You can stop to grab the Hogwarts Express back to London (Universal Studios Florida) here - queue includes lines for express pass users as well as the normal folks, and queuing here wasn't as long as from the London King's Cross side. It's quite close to the entrance of the Hogsmeade Village with a full train locomotive photo op area outside the entry (sometimes a conductor there). There's not much decor inside but at the same time it's a bit faster. Screens in the train I describe on the review for the Ride itself! read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - loading - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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This is a nice little way of getting between the parks and still staying in the Harry Potter universe! What a Harry Potter nerd doesn't want to experience the Hogwarts express ! It's one of those things that you do once because the wait in line is typically killer, and it's honestly easier to just walk between the parks. Still a pretty nice Harry Potter experience ! read more

If you are a fan of Harry Potter then a stop to the Hogwarts Express is a must. Remember, you will need a park-to-park ticket to experience this and I think it was worth it in my opinion. It's very similar to the one in London at the Making of Harry Potter, but actually moves! The theming is magical and made my millennial heart happy, though I'm disheartened in Rowling in recent years. read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Entrance - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade Station is where the secret Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is hidden. This is where you catch a ride on the Hogwarts Express. The magical train will guide you to King's Cross, the next station in the London area. A short 5 minute ride will transport passengers to the Universal Studios Florida side. read more

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I'm not into Harry Potter, so I don't have much insight to that, but this was a great way to park hop and cool down. You just have to navigate through Harry Potter world, which gets super crowded. They show some scenes from the movies while you are on your journey. Depending on when you go, I've heard wait times can be intense. We were fortunate to only have a 20 minute wait. read more

This is not a very thrilling ride. This is not a very long ride. This is a family friendly train that transports you from Islands to Studios (or back the other way) with a fun little video and some special effects. It's a great way to take a break and cool off in the AC going from one park to the other. read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This "ride" is fine as transportation between parks, but I would absolutely not recommend paying for a park to park ticket just to ride it. And definitely don't wait in line if it's over a 30 minute wait. read more

I absolutely love this ride an absolute must-ride at Universal! The experience was great from start to finish, with amazing effects, smooth ride mechanics, def a must visit read more

If you have a park to park ticket the most fun way to go from Universal to Islands of Adventure and back is by using the Hogwarts Express. In the Harry Potter books, the Hogsmeade Station was built in the 1800's by the Ministry of Magic for the safe transport of Hogwart's students. The Hogsmeade Station takes you from Universal's Islands of Adventure to King's Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios or vice versa. The Hogsmeade Station is not as elaborately themed as the Kings Cross Station which has platform 9 and 3/4, Hedwig, and Harry Potter's luggage but it is still a must for any Harry Potter fan. The scenes shown in your train compartment as you travel are different when departing from each station. When you leave Hogsmeade you will see Hagrid waving goodbye before passing Hogwarts, Malfoy Manor, and the shadows of Harry, Ron, and Hermione through the door as they look for an empty compartment. The lines for the train can get long and there is no single rider line. Most of the wait is inside and riding the train beats walking park to park. It is a great chance to sit back and relax as you further immerse in the world of Harry Potter. read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

We have been on this so many times and LOVED it. My little kids (2 and 4) can't ride a lot in the parks but always get really excited to ride the train. There is so much attention to detail and everybody is so kind. Truly a fantastical experience. read more

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The train to Hogsmeade and back is an immersive experience that adds to the whole wonder of the wizarding world. The trio appear through the milky glass and even a dementor, while the window side shows the english countryside and other wizarding world scenes. There and back are two different experiences, do both! read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Hogwarts Express - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Guests with a Park-to-Park admission ticket can enter Hogsmeade Station and catch the train to King's Cross Station. As you wind your way through British countryside to the outskirts of London, keep watch out your window: you never know who or what you might see. The last train departs at the earliest closing time of Universal Studios Florida or Universal's Islands of Adventure, whichever park closes first. This ride first opened in 2014 and the ride is approximately 5 minutes long, which is decent for a ride, but still short in comparison to the 70 minutes in line. The entire line being in the shade definitely helps but still being in the Florida heat just feels like the longest time ever just standing.  Despite the long line, I would still ride the train again and probably a third time. read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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During our summer road trip 2022, we spent three awesome days at Universal Studios Orlando. We also drop the extra coin on the multi park tickets and fast passes, figuring we've come this far and spent this much though, might as well go all the way... As a middle school educator, I've read the Harry Potter books, and seen most of the movies. Universal has done an extraordinary job of capturing Rowling's prose and turning it into a living, breathing place... even if it's just a theme park. As annual pass holders for universal Hollywood, it was also really cool to see what was similar, and what was different between the two parks. As for the Hogsmeade Express, this was a fun and creative way to travel between the two parks we enjoyed the most. After gallivanting around Diagon alley, we took the short walk to the station, presented our park hopper tickets and fast passes, and walked into the station. As with many attractions, they did a pretty good job of trying to make the queue engaging while you stand and wait. The optical illusion set up walking through the wall was fun for the kids, and the overall cinematic experience made waiting not entirely unpleasant. Once we were on the train, the interactive experience, creative lighting and sound, combined for awesome storytelling. In essence, they took a boring tram between two parks, and turned it into an engaging themed experience. Honestly, this is probably worth enjoy and just for the experience. There are more exciting rides, but as trams go, this is probably the best one I've ever been on. read more

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Best way to park hop! Love the music and vibes it is very reminiscent to the movies l!

First of all King Cross's Station alone is worth a visit, it's a replica of the Harry Potter films, any muggle would be impressed at all the fine details of this amazing train station! In order to ride Hogwarts Express you must have a Park-to-Park ticket. You will aboard the train at Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station and the train will arrive in Hogsmeade Station. The ride itself is kid-friendly, my daughter road and dementors and other characters from the movie were shown moving on the windows. This is the train Harry, Hermione and Ron boarded with their classmates to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, all they were missing were those carts filled with candy and pasties! read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - My dad and I in front of the Hogwarts Express! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

My daughter took me to Universal and paid the extra money for us to ride the Express. Since I cannot ride rides (motion sickness), this was a fun extra experience we could do without dealing with motion sickness! Be sure to watch both the outside window and the inside glass for the entire experience! I was surprised at how fast the lines went! Do not be intimidated by the long lines, they move fast! And we did not get the express passes (for all obvious reasons). There are a fair number of stairs that you may get stuck waiting on, but fear not, you will not be there for too long! BTW-there is an elevator! read more

As with most rides in the park, the line to get on the Hogwarts express can be very, very long so be prepared to stand. The park does try to provide fans to help keep you cool during hot days, but bring your water, and maybe a hand fan. This is actually a nice ride to sit and be at ease. The ride from Hogwarts back to London plays a different scenario than the one that goes from London to Hogwarts. It's a slow moving ride and the audio/video keeps you entertained along the way. The cars are cool so it's also a break from the heat. The train is set up just like in the films with a hallway on one side, and sliding doors into a train carriage with seats on each side and a shelf overhead. Very fun. If you have mobility issues, they will place you in your carriage, then store your wheelchair for you. Although at the time of this review masks are recommended by the CDC and the park has both written and audio reminders to wear your masks 'as recommended by CDC', very few people were wearing masks on this enclosed ride. Each carriage holds up to 8 people, so you will be sitting close to your neighbors if it's a particularly busy day. The attendant who assigns which carriage you enter did try to put mask wearing patrons in carriages with other mask wearing patrons. It makes me sad that only 'Park to Park' pass holders are allowed to ride. It seems unfair to prevent any HP fan, young or old, from experiencing this ride. Maybe have a separate carriage for them so they can get on, ride, then get back on in the other direction and return to their park of origin? 'One park per day' passes are more economical, and some families need to save where ever they can, even on a splurge trip like Universal. This is a ride every age can enjoy, it gets you off your feet for a bit, and gives some relief from the heat. It's also a quick way to get from Hogsmeade to London which is exactly where us HP fans want to be. read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - *Only* if you have a 'park to park' ticket, you can ride the Hogwarts Express from London to Hogsmead and/or the other way around. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

A very fun way to get between parks. A must do for Harry Potter fans. There can be a bit of a wait at times, but it's worth it.

Harry Potter fans converge in this area for food, drink and magic. And it's also insanely busy! We are talk near the edge of Universal Studios and with Disney not too far away, the visitors are in the hundreds to thousands. I was soooo overwhelmed. Not for the faint of heart, and be mindful of your wallet and your kiddos. The ride lines have decent waits and fluctuate during peak meal times. Accio butterbeer! Which is delicious! I waited for my friends to get a ride in while I sat in the sun and sipped my beer! Very decadent!! So many shops and food straight from the pages themselves! The workers were nice and sweet! People were in the mood for witchcraft and wizardry! read more

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Everything in the witching world of Harry Potter is amazing. The whole atmosphere is grade Hogwarts express his grade the rides, a great, the food, the atmosphere. Everything is excellent. read more

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The Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station is unique ride, only at Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Island of Adventure. This ride requires a park hopper ticket to go between both theme parks. The train ride transfers you from Daigon Alley to Hogwarts. There is so much detail that goes into this ride. Each family gets a train seat. The cabins are comfortable! It's nice to take a break on this ride from walking throughout the park. During the ride, you're traveling through Harry Potter themed areas. Within the ride, you'll see some of your favorite characters, and witness other cool things through the train door. You'll also see Hagrid, owls, griffins, and much more! My favorite part of course was the chocolate frog on the train door! I'd recommend if you're visiting the theme parks to try to get at least one day a park-hopper ticket to experience the Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station! read more

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The Hogwarts Express as a way to park hop is absolutely ingenious. It's such a cool, indescribable feeling to see that train pull into the "station"- with the smoke coming out the pipe, and you really do feel like you're a Hogwarts students waiting to be taken away to another term learning magic, fighting dragons and drinking butterbeer. The ride itself is very pleasant. I don't think it even lasts 10 minutes, and with all the visual elements that can be seen it goes by fast anyways because you are so distracted. The train since covid has hit is not as enjoyable. They are pretty aggressive about informing you and warning you to keep your mask on during the ride, even though they keep each party separate and they are individual rooms, so it doesn't make a ton of sense. But besides that, they basically threaten you to keep your mask on and even show you an apparent picture of how you are on camera and they are watching. Like, how creepy??? I really don't like that. Makes me uncomfortable. I get they need to have measures for covid but that in itself makes me want to avoid riding the train until things are more normal again. I don't know. If you haven't ridden it definitely still do, but it's simple to just walk from each park too, especially if the line for the train is super long, which happens often. Another note for the train is that it does take you from one park to another, so you need a 2 park pass to be able to ride. You have to rescan your pass or fingerprint before you can even enter. Happy riding! read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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All aboard the Hogwarts Express! We're going to Hogwarts!! I splurged and bought the park-to-park pass (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) so that I can ride the Hogwarts Express to get the full experience of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You cannot ride this if you do not have park-to-park. I entered from Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station to get to Hogsmeade Station. I went early in the day so I barely had to wait. Unfortunately, I didn't get my own cabin. The window turns into a video sequence and it is different depending on whether you're going to Hogsmeade or King's Cross Station. It's a pretty short ride, but the video sequence makes it fun. Like the rest of the Wizarding World, it is pretty detailed. read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Efficient transportation option but hot as hades.......................................

So much fun! Every time we have park hopper tickets we get on the Hogwarts Express to get to and from each park and we love it every time! The only reason we give it 4 stars is because sometimes the wait times are extremely long so if you're in a rush to get to the other park you're better of walking instead of waiting for the train. If you're a Harry Potter fan and you have a 2 park 1 day ticket, this is a must for you and worth the wait. Watch out video here: https://instagram.com/p/CSA5YFCDlyh/ read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Leaving Hogsmeade and Islands of Adventure to go onto the Universal Studios side of the park can be a long walk at the front of the parks or a line to ride the Hogwarts Express Train at the back of the park. We were lucky that this was a 10 minute wait to board on this last occasion. Sometimes the lines are over an hour! During the summer they have fans with a water mist spraying to help keep guests from getting overheated. The maze of the line, twists and turns and goes down and then upstairs again before entering the platform to await the train. Each direction of the ride provides slightly different entertainment- same basic scenery with a few twists. Don't forget to wave goodbye to Hagrid! read more

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Get the fast pass. You can ride back and forth between Universal and Islands of Adventure. This train station really looked and felt like a train station; it's cold inside and transported me to London, figuratively. The employees were dressed the part. The first time I used the fast pass and we were in and out; the second time, I had no fast pass and it took about 40 minutes in line to get on the train. There's a spot in the line where you can see the person disappear into platform 9 3/4 as they walk into the hallway; I thought that was cute. When you walk onto the platform, you'll be able to see Hedwig and the majestic Hogwarts Express train which bellows steam! It's so realistic! The cabins were comfy and seats about 6 adults. The window is a television which shows the outdoors, owls, and Hagrid flying by. The door was also animated showcasing the shadows of dementors, Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Overall, it's a ride you can't miss! Makes me want a chocolate frog! read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I love coming here to use my park-to-park pass instead of walking to the front of the park. It's a train themed as Hogwarts Express (and damn they did a good job at theming it). Everything from the station to the train makes it look like an actual train station (though I do think the Diagon Alley station is more impressive) and you sit in a themed train where you get to actually experience going between stations! For some reason, this ride is not a thrill ride but is always popular and it's nice to be able to transport between parks at the back of the park. Make sure to check out both stations as each ride offers different animations. read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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This ride is excellent. I like the other station more because I like how at the other station it shows you arriving to Hogwarts. If you get on at this station you leave Hogwarts. It does feel like you're on the real Hogwarts Express train. read more

Awesome Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWHP) is split between the two Universal Florida them parks: Universal Studios Florida Park and Universal's Islands of Adventure Park. The WWHP set in London is in the Universal Studios Florida Park; The WWHP set in Hogwarts/Hogsmeade Station is in Universal Islands of Adventure Park and for some reason, the line to get on the ride is much longer. The two WWHP are connected by a monorail disguised as a theme park ride we know and love as Hogwarts Express. Yes! As you may have guessed, if you want to experience Hogwarts Express, you have to have a Park Hopper Ticket because, you guessed it, you're going from one park to another in the same day. The "departure" and "arrival" trips are different experiences, FYI, in case you're interested in experiencing both. read more

And then the ride back from this side of the park, a 45 minute wait for a five minute train ride. The train is completely enclosed (you wouldn't want to see the construction, now would you?) and they make it entertaining with the one side of the eight-seat cabin a display of what you might see if you really were on a train into London. As they're not trying to be as authentic as King's Cross, they do have some ceiling fans to move the air around so that it's not quite as hot and sweaty. But they could do better with a water fountain or a beverage vendor. The operation is run very smoothly by a handful of park crew members dressed as train conductors to load and unload the train. read more

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There is a "little" gentlemen server named "Christian" (his picture is included).. I saw an Asian women struggling with 2 babies stroller.. instead helping her like any gentleman would do.. much less as restaurants server's... he's pushed the stroller out of his way... when the lady called him out .. he's called his manager... my interpretation is "we've a right services to anyone!" ... well .. i walked out.. I rather spend my $$$ where it is appreciated! read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - "Christian" the hogweed server! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Easy transportation from park to park, with great effects, to feel like you're truly going to Kings Cross Station or to Hogsmeade read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station duels as transportation between both parks, as well as its an entertaining ride. You must have a park hopper ticket to take the train or purchase the ticket at the train station. This train is very good experience. read more

Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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I'm sooo excited! We finally made it on to the train! This is the first time we were able to get park to park tickets at a decent price and have been waiting to take the train for a very long time! We rushed to the park early to ride the Hagrid ride, then were able to take the train over to the Studio side. Luckily, we only had a ten minute wait. I loved the experience of getting on their train and watching all of the fun details they have added. Pay attention not only to the window but to the door to witness fun moments from the movies from your favorite characters. It makes it feel like you are not only part of the films but part of the action. We were here during COVID, so I am not sure how they sat people in the past. The cars appear to have room for large parties, but only our family sat alone in a compartment. They was ideal for us, but I could see how that might create long lines. Because it does tend to get busy as the day goes on, my best advice is to take the train in the morning and not use it as a means to park hop. Then, if you have a multiple day ticket, take it the other way in the morning of a separate day. We had a four day pass, so we took the train coming back to the Island on a separate day. Also, after looking at the reviews, if you are not a fan, this ride might not be for you. Your time might be better spent at other attractions, and it is very easy to walk back and forth while park hopping as long as the parks are not filled to capacity like they were when we were here due to Spring Breakers. read more

We got lucky and were able to get on the train to travel between parks without needing to wait long. There are screens that play scenes so it's entertainment during your quick ride to the other park. The train stations are both different which adds to the beauty of the experience read more

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Hogwarts Express Runs between Hogsmeade Station in Universal's Islands of Adventure to King's Cross Station in Universal Studios. You are on the train for only a few minutes and it runs continuously back and forth between stations. The experience allows you to walk through platform 9 3/4 and board a train car that seats six people. During the ride you can look out the window at the beautiful country side or watch and listen to the shadows of Ron, Hermione and Harry outside of your train cart. The ride takes you through Harry Potter's first ride on Hogwarts. It's a nice air conditioned break and a fun way to get around. read more

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If you're a fan of Harry Potter it's a must do! Be aware you need the park to park ticket for this ride! It's super fun and takes you right into the movie! read more

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I arrived early to visit Harry potter area. I tried my very first butter beer, man was that tasty. If I only had some vanilla vodka, lol. The harry potter ride was so awesome. The 4-D was very impressive. read more

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Leaving Hogwarts is always a sad moment, but when you arrive in Diagon Alley and get to stay in your immersive experience, that's a win. I enjoy both sides of the Harry Potter universe. The ride to Hogwarts has better graphics and interactions. This way is a bit anti-climactic and the wait is out in the sun and always LONG! You'll also need a pass for both parks to ride this either way. Park Hoppers are a great pass but if you don't have the time or money it can be a bit of a bummer. Overall: B Less fun that Diagon Alley to Hogwarts, but fun nonetheless! You'll need a park hopper to ride. read more