Universal Studios Orlando: Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade

Let's get right to it.

You can either enter Hogsmeade directly through Universal Islands of Adventure, or from taking the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross in Universal Studios. Much like Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade is full of shops, rides, and treats. If you bought an interactive wand at Ollivanders in Diagon Alley, keep looking for the spells located all around Hogsmeade. If you haven't been to Diagon Alley yet, don't worry. You can visit Ollivanders in Hogsmeade as well, although the one in Diagon Alley is larger.

Honeydukes

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Honeydukes where you can fill a bag of Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans, snatch a chocolate frog, or just take in the incredible amount of candy filling the shelves. If you're in the mood for a meal you can visit The Three Broomsticks, or grab a drink at The Hogs Head (interesting note that has nothing to do with much of anything...no soda is sold anywhere within the Wizarding World - pretty much Gilly Water, Pumpkin Juice, Butter Beer, and regular beer only). Behind the bar at The Hogs head look for the shrunken heads that told off Hermione for being under 21, and watch for the Hog's Head to move. In The Three Broomsticks look out for the shadows of house elves. If you watch in the window to the left of the door you can see pots and pans washing themselves.

Dervish and Bangs

If you're looking for wizarding supplies head to Dervish and Banges - stock up on quills, robes, sweatshirts, and watch out for the Monster Book of Monsters. At the register read up on the store's funny closing procedures. If you visit the Owl Post outside of Dervish and Bangs you can purchase postcards and have the Hogsmeade postal stamp stamped on. Make sure you ask for this when you checkout! Don't just put postcards in the mailbox and expect them to be stamped.


Near the exit of The Forbidden Journey (the far right of the castle), you'll find Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods. Aside from all sorts of goodies to take home, you can look around for Filch's files on students - particularly George Weasley's whose is bursting at the seams. Also find the Marauder's Map in a glass case and see who's wandering around. 

Mirror of Erised

Now the rides! The Forbidden Journey takes you on a flying adventure with Ron and Harry all around the castle grounds. Although technically you are never upside-down, be prepared to be rotated in every direction. This ride is part screen and part - well, flying every which way. The line may be long, but enjoy the stroll through the castle and the pre-ride show. Once you've done this once though, think about using the single rider line to save a lot of time. Once past the lockers look for the Humpbacked Witch and the Mirror of Erisad. As soon as you enter the castle you'll find the houses' point counters and the entrance to Dumbledore's office. You'll meet some characters along the way too and maybe even get snowed on while in Professor Binn's history lesson. Once you're in Dumbledore's office look for the Pensieve against the back wall. Lastly, it's impossible to miss the Sorting Hat giving ride safety instructions.

Hagrid's Hut

Across from the Hogwarts Castle is Flight of the Hippogriff. Although this looks like a kid's ride, it's incredible fun and packs a surprising punch. Getting in line for this ride is also the only way to see Hagrid's Hut and Buckbeak the hippogriff himself.

The Weasley's Ford Anglia

The last ride in Hogsmeade is The Dragon Challenge. Two tracks run cars simultaneously - although they are supposed to run at the exact same time as if dueling, they were way off when I rode this time. Still fun, and there's a special line if you want to ride in the front car. Getting in this line is the only way to see the Ford Anglia Ron and Harry crash, and the Tri-Wizard Cup. 

Several times a day you can take in shows from the Hogwarts Frog Choir and the Tri-Wizard Spirit Rally. The Frog Choir is an interesting mix of traditional a cappella and beatboxing. The Spirit Rally is a fun display of students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang doing what they do best - dancing and fighting respectively. And although not a show, if you want to take in Moaning Myrtle's complaining, visit the ladies' restroom.

The shop windows in Hogsmeade are terrific. In various shops look for a cat made of measuring tape that bats its paws, a self-playing cello, a screeching mandrake, and a self-writing quill taking notes (have to look hard for that one).