Secrets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley | Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is chock full of hidden secrets.
We have been annual passholders since 2016, and we’ve been visiting the parks at least three times a year since then. And we are still finding secrets in these magical lands. Here are some secrets we have discovered so far.
We will be updating this post as we find more hidden surprises in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Table of Contents
Diagon Alley | Universal Studios
Entrance to Diagon Alley
Most first time visitors have hard time finding the entrance to the Diagon Alley in Universal Studios as it is not marked. See the images below to help you locate it.
Call the Ministry of Magic
The phone booth near the entrance to the Diagon Alley (see the image above) is not just a fun photo prop. You can actually call the Ministry of Magic from it. Dial 62442 (MAGIC) and you will be connected to the Ministry.
Fire-Breathing Dragon
Trying to get a perfect shot of fire-breathing dragon (Ukrainian Ironbelly to be exact) perched on the roof of Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley? Listen for the growl. It is a sign it is about to spit out fire.
Kreacher
Keep an eye out for Kreacher the House Elf appearing in the window above the door of 12 Grimmauld Place (just to the right of the entrance to the Diagon Alley).
Knockturn Alley
Often missed by first-time, or even repeat, guests, Knockturn Alley is a dark and creepy passageway where any dark wizard will feel at home.
Here you can find Borgin and Burkes, Dark Arts store, and several interactive wand spots.
Make sure to look up and check out the night sky projection when you are there.
The entrance to Knockturn Alley is under Flimflams Lanterns (see the image below), all the way to the left if you are facing the Gringotts Bank.
There is also an entrance next to Leaky Cauldron. Or is it an exit?
Blacklight Magic
It sure is dark in the Knockturn Alley, but don’t worry about not being able to see your magic wand spell map.
You will see the spell locations and secret images under the blacklight lamps that are placed in the alley.
Secret Magic Wand Spell Locations
There are two (that I am aware of) secret interactive wand locations that are not marked on the map.
First one is in Slug and Jiggers Apothecary window, on the left when you are facing the Gringotts Bank. Use a triangle wand motion here.
The second one is in the right window of Scribbulus Writing Implements (the left side has a mapped spot). Use “W” motion to unlock a secret message.
Free Wand Repair
Did you know that you can get your interactive wand repaired any time at Olivanders? You don’t need a receipt or a box or any proof of purchase. It can be repaired at any time, no matter how long ago it was purchased.
Just stop either Olivanders location, let a shop attendant know, and it will be repaired in minutes.
Talking Mirror in Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions
Hang out by the antique-looking mirror in the store, and she might tell you what she thinks of your outfit. She is not always nice! Expect to hear her honest opinion.
Phoenix Fire Lighters Advertisement
When I first saw this advertisement, I thought I was hallucinating: why would a picture on the wall change every time I look at it? It is actually a projection!
You can find it on the right wall of the entrance to Knockturn Alley, the one that is next to Leaky Cauldron.
Snake in the Magical Menagerie Shop
In the window of the Magical Menagerie shop, you will find a boa constrictor that speaks in Parseltongue.
It is in the side window, in a little alley on the left of the shop entrance.
Gringotts Money Exchange
As you can probably tell by the name of this establishment, you can exchange your muggle money for wizard money here. But did you know that you can interact with the goblin at the counter? Go ahead and ask him a question!
Dre Head aka The Shrunken Head
Another interactive experience. Stop by the Knight Bus (right outside of the entrance to the Diagon Alley) to have a chat with Dre Head.
Bunny Hat Trick
Pay attention to the animatronic by the entrance of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, and you might see a bunny pop up under Wesley’s hat.
Hogsmeade | Islands of Adventure
Moaning Myrtle
The restrooms in Hogsmeade, aka Public Conveniences, are a must-visit. Strange statement, I know!
They are haunted by Moaning Myrtle.
Three Broomsticks Window
Find this window to Three Broomsticks hidden in the alley to the left of the restaurant’s entrance, and you can hear the sounds of dishes being washed and other “kitchen” sounds.
A Secret Hideaway Spot
Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Hogsmeade for a few minutes? This secret spot behind the Honeydukes is our favorite hideaway location.
You will find it in the same alley as the Three Broomsticks window above.
Do you know of any other Wizarding World secrets? Let us know in the comments! We would love to learn more!
See our One Day Guide to the Wizarding World here:
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