7 family-friendly New England resorts perfect for end-of-summer fun
SUN AND SAND:12 U.S. beach resorts that are uniquely built for family fun
Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club
Brewster, Massachusetts
Cape Cod's beautiful beaches set the stage for a gold-star seaside getaway at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, a sprawling resort that sits at the doorstep of a unique habitat of tidal flats. As the tide retreats twice each day, it unveils abstract ripples in the sand and tide pools teeming with sea creatures.
SUMMER READING: 33 books like Harry Potter to binge on your next vacation
Accommodations include both hotel rooms and spacious villas with kitchens (and two or three bedrooms), providing ample room for larger families. Onsite dining venues tempt with old-school Yankee favorites such as fish cakes and creamy clam chowder, plus a robust kids' menu to please tiny palates. Activities include golf on an 18-hole course, tennis and pickleball, and pedaling the paved Cape Cod Rail Trail that traverses a dreamy maze of cranberry bogs and swimming ponds.
Equinox Golf Resort and Spa
Manchester, Vermont
The historic Equinox Golf Resort and Spa's green shutters, stately white columns, and front porch with rocking chairs are a rustic New England fantasy in the Green Mountains. Each of the upscale guest rooms in the Main Inn and adjacent Orvis Inn offers understated style in tune with this tranquil corner of Southern Vermont. There's cornhole and croquet on manicured lawns bordered by colorful blooms, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a vintage boathouse on a pond.
RELAXATION GUARANTEED: Cool off and slow down at these 14 family resorts with the best lazy rivers in North America
The Equinox Preserve's 900-plus acres of protected land is a windfall for outdoor enthusiasts, with verdant forest trails for hiking and cycling. If the weather isn't cooperating, the indoor fitness center and heated swimming pool await. Dining is a delight as well, with menus that respect the seasons. Midweek specials at Marsh Tavern and upscale Chop House are wallet-friendly.
Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Madison, Connecticut
Overlooking a private beach on the Long Island Sound, Madison Beach Hotel is a casually elegant coastal retreat that oozes New England charm. Stylish, uncluttered rooms have mesmerizing water views from the balcony, with the sound of lapping waves as your lullaby. The compact spa is catnip if you crave a pampering massage or facial. Each Thursday evening throughout summer, the hotel's Grassy Strip Music Series draws a crowd with free concerts starting at a bedtime-friendly 7:30 pm, with dancing on the lawn encouraged.
Relax on the bucolic beach and bring the kids to the public playground just a few sandy steps away. Towel off and head to the town center to browse the stacks at RJ Julia, one of New England's best independent bookstores, and snack on ice cream at Ashley's, a favorite local scoop shop. For a small town, Madison has an abundance of dining options, none finer than the hotel's award-winning restaurant, The Wharf. Book a table on the breezy porch and feast on luscious lobster, seared scallops, or a top-notch burger.
Samoset Resort
Rockport, Maine
Penobscot Bay's Samoset Resort has been hosting vacationers for generations. They've perfected the art of effortless Maine luxury and know how to make each guest feel welcome. Newly renovated rooms and suites provide creature comforts, many with expansive views of the Rockland Breakwater with its picture-perfect lighthouse and the rugged Atlantic Ocean beyond.
FUN FOR EVERYONE:The fun comes guaranteed at these 17 all-inclusive family resorts with extraordinary kids clubs
The zero-entry freeform heated pool is a spectacular place for a dip. Shuffleboard, badminton, and a nine-hole disc golf course are a few of the backyard-style game options. La Bella Vita, the resort's Italian restaurant, serves delectable brick-oven pizza and al dente pasta that tastes like an Italian granny is in the kitchen.
Mandarin Oriental
Boston, Massachusetts
Late summer is a fine time to visit New England's largest city, and Boston's Mandarin Oriental adds to the appeal with one of the region's best spas. Located on Boylston Street in the Back Bay, a visit here will instantly transport you to its swanky sanctuary. The modern décor has a sophisticated edge, punctuated by floral arrangements as beautiful as sculpture.
Extras for little guests abound, including keepsake toys, in-room tents upon request, daily ice cream in the lobby, and a resident robot named MOBI who occasionally makes his way up to guest rooms with special deliveries. If you can drag yourself away from all this luxury, Boston's charms await. Soak in history as you stroll the Freedom Trail, ride a Swan Boat at Boston Public Garden, or catch a breezy ferry to explore the Harbor Islands.
The Whaler's Inn
Mystic, Connecticut
The former shipbuilding village of Mystic is often packed in summer, yet The Whaler's Inn remains peaceful, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the town's tourist treasures while keeping your vacation low-key. Guest rooms are dispersed throughout six neighboring buildings, including the new Stanton House, for an intimate feel. Décor reflects the town's seafaring past with original tin ceilings and ship-worthy bric-a-brac. Coffee and beverages are available throughout the day, complemented with freshly-baked cookies each afternoon.
NO HIDDEN FEES:Elevate your next trip with a stay at one of the 14 most epic all-inclusive family resorts in the world
The inn's tide-to-table restaurant, The Shipwright's Daughter, garners rave reviews, and its seafood-forward menu changes daily while prioritizing sustainable practices and locally sourced products. It's a delectable yet down-to-earth dining experience, where gourmets and toddlers are equally at home. There's much to see and do in this town, including the Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the U.S., and the Mystic Aquarium, one of the country's finest.
Woodstock Inn and Resort
Woodstock, Vermont
The Woodstock Inn sits in the center of one of New England's sweetest hamlets, a landscape punctuated with covered bridges and church steeples. The inn feels nostalgic in all the right ways, with perks such as afternoon tea and cookies served in the parlor, plus wood-beamed bed frames and hand-dyed blankets adding homespun notes to the guest rooms. Activities run the gamut, from pool and shuffleboard in the game room to s'mores by the fire pit to hiking and biking in the Green Mountains.
Hundreds of varieties of fruit and heirloom vegetables flourish at Kelly Way Gardens, enhancing the resort's restaurants with a bounty of just-picked flavor. Guests receive free admission to the Billings Farm & Museum, just a short walk from the inn. Visit the milking barn and explore the farmhouse and creamery. Educational programming makes use of the fresh dairy products, with ice-cream making and butter churning workshops.
One last hurrah: Take your end-of-summer vacation to the next level at these family-friendly New England resorts originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
More from FamilyVacationist:
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations.If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
7 family-friendly New England resorts perfect for end-of-summer fun
Whether you're chasing sandy beaches, hiking wildflower-strewn trails, or soaking up city vibes under the sun, New England hits different in late summer. And because the right hotel can elevate your end-of-summer getaway even further, I've handpicked seven standout hotels and resorts that offer not just comfort but a range of activities to bring everyone in the family together before school kicks back in. So, pack up the crew and get ready to savor the authentic charm of New England as summer turns slowly to fall. It's a seasonal vibe you won't want to miss. SUN AND SAND: 12 U.S. beach resorts that are uniquely built for family fun Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club Brewster, Massachusetts Cape Cod's beautiful beaches set the stage for a gold-star seaside getaway at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, a sprawling resort that sits at the doorstep of a unique habitat of tidal flats. As the tide retreats twice each day, it unveils abstract ripples in the sand and tide pools teeming with sea creatures. SUMMER READING: 33 books like Harry Potter to binge on your next vacation Accommodations include both hotel rooms and spacious villas with kitchens (and two or three bedrooms), providing ample room for larger families. Onsite dining venues tempt with old-school Yankee favorites such as fish cakes and creamy clam chowder, plus a robust kids' menu to please tiny palates. Activities include golf on an 18-hole course, tennis and pickleball, and pedaling the paved Cape Cod Rail Trail that traverses a dreamy maze of cranberry bogs and swimming ponds. Equinox Golf Resort and Spa Manchester, Vermont The historic Equinox Golf Resort and Spa's green shutters, stately white columns, and front porch with rocking chairs are a rustic New England fantasy in the Green Mountains. Each of the upscale guest rooms in the Main Inn and adjacent Orvis Inn offers understated style in tune with this tranquil corner of Southern Vermont. There's cornhole and croquet on manicured lawns bordered by colorful blooms, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a vintage boathouse on a pond. RELAXATION GUARANTEED: Cool off and slow down at these 14 family resorts with the best lazy rivers in North America The Equinox Preserve's 900-plus acres of protected land is a windfall for outdoor enthusiasts, with verdant forest trails for hiking and cycling. If the weather isn't cooperating, the indoor fitness center and heated swimming pool await. Dining is a delight as well, with menus that respect the seasons. Midweek specials at Marsh Tavern and upscale Chop House are wallet-friendly. Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton Madison, Connecticut Overlooking a private beach on the Long Island Sound, Madison Beach Hotel is a casually elegant coastal retreat that oozes New England charm. Stylish, uncluttered rooms have mesmerizing water views from the balcony, with the sound of lapping waves as your lullaby. The compact spa is catnip if you crave a pampering massage or facial. Each Thursday evening throughout summer, the hotel's Grassy Strip Music Series draws a crowd with free concerts starting at a bedtime-friendly 7:30 pm, with dancing on the lawn encouraged. Relax on the bucolic beach and bring the kids to the public playground just a few sandy steps away. Towel off and head to the town center to browse the stacks at RJ Julia, one of New England's best independent bookstores, and snack on ice cream at Ashley's, a favorite local scoop shop. For a small town, Madison has an abundance of dining options, none finer than the hotel's award-winning restaurant, The Wharf. Book a table on the breezy porch and feast on luscious lobster, seared scallops, or a top-notch burger. Samoset Resort Rockport, Maine Penobscot Bay's Samoset Resort has been hosting vacationers for generations. They've perfected the art of effortless Maine luxury and know how to make each guest feel welcome. Newly renovated rooms and suites provide creature comforts, many with expansive views of the Rockland Breakwater with its picture-perfect lighthouse and the rugged Atlantic Ocean beyond. FUN FOR EVERYONE: The fun comes guaranteed at these 17 all-inclusive family resorts with extraordinary kids clubs The zero-entry freeform heated pool is a spectacular place for a dip. Shuffleboard, badminton, and a nine-hole disc golf course are a few of the backyard-style game options. La Bella Vita, the resort's Italian restaurant, serves delectable brick-oven pizza and al dente pasta that tastes like an Italian granny is in the kitchen. Mandarin Oriental Boston, Massachusetts Late summer is a fine time to visit New England's largest city, and Boston's Mandarin Oriental adds to the appeal with one of the region's best spas. Located on Boylston Street in the Back Bay, a visit here will instantly transport you to its swanky sanctuary. The modern décor has a sophisticated edge, punctuated by floral arrangements as beautiful as sculpture. Extras for little guests abound, including keepsake toys, in-room tents upon request, daily ice cream in the lobby, and a resident robot named MOBI who occasionally makes his way up to guest rooms with special deliveries. If you can drag yourself away from all this luxury, Boston's charms await. Soak in history as you stroll the Freedom Trail, ride a Swan Boat at Boston Public Garden, or catch a breezy ferry to explore the Harbor Islands. The Whaler's Inn Mystic, Connecticut The former shipbuilding village of Mystic is often packed in summer, yet The Whaler's Inn remains peaceful, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the town's tourist treasures while keeping your vacation low-key. Guest rooms are dispersed throughout six neighboring buildings, including the new Stanton House, for an intimate feel. Décor reflects the town's seafaring past with original tin ceilings and ship-worthy bric-a-brac. Coffee and beverages are available throughout the day, complemented with freshly-baked cookies each afternoon. NO HIDDEN FEES: Elevate your next trip with a stay at one of the 14 most epic all-inclusive family resorts in the world The inn's tide-to-table restaurant, The Shipwright's Daughter, garners rave reviews, and its seafood-forward menu changes daily while prioritizing sustainable practices and locally sourced products. It's a delectable yet down-to-earth dining experience, where gourmets and toddlers are equally at home. There's much to see and do in this town, including the Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the U.S., and the Mystic Aquarium, one of the country's finest. Woodstock Inn and Resort Woodstock, Vermont The Woodstock Inn sits in the center of one of New England's sweetest hamlets, a landscape punctuated with covered bridges and church steeples. The inn feels nostalgic in all the right ways, with perks such as afternoon tea and cookies served in the parlor, plus wood-beamed bed frames and hand-dyed blankets adding homespun notes to the guest rooms. Activities run the gamut, from pool and shuffleboard in the game room to s'mores by the fire pit to hiking and biking in the Green Mountains. Hundreds of varieties of fruit and heirloom vegetables flourish at Kelly Way Gardens, enhancing the resort's restaurants with a bounty of just-picked flavor. Guests receive free admission to the Billings Farm & Museum, just a short walk from the inn. Visit the milking barn and explore the farmhouse and creamery. Educational programming makes use of the fresh dairy products, with ice-cream making and butter churning workshops. One last hurrah: Take your end-of-summer vacation to the next level at these family-friendly New England resorts originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: These New England lakes are best for summer fun America's most charming coastal towns are perfect for a family vacation These 11 national parks are at their very best during summer vacation 17 best lake resorts and hotels in the U.S. for families 11 budget-friendly family vacations in the U.S. that really pack in the fun The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where to stay in New England for the ultimate family vacation send-off
USA Today
3 days ago
- USA Today
7 family-friendly New England resorts perfect for end-of-summer fun
Whether you're chasing sandy beaches, hiking wildflower-strewn trails, or soaking up city vibes under the sun, New England hits different in late summer. And because the right hotel can elevate your end-of-summer getaway even further, I've handpicked seven standout hotels and resorts that offer not just comfort but a range of activities to bring everyone in the family together before school kicks back in. So, pack up the crew and get ready to savor the authentic charm of New England as summer turns slowly to fall. It's a seasonal vibe you won't want to miss. SUN AND SAND:12 U.S. beach resorts that are uniquely built for family fun Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club Brewster, Massachusetts Cape Cod's beautiful beaches set the stage for a gold-star seaside getaway at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, a sprawling resort that sits at the doorstep of a unique habitat of tidal flats. As the tide retreats twice each day, it unveils abstract ripples in the sand and tide pools teeming with sea creatures. SUMMER READING: 33 books like Harry Potter to binge on your next vacation Accommodations include both hotel rooms and spacious villas with kitchens (and two or three bedrooms), providing ample room for larger families. Onsite dining venues tempt with old-school Yankee favorites such as fish cakes and creamy clam chowder, plus a robust kids' menu to please tiny palates. Activities include golf on an 18-hole course, tennis and pickleball, and pedaling the paved Cape Cod Rail Trail that traverses a dreamy maze of cranberry bogs and swimming ponds. Equinox Golf Resort and Spa Manchester, Vermont The historic Equinox Golf Resort and Spa's green shutters, stately white columns, and front porch with rocking chairs are a rustic New England fantasy in the Green Mountains. Each of the upscale guest rooms in the Main Inn and adjacent Orvis Inn offers understated style in tune with this tranquil corner of Southern Vermont. There's cornhole and croquet on manicured lawns bordered by colorful blooms, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a vintage boathouse on a pond. RELAXATION GUARANTEED: Cool off and slow down at these 14 family resorts with the best lazy rivers in North America The Equinox Preserve's 900-plus acres of protected land is a windfall for outdoor enthusiasts, with verdant forest trails for hiking and cycling. If the weather isn't cooperating, the indoor fitness center and heated swimming pool await. Dining is a delight as well, with menus that respect the seasons. Midweek specials at Marsh Tavern and upscale Chop House are wallet-friendly. Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton Madison, Connecticut Overlooking a private beach on the Long Island Sound, Madison Beach Hotel is a casually elegant coastal retreat that oozes New England charm. Stylish, uncluttered rooms have mesmerizing water views from the balcony, with the sound of lapping waves as your lullaby. The compact spa is catnip if you crave a pampering massage or facial. Each Thursday evening throughout summer, the hotel's Grassy Strip Music Series draws a crowd with free concerts starting at a bedtime-friendly 7:30 pm, with dancing on the lawn encouraged. Relax on the bucolic beach and bring the kids to the public playground just a few sandy steps away. Towel off and head to the town center to browse the stacks at RJ Julia, one of New England's best independent bookstores, and snack on ice cream at Ashley's, a favorite local scoop shop. For a small town, Madison has an abundance of dining options, none finer than the hotel's award-winning restaurant, The Wharf. Book a table on the breezy porch and feast on luscious lobster, seared scallops, or a top-notch burger. Samoset Resort Rockport, Maine Penobscot Bay's Samoset Resort has been hosting vacationers for generations. They've perfected the art of effortless Maine luxury and know how to make each guest feel welcome. Newly renovated rooms and suites provide creature comforts, many with expansive views of the Rockland Breakwater with its picture-perfect lighthouse and the rugged Atlantic Ocean beyond. FUN FOR EVERYONE:The fun comes guaranteed at these 17 all-inclusive family resorts with extraordinary kids clubs The zero-entry freeform heated pool is a spectacular place for a dip. Shuffleboard, badminton, and a nine-hole disc golf course are a few of the backyard-style game options. La Bella Vita, the resort's Italian restaurant, serves delectable brick-oven pizza and al dente pasta that tastes like an Italian granny is in the kitchen. Mandarin Oriental Boston, Massachusetts Late summer is a fine time to visit New England's largest city, and Boston's Mandarin Oriental adds to the appeal with one of the region's best spas. Located on Boylston Street in the Back Bay, a visit here will instantly transport you to its swanky sanctuary. The modern décor has a sophisticated edge, punctuated by floral arrangements as beautiful as sculpture. Extras for little guests abound, including keepsake toys, in-room tents upon request, daily ice cream in the lobby, and a resident robot named MOBI who occasionally makes his way up to guest rooms with special deliveries. If you can drag yourself away from all this luxury, Boston's charms await. Soak in history as you stroll the Freedom Trail, ride a Swan Boat at Boston Public Garden, or catch a breezy ferry to explore the Harbor Islands. The Whaler's Inn Mystic, Connecticut The former shipbuilding village of Mystic is often packed in summer, yet The Whaler's Inn remains peaceful, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the town's tourist treasures while keeping your vacation low-key. Guest rooms are dispersed throughout six neighboring buildings, including the new Stanton House, for an intimate feel. Décor reflects the town's seafaring past with original tin ceilings and ship-worthy bric-a-brac. Coffee and beverages are available throughout the day, complemented with freshly-baked cookies each afternoon. NO HIDDEN FEES:Elevate your next trip with a stay at one of the 14 most epic all-inclusive family resorts in the world The inn's tide-to-table restaurant, The Shipwright's Daughter, garners rave reviews, and its seafood-forward menu changes daily while prioritizing sustainable practices and locally sourced products. It's a delectable yet down-to-earth dining experience, where gourmets and toddlers are equally at home. There's much to see and do in this town, including the Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the U.S., and the Mystic Aquarium, one of the country's finest. Woodstock Inn and Resort Woodstock, Vermont The Woodstock Inn sits in the center of one of New England's sweetest hamlets, a landscape punctuated with covered bridges and church steeples. The inn feels nostalgic in all the right ways, with perks such as afternoon tea and cookies served in the parlor, plus wood-beamed bed frames and hand-dyed blankets adding homespun notes to the guest rooms. Activities run the gamut, from pool and shuffleboard in the game room to s'mores by the fire pit to hiking and biking in the Green Mountains. Hundreds of varieties of fruit and heirloom vegetables flourish at Kelly Way Gardens, enhancing the resort's restaurants with a bounty of just-picked flavor. Guests receive free admission to the Billings Farm & Museum, just a short walk from the inn. Visit the milking barn and explore the farmhouse and creamery. Educational programming makes use of the fresh dairy products, with ice-cream making and butter churning workshops. One last hurrah: Take your end-of-summer vacation to the next level at these family-friendly New England resorts originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
USA Today
31-07-2025
- USA Today
For Harry Potter fans, the Wizarding World is as close as Orlando
I never got that letter from Hogwarts – or Ilvermorny, the wizarding school in the United States. But I still get to visit the Wizarding World whenever I go to Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort all bring the magic of Harry Potter to life, but only the Florida resort expands the Wizarding World beyond Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. Here's what Harry Potter fans can expect at Universal Orlando and how much time and money it takes to visit. Which Universal park is Harry Potter in? All three of Universal Orlando's theme parks have their own corner of the Wizarding World. Universal Islands of Adventure is home to Hogsmeade. Universal Studios Florida invites guests into Diagon Alley. Universal Epic Universe transports guests to both the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter's time and 1920s wizarding Paris. Universal also calls its Volcano Bay water park a theme park, but it's not a traditional theme park and has no Harry Potter presence. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade This was the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter across Universal's resorts, and it remains a fan favorite. Fans will immediately recognize places like Honeydukes and the Three Broomsticks in the snow-capped wizarding village, where Hogwarts Castle looms in the distance. Honeydukes sells all sorts of sweets like Chocolate Frogs and Fizzing Whizzbees, while the Three Broomsticks serves up British comfort food like Shepherd's Pie and wizarding drinks like Pumpkin Juice and Butterbeer. Peering in the shop windows, guests will spot Hermione's gown from the Yule Ball and magical sights that engage when guests cast spells with interactive wands. (Additional wand experiences are available in the other parks.) The most popular attraction here is Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motobike Adventure, a coaster whose vehicles resemble the motorcycle Sirius Black gave Hagrid, with a sidecar. Younger or more timid guests, like my youngest, may prefer Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster alongside Hagrid's hut with terrific views of the park. Can you go into Hogwarts at Universal Orlando? Yes. Hogwarts Castle houses Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which hurls guests through the castle's grounds and into the path of a dragon, acromantula (giant spiders like Aragog) and dementors. Guests prone to motion sickness may want to avoid this ride, but fans should still walk through the queue filled with familiar scenes from the books and films, like Professor Dumbledore's office, walls of talking portraits, the Sorting Hat and the Mirror of Erised. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley Despite its name, there's more to this corner of the Wizarding World than Diagon Alley. Outside, guests can visit King's Cross Station, where they can catch the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9¾ to Hogsmeade, if they have park-to-park tickets. Guests can also see the Knight Bus, and if they stand outside Sirius Black's family home at the right time, they can spot faithful house elf Kreacher. Passing through the brick entrance to Diagon Alley feels like stepping into the films, where Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, the Leaky Cauldron, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and more await. Gringotts is topped with a dragon that breathes fire at regular intervals, as weather permits. Inside the bank, guests can ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, the main ride besides the Hogwarts Express. Don't leave without wandering through Knockturn Alley, one of the coolest places in the park, in every sense of the word. Many guests also like to cool off with treats from Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, which serves Butterbeer soft-serve and hard-pack flavors, including Clotted Cream and Sticky Toffee Pudding. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Unlike Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, most of this world is set in 1920s Paris during the time of the 'Fantastic Beasts' films. The wizarding neighborhood of Place Cachée feels both familiar and foreign with full-scale Haussmann-style buildings. Easter eggs include the statue that came to life in the 'Fantastic Beasts' films and myriad magical creatures adorning places like Café L'air De La Sirène, the only place to find Bieraubeurre (Butterbeer) crepes. There are two major attractions here: the live Le Cirque Arcanus show and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, the most popular ride at Epic Universe and a jaw-dropping recreation of the Ministry itself. From nifflers to demiguises: These magical creatures make Epic Universe's Wizarding World Which Universal Orlando Park is better for Harry Potter? Better is subjective. My favorite is probably still Diagon Alley, because it's where Harry Potter first stepped into the Wizarding World after finding out he was a wizard, and Universal's version stays true to the films. However, my daughters both favor Hogsmeade, and the Ministry of Magic is dazzling in its own right. How much does it cost to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando? Ticket prices vary by date and park at Universal Orlando. For Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, single-park tickets start at $119 for guests ages 10 and over but do not include access to the Hogwarts Express. Park-to-park tickets for those same parks start at $174. Universal Epic Universe tickets start at $139 a day. Fans will want to budget extra for dining and possibly souvenirs. Tip: Breakfast is the best deal at Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron; it includes a choice of drink, such as Butterbeer. Also, not everyone needs to buy an interactive wand. Friends or family can take turns using one, then reuse it on future trips. How long does it take to do 'Harry Potter World' Orlando? Guests should plan for at least two days to explore all three Wizarding World areas across Universal Orlando, but they'll need longer to fully experience the larger resort, which includes many other themed areas featuring beloved franchises like Jurassic World, Minions, Nintendo and How to Train Your Dragon.
