6 Most Surprising Things about Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood

Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood is more surprising than you may realize.

Perhaps you’ve visited the Harry Potter Universal Orlando lands, or even Harry Potter Universal Studios Japan.

But Harry Potter Universal Studios Ca still has some of its own quirks.

And even if you haven’t visited any other Harry Potter theme park, Universal Studios California’s offerings may be different than you expect.

Let’s chat about Harry Potter and the shocking things you should know before your visit!

This post is all about the 6 most surprising things about Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood.

Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood

Does Universal Studios Hollywood have The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

First things first, Universal Studios Hollywood has been home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter since 2016.

Nearly a decade later, this Harry Potter land (Hogsmeade) is still popular and thriving!

Is Wizarding World of Harry Potter included in Universal Studios Hollywood?

Is Wizarding World of Harry Potter included in your Universal Studios Hollywood ticket? Short answer: yes, it is. You don’t have to pay an extra fee or buy a separate pass to go to Hogsmeade.

1) It’s Small: The Surprising Scale of Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood

The words “Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood” bring up grand images of castles, magical villages, and the chaos of Diagon Alley.

But here’s the first big surprise—this Wizarding World is smaller than you think. I’m not saying it feels like you’ve just visited a strip mall dressed up in Hogwarts banners, but if you’re picturing endless cobblestone streets and sprawling shops, scale those expectations way down.

Sizing Up the Wizarding World

In comparison to the Harry Potter Universal Studios Florida lands, it’s not surprising that Hollywood’s are smaller.

After all, in Orlando, there are 3 Harry Potter lands:

Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe

At Universal Studios Hollywood, there is just Hogsmeade – and it’s a smaller version than Orlando’s at that.

What’s Actually There (and What’s Not)

There’s a certain charm in how every detail is crammed into this cozy slice of Hogsmeade. Shops like Honeydukes and Ollivanders are full of character and detail, but don’t expect to spend hours exploring an endless village.

There are two Harry Potter Universal rides in California:

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Flight of the Hippogriff

Also, there are fewer nooks, hidden courtyards, or secret corners compared to Florida, for example.

Here’s the wild part—it’s actually a good thing, but you have to go in with the right expectations:

You don’t get lost easily.
Every corner reveals something photogenic and charming, but there aren’t endless surprises around each bend.

2) The Rides Are Better Here (than Universal Orlando)

How many Harry Potter rides are there at Universal Studios Hollywood?

As I mentioned above, there are 2 Harry Potter rides at Universal Studios Hollywood, detailed below:

Firstly, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Still the Star

It’s not an exaggeration—Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a top-tier theme park experience. From the moment you step inside Hogwarts Castle to the last swoop through the Quidditch pitch, there’s nothing phoned in. The ride’s mix of screens, animatronics, and real sets makes you feel like you’re with Harry, Ron, and Hermione dodging Dementors.

The queue is a mini-adventure, winding through Dumbledore’s office and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Effects are crisp, and the motion tech feels smoother than older Universal simulators. The screens are higher quality than Florida’s, and there are additional sets!

Secondly, Flight of the Hippogriff: Short, Sweet, and Underrated

Now, the Flight of the Hippogriff will never beat the big rollercoasters on thrills. But it’s not trying to.

It’s a family coaster, a breath of fresh air with gorgeous views of the castle, a Buckbeak animatronic, and just enough speed to put a grin on your face.

The queue passes Hagrid’s hut, pumpkin patches, and little details that make waiting less of a chore.

Perfect if you need a break from lines or want something less intense.

Is there a Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood roller coaster?

Let’s clear this up right away: Universal Studios Hollywood doesn’t have a Harry Potter roller coaster. If you’re hoping to zoom through Hogwarts or spin out of control around a Hungarian Horntail, you’re out of luck in California.

In Florida, there are two Harry Potter roller coasters (Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts).

But, unfortunately, there is no sign of these roller coasters making their way over to Universal Studios California in the forseeable future.

3) The Hogwarts Castle Is Identical to Orlando’s – But Has Its Own Unique Setting

On the surface, these castles are the same, but with unique locations within Hogsmeade.

Step into Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood, and you’ll see the famous Hogwarts Castle standing tall at the end of Hogsmeade.

But if you’ve visited the Florida park before, the castle here will catch you off guard—in more ways than one. Hollywood’s version isn’t a copy-paste job. It has its own quirks that might even leave some people wishing for a bit more.

First Impressions: Size and Placement

The minute you round the corner and get your first good look at the castle, you can’t miss one thing—it feels smaller than in Orlando.

There’s no grand walkway leading up, no sweeping hills; Hogwarts pops up right at the end of the street like a movie prop on a soundstage (and honestly, that fits Hollywood’s vibe).

The walls are impressive, but they don’t feel quite as towering or isolated as the Florida version.

4) Hogsmeade Was Open During Early Entry

If you’ve ever planned a theme park day, you know the “early entry” game.

You pay $20-$30 (+ tax) extra, and get to enter Universal Studios Hollywood one hour before opening to go to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

At Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood, I was shocked to find that Hogsmeade actually opened during early entry (please note this is subject to change).

The Magic of an Empty Hogsmeade

Walking through Hogsmeade before the crowds enter feels almost surreal.

There’s no sea of bodies blocking the shop windows. No long lines for rides.

It’s just you, the morning air, and the Wizarding World.

This short pocket of calm lets you see every shop and snow-capped roof without bumping elbows with a thousand other fans.

Want a photo in front of the Hogwarts Express? There’s no crowd waiting to get the same shot.

Want to practice some spells? Take your pick and don’t wait in line!

If you’re a fan who likes to enjoy the details, this sweet spot at opening is worth every penny. You get the chance to see Hogsmeade how it’s shown in the movies—before everything gets busy and loud.

5) Breakfast Isn’t Always Served Here

If you’re like me, one of the big joys of any theme park visit is a good breakfast to start your day off right.

And after browsing the Three Broomsticks menu, I was dreaming of the Continental Breakfast (a croissant, scone, jam and fruit). But when I got there for opening, we were informed that they weren’t serving breakfast that day!

Make sure to check the Universal Studios Hollywood app to see if breakfast will be served when you visit.

(And if not, you can always go to Starbucks in the park, but be aware of an uninspired selection and long lines).

6) Ollivanders is Better Here (than Orlando)

Like a lot of fans, I picked up an interactive wand at The Wizarding World in Orlando.

I expected the shopping experience to be pretty much the same at Universal Studios Hollywood, but Ollivanders there actually surprised me.

The layout in Hollywood just works better. More wands are out in the open with clear labels, so you’re not stuck opening box after box to find the right one. It’s way less stressful if you’re picky (or just easily overwhelmed by chaos).

If you’re like me and already have a wand—or just aren’t interested in buying another—the displays make it easy to browse without any pressure.

Similarly to The Wizarding World in Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood also hosts a wand pairing show at Ollivanders.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood

Is Harry Potter World Hollywood worth it?

As a Potterhead, I’m always going to say YES!

Although it is smaller and objectively less impressive than Orlando’s offerings, I found Hollywood’s version charming, and I look forward to visiting again in the future.

How much does it cost to go to Harry Potter World?

This depends on the price of Universal Studios Hollywood tickets. Full price tickets cost:

1-Day Tickets Prices: $109-$139 + tax, per person
2-Day Tickets Prices: $149-$169 + tax, per person

You can often find discounted tickets by browsing the websites of third-party authorized sellers (e.g. Undercover Tourist).

Is Harry Potter Disney or Universal?

if you want to walk through Hogsmeade or grab a Butterbeer, you’ll need to head over to Universal Studios. Disney doesn’t own the rights to the Harry Potter theme park attractions—Universal does.

It wasn’t always a done deal. Disney actually came close to landing the Harry Potter theme park rights (see details here).

Ta Ta For Now

Have you visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood? What surprised you most on your visit?

And if you haven’t visited The Wizarding World in California yet, what are you most excited to see and experience?

Thanks for reading, and please share your thoughts in the comments 🙂

This post was all about the 6 most surprising things about Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood.