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Theme Park Reviews: Shops in Hogsmeade

Enjoying the shops in Hogsmeade in Universal Orlando.

Are the Stores Over-Priced or Worth Every Penny?

Revised 4/2021

Dear Polite Traveler,

Even though I could have vacationed anywhere for my 60th, I chose Universal Orlando specifically to enjoy everything “Harry Potter.”  I wasn’t disappointed but surprised that my hubby and I enjoyed it much as we did.  In fact, we even enjoyed the shops.  Here I share our experiences with those in Hogsmeade. 

Note: Follow CDC and park guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   

Escaping for a bit of fun in Hogsmeade

These stores are very small and a bit claustrophobic.  I didn’t have much of a problem with people literally breathing down my neck.  Nevertheless, some may.  Therefore, it’s my suggestion to visit the stores in the early morning, during meal times or in the evening just to soak up the ambiance.  Most of the items you might wish to purchase may be found at the various outdoor kiosks, from the many gift stores throughout the parks—Universal Studios Florida & Island of Adventure—and on the “City Walk” outside the parks. 

Most of the stores, like Madam Paddifoot’s and Ceridwen’s Cauldrons, were merely storefronts, albeit excellent replicas of what one would expect to find in Hogsmeade. 

Check out the detail in Madam Paddifoot’s storefront.

The Kiosks

I found all the different wands in these kiosks, including the interactives.  Collectible $11 pins, such as “Head Boy/Girl,” key chains, and other small items are available as well. 

Honeydukes (Shares space with Zonko's)

Rebecca performing "spells" in front of Honeydukes Universal Orlando
Me out front of Honeydukes performing a spell with my new wand.
Box of chocolate frogs in Honeydukes Universal Orlando

When Hogwarts' students were allowed to visit Hogsmeade , where was the one place all students flocked to first?  Most Potter Heads know the answer to this...Honeydukes!  This Honeydukes carries nearly all the candy mentioned in the books and films, like Chocolate Frogs (including the collectible cards), Fudge Flies ($7), Bertie Bots Every Flavor Beans ($12) and even the Exploding Bonbons—just to name a few.  Pumpkin juice was chilled, a bit sweet for me, and sold for $8.  The bottle was interesting.  There are interesting freshly made goodies—like $11 Cauldron Cakes—inside a case as well.    

Box of Chocolate Frogs with Rowena Ravenclaw on the cover at Universal OrlandoCauldron Cakes Universal Orlando

Purchasing a package of Chocolate Frogs, even though it was roughly $12, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of chocolate, the quality of the packaging and the collectible card.  Mine is Rowena Ravenclaw. 

Tips: ask about the daily specials.  Purchase your chocolate later in the day or have it delivered to the front of the park for pickup.  It costs nothing and your chocolate won't melt in the Florida heat.

Note: Pandemic rules change almost everything right now.  But remember.  This is only temporary.  Be kind and plan well.  Some deals and merchandise may change or nonexistent for now.

Dervish and Banges

Video by WizardingWorldHarryPotter.com

For me, Dervish and Banges appear to carry most everything found in all the Diagon Alley stores combined.  I noticed Timeturners for $60, Quidditch gear ($17-$23), house apparel (robes $120 & wizard hats $25, etc.) and wands.  Stationery items were available as well, like quills, quality journals, and parchment paper ($10-$30).   

Note: Most items were not available when researched for this update.  This isn’t to say they won’t be when the pandemic ends.  

Some high-quality, high-ticket items caught my eye.  A Quidditch chess set for $300, wand sets (Example: all four Tri-Wizards $150), and replica brooms for $250+.  Ouch!  I honestly considered the chess set though.  Who else has one with pieces of all four houses? 

The item that really impressed me—nearly purchased it because it’s so realistic—was the battery-powered “Master Book of Monsters”, which I felt was reasonably priced at $35.  After all, it was safely stored in a box because it really bites—all in fun. 

Ollivander’s Wand Shop

Crazy line to enter Ollivander’s, as only 25 guests can enter at a time.  The queue winds around, snake-like for what seems to be miles.  The wait could be nearly an hour.   This is especially true during Covid.

Wand I purchased at Ollivander's in Universal Orlando

Once inside, a lucky witch or wizard is chosen for the wand experience.  This ceremony is much like Harry’s when Ollivander was trying to find the right wand for him.  Ollivander chooses several different wands, handing each to the witch/wizard informing him/her what spell to use and on what.  The special effects add to all the great fun.   (Please read my wand review)

Note: Visit the Ollivander’s in Diagon Alley instead, especially in the morning, it is much less crowded. There are no wands for sale in this store.  Continue on to the adjacent Dervish and Banges for your choice in wands. 

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.  Store inside Universal Orlando

Relic inside Universal Orlando

As the landing room for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride (excellent btw), I found a large variety of items to ogle in a variety of price ranges.  Hats, lots of them, dotted the store.  My favorites were Dumbledore and the Sorting Hat for the affordable price of $30 each.  Similar to the other stores, there was apparel, mugs (under $20), Omnioculars and backpacks, which were pricy at $40-$53. 

Less expensive items were playing cards, puppets, and luggage tags ($8-$15).  More expensive, but very interesting, collectible was the framed Marauder’s Map for $70.  I just wish the footprints moved.   

Note: there’s a bigger, better supply—or was when I was there—of house scarves here for $35. 

Please Read

Theme Park Review: Purchasing an Interactive Wand in Universal Orlando

Review: Orlando Universal Studios & Island of Adventure

Theme Park Review: Minion Mayhem Universal Orlando

 

 

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