Which Harry Potter land is best?

[5Adults]

We have one day set aside for Islands of Adventure however I just learned the Harry Potter (HP) lands are in both Universal parks and the lovely Hogwart's Express takes you from one land to the other. If you had to choose only one HP land, which would it be? I've heard Hosgmeade in Islands of Adventure has the better rides ...

 

[trr1]

I think that Diagon alley in Universal Studios only has HARRY POTTER AND THE ESCAPE FROM GRINGOTTS
and IOA has Dragon Challenge, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

 

[ratherbeinwdw]

I would pay the extra to do both. Diagon Alley only has one ride, but it has lots more to see.

 

[matt9112]

I would pay the extra to do both. Diagon Alley only has one ride, but it has lots more to see.

Agreed the forbbiden journey at IOA is the single best experience but diagon ally is a much more complete thematic experience.

 

[5Adults]

Thank you so much, trr, rather and matt!

 

[tractor tipper]

I agree to do both. Start with Diagon Alley least crowed side to start with. Look for Kreacher in the window.

 

[5Adults]

Thanks Tractor! That's a great idea. Enjoy Diagon Alley and then head over to IOA for the rides and other HP stuff.

 

[JT3000]

Hogsmeade has more attractions, although one of them is a large roller coaster and the other is a kiddie coaster, so there are many people who will do neither.

Diagon Alley has more to look at and generally the more grandiose theming.

As an aside, the Hogwarts Express is actually a different ride each way. If you only go one way or the other, Diagon-to-Hogsmeade is the more eventful experience.

 

[Lucky]

We paid the big bucks to do both parts and didn't regret it. We started in Diagon Alley and ended there, taking the Hogwart's Express both ways.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

DIagon Alley. The first Harry Potter in IOA was cheaply done. Overlay after Overlay so essentially DIagon Alley got one new attraction just as the IOA Harry Potter. Diagon Alley has a Dragon and Magical places to use the Magical wand and whatnot. Diagon Alley also is tucked away behind an awesome facade. it just Blows IOA Harry Potter away!

 

[5Adults]

wow JT, Lucky and Florida Dude, all very helpful in making my decision. Thank you. I think we'll start with Diagon Alley in the Studios park, get our HP fix, and then Hogwarts train to IOA for the adult rides.

 

[RobUK]

Only been to Universal 4-5 time's so don't know the exact layout of the parks and space as well as lots on here, but is there much area and scope to expand on either of the HP parts?

 

[squidward]

For rides, Hogsmeade is better. For overall experience and detail, Diagon Alley is the most fully recognized theme park area I've ever seen. And I'm not even a fan of Harry Potter.

 

[squidward]

Only been to Universal 4-5 time's so don't know the exact layout of the parks and space as well as lots on here, but is there much area and scope to expand on either of the HP parts?

At Islands, they could remove Lost Continent and nobody would miss it. Good amount of space there. At Universal, I suppose they could get rid of Fear Factor. Honestly, I think they should cease with any more Potter expansion. Milking something until it's dry is Disney's game. Universal is too creative to get stuck like that.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Yeah, you really have to see both. Personally to me you could always see how Hogsmeade was sort of retro-fitted into the park, which is surprising that they cloned the layout twice already. But Forbidden Journey is a better ride than Gringotts.

 

[Fraser789]

Personally I would say do both because there is so much to do and see. It will be worth the extra money! Diagon Alley is just amazing to walk down.

 

[matt9112]

Hogsmeade has more attractions, although one of them is a large roller coaster and the other is a kiddie coaster, so there are many people who will do neither.

Diagon Alley has more to look at and generally the more grandiose theming.

As an aside, the Hogwarts Express is actually a different ride each way. If you only go one way or the other, Diagon-to-Hogsmeade is the more eventful experience.

Thanks Tractor! That's a great idea. Enjoy Diagon Alley and then head over to IOA for the rides and other HP stuff.

Don't forget butter beer and my favorite butter beer ice cream. It's ungodly gooood.

 

[RobUK]

I had the butter beer ice cream at the UK HP movie tour. Was delicious!

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

wow JT, Lucky and Florida Dude, all very helpful in making my decision. Thank you. I think we'll start with Diagon Alley in the Studios park, get our HP fix, and then Hogwarts train to IOA for the adult rides.

Sorry I didnt read your entire first post. Do Both of course. I just think Diagon Alley is far superior.

 

[matt clark]

its a push.
Diagon Alley is a much better theme.
i find it easier to get butter beer and treats there.

Forbidden journey is the best ride though.
it has the best que for forbidden journey and the roller coaster.

i think Hogsmeade is bigger than Alley, but i ALWAYS find Hogsmeade to be hella crowded.
i feel like you can never fully stop and appreciate things in Hogsmeade because people are always crowding around.
it may be because people stop and circle a lot or whatever, but i always feel like leaving for the next island every time i am in Hogsmeade or jumping right in a que for something.

Olivanders experience in Diagon Alley is really underrated.
Especially for kids.
The actors in those shifts are top notch and hilarious.