Are you a Muggle? Sadly, I am too. But guess what? Even Muggles can ride the Hogwarts Express! I don’t know about you, but anytime I read a Harry Potter book or see a movie, I wish I was able to be a part of that world. And while I can’t change the fact that you’re a Muggle, I can help you experience the magic of the Hogwarts Express.
Our train compartment on the Hogwarts Express!!
First off, the Hogwarts Express is only at Universal Orlando. It runs between the King’s Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios Florida (on platform 9 3/4 of course) and Hogsmeade station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. ** IMPORTANT - To board the train, you will need a park-to-park ticket.
This ticket will allow you unlimited rides on the train as you go back and forth between the two parks. And don’t assume just because you rode the train one way that it’s the same on the return trip - it’s not! So be sure to ride both ways. The ride takes around 4 minutes each way.
The train compartments hold up to 8 passengers so if your group is larger you’ll be split up. Take a seat and along the way you’ll see a lot of familiar Harry Potter landmarks and friends out of the window. (It’s actually a video but looks pretty darn realistic).
While you can’t roam the aisles of the train, you can see silhouettes of happenings in the aisles - watch out for Dementors!!! You’ll also hear audio of what’s happening out there so pay attention.
A really fun feature is walking through King’s Cross Station and passing through the wall into Platform 9 3/4. Lag back a bit from your party so that you can get a picture of those ahead of you as they walk through the "wall" forming the entrance. Clueless people will try to push past you so hold your ground!!
Below are pictures of some of our rides on the Hogwarts Express. FYI, I would totally be wearing my Gryffindor robes if it didn’t embarrass my goofy family. Have you ridden the Hogwarts Express? Put your thoughts in the comments!! And if you haven’t… Be sure and give me a call and I’ll book and plan your trip to the Wizarding World for free - even if you’re a Muggle!!
