included with our 3 Park Explorer Ticket) you can commute between Kings Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade Station in Universal's Islands of Adventure. The experience you'll have depends on the direction of travel, so we urge you to take the Hogwarts Express from both stations to celebrate ‘Back to Hogwarts' Day. It’s a train ride straight out of the movies!
7. Wander Through the Walls of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
At Universal Studios Florida, there’s even more to explore within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. As you literally walk through the walls of London into Diagon Alley, you’ll hear the bricks moving as the scene unfolds. Here, you’ll find Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, The Leaky Cauldron, Ollivander's Wand Shop, Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, and even more wondrous sights.
8. Break the Bank in Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts
Attempting to escape a bank on the back of a fire-breathing dragon isn’t for muggles, and that’s where you come in. To return to Diagon Alley, help Harry and friends flee from Voldemort, Bellatrix, and other creatures during Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts. This 4D coaster-style attraction takes you to the depths of Gringotts Bank without losing any of your coins along the way. It’s the safest place on Earth, after all!
9. Cast Spells with an Interactive Wand
Every Hogwarts student needs their own wand to become the best they can be. Interactive wands are available for purchase in multiple stores across the parks, including Ollivander's Wand Shop. Once purchased, follow the map that comes with your interactive wand to locate special markers around Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. When you see a marker, it will indicate the direction in which you need to stand, the wand movement to use, and the words to say to cast the spell. Wave your wand and watch the magic unfold.
10. Represent Your Hogwarts House
Finally, if you’re going to represent your Hogwarts house on any day of the year, September 1st is the day to do so. Whether you wear yellow robes for Hufflepuff, a serpent pin for Slytherin, a mixed blue outfit for Ravenclaw, or Luna Lovegood's roaring hat for Gryffindor, wear your house colours proudly.
We hope you enjoy ‘Back to Hogwarts' Day, and remember that Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.
To plan your next trip to Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood, take a look at our ticket options below to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and more!
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
