Before you head to the charming Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you need to know what hidden secrets you must uncover!
There is truly nothing more magical than seeing someone step into the world that they have only read about in books.
Generations have grown up with Harry Potter and his journey and Universal was able to truly bring it to life for all walks of life to enjoy.
There are so many wonderfully magical things you can find in Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Every visit has something special for you to experience and will make you go, “Wow! Was this always there?”
Today, your favorite Ravenclaw will be sharing some of the hidden gems and secrets to look out for during your trip into Harry’s magical world.
If you listen well, I will even share some tips too!
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1. Trade in Your Muggle Money
Because we are traveling into a new world, just like when you would exchange your American currency for the currency of the country you’re visiting, you can do that here.
You just have to take a quick trip to the Gringotts Money Exchange to trade it in.
The great thing is that the bank notes can be used throughout the wizarding world including Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and select Universal Orlando locations. You can exchange for $10 or $20 denominations.
These could also make super cool and affordable souvenirs for you to take home or even frame for your home as décor.
Any unused money can be exchanged back to American currency at Guest Services if you wish.
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2. Pay Moaning Myrtle a Visit
Moaning Myrtle is a very popular part of the Harry Potter books.
She can be seen briefly in the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure.
But most of us know that Moaning Myrtle is known for her bathroom visits. When you enter the facilities in Hogsmeade, you may hear Myrtle chatting attempt to chat it up with you.
Myrtle will complain a bit about people making fun of her behind her back then ask you to come back!
Could be a bit creepy in a way haha but a fun nod to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
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3. Send a Postcard via Owl Post
When you are exploring the Owlery, you can find little things like cuckoo clock where an owl pops out every hour.
When you look up, you’ll see owls resting on their perches, waiting to be called to their next assignment.
But one of the fun things you can do at the Owlery is send a postcard or letter.
You can bring a stamped envelope with you or choose from the stationary and stamps they have available for purchase.
It’s a fun way to bring the magic to your home or any friend or family.
4. Adopt a Pygmy Puff
When visiting Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, you can see so many glorious things. But one of the fun things you can do is adopt a pygmy puff and have a ceremony performed.
When you’ve chosen your Pygmy Puff, you’ll take it to the counter and ask them to perform a ceremony.
They will ask you a few simple questions about your name, what you’ve named your Pygmy Puff and if you have adopted before.
After that, they will ring a very big bell to get the store’s attention.
The cashier will make an adoption announcement and encourage the patrons to clap in celebration.
Now if you’re an introverted person, you don’t have to ask to have a ceremony performed but it’s always fun for kids young and young at heart to try.
5. Merlin’s Beard! You Look Amazing!
This particular secret I discovered while exploring a store I almost never go in, Madame Malkin’s Robes.
As I had never been drawn to buy robes due to the Florida heat, I had never thought to just explore but I’m glad I did.
Inside, you will find a mirror that talks!
When you step in front of it, it will speak to you. Now whether or not this mirror will give you a compliment or question your fashion taste depends. Regardless it’s great fun to try out!
This is one of the coolest Wizarding World of Harry Potter hidden secrets.
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6. Wizarding Speakeasy
One of my favorite wizarding photo spots is not actually found in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
This is because people almost never notice it and therefore its usually not crowded.
There is an alley between Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers 3-D. Look down a small flight of steps to see a door with a “Blind Pig” poster on it.
This is the name of the speakeasy from “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them.” It’s such a great spot to rest a bit and take a photo in your wand and robes.
7. Dial “M” for Magic
In front of King’s Cross station, there’s a standard red phone booth familiar to London streets. But even in London, everything is not what it seems.
If you enter the phone booth outside of Diagon Alley. You can actually call the Ministry of Magic! Simply dial “62442.”
This is a nod to how Arthur Weasley transported Harry to the ministry in Order of the Phoenix, but sadly, there won’t be a visit this time.
8. Enter at Your Own Risk
Only the brave, or possibly stupid, enter Knockturn Alley.
Knockturn Alley is where Harry accidentally ends up when he isn’t clear with his floo powder to transport him to Diagon Alley.
Knockturn Alley has the infamous Borgin and Bourkes shop. Here you can see and hear many things from the film.
You can see the enchanted closet that Malfoy used to allow the Death Eaters access to Hogwarts. You can even hear the bird he used to test it inside.
When inside, pay attention to the floor as you will occasionally see flashes of green. Fans know there is only one spell that flashes green. This is one of the best Wizarding World of Harry Potter hidden secrets.
9. Somebody’s Watching
You may catch yourself passing by a row of London houses near the waterfront as you pass by Diagon Alley.
There is one famous house from the Harry Potter tales that you should pay special attention to. You can actually take a photo in front of number 12 Grimmauld Place.
This is where certain meetings took place that were crucial to Harry’s story and the lives of those in the Wizarding World.
But be warned, someone is watching in the house’s window. If you wait, you can see the house elf, Kreacher.
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10. Potions Lessons
Sometimes, the wait to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey can be a bit long.
Thankfully, there are many things to keep a fan’s attention in the various rooms as you go through.
Eventually, you will pass a Potions classroom where you may overhear a lesson happening so you can sneak some tips. This is one of the coolest Wizarding World of Harry Potter hidden secrets.
11. Gringotts Bank Goblins
While entering Gringotts to prepare for your tour of the safest bank in the world, you will first enter a very large room where you will see goblins seated.
You might not pay them any mind but they certainly have their eye on you.
When you look at one of the goblins, they will look up at you, take notes and then carry on. They are always watching.
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Harry Potter Hidden Secrets at Universal Orlando
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter continues to make magic for fans everyday whether you see it or not.
There is always something that is waiting to be found every visit and that’s what truly makes it special.
Even in the streets of London, there is magic to be found. But that’s what makes the experience great.
So always keep an eye out for those small nods to Harry Potter history and lore when you visit Universal Orlando Resort because there is always magic to be found.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.
UP NEXT: SMACKDOWN: All Wizarding World of Harry Potter Rides Ranked!
(Original Article Date: August 11, 2021/Updated by Editor on February 18, 2024)