Back-to-school season often means mourning the freedom of summer vacation, but not when you go to Hogwarts! For Harry Potter, returning to the magical academy was always the best time of the year, and it can be that way at Universal Orlando Resort, too. This month, there’s a celebration happening just in time for the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter movies, if you enroll for a theme park visit.
July 31st was Harry Potter’s birthday, and Universal Orlando Resort took the occasion as a cue to announce some exciting updates for fans on their way to Hogwarts this August. Check it out:
Universal Orlando Resort has three Harry Potter lands across three parks, and there’s something happening at each of them. Most of it will be at Universal Islands of Adventure. There you can meet the Hogwarts Express Train Conductor in front of the train at Hogsmeade. He’ll be available to meet and take pictures with guests every 30 minutes throughout the day at 20-minute intervals.
Also at Islands of Adventure is the Hogwarts Always nighttime castle show. The breathtaking showcase features the beloved Harry Potter score, stunning visuals and fireworks nightly. Additionally, there’s a 25th anniversary Butterbeer Mug now for sale at not only Hogsmeade, but Diagon Alley and Universal CityWalk. Those bags in the post are the Build-A-Bag collection by Lug that are around the parks as well. I love that they feature different customizations to show pride for whatever Hogwarts House you claim.
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Those are some solid offerings for Harry Potter fans alongside the number of attractions one can experience at Universal’s Wizarding World. Islands of Adventure also has the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure rides. Universal Studios Florida’s Diagon Alley additionally has the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride. And, the best ride of the Epic Universe is arguably Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
After you celebrate Harry Potter’s 25th anniversary at Universal Orlando Resort, there’s more where that came from. The first movie is on the 2026 movie schedule as it is set to come back to theaters later this month. Of course there’s a popcorn bucket, too. Then, there’s the new Harry Potter TV show, which will be streaming for those with an HBO Max subscription on Christmas Day.
When one thinks about going to Hogwarts, it’s typical to think of going for the holiday decorations. But I love the back-to-school festivities because it just feels right. It’ll be less crowded than it would be later this year, and it’ll truly feel like you’re at the beginning of a Harry Potter film.
