One of the most popular things to do at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando is drink butterbeer. But do you know where to find it? And if you find it, do you know how to beat the lines? Here’s a complete breakdown of where to find the delicious butterbeer at Universal Studios.
To begin with, if you’re not familiar with Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, start here. If you are, scroll down a bit to see my insider secrets!
Universal Studios Orlando is actually 2 side-by-side theme parks, with a thriving restaurant scene connecting them. Each theme park is home to one Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed area. These two areas are also connected by the Hogwarts Express train. You must hold a park to park ticket in order to visit both in one day and to ride the train. The original theme park, Universal Orlando, is home to Diagon Alley. Islands of Adventure is home to Hogsmeade.
If you don’t opt for a park to park ticket, you can still visit both theme parks with a 2 park pass. Note you just won’t be able to ride the Hogwarts Express.
Now, let’s discover where you can get all the butterbeer at Universal Studios!
Diagon Alley
Harry’s first full immersion into the Wizarding World happened in Diagon Alley. At the Leaky Cauldron in fact. And while it was not where he tasted his first butterbeer, you can get butterbeer here. The Leaky Cauldron offers a full menu and is a sit-down dining option. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available here. And of course, butterbeer is one of your drink options.
Two other places serve butterbeer in Diagon Alley. Upon entry, to the right, you’ll find The Hopping Pot. Or follow the alley straight and to the left for the Fountain of Fair Fortune. Both locations serve regular and frozen. In the colder months (is there such a thing in Florida?) hot butterbeer is a favorite. I’ve tried all three varieties and can’t decide on a favorite. Go for the regular if you haven’t had it before.
You’ll find a small selection of food also available at The Hopping Pot. If you’re looking to escape the heat for a bit, head to the Fountain of Fair Fortune, as that is indoors.
My personal favorite way to consume butterbeer is not in the drink at all. I simply love the soft serve butterbeer flavored ice cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor. Get it in a cup or a cone, this is the best way to cool off in Florida, with a tasty ice cream treat!
If you want to beat the lines to get your butterbeer, visit the Fountain of Fair Fortune first. Because it’s inside, many people make a beeline for The Hopping Pot or to ride Gringotts. The Fountain of Fair Fortune is also a good location just before the dragon breathes fire. You’ll know that’s happening by the crowd looking at the dragon.
The Hopping Pot is also slower during shows which take place nearby. All areas seem to die down a bit later in the day, near park close, as most people will wander into other areas of Universal Studios.
Hogsmeade
In Hogsmeade, the most popular spots to find butterbeer are the outdoor butterbeer carts. Both look like giant barrels marked with butterbeer. Each one is located at an entrance to Hogsmeade, one near the train and one near the bridge to Jurassic Park. Rarely do I see short lines here. If you stay at one of the Universal hotels on site, you get early entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If butterbeer is your quest, visit these locations then.
Alternatively, sit down at Three Broomsticks for a meal and get a mug of butterbeer. Three Broomsticks offers fare similar to Leaky Cauldron, and all very yummy!
My secret place to find butterbeer, however, is Hogs Head Tavern. Promise not to tell anyone, okay? Located adjacent to Three Broomsticks, many folks mistake this for a place to get an adult beverage, and it is. But they do serve the varieties of butterbeer here as well. One of our favorite things to do is pop in here for a few beers (adult and butter) and step out back for open tables. It provides a nice view of Hogwarts Castle and is a great way to relax for a few minutes while enjoying a drink. It’s not often crowded in the back.
And just like Diagon Alley, you can get butterbeer in food form. This time, pop over to Honeydukes to get butterbeer fudge. Located near the checkout, Honeydukes has a variety of fresh confections for sale. They also offer a special on the fudge if you buy more than one piece. We haven’t been disappointed yet!
That’s 9 places you can get your butterbeer fix at Universal Studios. Have you been there? Do you have a favorite? Comment and let me know!
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