Ultimate Guide to the Best Instagram Photo Spots of Harry Potter World at Universal Studios
Everything you need to know about the best photo spots of the Harry Potter world at Universal Studios can be found in this guide, along with tips on how to take the best pictures for Instagram.
Here I’ll share all the best places to take those Instagram-worthy shots with tips on what are the best times to visit, angles, and maps. And if you are torn between Hogsmeade vs. Diagon Alley, this guide will give you information on what you can find in each land so you can decide.
If you grew up watching or reading Harry Potter, then visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Orlando Studios will be a dream come true. Every detail will take you back to the movies and books. And if you’re like me, you’ll want to capture yourself in this wizardry fantasy.
Universal Studios in Orlando did an incredible job at replicating the World of Hogwarts. The attention to detail is so fascinating that you can’t help thinking you’re in the real set where it all took place.
The best thing is there are TWO Harry Potter theme park sections at Universal Studios in Orlando. This makes the Harry Potter World in Orlando, Florida much bigger than the LA, California location and, therefore, has more photo spots of Harry potter.
The Harry Potter world is split between two parks: Diagon Alley inside Universal Studios & Hogsmeade inside Universal Islands of Adventure.
Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are not the same, and you will need an entry for each land if you want to visit both. Please note Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are also not parks but rather a “land” within each theme park.
Entry to Parks
Universal Studios has three parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay (this is a water park and is not associated with Harry Potter).
The cost of tickets for the Harry Potter World is about $119 for one day (and yes it’s worth it), but prices will vary based on the date. Like most theme parks, weekends tend to be pricier. If you want to save money, the best times to go to Universal Studios are the weekdays and during the low season. You can visit their site for price availability
If you want to ride Hogwarts Express (more on that later) you will have to buy Park to Park. But if you can only visit one park, this guide will show you what you can find in each park.
Diagon Alley
Guide to getting to Diagon Alley
This section is a guide to photo spots of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter World for you to take the best Instagram pictures at Universal Studios.
Diagon Alley is located at the very end of the park. Depending on the crowd and how fast you walk, it might take you 15-20 minutes.
The best way to get there is to walk straight ahead, take the first road on your right (most people will continue to walk straight), reach Mel’s Drive-In (you can’t miss the cool 50s cars outside), take a left, then a first right, and then just follow the road ahead (no more turns needed). Here is a map so you can get a visual.
When you see the iconic British red phone booth and the Knight Bus, then you arrived at the start of Diagon Alley. Across both of these sights, behind the brick wall, you enter the magical world of Diagon Alley. Have your camera ready to record!
Whitehall Telephone Box
The Whitehall Telephone is your first sign you’ve arrived at the right place. If there is a line, don’t skip on this. It moves quickly.
Go inside and Dial 62442 (M-A-G-I-C). You’ll hear a recording from the Ministry of Magic. Please note this is a rotary phone. If you don’t know how to use one, I suggest you watch a quick YouTube video.
Gringotts Bank Dragon
The Gringotts Dragon is located past the brick entrance, straight ahead, above the bank. Stick around and you will feel its sizzling hot breath with flames coming out of his mouth.
The dragon spits out fire every 10 minutes but only lasts a couple of seconds. I recommend you start filming a couple of minutes before and find a good spot because the crowd will start building up. See below a picture of me enjoying a butterbeer at Diagon Alley with the Gringotts Dragon behind. If you time it correctly, you can capture the dragon spitting fire.
Gringotts Money Exchange
Gringotts Money Exchange is located next to the stage (on the left).
From the outside, it looks like all the other shops, but there’s something extra special about this place. You can exchange your mogul’s money (credit cards accepted) for a Gringotts bank note of $10 and $20 denominations.
You can keep it and add your name to it or spend it at Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, or selected locations.
Quality Quidditch Supplies
Stop by the Quidditch store and buy your broomsticks, Bludgers, and Quaffles.
The Owl’s Post
In Harry Potter, the Owl’s Post is used for parcel delivery by no other than owls. And you too can use their delivery services too! Mail selected Harry Potter merchandise (brooms, food, and walking sticks are not eligible) anywhere within the United States.
Take a picture in front of the Owl’s Post before the store opens.
Tip: Order a butterbeer from the kiosk next door to add a cute prop to your photo.
Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop
Directly across the Owl’s Post is Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop. Find your favorite sweets like Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavor Beans, Exploding Bonbons, Pink Coconut Ice, and Cauldron Cakes.
This store has cutest, brightest, candy land vibe. This place alone I feel requires a whole different outfit. Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios is not a busy area, so feel free to play around with your pictures.
12 Gimmauld Place
Gimmauld Place is located outside of Diagon Alley, walking past the Knight bus. If you knock on the door, you’ll see Kreacher peek his head out the second floor window.
Hogsmeade Village
Guide to getting to Hogsmeade
This section is a photo spots guide of Hogsmeade Village in the Harry Potter World to help you take great pictures for Instagram at Universal Studios.
Hogsmeade Village is located in Universal Islands of Adventure. Similar to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade is located on the other side of the entry. I found the easiest way to get there is by taking a right through Seuss Landing, up Lost Continent, and to Hogsmeade. Here is a map for visuals.
Three Broomsticks
Three Broomsticks restaurant is located directly on your left from the entrance. If you’re using the map, you will find it under #21.
This is a cute spot to take a cottage winter picture with a broomstick in the back. There is not a lot of foot traffic here, so take your time playing with angles. If the other landmarks have heavy foot traffic and you can’t take a good picture, this can always serve as a placeholder for a good picture.
You can order a butterbeer from Three Broomsticks or a vendor outside. A perfect prop for your pictures.
Hogwarts Express
Hogwarts Express is directly on your right from the entrance. This is a non-operative train that is placed there for decoration. The real operating Hogwarts Express is located outside the entrance.
However, the train operator next to him is real. And if you’re lucky, he’ll strike a pose for you.
Hogwarts Castle
Hogwarts Castle- the castle we have seen all over Instagram is located in Hogsmeade Village.
It’s located at the end of the trail, past the stage. If you are referencing the map, find it under number 17.
Because the Hogwarts castle is home to the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, you can actually go inside. If you have time I recommend you get on the ride. The entire wait line is filled with Harry Potter memorabilia.
Tip: This shot was taken in the morning when it wasn’t too crowded yet. I bought tickets for Early Park Admission, which granted me a 30 min early admission (more on that here).
Keep in mind you’ll constantly have a rush coming from the right side from all the Forbidden Journey riders exiting. I recommend you have your outfit and poses ready, as you only have a short window to take these shots.
Between the Frog Choir (map #19) and Ollivanders (map #20), you’ll see a bridge. This bridge positions you at the perfect angle to take the picture below.
Tip: Wait for the sunset and you will be able to capture the sun behind the castle.
Take the Forbidden Journey ride inside the Hogwarts castle to see Dumbledore’s office, the Mirror of Erise, and the hallways filled with moving portraits just like in the movie.
Tip: Capture shots from corner walls
Hogwarts Express
This section is a photo spots guide to Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter World, where I’ll share tips to take great pictures for Instagram at Universal Studios.
You can walk across Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village (about 20 min walk) or take the Hogwarts Express. The Hogwarts Express will get you across Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village when you buy the Park-to-Park tickets only. You will have to show proof of purchase at time of your entry.
The sights in each train station is different. You will have a It’s about a 5-10 minute walk filled with Harry Potter memorabilia inside the Hogwarts Express train station with elevator available.
A few of the things you will see inside:
Hedwig and Harry’s luggage, the “Make a Little Magic” perfume advertisement, the 9 ¾ sign, and, of course, the train.
The Hogwarts Express stations are visibly distinct, so do not wait for the other station to take the pictures you want. You will not be able to recreate the same background at the second stop.
Tip: Be the first standing in your lane if you want first picks to the “window” to see the animated view of Harry’s route from his neighborhood all the way to Hogwarts.
Please note that you will not see outside, and all the windows are digital.
Download the Universal Studios app to check departure times and confirm the train is running smoothly.
More Instagram Content
Harry Potter’s wizardly world is enough to fill up your Instagram feed with great content.
But remember that Universal Studios is surrounded with more amazing movie and character themes like Shrek, Cat in the Hat, and Fast and the Furious to name a few.
You’ll want to take pictures with Hello Kitty, a donut the size of your head, and everything else in sight. If you have the camera space for it, I invite you to check out my 26 Instragrammable spots and ideas at Universal Studios for more content ideas to share with friends.