Grab your cloaks and your wands, because the Wizarding World calls us!

Back to Hogwarts is returning to Universal Orlando Resort starting on August 1st, and it’s something that Harry Potter fans will not want to miss! It’s a time of celebration for the Wizarding World, and we’re very excited. We have all the information you need to know before it begins, so let’s get into it.

Every year, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort holds a seasonal celebration at the start of the school year for all the witches and wizards who are heading back to their studies! The celebration is called Back to Hogwarts, and it offers limited-time entertainment, merchandise, and exclusive food and beverages.

There are three Wizarding World locations around Universal Orlando Resort where Back to Hogwarts will take place, including the Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. This year is a special celebration because it is the 25th anniversary of the release of the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

We mentioned there would be exclusive entertainment, and the show will take place at Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. The nighttime spectacular will include a great number of lights and music that Harry Potter fans will love. It will occur nightly from dusk until park close, weather permitting.

You’ll also have the awesome opportunity to meet the train conductor of the Hogwarts Express! You may have had the chance to see him during a normal park day, but during Back to Hogwarts season, you’ll have the chance to engage in some conversation and hear what he has to share.

It’s not a celebration without exclusive merchandise, and what better piece of merchandise to get at the Wizarding World than a Butterbeer mug?! The celebration is bringing a special 25th anniversary Butterbeer Mug for the first film’s release for fans to purchase. The souvenir will be available while supplies last at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. So, don’t go looking for it at Universal Epic Universe.

Merchandise isn’t ending there. For a limited time, fans can customize their own Lug Bag based on their Hogwarts house. You’ll get to choose your styles, straps, charms, and other accessories. With several combinations, you can put yours together for Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin.

Oh, and did we mention wands? How are you going to head back to Hogwarts for the year without a wand?! There will be exclusive wands that offer an elevated experience while you’re casting spells around the parks. They will deliver on unique effects, illumination, and haptic vibrations, which are customized to each spell you cast. You can find the wands for purchase in each of the Wizarding Worlds around Universal Orlando Resort.

Lastly, let’s talk about the food and drinks that are coming for the celebration. Hogwarts House Ice Lollies are available in The Wizarding Worlds in Epic Universe and in Universal Studios Florida at Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment. You can choose the following Hogwarts House flavors:

• Hufflepuff: Pineapple and Milk Chocolate
• Gryffindor: Peach and Strawberry
• Slytherin: Coconut and Matcha
• Ravenclaw: Huckleberry and Grape

We’re excited to celebrate Back to Hogwarts starting August 1st, and we’re sure you are too! For more Universal news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog.

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Are you going to Back to Hogwarts at Universal? Let us know in the comments!