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Venue Review: King’s Cross Station & The Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express Universal Orlando

What is Universal's King’s Cross Station & The Hogwarts Express

Revised 4/2021

Dear Polite Traveler,

Channeling the excitement Harry must have had for his first ride on the Hogwarts Express – and finding platform 9 ¾ – I nearly ran through a wonderfully replicated King’s Cross Station to get to said train.  Totally unnecessary, but I couldn’t help it.  I am an old lady who still thinks she is a kid.

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

Billboard inside King’s Cross Station Universal Orlando

Let’s Make a Little Magic

Attention to detail is on overload at King’s Cross, right down to the perfume ad Harry and Dumbledore stood in front of near the beginning of the movie Half-Blood Prince.  Slow down and try to appreciate the setting.  Gaze at the brick walls.  Appreciate the ubiquitous musician at the front of the station—very typical at the actual King’s Cross in London. 

Platform 9 ¾

Once up a flight of stairs, you’ll find an area that appears to be storage for luggage.  Check out my video showing people pass through the wall between platform 9 and 10.  Notice my hubby’s confusion about walking through a narrow walkway, which is what it is.  From my angle, it appears that all those around him – and ultimately, he too – walk through a wall.   Lovely sleight of hand.

The Train Arrives and The Fun Begins

Pass through the wall/hallway and onto platform 9 ¾ to find a perfect replicate of the Hogwarts Express.  Once inside the train and into your compartment, settle in for a short journey into the magical world of Harry Potter.   Notice the bench seats, upholstery, and luggage racks.  Of course, all is on a much smaller scale than the movies, but still... .  

Rebecca on the Hogwarts Express Universal Orlando

Once the train begins to move, it appears as if we are leaving London and traveling through the countryside due to a video playing on the “window”.   Characters from the movies appear to add to the experience.  

Beware the dementors at the door!  Watch the door windows as well.  I found myself whipping my head back and forth trying to catch each little gem.  At one point, Harry stopped a dementor in the train hallway and was awarded a free box of chocolate frogs which escaped, each jumping across our door’s window.  

Tips

Essentially, the train is a vehicle to transport guests from Diagon Alley in the Universal Studios Florida Park to Hogsmeade in The Islands of Adventure Park.  So, you’ll need a park-to-park pass.

Ride very early, during mealtimes or later in the evening to avoid crowds.

Take a return trip from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley.  The story is completely different.  In my opinion, the return trip story is more exciting. 

What is your experience?

Please Read

Exploring Diagon Alley Universal Orlando

Theme Park: Universal Orlando The Forbidden Journey

Restaurant Reviews: Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Diagon Alley  

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