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The Best Methods Of Transportation In Harry Potter

how wizards travel in harry potter

The amazing fantasy world author J.K. Rowling created for the Harry Potter series has proven to be enduring, with fandom seemingly never tapering off. Readers around the world remain captivated by the truly magical universe in which her stories are set — and understandably so. The appeal is multi-faceted, but one important factor is how creatively and meticulously she planned the books, down to details like the modes of travel witches and wizards utilize .

When it comes to transportation, the wizarding world has a lot to offer. Forget Muggle staples like subways, bicycles, and planes; witches and wizards can use their magic or their world’s unique creatures to get where they need to go. These options don’t all seem safe, per se, but they’re certainly all interesting. Every journey can be an adventure, as we saw in the books.

There’s plenty of variety in travel selection thanks to Rowling’s inventive mind. Some options require skill that makes them difficult, while others necessitate a strong stomach. Others still are even illegal. For witches and wizards, not all travel choices are created equal.

Below are the best methods of transportation included in the Harry Potter series, ranked from best to worst, mostly based on convenience, practicality, and comfort, but with enjoyment factored in.

1. Apparition

As long as a witch or wizard can pull off Apparating and Disapparating , this is the fastest, most convenient method of travel. The danger of splicing, though, is no joke.

Traveling by portkey requires less skill than Apparition. Witches and wizards can bewitch an inanimate object to get them and any companions where they need to be at a set time. It may not be as fun as some of the other options, but it serves its purpose.

3. Broomstick

Broomsticks are best for short distances and clear weather, and they offer gorgeous views. Of course, they’re not ideal for those afraid of heights.

4. Floo Network

Floo powder works great for getting around the magical network, as long as the traveler doesn’t mind a lot of spinning. There is also the risk of being dumped out in the wrong fireplace, so it’s important to speak clearly.

Trains like the Hogwarts Express can transport large groups of people easily and comfortably. However, bad things do sometimes take place onboard, like the occasional Dementor search or an unpleasant run-in with a fellow passenger. But hey, there’s a snack cart with Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, and other goodies.

6. Enchanted Vehicles

Sirius Black’s motorcycle, which he gave to Hagrid, and Arthur Weasley’s car might not have been exactly legal, but they had some excellent features. Vehicles can be customized through different spells, offering increased trunk space and invisibility, for example. Plus, they don’t have to deal with traffic jams.

7. Flying Horse-Drawn Carriage

Beauxbatons Academy sent its students and staff to Hogwarts in a flying carriage pulled by a dozen winged horses. It was also big enough to house all of them while they visited, so they didn’t even have to worry about accommodations.

8. Magical Ship

The Durmstrang Institute’s ship traveled from one body of water to another below the surface, magically not needing to cross land. Steering apparently isn’t that difficult, because Headmaster Karkaroff made his students do it while he stuck to his cabin.

9. Knight Bus

The Knight Bus isn’t ideal for those who get carsick, but it is a good option for those who urgently need a ride. A stranded witch or wizard just needs to stick out their wand arm, and it will come.

10. Flying Carpets

The enchanted objects were made illegal because it was too easy for them to end up in the possession of Muggles, but they are fondly remembered as a great mode of transportation for the whole family.

11. Hippogriffs

When treated with the proper respect, hippogriffs are safe for riders, but their sharp beaks and massive talons are to be taken seriously. They don’t sound all that comfortable to ride, but if the choice is a nerve-wracking ride or a return to Azkaban (as it was for Sirius), hop on.

12. Vanishing Cabinet

These magical cabinets aren’t easy to come by, so their convenience is limited. Those with access to a pair, though, can journey from one to the other.

13. Thestrals

While thestrals are relatively gentle and can get witches and wizards from one place to another quickly, the fact that many people can’t see them — and don't want to pay the price to be able to — complicates matters.

14. Time-Turner

This magical device isn’t about getting from point A to point B; instead it will transport users to another time . Doing so carries a lot of risks, so their use is understandably closely regulated.

Images: Warner Bros.; Giphy (9)

how wizards travel in harry potter

Screen Rant

Harry potter: 10 best magical means of transport.

The world of Harry Potter is full of the conveniences that magic can provide, and here are the best magical methods of transportation in the universe.

The Harry Potter Universe is full of magical conveniences. For instance, when Harry breaks his glasses, they can be repaired with a R eparo  charm, and  Molly Weasley can use magic to do the washing up and other housework. However, perhaps one of the best conveniences magic can provide is transport based.

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As Muggles, we all need to make our way from point A to point B in a dull, and often slow manner, whether it be by car, bus, or several hours on an airplane. On the other hand, wizards can instantly transport from one city to another, or even fly magical creatures or machines. This article will list the 10 best magical means of transport.

Floo Powder

Traveling via the Floo Network is one of the first instances of magical transportation seen in the Harry Potter Universe . In the  Chamber of Secrets , Harry and the Weasleys attempt to travel to Diagon Alley via the Floo Network. Traveling via Floo Network works by standing in a fireplace, clearly shouting the name of your target location, and then dropping some Floo Powder.

However, during the Chamber of Secrets,  Harry does not pronounce 'Diagon Alley' clearly enough and ends up in Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley instead. While Floo Powder is an interesting way to travel it isn't the most graceful, certainly not when quicker and cleaner methods exist, such as apparition.

A portkey is an enchanted object that will bring anyone who touches it to a pre-arranged location. The first portkey seen in Harry Potter is in the  Goblet of Fire , when Harry and the gang take the 'manky old boot' to the Quidditch World Cup. Portkeys are useful for wizards who cannot apparate or for traveling to those locations that do not have a fireplace.

While portkeys are an interesting way to travel, they are not as easy or convenient as apparition and so it cannot be ranked too high on this list.

This one may be a controversial addition to this list, but it is certainly an arguable addition. While the Knight Bus will not provide the most comfortable means of transport, it is certainly a fun and fast way to travel. Additionally, the Knight Bus is also economically sound as riding the bus costs eleven sickles, regardless of how far you are traveling.

Think of the Knight Bus as a theme park ride and you will have fun while riding it. Sure, it might be slower and less convenient than apparating or taking the Floo Network, but it will certainly be more memorable.

The broomstick is a classic way of travel for wizards. Not only does it allow wizards to travel quickly between two points, but it is also a huge part of wizard culture due to its involvement in Quidditch . Without the broom, everyone's favorite fictional sport wouldn't exist.

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That being said, the reason why this is so low on the list is due to the comfort of broomstick riding. Honestly, sitting on a wooden stick would be incredibly uncomfortable, especially if you're traveling a significant distance.

What's better than a car? A flying car that can turn invisible! Fortunately, this vehicle exists in the  Harry Potter Universe  with its flying Ford Anglia.

While the main downside to the broomstick is its lack of comfort, the flying car does not have this issue. Furthermore, there is also a roof over your head to prevent any potential weather concerns and space for a car radio to provide entertainment for any long journey. The inclusion of the Ford Anglia in the Chamber of Secrets even managed to make the price of this model skyrocket in the muggle world.

Apparation is probably the most efficient method of transport on this list. Essentially, apparition is magical teleportation. Whenever a wizard apparates, they are instantly transported to their intended location.

If you master the skill you will no longer have to take public transport to work or pay for your car’s fuel. You will simply appear at your target location and you’re good to go. However, there are some drawbacks to apparition. For instance, apparition does not work over exceptionally long distances and there are some risks if the apparition is not carried out successfully, such as splinching. That being said, the only reason why this isn’t first placed is that there are methods of transport that are more stylish. 

Is there a moment in Harry Potter that conveys more unbridled joy than the scene in the  Prisoner of Azkaban   in which Harry rides Buckbeak?

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Everything about this scene makes riding a hippogriff look amazing. The background music, the expression on Harry's face, and even Buckbeak's regal expression and the way he skims the surface of the Black Lake. Hippogriff transport, then, would be amazing. Not only do you have a way to fly from point A to point B, but you also have a loyal pet as well.

While thestrals were first  seen  in the  Order of the Phoenix , they had appeared in earlier movies. The carriages that take students to Hogwarts, while appearing to look like they pull themselves, are actually pulled by thestrals. Thestrals are only visible to those who have seen death, which is why they are not seen by most students.

Many of the thrills you would get from riding a hippogriff would also apply to riding a thestral. The only differences being that, to those who cannot see the thestral, you will appear to be flying in a seated position and to those who can see the thestral, you will look gothic and edgy.

Hogwarts Express

Is there a more iconic vehicle in Harry Potter than the Hogwarts Express ? It not only takes Harry, Ron, and Hermione to Hogwarts for the first time but it also takes  us  to Hogwarts for the first time.

While it might appear to be nothing more than a train, we ought to also consider the destination. If you're taking the Hogwarts Express it means that you're heading to Hogwarts (unless you're catching it back to King's Cross, but then you've already been to Hogwarts anyway)! Everything from the face of the train, to the carriages, to the sweet trolley is iconic and it would be a dream come true for millions to ride this train.

While this event was only seen once in canon, it was certainly memorable. In the Order of the Phoenix,  Dumbledore is set to be arrested by a group from the Ministry of Magic including Percy Weasley, Dolores Umbridge, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. However, just when you think the headmaster is cornered with nowhere to go, Dumbledore claims he 'will not go quietly' then raises his hands and claps as Fawkes the phoenix appears and with a huge, fiery explosion Dumbledore and Fawkes had disappeared.

Essentially, this was a phoenix's form of apparition. While, basically, it does the same thing as apparition, it does it with magnificent style. If normal apparition is like driving a Ford, phoenix apparition is like driving an Aston Martin.

NEXT:  Harry Potter: 10 Hogwarts Classes & Which Students Should Teach Them

how wizards travel in harry potter

Exploring the Wizarding World: 7 Magical Modes of Transportation in Harry Potter

Discover the fascinating ways witches and wizards travel in the enchanting world of harry potter..

  • by Olivia Martinez
  • 27 DECEMBER, 2023
  • 80 DAYS 21 HRS

Exploring the Wizarding World: 7 Magical Modes of Transportation in Harry Potter

  • The magical community in Harry Potter relies on various forms of transportation, including broomsticks, the Knight Bus, the Floo Network, Portkeys, and Apparition.
  • Each mode of transportation comes with its own set of risks and requirements, such as the need for balance on a broomstick or the danger of splinching during Apparition.
  • Traveling with magical creatures, like dragons, can be challenging and requires expertise, while modified muggle vehicles are technically illegal due to the exposure of magic to the muggle world.

When it comes to getting around in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there's no shortage of enchanting and unique modes of transportation. Just like Muggles who rely on various forms of travel, the magical community of Harry Potter has its own set of fascinating ways to journey from one place to another.

Whether it's soaring through the sky on a broomstick, hitching a ride on the Knight Bus, or teleporting through the Floo Network, witches and wizards have an array of magical options at their disposal.

7 Broomstick

Mastering the art of flying.

how wizards travel in harry potter

For many young witches and wizards, learning to fly a broomstick is one of the earliest skills they acquire. Similar to how Muggles learn to ride a bike, flying a broomstick requires balance and intense focus. Broomsticks are not only used for transportation but also feature prominently in Quidditch games and broom racing.

6 Knight Bus

A ride for the stranded.

how wizards travel in harry potter

When it comes to ground travel, the Knight Bus is a popular choice for witches and wizards, especially those stranded in Muggle-populated areas. With the ability to maneuver through traffic unseen by Muggles, the Knight Bus offers a convenient and discreet way for magical folk to travel.

5 Floo Network

Chimney travel.

how wizards travel in harry potter

Wizards and witches make use of the Floo Network to travel through connected chimneys. By uttering the desired location's name with Floo powder in hand, they can be instantly transported to their chosen destination. However, mispronunciation can lead to unexpected and sometimes precarious arrivals.

Unexpectedly Transported

how wizards travel in harry potter

Portkeys, enchanted mundane items, provide a unique form of teleportation. By touching these bewitched objects, travelers are instantly transported to a predetermined location. However, the unexpected nature of Portkey travel can lead to unplanned and sometimes perilous journeys.

3 Apparition

Fast but dangerous.

how wizards travel in harry potter

Apparition, a form of teleportation without the need for physical devices, allows for swift travel over long distances. However, the risks associated with splinching, or being accidentally separated into various body parts, make it one of the most dangerous modes of transportation in the Harry Potter universe.

2 Magical Creatures

Adventurous rides.

how wizards travel in harry potter

Some witches and wizards opt for the thrill of riding magical creatures, such as dragons and hippogriffs, to reach their destinations. However, navigating these majestic beasts requires a deep understanding of their behaviors and a great deal of courage, making it an adventurous yet challenging mode of travel.

1 Enchanted Vehicles

A dash of muggle ingenuity.

how wizards travel in harry potter

While technically illegal, some witches and wizards have enchanted Muggle vehicles, like the Weasleys' Ford Anglia Flying Car, to incorporate magical capabilities. However, these modifications are considered unlawful due to the exposure of magical elements to the Muggle world, leading to potential repercussions for those who defy the law.

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Magical Devices and Items

Magical Transportation

"The Bluebottle:  A Broom for All the Family — safe, reliable, and with Built-in Anti-Burgler Buzzer" -- advertisement seen at the Quidditch World Cup ( GF8 )

Magical Transportation

Witches and wizards use magical means to move from place to place. They can use spells, specifically Apparition, and personal devices such as brooms. However, various forms of public transit are also available. All forms of magical transportation, both personal and public, are regulated and controlled by the Department of Magical Transportation.

Personal forms of Transportation

(esp. GF6 , OP7 ) An advanced spell that allows the caster to disappear from one spot and reappear in another almost instantly. Apparition is regulated by the Ministry. Use of the spell requires a license, which is granted when a witch or wizard passes a test, demonstrating their mastery of the technique. The Apparition Test Center is part of the Department of Magical Transport at the Ministry of Magic. Apparition over very long distances is unreliable (QA1). After Voldemort and his minions assassinated Minister of Magic Scrimgeour during the Second Wizarding War and took over the Ministry of Magic, Apparition in and out of the Ministry of Magic was stopped ( DH12 ).

Flying carpet

Although flying carpets are used in other countries, currently they are banned in Britain, since they appear on the Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects – that is, they’re defined as Muggle artifacts, and are thus illegal to enchant. Historically, however, flying carpets have been legal in Britain within living memory ( GF7 ).

Floo Network

Wizarding fireplaces may be connected to the Floo Network through which magical folks can move from place to place by the use of Floo Powder.

Broomsticks

The most widely used and accepted form of magical transportation in Britain, although this is a cultural thing. In some countries, the flying carpet appears to be the preferred form of transportation instead (QA1). See broomstick entry for more.

Gringotts cart

To reach the deep underground vaults of Gringotts’ Wizarding Bank, a goblin whistles for a small cart in which they and the visitor ride. The cart is self-propelled and apparently steers itself along the underground passages, because the goblin doesn’t steer as it winds its way along railway tracks in the floor. The cart has only one speed: “breakneck” ( PS5 ).

Public Transportation:

Hogwarts Express

Students attending Hogwarts travel too and from the school aboard the Hogwarts Express, a Muggle-style steam train which makes the run between Hogsmeade Station in Scotland and King’s Cross Station in London.

The Knight Bus travels erratically around Britain, picking up witches and wizards for journeys anywhere except over water.

A Portkey is an enchanted object, often a piece of supposedly worthless junk, which when touched will transport a person to a preprogrammed location. An object can be transformed into a Portkey by the Portus spell, but the caster must be authorized to do so. The Portkey Office is part of the Department of Magical Transportation at the Ministry of Magic ( GF6 , GF10 , GF32 , GF34 , OP7 , OP36 ).

School Transportation:

The arriving first-years travel across the Lake to the castle in a flotilla of small boats, propelled by magic ( PS6 ).

Durmstrang ship 

The students from Durmstrang arrived at Hogwarts aboard a magical ship which surfaced in the center of the Lake. “It had a strangely skeletal look about it, as though it were a resurrected wreck, and the dim, misty lights shimmering at its portholes looked like ghostly eyes ( GF15 ).”

Beauxbatons Flying carriage

A huge powder blue flying carriage as big as a house was used by the Beauxbatons students to attend the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts. The carriage was drawn by twelve gigantic Abraxans, which Madame Maxime (the headmistress of Beauxbatons) breeds ( GF15 , OP20 , HBP30 ).

“horseless” carriages

(PA, GF, OP)

About a hundred carriages wait for arriving Hogwarts students along a rough, mud road near the railway station on September first each year, and take them back to the station at the beginning of the summer holidays. They are pulled by what Harry as a third- and fourth-year student assumed were invisible horses; this was verified at the beginning of his fifth year, when he first became aware of his ability to see thestrals. The thestrals who pull the carriages are very well-trained, since they make the journey unassisted past the wrought iron gates and around the Lake to the castle. The coaches smell of mold and straw ( PA5 ). A carriage was waiting for Lupin “at the gates” when he was ready to leave Hogwarts. It is unclear whether this was one of these same stagecoaches or why it would be stopped way back at the gates ( PA22 ).

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Tags: movement travel

Editor: Steve VanderArk

  • 1830 : Hogwarts Express introduced
  • July 31st, 1991 : Harry and Hagrid visit Gringotts
  • August 25th, 1994 : Taking the Portkey to the Quidditch World Cup
  • October 30th, 1994 : Durmstrang and Beauxbatons arrive at Hogwarts

Wizard transportation

  • View history

The Flying Ford Anglia and the Hogwarts Express . [HP2]

There are many methods of transportation for witches and wizards. They include:

  • Apparition : teleportation (carries risk of splinching ).
  • Floo Network : fireplace travel.
  • Vanishing Cabinet : transporting from one cabinet to the other. [1]
  • Portkey : touching an item and coming to a specific set place.
  • Flying , including: broomsticks , Thestrals , flying carpets , flying motorcycles , and flying cars .
  • Ground travel, including: the Hogwarts Express , the Knight Bus , and Ministry cars .
  • Toilet network : used in the Ministry of Magic [2] .

Notes and references [ ]

  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
  • Harry Potter
  • 1 Tom Riddle
  • 2 Bartemius Crouch Junior
  • 3 Regulus Black

how wizards travel in harry potter

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Modes Of Transportation In Harry Potter, Ranked By How Uncomfortable They Are

Melissa Brinks

While the heroes of the Harry Potter universe can use their magic to travel in a variety of ways we can't, that doesn't mean they're always comfortable. Getting from one place to another, even with magic, can be a bit of a nightmare. Even magically-enhanced vehicles have flaws. While some forms of Harry Potter transportation are better than others, even their best is not much better than our real-life versions.

Consider this: Harry Potter broomsticks seem cool from the outside, but unless you've got a good grip, you'll go tumbling right off. Flying cars can crash. And Harry Potter apparition, while convenient, can also make you leave bits and pieces of your body behind, a horrific process called "splinching." Leaving half an eyebrow behind, as Ron did in his apparition test, might not be so bad - but a faulty spell could mean you leave half of yourself behind, killing you.

Sure, wizard desserts might be great and it would be awesome to have magical powers , but taking a closer look at the average ways that wizards get around leaves much to be desired. Unless you want to ride a rickety minecart into the bowels of a bank, scrabble for grip on the back of a hippogriff, or end up sick and lost thanks to an unfortunate Floo Powder incident, it might be best just to play it safe and take the bus - the regular bus, that is, not the Knight Bus.

Floo Powder

Floo Powder

How it feels : Harry has to travel to Diagon Alley via Floo Powder in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , and it doesn't go well. According to Harry:

It felt as though he was being sucked down a giant drain. He seemed to be spinning very fast - the roaring in his ears was deafening - he tried to keep his eyes open but the whirl of green flames made him feel sick--something hard knocked his elbow and he tucked it in tightly, still spinning and spinning - how it felt as though cold hands were slapping his face - squinting through his glasses he saw a blurred stream of fireplaces and snatched glimpses of the rooms beyond--his bacon sandwiches were churning inside him - he closed his eyes again wishing it would stop, and then -  He fell, face forward, onto cold stone and felt the bridge of his glasses snap.

Apparition

How it feels : Apparition is an incredibly useful skill, but it's also dangerous - Ron splinches himself multiple times, and even side-along apparition is quite unpleasant, as Harry discovers in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:

Harry felt Dumbledore's arm twist away from him and re-doubled his grip: the next thing he knew everything went black; he was pressed very hard from all directions; he could not breathe, there were iron bands tightening around his chest; his eyeballs were being forced back into his head; his ear-drums were being pushed deeper into his skull.

Portkey

How it feels : Portkeys play a huge role in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . Harry's first trip feels pretty awful, as Rowling writes:

Harry felt as though a hook behind his navel had been suddenly jerked irresistibly forward. His feet left the ground; he could feel Ron and Hermione on either side of him, their shoulders banging into his; they were all speeding forward in a howl of wind and swirling color; his forefinger was stuck to the boot as though it was pulling him magnetically onward...

The Knight Bus

The Knight Bus

How it feels : Harry takes the Knight Bus in a moment of desperation in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. During the ride, Rowling writes:

Harry wouldn't have been able to sleep even if he had been traveling on a bus that didn't keep banging loudly and jumping a hundred miles at a time. His stomach churned as he fell back to wondering what was going to happen to him, and whether the Dursleys had managed to get Aunt Marge off the ceiling yet.

Dragon

How it feels : While riding a dragon sounds awesome, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows proved otherwise. As Rowling writes: 

There was no means of steering; the dragon could not see where it was going, and Harry knew that if it turned sharply or rolled in midair they would find it impossible to cling onto its broad back.

Vanishing Cabinet

Vanishing Cabinet

How it feels : While none of the main characters travel via vanishing cabinet, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix does show the aftermath of Graham Montague's journey through a faulty one. Rowling writes:

To cap matters, Montague had still not recovered from his sojourn in the toilet. He remained confused and disorientated and his parents were to be observed one Tuesday morning striding up the front drive, looking extremely angry.

Hippogriff

How it feels : In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , the titular hero has to ride a hippogriff a couple of times. During his first ride, he thinks:

It was nothing like a broomstick, and Harry knew which one he preferred; the Hippogriff’s wings were beating uncomfortably on either side of him, catching him under his legs and making him feel he was about to be thrown off; the glossy feathers slipped under his fingers and he didn’t dare get a stronger grip; instead of the smooth action of his Nimbus Two Thousand, he now felt himself rocking backwards and forwards as the hindquarters of the Hippogriff rose and fell with his wings.

Broomstick

How it feels : While not everybody enjoys a broomstick ride, Harry certainly does. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone , Rowling writes: 

[Harry] mounted the broom and kicked hard against the ground and up, up he soared; air rushed through his hair, and his robes whipped out behind him--and in a rush of fierce joy he realized he'd found something he could do without being taught--this was easy, this was wonderful .

Thestral

How it feels : Discovering you can see thestrals is a nasty shock, but traveling on one's back is even worse. One the thestral ride to the Ministry of Magic is done in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Ron's response tells you everything you need to know. Rowling writes:

Ron landed a very short way away and toppled immediately off his thestral onto the pavement. "Never again," he said, struggling to his feet. He made as though to stride away from the thestral, but, unable to see it, collided with its hindquarters and almost fell over again. "Never, ever again...that was the worst--"

Pensieve

How it feels : Though travel by pensieve is more metaphorical, it still allows people to move through both space and time. As Rowling writes in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire :

Dumbledore's office gave an almighty lurch--Harry was thrown forward and pitched headfirst into the substance inside the basin-- But his head did not hit the stone bottom. He was falling through something icy-cold and black; it was like being sucked into a dark whirlpool--

Toilet

How it feels : After the fall of the Ministry of Magic to the Death Eaters, getting inside the building required extra security - namely, flushing yourself down a toilet. As Rowling writes:

Feeling exceptionally foolish, Harry clambered into the toilet. He knew at once that he had done the right thing; though he appeared to be standing in water, his shoes, feet, and robes remained quite dry. He reached up, pulled the chain, and the next moment had zoomed down a short chute, emerging out of a fireplace into the Ministry of Magic.

Flying Motorcycle

Flying Motorcycle

How it feels : Sirius Black's enchanted motorbike makes a few appearances. Harry's ride in the sidecar in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows wasn't great, as Rowling writes:

There was a great roar from the motorbike, and Harry felt the sidecar give a nasty lurch: He was rising through the air fast, his eyes watering slightly, hair whipped back off his face. Around him brooms were soaring upward too; the long black tail of a thestral flicked past. His legs, jammed into the sidecar by Hedwig's cage and his rucksack, were already sore and starting to go numb. So great was his discomfort that he almost forgot to take a last glimpse of number four, Privet Drive...

Mine Cart

How it feels : Gringotts's mine carts are something like a roller coaster in that some people seem to enjoy them while others don't like them at all. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone , Harry and Hagrid have two very different reactions:

Harry's eyes stung as the cold air rushed past them, but he kept them wide open. Once, he thought he saw a burst of fire at the end of a passage and twisted around to see if it was a dragon, but too late--they plunged even deeper, passing an underground lake where huge stalactites and stalagmites grew from the ceiling and floor. ... [Hagrid] did look very green, and when the cart stopped at last beside a small door in the passage wall, Hagrid got out and had to lean against the wall to stop his knees from trembling.

Flying Car

How it feels : When Harry and Ron steal Arthur Weasley's enchanted car to get to Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , they find it's actually a pretty great way to travel. As Rowling writes:

It was as though they had been plunged into a fabulous dream. This, thought Harry, was surely the only way to travel - past swirls and turrets of snowy cloud, in a car full of hot, bright sunlight, with a fat pack of toffees in the glove compartment, and the prospect of seeing Fred's and George's jealous faces when they landed smoothly and spectacularly on the sweeping lawn in front of Hogwarts castle.

Charmed Car

Charmed Car

How it feels : The escape of Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban meant extra security, giving the Weasley family access to a fleet of Ministry of Magic cars to transport Harry to King's Cross. Rowling writes:

The journey to King's Cross was very uneventful compared with Harry's trip on the Knight Bus. The Ministry of Magic cars seemed almost ordinary, though Harry noticed that they could slide through gaps that Uncle Vernon's new company car certainly couldn't have managed. They reached King's Cross with twenty minutes to spare; the Ministry drivers found them trolleys, unloaded their trunks, touched their hats in salute to Mr. Weasley, and drove away, somehow managing to jump to the head of an unmoving line at the traffic lights.

Flying Carriage

Flying Carriage

How it feels : Though Harry never rides in one of Beauxbaton's flying carriages, they look pretty luxurious from his point of view. As they arrive in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , he observes: 

As the gigantic black shape skimmed over the treetops of the Forbidden Forest and the lights shining from teh castle windows hit it, they saw a gigantic, powder-blue, horse-drawn carriage, the size of a large house, soaring toward them, pulled through the air by a dozen winged horses, all palominos, and each the size of an elephant.

Hogwarts Express

Hogwarts Express

How it feels : In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Harry and Ron aren't able to board the Hogwarts Express due to Dobby's magical interference. As the fun of flying a car begins to wear off, they boys begin to long for the comfort of the train. Author J. K. Rowling writes: 

[Harry] had stopped noticing the fantastic cloud shapes now and was thinking longingly of the train miles below, where you could by ice-cold pumpkin juice from a trolley pushed by a plump witch.

Flying

How it feels : Voldemort is reportedly the first wizard to devise a means of flight without some kind of vehicle. As a result, Harry himself never flies, but does see the terrifying sight of Voldemort in the air in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . Rowling writes:

And then Harry saw him. Voldemort was flying like smoke on the wind, without broomstick or thestral to hold him, his snake-like face gleaming out of the blackness, his white fingers raising his wand again -

Boat

How it feels : First years arriving at Hogwarts are treated to a boat ride across the Great Lake, which Rowling describes like this: 

And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. It towered over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood.

Hogwarts Carriage

Hogwarts Carriage

How it feels : Harry's opinion might be colored somewhat by having seen a thestral for the first time, but in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , he describes the carriage as "musty" and "dark" as well as making a lot of noise as it travels.

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What Kinds of Transportation are Used by Wizards in the Harry Potter Novels?

A variety of methods of magical transportation are used by characters in the Harry Potter books, ranging from difficult apparation to the Knight Bus. Depending on the age of the witch or wizard, his or her level of skill, and how quickly they need to travel, an assortment of magical transportation options are available. Many methods such as broomsticks and portkeys involve enchantment of various physical items, while others like apparation and Floo powder are entirely magical.

Physical methods of magical transportation include broomsticks, flying carpets, portkeys, the Knight Bus, and the use of thestrals. Broomsticks and flying carpets are physical items that are enchanted to carry the rider. In England, the setting of the Harry Potter novels, flying carpets are a banned method of magical transportation, because they might be seen by muggles. Wizards are permitted to use broomsticks for magical transportation, as long as they do so with care. Both require some skill, although riders can quickly learn how to control their transport.

Portkeys are items which are enchanted to whisk a witch or wizard to a location on the other side. Most portkeys are set up to be used only once: to get to a location and then return to the starting point. A wizard taps an object like a shoe, saying “Portus” to enchant it. Usually portkeys activate at a particular time, allowing several witches and wizards to grab hold of the item before it activates and yanks them to another place.

The Knight Bus can be summoned by any witch or wizard in need who puts up a thumb. The Knight Bus combines magic and mechanics: it can be driven like a normal bus, or it can hop from destination to destination. However it is used, the Knight Bus sounds like a rocky ride for the passengers. Wizards can also use thestrals, winged horses that are invisible unless the wizard has seen someone die. Thestrals can be mounted and ridden like horses, and have an excellent sense of direction, making them a good method of physical magical transportation when you're not sure how to get where you are going, and need to arrive there with some stealth.

Purely magical transportation such as Floo powder and apparation are also commonly used. Floo powder can be used by wizards of all ages, assuming that a fireplace which is connected to the Floo network can be found. The wizard stands in the fire and casts a handful of Floo powder over the body, clearly enunciating the desired destination. The powder hurls the wizard through the Floo network to the other side, a process which is rather discombobulating. The preferred method of magical transportation for wizards who have reached the age of 17 is apparation, which allows a wizard to vanish from one location and reappear in another almost instantly. Apparation is quite dangerous, as it can cause severe bodily harm known as "splinching" if performed badly.

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a LanguageHumanities researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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  • By: James Steidl Wizards utilize a number of transportation methods in Harry Potter.
  • By: Pshenichka Broomsticks are often used by witches and wizards to fly in the Harry Potter books.

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Wait, How Does Time Travel Work in Harry Potter ?

Portrait of Jackson McHenry

Spoilers ahead for those who haven ’ t finished  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Now that the script of  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child  has been loosed upon the world, we can talk all we want about the mechanics of the new Potte r play. There’s a  lot to discuss : Scorpius and Albus’s friendship, the fact that nearly every  Potter  adult works for the government (or runs a prank store), and the greatness of the Trolley Witch.

But above all, there is  Cursed Child ’s persistent use of time travel, thanks to the use of an uber-powerful Time-Turner (or pair of Time-Turners, technically) that can carry people years back in time. And, as so often happens when time travel is involved, inconsistencies and questions have resulted. Let’s try to make sense of this.

It seems we’re dealing with two different theories of time travel: In the play, time travel creates alternate futures. In the books, it all occurs in a single loop.

In the play, our main travelers are Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy, who jump back in time to the Triwizard Tournament in order to save Cedric Diggory from his untimely death, which happened near the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . Much in the style of Back to the Future , Albus and Scorpius’s actions in the past radically alter the future. When they disarm Cedric during the tournament, they also rejigger Ron and Hermione’s romantic history, making Ron end up with Padma Patil and erasing poor Rose Granger-Weasley from existence. In trying to fix that by traveling back to the second stage of the tournament and embarrassing Cedric, they create an even worse future where Voldemort wins.

By depicting this kind of time travel, Cursed Child deviates from the model used in the Potter books, where time travel operates within a closed loop instead of generating alternate timelines. Consider Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban : Hermione’s Time-Turner only allows her to go back in time for a few hours, and she only uses it to take more classes. Still, at the end of the book, Hermione breaks the rules, going back in time to save Sirius Black and Buckbeak. This all happens in a single loop: Harry and Hermione don’t alter the future so much as ensure that the past all goes in the right order. Before Harry goes back, for instance, a mysterious wizard casts a patronus to save him from some dementors. After time-traveling, Harry realizes that he is that wizard, and casts the patronus himself.

If Cursed Child operated according to the same principle, then Albus and Scorpius’s meddling would be incorporated into the central timeline: They would’ve already meddled in the Triwizard Tournament, and Cedric would’ve already died anyway — sorry, Robert Pattinson .

So if Cursed Child  changes how time travel works, is it not  Harry Potter canon?

Though J.K. Rowling wrote a great example of single-loop time travel in Azkaban , her descriptions of how time travel works in the Potter world are less consistent. In that book, Hermione mentions that “Professor McGonagall told me what awful things have happened when wizards have meddled with time … Loads of them ended up killing their past or future selves by mistake!” In a post on Pottermore ( here’s a screenshot for those without accounts), Rowling describes one witch who got stuck in 1402, and changed the course of the lives of those she met so dramatically that “no fewer than twenty-five of their descendants vanished in the present, having been ‘un-born.’”

To the extent that Cursed Child explains itself, it does give one bit of new time-travel info: Scorpius mentions “Professor Croaker’s law — the furthest someone can go back in time without the possibility of serious harm to the traveler or time itself is five hours.” Perhaps, after that point, the rules of time travel shift. The universe can stitch discrepancies into a single timeline, but big alterations make it change course. That might not be satisfying, but hey, magic!

Going by that admittedly shaky rule, it seems that each successive trip to the past rewrites history, so the alternate futures we see in Cursed Child  would simply cease to exist once Albus and Scorpius set things right. As much as those reshuffled Ron-Hermione relationships provide fodder for fanfic writers, everyone should be happily settled in the one central timeline by the end of the play.

If writing about time travel is such a mess, why bother?

Time travel is a notoriously messy subject to bring up in fiction, and J.K. Rowling herself has said that she “went far too light-heartedly into the subject” in the series. In that same Pottermore post, she adds, “while I do not regret [introducing time travel] ( Prisoner of Azkaban is one of my favourite books in the series), it opened up a vast number of problems for me.” Rowling quickly had Hermione return her Time-Turner, and later destroyed the Ministry’s entire supply of Time-Turners in the fifth book to help prevent any number of plot holes. “When writing fantasy novels,” she concludes, “one must be careful what one invents. For every benefit, there is usually a drawback.”

Why do Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany return to that invention in Cursed Child ? Storywise, it allows them to return to some of  Potter ’s crucial scenes (Voldemort’s attack on Harry’s parents, for instance) and to revive some major characters (oh, hello, Professor Snape). It also lets Cursed Child ratchet up the stakes, but retain the same central conflict, in the now-familiar pattern in so many franchise extensions. Jurassic World had a T. rex , but even bigger; Star Wars: The Force Awakens had a Death Star, but capable of destroying even more planets; Cursed Child has Voldemort, but also Voldemort’s daughter and a whole future subjected to his rule. You wanted “more Harry Potter ”; you got “ Harry Potter times ten.”

In the Potter universe, by adulthood, the fun is pretty much over. In the play, the adults’ lives, and their relationships, seem to have stalled out – there’s a moving moment where Draco and Ginny mention that they were both jealous of Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s friendship. The new generation, on the other hand, live calmer lives, but always under the shadow of their parents’ accomplishments. “It’s tough,” Delphi says as she seduces Albus in one scene, “to live with people stuck in the past, isn’t it?” The time travel, in the play, seems to stand in for that nostalgia; it’s dramatic shorthand for people corroded by the past. As that time travel proves, if you go back to the past again and again, the world starts to fall apart.

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45 Travel Destinations For ‘Harry Potter’ Fans

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The influence of “ Harry Potter ” cannot be overstated. The hit book series and film adaptations have inspired school decor , baby names and even travel destinations.

Indeed, many Potterheads have made pilgrimages to significant sites in the creation of the books and movies, as well as themed experiences inspired by the Wizarding World.

We’ve rounded up a collection of travel spots for “Harry Potter” fans. Keep scrolling for 45 magical destinations ― from fan attractions to filming locations to places where J.K. Rowling brought her beloved characters to life.

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The ultimate guide to visiting the wizarding world of harry potter orlando.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Thank you Expedia for sponsoring this post. Book your travel on Expedia.com to save with the Add-On Advantage!

If you’re visiting Universal Studios Orlando, be sure to read this ultimate guide to visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Unlock the secrets and find out how to save money on your stay and get the most out of your time in this magical place. 

For Abbi’s 12th birthday this year, I knew I wanted to do something epic. She loves birthdays and I am not a great party planner or a fantastic celebrator of holidays. They just take SO much effort and money. I knew that I’d have to budget and plan well for this trip.

Abbi has loved Harry Potter since she was little. During our first trip to Europe, we spent hours driving through Europe listening to all the Harry Potter Books in the car. Then we would watch the movies, and when she got a little older she read the books on her own. Needless to say, we are all kind of huge nerds about Harry Potter.

She has wanted to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a long time. So I secretly planned a trip just for her and me! And Harry Potter World turned out to be everything we hoped for and more! Here’s is everything I wish I’d known before going.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER ORLANDO! Learn all my best tips and tricks for making the most of your time in this magical world!

Where is Harry Potter World?

There are actually two! One in California and one in Orlando, Florida, not far from Disney World.  We visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando. This is the original Harry Potter land, and also the biggest. Learn more about what to do in Orlando with teens .

I bought my flights through Expedia , one of the world’s leading full-service online travel brands.  Their flight search engine was fast and efficient and I was able to find great flights from Washington DC to Orlando. I waited to book our hotels, knowing that the Expedia Add-On Advantage would be coming to me in a few days!

The Expedia Add-On Advantage is a program that offers hotel savings on select properties that are instantly unlocked up until the start of your trip. They will be sent to your email several days after you purchase a flight or package, or book a rental car.

The hotels they sent for us were killer deals! We booked a room at the Allure resort, less than a mile from Universal Studios, for only $44/night! The hotel stay needs to occur within the travel dates of the flight, car or package purchase, but the Add-On Advantage deals are always amazing.

I love the Add-On Advantage because it takes the pressure off of having to pay for the entire trip at once. I booked my flights, then booked the hotel the following week using the Expedia Add-On Advantage.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Transportation

Honestly, if you plan on just doing the parks in Orlando, I don’t recommend renting a car. A Taxi, UBER or Lyft ride from the airport will cost about $25 as well as the ride back. Most hotels have free shuttles to the parks and if you are staying close to the parks a ride there will cost about $7 each way. By the time you pay for a rental car plus parking, it ends up being more cost effective to not rent a car.

If you do rent a car, be sure the check the Expedia Add-On Advantage for awesome deals on rental cars.

We did rent a car for one day that we weren’t doing the parks to go to Daytona Beach and take a dip in the ocean. The beach is about an hour away by car and the warm water and white sand is totally worth the drive.

Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

As this was my first visit, I want to share all my Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips that I wish I’d known before we went. I don’t recommend just showing up without knowing anything. These tips will save you money and help you make the most of your time.

One World, Two Parks, Massive Headache

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter consists of two separate sections of two separate theme parks. Sound confusing? That’s because it is. Instead of creating ONE “world” contained in ONE theme park, Universal Studios Harry Potter cleverly divided their most popular attractions between TWO theme parks, requiring you to purchase a park hopper ticket to see all of it. Well played Universal, well played!

The two halves of the Wizarding World are divided between Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and are connected by the Hogwarts Express, which is not only a shortcut between parks, but a ride in itself.

If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express, you MUST buy a park hopper! I made this mistake and bought tickets to spend one day in each park, but since they weren’t park-hopper tickets, we couldn’t ride the Hogwarts Express. We ended up “downgrading” our tickets to just a one-day park hopper so that we could see both parks in one day and ride the Hogwarts Express. Totally worth it by the way!

If you are coming solely to spend time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I suggest buying a one-day park hopper ticket, as both sections of the world can easily be thoroughly explored in one day.

Buying Tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

We like to buy our theme park tickets with Getaway Today. They are a trusted company and have the best deals out there. You can also book your Universal tickets and hotel together in a vacation package, which can save you a lot of money. You can purchase Universal packages here and Universal tickets here.  

  • Arrive at Universal Studios Harry Potter World before the park opens
  • Start at Hogsmeade, go to Diagon Alley at noon, then go back to Hogsmeade in the evening.
  • Buy an interactive wand. There will be fun little stops in both parks where you can do some of your own magic.
  • Lockers are available for the Harry Potter and Gringott’s rides. They are free for the duration of the ride.
  • Bring a fannypack if you can to avoid having to use the lockers as the space gets extremely crowded! Fawn Design makes my very favorite fannypack!

I’m dividing this guide into two sections: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley

Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure)

I recommend starting and ending your day in Hogsmeade. If you have early access because you are staying in a Universal property, this will only allow you early access to Universal Studios. Sure the half-hour extra is great, but what I’ve found is that it’s more crowded by the time the park opens. Sure, it’s great for those first 30 minutes, but so is Islands of Adventure. So ESPECIALLY if you don’t have early access, head to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure first thing!

The park opens at 9 AM, but they let us in around 8:30. The fastest route to Harry Potter is to go to the right once you enter the park and take a sharp left when you hit Seuss Landing.

Islands of Adventure is home to Hogsmeade where you’ll find the quaint town with snow-covered pitched roofs, Hogwarts Castle and lots and lots of butterbeer!

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: This ride inside of Hogwarts Castle is an interactive ride that will bring you on a journey through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and on a forbidden journey as you ride along on your very own broomstick with your favorite characters. The line for this ride can get crazy. I recommend going straight here first thing in the morning. Your wait will only be the time it takes you to walk to the ride entrance.

Flight of the Hippogriff:  Don’t blink, this brief ride lasts approximately 1 minute and 6 seconds. I recommend doing this ride first thing in the morning right after Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Be sure to spot Hagrid’s cottage and Buckbeak’s nest while you’re in line.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Hogwarts Express: Used as an amazing shortcut between Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios), the Hogwarts Express is a ride in itself. Note: you MUST have a park-hopper ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express!  

This quick train ride will take you on a journey from Hogsmeade to King’s Cross Station, London, where you’ll make your way through Platform 9 3/4, into London, and through the brick wall to Diagon Alley. You’ll ride in your very own carriage car with several others. The cars look just like the movie. I don’t want to give away too much, but it’s worth a ride!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The best part of Hogsmeade, for me at least, is all the adorable shops! Not necessarily what’s IN the shops, but just the detail that has been put into each shop. In Hogsmeade you will find:

  • Honeydukes: This adorable harry potter candy store is full of all the goodies from the Harry Potter books and films including Sugar Quills, Exploding Bon Bons, Fudge Flies, Candy Floss, U-No-Poo, Chocolate Frogs, Pepper Imps, Bertie Bots Every Flavor Bean, Fizzing Whizbees, Peppermint Toads and more.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • Olivander’s: This wand shop, owned by Olivander is where Harry Potter receives his wand (well the wand chose him really). Although the original Olivander’s was in Diagon Alley, there is one located in Hogsmeade as well. At Olivander’s you can participate in your own wand choosing ceremy, where a wand can choose you if you’re lucky enough to be picked. I recommend going right after you ride the two rides first thing in the morning to avoid a long wait. The less people in your group, the better chance you have of being chosen.Abbi was lucky enough to be chosen in the ceremony and we purchased her $55 Interactive Wand which we used all over Hogsemeade and Diagon Alley.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • Zonko’s Joke Shop: Full of fun novelty gifts and other souvenirs.
  • Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods: A souvenir shop
  • Dervish & Bangs: Souvenir Shop

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • Owl Post: Look out for the nesting owls and the Howler! Send your own postcards to be sent by owl to friends and family with an official Hogsmeade postal stamp!

I’ll be honest, after my experience at Disneyland Paris, I was slightly worried about starving to death while at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I am not generally a fan of overpriced theme park food, but the food here was actually incredible and consisted of a legitimately British menu with items like Fish & Chips, Full English Breakfast, Bangers & Mash, Meat pies, Pasties, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. It was such a happy surprise for me and I wish I could have gone back an extra day just to try all the menu items.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • The Three Broomsticks: This is the main restaurant in Hogsmeade and offers a fantastic variety of British food. The cozy snow-capped in is decorated to look like an old tavern and it’s so well done. We came here for breakfast after doing the two rides and Olivander’s. By this time it was around 9:30 AM.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The portions are large. The two of us split the full English Breakfast which consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, blood pudding, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and a croissant. We couldn’t even finish it. We also ordered pumpkin juice which is my new favorite thing.  SO GOOD (I actually liked it better than butterbeer)!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • Hog’s Head: At this bar, you can get classic Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, and other grown-up drinks.
  • Neeps: These little stands in Hogsmeade will offer bottled drinks and snacks. There was a wide variety of fresh fruit, which I was so grateful for after all that Butterbeer!
  • Butterbeer: There are several Butterbeer stalls in Hogsmeade where you can get cold Butterbeer or (my favorite) Frozen Butterbeer, which is like a Butterbeer Slushie. I’m still dreaming about it!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Diagon Alley

Around noon, I recommend heading to Diagon Alley. Take the Hogwarts Express, pass through Platform 9 3/4 and into King’s Cross Station. As you exit the station, you will find yourself in “London,” which is super adorable! Make your way through the brick wall that opens up to Diagon Alley. As adorable and well-done as Hogsmeade is, Diagon Alley is over the top perfection with the detail. You’ll be greeted by tall crooked buildings, and a dragon towering over the palatial Gringott’s Bank!

I recommend going to Diagon Alley during the hotter part of the day as it feels more shaded, and you can escape to “Knockturn Alley” and into near-darkness and cool bliss!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Rides (or ride, really)

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: This is the only ride we waited in a long line for. At the busiest time of day, the wait was 45 minutes. We went a second time and did the single rider line. It was about 30 minutes. It was well worth the wait though as this was our favorite ride of the day! It incorporates all the interactive parts of the Hogwarts ride, but the movements of this one are faster and more exciting. It’s such a long wait because it’s the only ride in Diagon Alley.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The shops at Diagon Alley are so well done! They are whimsical and spooky and totally magically make you feel like you’ve been transported into another world. Pay attention to all the little details and spend a good few hours wandering the crooked streets.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • Gringott’s Money Exchange: Come here first thing to exchange your Muggle Money for Wizard currency to spend in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. The money comes in denominations of $10 or $20 and is an even exchange. You can make the exchange using cash or card. It’s just a fun thing to do, especially if you’re giving the kids spending money.
  • Shutterbuttons: At this cute photo studio you can create your own moving pictures just like the ones in Harry Potter.
  • Borgin & Burkes: This spooky shop in Knockturn Alley sells objects and oddities for the dark arts. Or really just spooky T-shirts.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • Weasleys’ Wizardly Weazes: This was Abbi’s favorite shop. Full of fun pranks, jokes, and gifts. Watch for Professor Umbridge swinging from the ceiling.
  • Quality Quidditch Supplies: Find everything you’ll need to play the most popular sport of the wizarding world, Quidditch!

Madam Malkin’s Robes for all Occasions: Find all the best wizarding wardrobe essentials.

  • Magical Menagerie: Come here to adopt your own furry magical friend.

Wands by Gregorovitch: The “other” wand shop and rival to Ollivander. Find interactive wands here as well.

  • Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop: This cute little candy store has all the same fun Harry Potter themed candy that Honeyduke’s has.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There are plenty of great food and treats in Diagon Alley, and don’t forget the Butterbeer!

  • The Leaky Cauldron: Find more traditional British fare here, such as fish & chips, meat pies, and more! Be sure to take a picture with the giant leaky cauldron.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • The Fountain of Fair Fortune: A bar carrying Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, and adult beverages.
  • Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor: Find magical ice cream flavors at Florean’s! Soft serve Butterbeer ice cream is a favorite, but you can get Clotted Cream, Granny Smith, Earl Grey and Lavender, Chocolate Chili, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Salted Caramel Blondie, Chocolate and Raspberry, and more.

Granny Smith, Earl Grey and Lavender, Chocolate Chili, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Salted Caramel Blondie, Chocolate and Raspberry, and more.

Once you’re finished wandering Diagon Alley, hop back on the Hogwarts Express and head back to Hogsmeade. Wander the town some more then settle yourself on the bridge to Jurrasic Park to watch the light show on Hogwarts Castle.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hopefully, this guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was helpful to you. There are tons of other rides in both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, but we only stuck to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Beyond the rides, shops, and food, there are so many beautiful little details all around both parks. I hope you spend time just wandering!

Don’t forget to book your flight and car through Expedia and then book your discounted hotel through the Expedia Add-On Advantage. Check out even more Universal Studios tips.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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2 thoughts on “ the ultimate guide to visiting the wizarding world of harry potter orlando ”.

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Love it!! I tried the Earl Grey/lavender ice cream there last year and it was heavenly. I can’t wait to go back next month and have some more.

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Yum! I love their ice cream flavors!

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Harry Potter Wiki

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Quidditch players flying on broomsticks

Flight was one of the primary methods of wizarding transportation . It usually involved a person or persons using an object that had been bewitched to fly through the air to another location. Magical objects commonly used for this purposes included broomsticks and flying carpets .

  • 1.1 Broomstick
  • 1.2 Other vehicles
  • 1.3 Magical creatures
  • 1.4 Unsupported flight
  • 1.5 Animagi
  • 2 Behind the scenes
  • 3 Appearances
  • 4 Notes and references

Description [ ]

Compared to instantaneous magical transportation methods, such as Floo powder , Portkeys , and Apparition , flying was the a much slower method of transportation. However, some bewitched objects could fly much faster than others. Additionally, it was the most common method of transportation, as many witches and wizards were incapable of the aforementioned instantaneous transportation methods, or did not want to use them because instantaneous transportation was highly unpleasant compared to flight.

Flying was also used in magical sporting events, such as the popular game of Quidditch . [1]

Broomstick [ ]

Numbus 2000

Nimbus 2000 broomstick

Broomsticks, also known simply as brooms, were enchanted to fly, allowing a witch or wizard to travel through the air to their destination by riding them. Broomsticks also had various spells cast on them to help with riding, flying, and braking . For example, modern broomsticks came with a Cushioning Charm on the handle, to make them more comfortable to sit on. [2] Brooms were easily the most common method of flight in Wizarding Britain , with nearly every wizarding household in Britain owning at least one broomstick. [3] Dedicated riders kept their brooms in top condition with a Broomstick Servicing Kit . [4]

The earliest recorded use of the broomstick was in 962 in a German illustrated manuscript. [3] Their use in Great Britain and Ireland was regulated by the Ministry of Magic 's Broom Regulatory Control , [5] and there were a number of manufacturing companies that produced them, including the Cleansweep Broom Company , the Comet Trading Company , and the Nimbus Racing Broom Company . Additionally, like cars, there were multiple models of flying brooms. In the 1990s , the Firebolt was believed to be the best model of all brooms.

A class on broomstick flying was taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by Madam Hooch , mandatory for first-year students, but optional for second-years and above. [6]

Other vehicles [ ]

B2C3M2 Flying Ford Anglia above the clouds

Flying Ford Anglia

Though broomsticks were the primary method of magical transportation in Britain , other enchanted objects were used elsewhere in the wizarding world . In Asia and the Middle East, flying carpets were the primary form of wizarding transport, but were currently designated as Muggle artefacts in Britain and were therefore illegal to enchant. They also couldn't be imported despite at least one merchant 's continued efforts to do so. This ban seemed to be relatively recent as Bartemius Crouch Senior 's grandfather owned a flying Axminster before they were made illegal. [7]

Vehicles such as cars [8] [9] [10] and motorcycles [11] [12] could also be modified to be capable of flight, though this was also technically illegal under Misuse of Muggle Artefacts laws.

Magical creatures [ ]

A range of flying creatures were also available for transport, such as Thestrals and Hippogriffs . When visiting Hogwarts for the 1994 Triwizard Tournament , the Beauxbatons students travelled in a carriage drawn by Abraxan winged horses . [13]

Unsupported flight [ ]

Voldemort flying without support

In defiance of magical law (that stated that a wizard could only fly using a vehicle, which itself could only have a flying charm) a few known wizards and witches had achieved this feat. The most infamous being Dark wizard Lord Voldemort who managed to achieve a way to fly without any form of magical vehicle (though some form of magical assistance was certainly required to do this).

Voldemort's incident of unsupported flight was witnessed in battle with Order of the Phoenix operatives in 1997 , and by Harry Potter during his connection with Voldemort's mind. [12] This method could be duplicated, as Voldemort taught his (supposedly) most loyal Death Eater Severus Snape how to fly the same way. [14]

Animagi [ ]

Talbott Winger Animagus

An Animagus turned into a bird.

An Animagus was a witch or wizard who had undergone a ritual to give themselves the ability to magically transform into an animal. This was different from using a spell to turn someone into an animal . With a transfiguration spell, the transformed person took on the mental state of that animal, an Animagus however was able to keep their mind when they transformed.

However, Animagi themselves were extremely rare, as the process for becoming one was very difficult, took a very long time, and had to be done in a very specific way. Additionally, an Animagus could only transform into one particular species of animal, and their animal form was predetermined by their inner qualities, so flying Animagi were even more rare. Known Animagi whose forms were capable of flight were Falco Aesalon ( falcon ), Cliodna (seabird), Morrigan ( Crow ), Morgan le Fay (bird), Mudiwa Onai ( African fish eagle ), Rita Skeeter ( beetle ), Talbott Winger's mother ( White Swan ), and Talbott Winger ( eagle ). [15]

Behind the scenes [ ]

11.

Quirinus Quirrell flying

  • In the film version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Professor Quirrell , most likely by learning the skill from Voldemort, flies clear across a chamber towards Harry during their encounter for the Philosopher's Stone .
  • When Hagrid is asked how he arrived to pick up Harry from the Dursleys in the first book he states that he "flew," but excluded what method he used to arrive. He later stated in the seventh book that brooms and Thestrals cannot take his weight. Sirius Black's Motorcycle is known to have been in Hagrid's possession at this time so it is the likely means.
  • In the films, as early as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Voldemort's Death Eaters appear to be able to effectively fly by partially disapparating.
  • In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , the members of the Order of the Phoenix seemed to fly, their body partially becomes smoke and they leave a smoke trail behind them, and whilst Death Eaters' trail was black, theirs was white. It should be noted that in the beginning of the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , Death Eaters flew in London and severed a bridge's wires while they were flying around it. This instance is therefore contradictory to the laws that wizards can only fly using a vehicle.
  • In the films, Dementors can fly freely without physical support. This is in contrast to their novel counterparts, who glide, rather than fly.

Appearances [ ]

  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (play)
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
  • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Mentioned only)
  • Quidditch Through the Ages
  • J. K. Rowling's official site (Mentioned only)
  • Wizarding World
  • Harry Potter Trading Card Game
  • The Making of Harry Potter
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Motorbike Escape
  • Harry Potter: The Character Vault (Mentioned only)
  • Harry Potter: The Creature Vault
  • Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Book
  • LEGO Harry Potter
  • LEGO Creator: Harry Potter
  • LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
  • LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
  • LEGO Dimensions
  • Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
  • Harry Potter for Kinect
  • Wonderbook: Book of Spells
  • Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World
  • Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
  • Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
  • Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
  • Hogwarts Legacy
  • Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions

Notes and references [ ]

  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Chapter 11 ( Quidditch )
  • ↑ Quidditch Through the Ages , Chapter 9 ( The Development of the Racing Broom )
  • ↑ 3.0 3.1 Quidditch Through the Ages , Chapter 1 ( The Evolution of the Flying Broomstick )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 1 ( Owl Post )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Chapter 7 ( The Ministry of Magic )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Chapter 9 ( The Midnight Duel )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Chapter 7 ( Bagman and Crouch )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Chapter 3 ( The Burrow )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Chapter 5 ( The Whomping Willow )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Chapter 15 ( Aragog )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Chapter 1 ( The Boy Who Lived )
  • ↑ 12.0 12.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , Chapter 4 ( The Seven Potters )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Chapter 15 ( Beauxbatons and Durmstrang )
  • ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , Chapter 30 ( The Sacking of Severus Snape )
  • ↑ Quidditch Through the Ages
  • Harry Potter
  • 1 Tom Riddle
  • 2 Harry Potter
  • 3 List of spells

A Wizarding World Theory Reveals the Identity of Harry Potter’s 'Science Wizard'

As a potential identity for Harry Potter's "Science Wizard" comes to light, it reveals one of the Wizarding World's most mysterious characters.

It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. CBR supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find CBR's continuing coverage on J.K. Rowling here .

The realm of magic is as intricate as it is enchanting as fans continue to raise their wands and dig deeper into the lore crafted around it. Despite a fleeting appearance, the enigmatically labeled "Science Wizard" raises countless questions about the Harry Potter series and reveals greater truths about the mysteries of its universe. Thankfully, after sparking immense curiosity and countless debates, a theory within the Wizarding World finally unveils the identity of Harry Potter 's enigmatic "Science Wizard."

Adapted from the third book and debuting in 2004, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban stands out among the series as a polarizing adaptation of its source material because of its creative choices. However, viewers of the third Harry Potter movie noticed a curious addition to the story that simultaneously sparked intrigue and the birth of a popular social media meme. Dubbed the "Science Wizard," the character (played by musician Ian Brown) concisely foreshadowed the film's time travel twist by reading a copy of Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time at the Leaky Cauldron. But in the process, it raised questions about who this unconventional sorcerer was and what role they played in the Wizarding World.

RELATED: Why Hogwarts Doesn't Teach Wandless Magic in Harry Potter

Who Is Saul Croaker?

With only a few moments of screentime and nothing much said about Brown's character, much of the character's identity has been a mystery, but no less fascinating. Although at first glance, there seems to be no evident counterpart for Science Wizard within the Harry Potter books. However, eagle-eyed readers and Pottermore scholars may have noticed the character's unorthodox abilities and unusual interest in quantum mechanics seem oddly in line with Saul Croaker, a minor character with a major impact on the Wizarding World.

First introduced in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire book , author J.K. Rowling initially depicted Croaker as a Ministry of Magic Unspeakable. However, it wasn't until Pottermore and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that this character became expanded upon. Giving rise to what is now known as "Professor Croaker's Law," Saul devoted his life to unraveling the intricate nuances of time magic. Croaker's in-depth research at the Department of Mysteries led him to the discovery that venturing more than a few hours into the past could result in significant repercussions, affecting both the time traveler and the fundamental fabric of time itself. With theorists concluding that the Science Wizard's wandless magic, a rare ability, stemmed from his advanced understanding of space and time, compounded with his unusual interest in Hawking's works, Croaker emerges as a compelling candidate for being the identity of Brown's character.

RELATED: Harry Potter's Time-Turners Have a Disturbing Background

Why Science Wizard's Existence Is So Interesting

Muggles and Wizards in the Harry Potter series have different insights into the mysteries of time, space and nature. While many witches and wizards struggle to understand the scientific advancements made by Muggles, such as planes, electricity and the like, countless Muggles are kept blissfully ignorant of most magical things. The alleged Croaker hints that perhaps the universe's greatest secrets do not solely lie within the extravagant world of magic nor the incredible realm of the scientific and that both are two different parts of a bigger picture.

Despite his mysterious identity, Science Wizard is perhaps a lesson that knowledge really is power and a living testament to what an open mind and greater understanding can achieve. The conflict between the Muggles and Wizarding communities, characterized by misunderstandings and resulting segregation, is perhaps one of the most tragic aspects of the Harry Potter series . It's clear that the cosmos is bigger than most people can comprehend, and it's a sad realization that whether Muggle or Magical, so many wonders will go unappreciated, questions unexplored and discoveries unrealized until the two worlds can overcome their differences.

Episode 141: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Literary Quest

This week, we’re discussing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling. Harry Potter, an 11 year old boy, discovers something shocking: magic is real, he’s a wizard and he’s famous in the wizarding world for something he has no memory of. He begins school at Hogwarts, where he makes friends quickly, but also realizes that despite vanquishing the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, as an infant, there are people in his world who would like to see the Dark Lord return, and would do anything to make it happen. Join us this week!

  • More Episodes
  • Literary Quest

On Harry Potter night in Houston, Wizards get lost in chamber of secrets

Rockets 135, wizards 119.

how wizards travel in harry potter

HOUSTON — The clever Houston Rockets communications teams dubbed Thursday’s game against the Washington Wizards “Harry Potter night” — complete with a mid-quarter dance routine from the team’s kid dance squad. Clutch, the Rockets’ mascot, donned a wig with straight black hair. Somebody dressed up as Lord Voldemort, ghost-white mask and all. A pretend duel ensued.

The theatrics were far more organized than the basketball in the Wizards’ 135-119 loss.

Washington and Houston traded blows in a game largely void of defense. By the second quarter, the Wizards’ offense slowed enough to allow the Rockets to pull away for good.

“We just let guys drive to the rim. No help at the rim. We didn’t do our best tonight at [rotating],” Kyle Kuzma said. “They got in transition, they got in the paint, and we suffered for it.”

The Rockets attacked the Wizards, who were without centers Marvin Bagley III (back) and Richaun Holmes (toe), in the paint and outscored them 42-25 in the second quarter. Washington’s faulty defense stalled its offense, allowing Houston to seize the momentum. The Rockets never let it go.

It has been a steep nosedive for the Wizards (11-55) after stringing wins together against Charlotte and Miami last week.

“I don’t think our team has taken a step back. I think we’re in a learning process and a discovery process about our team,” interim coach Brian Keefe said. “I liked our fight tonight. We’ve shown good examples in the last five games that we can play high-level defense. . . . Tonight, we didn’t initiate physically to stop the ball and bring over the help, something we’ll address and look at, but each game we’ve got to grow.”

The Rockets (31-35), battling to get into the play-in tournament in the West, were brimming with confidence throughout, especially once the second quarter got underway, and turned all that self-assurance into their most efficient shooting night of the season. They shot 59.3 percent from the field and were led by the red-hot Jalen Green, who shredded the Wizards’ defense for 37 points on 15-for-23 shooting, including 5 for 9 from three.

Veteran point guard Fred VanVleet added 27 points, and with six players in double figures, the Rockets had more than enough firepower to overcome 19 turnovers.

“We miss whenever we don’t have a five-man out there, someone who can set screens, someone who can get boards,” Jordan Poole said. “. . . Whenever we kind of go small ball, we kind of stay on the perimeter a little bit, and then it’s easy for teams like the Rockets who have length, have good defenders, to switch one through five and pack the paint a little bit.”

Poole led the Wizards with 25 points off the bench. Deni Avdija added 24 points on 10-for-13 shooting, evidence of an aggressive night in the paint.

Kuzma had 23 points as the de facto center in the Wizards’ small-ball lineup, and all five starters as well as Poole were in double figures.

Still, it wasn’t nearly enough to overcome the second quarter. That might have taken a bit of magic — or some better defense.

Here’s what else to know about the Wizards’ loss:

Avdija heads to the locker room

With just over three minutes to play, Avdija slipped awkwardly and fell to the floor with the ball in his hands, only to get up and grab just above his right knee in clear discomfort. He limped and hopped straight to the locker room after the Wizards promptly called a timeout.

He walked back on his own to the bench a short while later before again heading back to the locker room.

Wizards sign Vukcevic

The Wizards signed 7-foot center Tristan Vukcevic on Thursday to a deal that will keep him with the team through at least the 2024-25 season.

Although Vukcevic spent this season with Serbian club KK Partizan Belgrade, the 21-year-old was Washington’s second-round selection in last year’s draft with the 42nd pick. He already was familiar with the team after spending the summer league with the Wizards, during which he averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in four games.

Keefe said he was looking forward to getting Vukcevic enmeshed in Washington’s development program.

“A stretch big, versatile, skillful guy on the perimeter,” Keefe said. “[He] can play around the rim to give us some size and length at the rim.”

Vukcevic is averaging 7.7 points and shooting 54 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from beyond the three-point arc through 30 games in the Adriatic League.

Kispert cools off

Corey Kispert came back to earth on offense after a pair of impressive games to start the Wizards’ trip. Keefe has started the third-year guard in all three games of the trip so far with Washington playing a small-ball lineup thanks to injuries, and the change has suited Kispert well.

He scored 22 points against both Miami and Memphis, shooting 53.3 percent from the field against the Heat and 66.7 percent against the Grizzlies.

He posted 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting against Houston, but he did have a couple of standout defensive moments including an athletic, chase-down block on Jabari Smith Jr.

  • On Harry Potter night in Houston, Wizards get lost in chamber of secrets 27 minutes ago On Harry Potter night in Houston, Wizards get lost in chamber of secrets 27 minutes ago
  • Surging Wizards surprise the Heat, stretch their winning streak to two March 10, 2024 Surging Wizards surprise the Heat, stretch their winning streak to two March 10, 2024
  • With huge fourth quarter, Wizards end 16-game losing streak March 8, 2024 With huge fourth quarter, Wizards end 16-game losing streak March 8, 2024

how wizards travel in harry potter

how wizards travel in harry potter

Harry Potter: Most Powerful Magical Items

  • Powerful magical objects in Harry Potter have the potential to bring havoc if misused, as every action has consequences.
  • The Mirror of Erised shows people's deepest desires, but it can lead to delusion and loss of sanity if fixated upon too much.
  • The Deathly Hallows consist of three objects with powerful magical abilities that help Harry defeat the Dark Lord.

There are many magical objects in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter . However, not everything possesses special abilities where its power goes beyond humans and wizards' apprehension. The functions of these items are various, ranging from showing people's location, taking and creating lights, to literal containers of a soul spread into different objects, making the creator immortal.

Harry Potter: 5 Most Useful Spells In Daily Life, Ranked

These powerful magical objects in Harry Potter are mighty, as they are horrifying, and cautious usage of such items is incredibly important. If misused, these items can bring havoc to their users and the people around them. Many wizards and witches who fail to handle these objects properly have to pay the price, as every action has its consequences.

The Mirror of Erised

Shows desire and delusion.

The Mirror of Erised is an item that holds a mystical power that will show their deepest desire . On the mirror, words are inscribed, " erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi ". When reversed, it's stated, "I show not your face but your heart's desire." This item is first introduced in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, after Harry accidentally stumbled upon his reflection with his parents, alive.

As Dumbledore said, one mustn't hang onto the utopian reflection too much. In the past, many lost their sanity while looking in this mirror, swallowing themselves into delusion. Nevertheless, this mirror bears an important plot point of the first book and movie, as it helps Harry find the Philosopher's Stone.

Time-Turner

Short-term time travel.

This specific item cannot fall into the wrong hands, as cautious usage is extremely important . Although it can only be used for short-term time travel, many wizards who squandered this item fell into their demise. It is said that the time-turner is restricted for a maximum of five hours into the past, following the Croaker's Law principle, to avoid a crippling effect.

Harry Potter: Time-Turners, Explained

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Hermione Granger Helps Harry Potter to save Sirius Black and Buckbeak from their unfair death sentences. Hermione herself receives this item from Minerva McGonagall, for her to enroll in several classes throughout the semester, although those classes are happening at the same time. It is later revealed that Hermione gave the time-turner back to McGonagall, as she is exhausted from the overload courses.

Deluminator

Remove & return light.

Remember the very first scene of Dumbledore on Privet Drive? Yup, it is a deluminator. This specific item is not particularly powerful per se, but it is one of the most important plot points that bear sentimental value for the Golden Trio, especially Ron. Invented by Dumbledore himself, this device is used to remove or return light to its sources.

In his will, Dumbledore marked Ron as the receiver of the item, as he believed Ron needed a little extra guidance from him , which turned out to be true. In a fit of rage driven by jealousy and hatred emitted from Salazar Slytherin's locket, Ron leaves Harry and Hermione distraught. Thankfully for them, the deluminator guides Ron back to them as it also works as an apparition device.

Wizard's Chess

Barbaric chess pieces.

Although it bears a resemblance to regular chess, Wizard's Chess is something that cannot be tampered with lightly. Described by Hermione Granger as "barbaric", the pieces of chess can move and attack their opponents, violently. In every capture made, the winning piece can knock down the captured till it is disfigured.

Harry Potter: 7 Most Popular Fan Theories

This item itself is first introduced in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , as Ron shows his chess ability among the first-year students during Christmas. Later on, this skill turns out to be important, as Ron helps Harry and Hermione win the human chess game. Although he wins the chess game, Ron is severely injured as he sacrifices himself for Harry to make his winning move, marking how brutal yet powerful this object is.

Deathly Hallows

The elder wand, the resurrection stone, & the cloak of invisibility.

The Deathly Hallows consists of three objects that bear powerful magical abilities , derived from a famous tale in the Wizarding World called The Tale of The Three Brothers. The tale tells the story of three brothers who meet Death on their journey. Using their magic, the brothers avoid their demise, and Death grants them three wishes, with ulterior motives of its own.

The first brother asked for the most powerful magic wand called The Elder Wand. The second brother asked for an item to resurrect the dead, which led to the creation of the resurrection stone. And the third brother, the most humble one out of the three, asked for an item that made its wearer invisible, later known as the cloak of invisibility. The Deathly Hallows is proven to be very powerful, as can be seen from how these items help Harry win against the Dark Lord.

Pieces of a Soul, Split Into Objects

Horcruxes are made by their creator from an object to split their soul into an object , protecting them from their demise. Splitting one soul requires them to commit a murder, as this dark magic requires a sacrifice, to rip the soul apart. This method of immortality is chosen by Voldemort, splitting his soul into 7 objects:

  • Tom Riddle's diary
  • Marvolo Gaunt's ring
  • Salazar Slytherin's locket
  • Helga Hufflepuff's cup
  • Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem
  • Harry Potter

Harry Potter: 7 Great Places To Hide A Horcrux

In each destruction of the object, a part of the creator's soul dies with it, as can be seen in Voldemort's ultimate demise. A Horcrux is very difficult to destroy due to its enchantments. The three known ways that successfully destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes are the Fiendfyre spell, Basilisk Venom, and the Sword of Gryffindor.

Gryffindor's Sword

For any gryffindor house members who are worthy.

This goblin-made sword is not like any other, it only takes in that which makes it stronger. If a Horcrux is a powerful object, then Gryffindor's Sword must be more powerful, as it can destroy such dark magic. After it absorbs the basilisk venom that Harry killed in the Chamber of Secrets, the sword absorbs the venom's powerful properties. This sword can only be summoned by a member of Gryffindor's house in time of need and can be drawn from the Sorting Hat.

If possessed by the wrong wizards and witches, this sword will disappear into thin air, as it defies its true purpose. As the sword is extremely powerful, Ragnuk, the king of Goblin who is commissioned by Gryffindor to make the sword, claims that the sword is stolen and Gryffindor is not its true owner. In the end, the sword only works for the wizards and witches that it initially pledged allegiance to, proving the claim to be false.

MORE: Harry Potter: Best Deleted Scenes, Ranked

Harry Potter: Most Powerful Magical Items

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COMMENTS

  1. Magical transportation

    There existed various methods of magical transportation [1] that were employed by wizardkind across the wizarding world . Contents 1Methods 1.1Apparition 1.2Floo Network 1.3Flying 1.4Ground travel 1.5Portkey 1.6Miscellaneous 2Appearances 3Notes and references Methods Apparition Main article: Apparition

  2. Apparition

    Apparition was a popular method of travel in the wizarding world, though it was stated that plenty of adult witches and wizards did not bother with it, preferring slower but safer methods of travelling such as broomsticks, the Floo Network, or Portkeys. Albus Dumbledore once noted that most people vomited the first time they Apparated.

  3. The Best Methods Of Transportation In Harry Potter

    1. Apparition As long as a witch or wizard can pull off Apparating and Disapparating, this is the fastest, most convenient method of travel. The danger of splicing, though, is no joke. 2....

  4. The 10 Best Modes Of Transportation In Harry Potter

    Lists The 10 Best Modes Of Transportation In Harry Potter By Madisyn Espinoza Published Aug 11, 2022 In the Wizarding World, witches and wizards can easily get around by using the spells, magical vehicles, or Thestrals in Harry Potter. Magic made witches and wizards' lives easier in almost every way in the Harry Potter franchise.

  5. Floo Network

    The most notorious instance of accidental misdirection regarding the Floo Network happened in 1855 when, after a particularly nasty row with her husband, witch Violet Tillyman leapt into the living room fire and cried, between sobs and hiccups, that she wanted to go to her mother's house. [1]

  6. How Does the Knight Bus Work in Harry Potter?

    Summary. The Knight Bus is a triple-decker purple bus that is the perfect mode of transportation for stranded witches and wizards. The bus can appear out of thin air anywhere, just by raising a wand hand, and can travel at incredible speeds. The Knight Bus offers beds for overnight trips and costs seven Sickles, with the option to buy extras ...

  7. Harry Potter: 10 Best Magical Means Of Transport

    The broomstick is a classic way of travel for wizards. Not only does it allow wizards to travel quickly between two points, but it is also a huge part of wizard culture due to its involvement in Quidditch. Without the broom, everyone's favorite fictional sport wouldn't exist.

  8. Exploring the Wizarding World: 7 Magical Modes of Transportation in

    When it comes to ground travel, the Knight Bus is a popular choice for witches and wizards, especially those stranded in Muggle-populated areas. With the ability to maneuver through traffic unseen by Muggles, the Knight Bus offers a convenient and discreet way for magical folk to travel.

  9. Magical Transportation

    Witches and wizards use magical means to move from place to place. They can use spells, specifically Apparition, and personal devices such as brooms. However, various forms of public transit are also available. All forms of magical transportation, both personal and public, are regulated and controlled by the Department of Magical Transportation.

  10. Magical transportation that goes beyond the broom

    Fawkes the Phoenix. Not many people, or even wizards, are able to say they've travelled by phoenix. Dumbledore's pet Fawkes not only saved Harry and Ginny's lives in the Chamber of Secrets; he also managed to fly both injured students, plus Ron and a seriously befuddled Professor Lockhart, up and out of the underground lair of the Basilisk. ...

  11. Wizard transportation

    There are many methods of transportation for witches and wizards. They include: Apparition: teleportation (carries risk of splinching). Floo Network: fireplace travel. Vanishing Cabinet: transporting from one cabinet to the other. Portkey: touching an item and coming to a specific set place...

  12. All The Modes Of Transportation In Harry Potter, Ranked By Discomfort

    Melissa Brinks. Vote up the wizarding modes of transportation that make you grateful for your bus pass. While the heroes of the Harry Potter universe can use their magic to travel in a variety of ways we can't, that doesn't mean they're always comfortable. Getting from one place to another, even with magic, can be a bit of a nightmare.

  13. What Kinds of Transportation are Used by Wizards in the Harry Potter

    Wizards are permitted to use broomsticks for magical transportation, as long as they do so with care. Both require some skill, although riders can quickly learn how to control their transport. Wizards utilize a number of transportation methods in Harry Potter.

  14. How do wizards travel long distances? : r/harrypotter

    It never says that. It does say that in general, apparition is dangerous and many magicals never bother learning it. As for you question, Trains. Platform 9 3/4 had a second platform next to it (9 and a half or 9 and 1/4). Plus I doubt that they maintain an entire railway system for a 4 trips a year.

  15. Wait, How Does Time Travel Work in Harry Potter?

    In the play, our main travelers are Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy, who jump back in time to the Triwizard Tournament in order to save Cedric Diggory from his untimely death, which happened...

  16. Harry Potter: Best Ways To Travel Within Wizarding World

    In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there are many fun ways to travel without muggle eyes watching.

  17. How do Wizards travel internationally? : r/harrypotter

    How do Wizards travel internationally? Sorry if this has been discussed before but I was thinking about it recently. The two methods seen in GOF seem particular to the schools.

  18. 45 Travel Destinations For 'Harry Potter' Fans

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an obvious destination for "Harry Potter" fans. The theme park has locations in Orlando, Los Angeles and Japan, where visitors can feast on the treats mentioned in the books, enjoy fun rides, watch magical performances and more. 2 Warner Bros. Studio Tour London — The Making of Harry Potter

  19. How do wizards travel internationally? : r/harrypotter

    How do wizards travel internationally? I am currently rereading the Harry Potter series for the first time in a very long time. Whilst reading I saw that Ron's father Arthur won a drawing of some sort in the Daily Prophet winning 700 Galleons.

  20. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

    Basic Tips. Arrive at Universal Studios Harry Potter World before the park opens. Start at Hogsmeade, go to Diagon Alley at noon, then go back to Hogsmeade in the evening. Buy an interactive wand. There will be fun little stops in both parks where you can do some of your own magic.

  21. Flight

    Flight was one of the primary methods of wizarding transportation. It usually involved a person or persons using an object that had been bewitched to fly through the air to another location. Magical objects commonly used for this purposes included broomsticks and flying carpets. Compared to instantaneous magical transportations, such as Floo powder, Portkeys, and Apparition, flying was the a ...

  22. How FAR Can Wizards APPARATE?

    In Harry Potter, there are so many ways to travel around. Brooms, floo powder, portkeys, flying cars, dragons etc. But which way is the most efficient? The a...

  23. A Harry Potter Theory Reveals the Identity of the 'Science Wizard'

    Published Aug 18, 2023 As a potential identity for Harry Potter's "Science Wizard" comes to light, it reveals one of the Wizarding World's most mysterious characters. It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise.

  24. Harry Potter: The Books' Most Memorable Wizard Duels

    The Harry Potter films not only change the essence of dueling, but they completely ignore some of the books' best wizard duels. These wizard duels not only showcase a character's talents and ...

  25. ‎Literary Quest: Episode 141: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on

    This week, we're discussing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling. Harry Potter, an 11 year old boy, discovers something shocking: magic is real, he's a wizard and he's famous in the wizarding world for something he has no memory of. He begins school at Hogwarts, where he makes friends…

  26. On Harry Potter night in Houston, Rockets cast a spell on Wizards

    On Harry Potter night in Houston, Wizards get lost in chamber of secrets. Rockets 135, Wizards 119. By Ava Wallace. Updated March 14, 2024 at 11:13 p.m. EDT | Published March 14, 2024 at 10:59 p.m ...

  27. Harry Potter: Types of Wizarding Powers, Explained

    When Harry Potter learns that he is a wizard, he enters a world beyond belief. Aside from continuing his studies at Hogwarts with best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry must also ...

  28. Harry Potter: Most Famous Battles

    The Harry Potter series started in the early 90s, taking the world by storm for its heart-touching and clever storyline. Starting as a novel made for children, the series has evolved tremendously ...

  29. 77 Magical Harry Potter Quotes for Wizards and Muggles Alike

    HARRY: "I'd worked that much out for myself, funnily enough." —Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Even in Book 6, Harry still has a lot to learn about the magical world since he didn't ...

  30. Harry Potter: Most Powerful Magical Items

    Harry Potter: 5 Most Useful Spells In Daily Life, Ranked Some spells in the Harry Potter universe can make life a lot easier. These are the best ones witches and wizards can rely on in their daily ...