The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is undoubtedly the most detailed area of Universal Orlando Resort. That means that it’s not only a ton of fun to explore, but also there are lots of great photo ops to find. Here are my top 5 Wizarding World of Harry Potter photo ops.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Of course you’ll want to grab a photo in front of the majestic turrets of Hogwarts sitting up on the hill above Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. You can get a photo at the entrance to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, though this area tends to have a lot of traffic. Our favorite photo spot is actually on the bridge between Jurassic Park and Hogsmeade, where you can see Hogwarts framed by evergreens.
Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express runs daily between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, and while you can get a photo with the bright red locomotive if you’re quick, it’s much easier to grab a photo in front of the stationary engine at the entrance to Hogsmeade. You can usually also get a photo here with the Hogwarts Express conductor, as well.
Knight Bus
As you approach the London Waterfront outside Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, you’ll see the blue double-decker Knight Bus. During the day, the Knight Bus driver stands outside greeting guests, chatting, and taking photos. His shrunken head friend in the bus cab is also happy to chat and take photos with you.
Dragon Fire
Probably the most popular photo of all since Diagon Alley opened in 2014 is the enormous dragon on top of Gringotts Bank as it breathes fire. The dragon breathes fire about every 10 minutes, and you probably won’t be the only one waiting along the main alley with your camera ready. It’s one of the most popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter photo ops.
Ride Photos
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Hogsmeade offers an on-ride photo of your encounter with some fantastic beasts on the ride, which you are welcome to purchase in the gift shop as you exit. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts doesn’t have an on-ride photo, since everyone is wearing those stylish 3D glasses, but you will have a “security checkpoint” photo taken in the queue that you can purchase after the ride to commemorate your visit to Gringotts Bank. You can also use the My Universal Photos package (previously Photo Connect) to obtain these photos.
Elizabeth Perry is a travel planner with Modern Travel Professionals, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, and part of The Affordable Mouse team. She's a planner, a vacation enthusiast, and quite the nerd. Even better, she's dedicated to helping you plan a fun, fantastic vacation so you can visit the worlds of your favorite stories and create great memories. You’ll be able to find the resources you need to plan a spectacular vacation, get personalized service for all your trip needs, and have a guide that knows all the inside secrets.