VIDEO Tour of Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle

Tomorrow, January, 23, 2014 is the LIVE Webcast where Universal Orlando will reveal more details on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley expansion at the Universal Studios Florida theme park.  The scaffolding has come down on Diagon Alley’s London facade, and the Celebration of Harry Potter weekend is nearly upon us.  What will Universal announce during the webcast?  Will we get an opening date for the new land?  Will we find out more details about the Gringotts bank attraction?  Will Ollivander’s wand shop be located in Diagon Alley as in the books?  We just have to wait, but while we’re biding our time, why not take a stroll around the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade including a walk through Hogwarts Castle that opened in 2010 at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure.

Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando put meticulous care into recreating the details of the streets of Hogsmeade, just as they were depicted in the Harry Potter films.  You could spend hours peering in the windows of the various shops; just be careful sitting underneath the owls perched in the rafters of the owlery.

Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Flight of the Hippogriff is a quick, fun, family coaster that brings you up close to Hagrid’s hut, a brief encounter with Buckbeak, and incredible views of Hogwarts Castle and all of Hogsmeade laid out below.

Flight of the HippogriffHagrid's Hut - Flight of the HippogriffBuckbeak - Flight of the HippogriffHogsmeade from Flight of the Hippogriff

Of course the main draw of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Hogwarts Castle, beckoning you to come closer, walk inside, and dare to embark upon a Forbidden Journey.

Hogwarts Castle - Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando set a high bar creating the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade.  So what magic awaits for the expansion of Diagon Alley?  It won’t be too long before all secrets will be revealed.

Sorting Hat - Hogwarts Castle

A special thanks to our intrepid videographer, John Saccheri, for creating these video tours of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade.

John Saccheri at Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter

DISCLOSURE: Universal Orlando provided complimentary admission to experience both theme parks.  However all opinions expressed are those of the author.  For more family travel news, reviews, and trip reports, be sure to follow Adventures by Daddy on twitter and “like” our facebook page too.

About Dave Parfitt

Married, father of two girls, and living in the heart of the Finger Lakes. I'm a runner with a PhD in neuroscience and a passion for travel.