All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Today we have a photo tour of the iconic train at Universal Orlando Resort.
The Hogwarts Express is the first of its kind. It’s an attraction that takes you from one park to another in a completely immersive experience.
I had the good fortune to ride it during the recent previews of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley previews, and I want to share with you the 3 stunning elements that make up this groundbreaking attraction.
1. Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station
We’ll start off in Islands of Adventure, where you’ll find the Hogwarts Express right before the entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.
The queue is designed to be very long. It is also important to note that the queue is not air conditioned, but most of it is covered.
After winding down below the station and taking a few stairs back up, you arrive at the grouping point.
2. The Journey
You are directed to a cabin (such as cabin A, B, C, etc.) and are grouped with up to seven other passengers (four passengers per bench), but that is not always the case.
Hogwarts Express hallway
The Hogwarts Express is a four-minute journey to London’s King Cross Station or vice-versa. During those four minutes you basically look at a projection out the fake windows. You’ll meet a few of your favorite Harry Potter characters and scenery along the way.
Each way is different with a different story and effects. I do not want to give any details away until you see it for yourself, but here’s a small glimpse.
3. Kings Cross Station
Just like Hogsmeade, the queue at Kings Cross can be extremely long. Unlike Hogsmeade, the queue at Kings Cross is completely air-conditioned.
Apologies for the slightly blurry photos. The line was moving quickly and I am not going to get in the way of a Harry Potter fan!
After going up the stairs in the photo above, you will walk between platforms 9 and 10. Before entering platform 9 ¾ make sure to turn around to your left and look back. Universal has created some magic that you don’t want to miss.
This is platform 9 ¾.
Here you are grouped just like at Hogsmeade Station.
A Park-to-Park ticket is required to ride the Hogwarts Express. You can upgrade your ticket at both the Hogsmeade Station and Kings Cross Station. During the preview you were allowed to get off and board the train as many times as you like. This was no problem as I only waited about five minutes or until the next train arrived. It is unclear whether Universal will restrict multiple rides per day in the future.
For those of you wondering, the Hogwarts Express pulls into Hogsmeade Station and backs into Kings Cross Station. It’s quite a ride!
