Guide to the Universal Hogwarts Express 2023

Guide to the Universal Hogwarts Express 2023

Guide to the Universal Hogwarts Express 2023

This article is going to be the ultimate guide for the Universal Hogwarts Express 2023. Are you planning your next Universal Orlando Resort vacation and wondering how to use the Universal Studios Hogwarts Express? Many guests looking to spend some time in either the Wizarding World or Harry Potter sections of the theme parks must have this iconic ride on their list! Whether you’re a diehard Harry Potter fan, or just looking to travel park-to-park with the Hogwarts Express at Universal, this guide will be helpful to you.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

So, if you want some of your best 2023 Hogwarts Express Universal FAQs answered, read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando check out our Universal Crowd calendar! 

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

What is Hogwarts Express at Universal?

So let’s start with the most common question and that is, what is Hogwarts Express? The Hogwarts Express is an attraction featured in both Universal theme parks that are based on the steam engine train in the Harry Potter films and movies. Guests can not only enjoy this ride as a replica of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter franchise, but also as a transportation option between parks. The Universal Hogwarts Express transports guests with park-to-park tickets between Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida.

Guests riding the Hogwarts Express at Universal are given their train car with interactive video screens on not only the window outside but also your train car doors. Throughout your journey, you will catch the sights and sounds of familiar faces of friends like Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but you also might have a run-in with a Dementor. Depending on what side you start on, your journey on the Hogwarts Express might look a little different, but we will get into that later.

When did the Hogwarts Express open in Universal Orlando?

• July 8th, 2014

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Where is the Hogwarts Express?

On Platform 9 3/4, of course! If you’re looking to ride the Universal Orlando Hogwarts Express, you can start in either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure Park. Both Universal theme parks have a “train station” where guests can enter a queue and catch a ride on the bright ride steam engine. You can find the attraction entrances in the following places:

• The entrance of Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure Park
• King’s Cross Station, which is right outside of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida

Is There a Hogwarts Express in Hollywood?

At Universal Studios Hollywood, there is no Hogwarts Express attraction that you can ride. Instead, there is a prop train, which can also be seen in Orlando, where guests can pose for photos and meet the train conductor of the Hogwarts Express. There is only one park in Universal Studios Hollywood, so there is no need for a train back and forth between the parks!

Related post: The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World: Universal California vs Florida

What is the Hogwarts Express Ride Like?

The Universal Hogwarts Express ride is a kid-friendly Harry Potter ride, that is half a motion simulator ride. We call it a half-way simulation ride because you are moving when your ride the Hogwarts Express! The attraction acts as a tram on one track that uses cables to pull it back and forth from each of the stations. The scenes that are projected onto the outdoor window and your train car doors do simulate situations that are not happening.

It is a very smooth ride on the Hogwarts Express, and you’ll get to see things like The Malfoy Manor, The Forbidden Forest, the streets of London, and more! Just note that your ride will be different depending on what side you start on when you ride the Universal Studios Hogwarts Express 2023. On one of the journeys, you will encounter a dementor, which can be scary for little ones. Just note that it passes quickly, and most kids should be able to handle it just fine.

What are the height requirements for the Universal Hogwarts Express?

• There is no height requirement, but all riders under 48″ much have a supervising companion

How long is the Hogwarts Express ride in 2023?

• The Hogwarts Express ride is 4 minutes long

When does the Hogwarts Express leave?

So, how often does the Hogwarts Express run? That mostly depends on how long they wait for the attraction. The Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando continuously loads like any other normal attraction, and guests have to wait depending on the posted wait time.

Can you ride the Hogwarts Express multiple times?

Yes! As long as you carry a park-to-park ticket, you can go back and forth as many times as you wish between the parks. Just note, without Express Pass, you will have to wait the posted time for the Hogwarts Express, therefore if the wait is long, you might only get to ride it a couple of times during the day.

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Is the Hogwarts Express Worth It 2023?

Last but not least, let’s look at the most important question and that is, is the Hogwarts express worth it?  And, if you have Harry Potter fans in your group then you are not going to want to skip the Hogwarts Express. The main reason is this is the only way to make sure you see absolutely everything that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer. The other main reason we think the Hogwarts Express is worth it is that it’s a convenient way to travel between the two parks and you can enjoy a different experience both ways. We are always blown away by the immersion in the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, and the Hogwarts Express is an example of how you can truly feel as if you are inside of the Harry Potter magic.

And last but not least, even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan but if you have a park-to-park ticket, the Hogwarts Express is always worth it! A ride on the Hogwarts Express is included with any form of the park-to-park option, so why not have a 4-minute air-conditioned ride to the next park.

When is the Hogwarts Express worth it?

• You have a one-day park-to-park ticket to try to see everything in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• You are a die-hard Harry Potter fan
• You are only visiting Universal Orlando once in your lifetime and want to experience everything

When is the Hogwarts Express not worth it?

• If you’ve been to Universal Orlando multiple times. We feel like the magic of the Hogwarts Express wears off after the first or second time riding it. It is a rather low-thrill experience that is meant to wow Potterheads new to the Universal theme parks.
• If the wait time is high – especially if you’ve ridden it before, we would not recommend waiting more than 40 minutes for this attraction.
• If it is the only reason you want park-to-park tickets – If the Hogwarts Express is the only reason you’re thinking of upgrading your ticket, we highly recommend looking into other benefits of the park-to-park ticket.

Related Page: Guide to All of the Harry Potter Rides at Universal Orlando 

Can You Ride the Hogwarts Express without Park to Park Tickets 2023?

One of the biggest downfalls of the Universal Hogwarts Express 2023 is that you have to have a park-to-park ticket to ride it. That means, if you’ve only purchased a one-day, one-park ticket, you cannot ride this attraction. You also have access to the Hogwarts Express at Universal if you are an Annual Passholder since you have entry to both theme parks.

All the acceptable tickets to ride the Universal Hogwarts Express:

• One Day, Park-to-Park Tickets
• Multiple Day, Park-to-Park Tickets
• Annual Passholder Tickets

How much does it cost to ride the Hogwarts Express?

Does Hogwarts Express cost extra? You cannot purchase a single ticket just to ride the Hogwarts Express, so technically while it will cost you a park-to-park ticket, it does not cost any extra. You will never have to purchase a ticket to ride only the Hogwarts Express, so make sure you are buying the right ticket if you’re wanting to ride it.

Related post: Food Lovers Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Dining

Can You Take a Stroller on the Hogwarts Express in 2023?

Since the Hogwarts Express is kid-friendly, you’re probably wondering if you’re allowed to bring a stroller with you on your journey. The answer is, yes! You can bring your stroller with you on the Universal Hogwarts Express, or if you’re renting one, it’ll be left in one park, and you’ll be given a new one at the station in your destination park. Any Team Member at the Hogwarts Express attraction at Universal will be able to assist you with any stroller or accessibility needs.

It is important to note that Team Members will be referring to your stroller as a “pram” to give you an authentic King’s Cross experience.

Is the Universal Hogwarts Express wheelchair/ECV accessible?

Yes! The Hogwarts Express in Universal is accessible for all mobility devices, whether it be a wheelchair, EVC, or another device. Both queues are also wheelchair accessible with either ramps or elevators to reach the top-loading platforms of the Hogwarts Express.

Does Hogwarts Express have Express Pass 2023?

Can you use Express Pass on Hogwarts Express? Yes, the Hogwarts Express is one of the attractions at Universal Orlando where you can use the Express Pass. The Universal Express Pass and the Express Pass Unlimited allow for guests to use the separate entrance from standby to cut wait times down significantly.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! All Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets will get you into the park one hour before regular park guests with Universal Early Park Admission! And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!