For decades past the traditional entrance age, many Harry Potter fans are still waiting for their Hogwarts acceptance letters in adulthood. Thankfully, the wait is over! The popularity of the series has spawned a massive selection of fun activities for witches, wizards, and muggles of all ages. Grab your wand and broom because you won’t want to miss these five travel ideas for Harry Potter fans.
1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Orlando, Florida
If you long for nothing more than visiting Hogwarts in person, put The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ (TWWHP) by Universal Parks and Resorts at the top of your travel list. While there are now also locations in Osaka, Japan, and Los Angeles, CA, the original attraction in Orlando, FL, takes the House Cup for creating the most immersive fan experience. In fact, the magical destination is so expansive it’s been split into two theme parks — TWWHP Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida and TWWHP Hogsmeade™ at Islands of Adventure.
Head to Diagon Alley first to get all your supplies. Stop by Ollivander’s to find your wand, grab some magical tricks at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and dive deep under the surface on the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride. Once your bags are full, step aboard the Hogwarts Express to visit TWWHP Hogsmeade for a bite to eat and a glass of Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks. Be sure to catch the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally performances, as well as an airborne adventure on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, while you’re there.
2. Witches & Wizards Festival — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Every year the Philadelphia’s garden district, Chestnut Hill, transforms into a magical destination for Harry Potter fans with the Witches & Wizards Festival. Formerly known as the Harry Potter Festival, the two-day event is held in October and officially begins with the Brews & Broomsticks Pub Crawl. Consisting of around 10 local bars, restaurants, and beer gardens, adult witches, wizards, and muggles get the chance to mingle while indulging in magical-themed foods and drinks for a $25 fee. Most other attractions over the weekend, like the Chestnut Hill College Brotherly Love Cup quidditch tournament, are free.
3. Wizard & Witches Beer Festival — Various Locations
When it comes to travel ideas for adult Harry Potter fans, the Wizard & Witches Beer Festival is at the top of the list. Rock Star Beer Festivals launched a brand new magical-themed event series in 2019 aimed at the thirstiest of Potterheads. The one-night festival takes place in various cities across the county, including Boston, MA, and Philadelphia, PA. Attendees get the chance to sample over 20 Harry Potter-themed drinks — including craft beers and cider — dance to live music and DJs and even get sorted into their Hogwarts house. Whether you dress up in your best wizard attire or blend in as a muggle, you’re sure to have an unforgettable three hours of fun.
4. The U.S. Quidditch Cup — Various Locations
Even muggles outside of the fandom understand the significance of quidditch, and thankfully, the sport has leaped off the page and into reality. Since officially launching in 2010, the U.S. Quidditch organization has helped the sport spread across the country, inviting players of all ages to hit the pitch. The popularity of the collegiate and community leagues has even launched the U.S. Quidditch Cup tournament — an absolute must-see event for every Harry Potter fan.
Typically occurring in April, the site of the tournament changes each year with past ones being set in locations like Columbia, SC, Kissimmee, FL, and Round Rock, TX. If you really want to bring your HP dreams to life, start your own team and work your way up to the Cup. You might even make it all the way to the Quidditch World Cup, which is held every four years in various locations around the globe.
5. Chestertown HP Festival — Chestertown, Maryland
Occurring the first week of October annually, the Chestertown HP Festival in Maryland is the perfect gathering for magical families. The all-ages festival offers two days filled with activities, special events, and vendor booths. Take a potions masterclass; get measured for a hand-crafted wand at the WandMakers Co-Op; watch paintings come to life at the Magic Hall of Talking Portraits; and show off your canon knowledge at trivia. There’s also an all-day quidditch tournament on Saturday, so don’t forget your broom.
Book Your Magical Getaway Today
Ready to get your magic on at one of these five travel ideas for Harry Potter fans? Join your fellow witches and wizards with the help of BusTickets.com. With our user-friendly platform, booking travel is so easy you don’t even need a wand. Simply select your destination, compare prices, and choose the most affordable option. You can even bring your coven along for the ride with our charter bus quote service. The sorting hat awaits — book your bus tickets today!
