
A guest-favorite Harry Potter-themed attraction at Universal Orlando Resort is set to close in December, much to visitors’ dismay.
Harry Potter fans of all ages rejoiced when Universal Studios Orlando Resort first debuted the Wizarding World of Harry Potter–an expansive themed area at the resort that brings the magic of the Harry Potter film franchise to real life. When a second Wizarding World materialized at the Central Florida Universal resort, fans could nearly contain their excitement–and some never wanted to leave.
Related:‘Harry Potter’-Themed School Under Investigation After Multiple Questions Remain Unanswered
A Train Ride Like No Other
Thanks to an exciting attraction at the resort, those fans never have to step out of the spellbinding world of Harry Potter. Universal’s Hogwarts Express train allows guests to travel between the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios theme park and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. More specifically, the train allows guests to travel between King’s Cross Station in London, located inside Universal Studios Florida theme park, and Hogsmeade Station, located inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park.
The Hogwarts Express is very popular with visitors at Universal’s Central Florida parks, as it allows them to remain fully immersed in the world of Harry Potter. But despite its popularity, the train is set to close in December.
Closing in December
According to an announcement that was originally made by Universal Studios Orlando Resort in August 2023, the Hogwarts Express will be rendered inoperable in December and, therefore, will be unavailable to visitors at the resort.
Related:Step Inside This Themed Vacation Home in Florida That Features a Life-Size Hogwarts Express
As part of the attraction, guests are able to walk through Platform 9 ¾ and even see characters and creatures featured in the Harry Potter films, making this train ride unlike any other train ride out there.
The attraction features details from the franchise that make guests feel as though they’ve stepped into a Harry Potter film. Both the London and Hogsmeade train stations offer guests unique photo opportunities, and when guests choose to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express as a means of transportation between Universal Orlando Resort’s two theme parks, they stay fully immersed in the magical Wizarding World, brought to dazzling life at the resort, never having to step outside the magic of the locations.
Guests who choose to ride the Hogwarts Express both ways have the opportunity to experience both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, and the trips aboard the train are two completely different experiences.
Related:Disney Reportedly in Talks to Acquire ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise From Warner Bros.
The closure of the fan-favorite experience will be effective beginning December 10, 2023. At this time, the closure is slated as temporary, as the Hogwarts Express is due for refurbishment, but its reopening date, currently scheduled for December 17–barring any complications or delays–will depend upon the outcomes of that refurbishment and could ultimately change, should there be any hiccups along the way.
If you and your traveling party are visiting Universal Orlando Resort during the holiday season, be sure to check the calendar of park hours. If your visit is scheduled over the Christmas holiday, the week after Christmas, or on New Year’s Eve, note the exciting extended hours that will allow you to stay immersed in the magic of Universal Studios Resort in Orlando for even longer.