Universal Orlando Resort has no shortage of photo ops in the Wizarding World, and everyone is sure to have a favorite. This list isn’t meant to be all inclusive but a rundown of the top scenes and where to get the best shot so let’s take a look…
Hogwarts Castle
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it is by far the most iconic scene in The Wizarding World and it's an amazing scene in Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando. Many people make their way straight through Hogsmeade and round the bend see the castle and want a picture there. The issue with this is that the background is full of people and the daily chaos that ensues. A better shot comes from around the corner as you’re walking towards Jurassic Park on the wooden bridge. The background still provides a great shot of the castle but without people in the background and it’s not nearly as crowded.
The Dragon at Diagon Alley
The dragon at Diagon Alley is another incredibly iconic scene from the movies, the books, and Universal Studios. The dragon is found atop Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley in the Universal Studios Park. Like the castle, many people see it and instantly want to get a picture; however, a great view can be had from the far side of Knock Turn Alley facing the dragon and Gringotts.
The Knight Bus
This is a great photo op because you don’t have to contend with a queue, it’s out in the open in the London section of Universal Studios. However, there does tend to be crowds also vying for photos so please be courteous and patient! Once you’ve taken one at the front of the bus be sure to talk around to the back and take one there, it's usually much less crowded and makes a great picture!
Hagrid’s Hut
This one is a little different because the only way to get a photo is to get in the queue for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Which by the way is an absolutely amazing ride so no worries about wasting time for the photo because this is a ride that you’ll probably want to do anyway so go ahead and jump in the queue. The afternoon or mid-day tend to be the best times since you’ll want to get the hut and the foliage in the photo and in the morning, you’ll have the sun to contend with.
The Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express is just as much a photo spot as it is a way to jump from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure or vice versa assuming you have Park-to-Park tickets. However, even if you only have tickets for Islands of Adventure you can take a photo in front of The Hogwarts Express in Hogsmeade. But if you’re trying to get a video or photo of passing through the brick wall at Platform 9 ¾ you’ll have to be on the Universal Studios side at Kings Cross Station and have Park-to-Park tickets to make it to the Platform and to the train itself.
Inside Gringotts Bank
This is another one where the photo op is in the queue but just like with Hagrid’s you can go through the queue, but you don’t have to ride, just please remember don’t get in the way too much and remember that it is in fact a ride queue and it can get crowded.
These are just a few of our favorites but everyone tends to find their own once they’ve had an opportunity to explore both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade so take your time, have fun, and make some memories!
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