Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have announced they are taking part in Back to Hogwarts, a seasonal celebration from August 1 through September 1st this year.

Both parks are celebrating ‘Back to Hogwarts’ by encouraging guests to show off their house pride, strike a pose at the Hogwarts Express, and explore everything The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer. 

About Back to Hogwarts

Back to Hogwarts (1st September) is one of the most important days in the Harry Potter stories and in the wizarding calendar, marking the day students make their way back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for another year of adventure. In honor of the beloved series, it has become a global fan celebration.

While every day is a perfect day to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Back to Hogwarts carries particular significance for Hogwarts students to proudly wear their house robes to strike a pose at the Hogwarts Express or raise their wands in solidarity of their individual Hogwarts house at Hogwarts Castle.

Back to Hogwarts School Bundles

To prepare for the exciting academic year ahead, special “Back to Hogwarts” school bundles are available for purchase at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.

These include must-haves such as a backpack and journal themed to your preferred Hogwarts house as well as a soft Hedwig owl plush.

Hogwarts House robes are on sale from $139 to $109.

The Back to Hogwarts school bundles are $80.00. The retail value of all three items is $115.00. Your Annual Pass discount can be applied.

Where Can You Buy The Back to Hogwarts Bundle?

Universal Orlando Resort:

• Wiseacres’s in Diagon Alley

• Island of Adventure Trading Company Gift Shop

• Universal Studios Florida Gift Shop

• Universal Citywalk Gift Shop

Universal Studios Hollywood:

• Filch’s Emporium in Hogsmeade

The bundles come pre packed with all 3 items already included, making check out super easy.

Special Hogwarts Express Iced Biscuit

As Back to Hogwarts celebrations continue, a specially themed Iced Biscuit will debut on August 12th 2024.

This limited-time treat will be available for purchase at Honeydukes within Hogsmeade at both Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood, plus at Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop at Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando.

• Price $8.00  ($8.52 with tax)

• Annual Pass discount can be applied

The Hogwarts Express Iced Biscuit is a essentially a large soft shortbread cookie. It’s not as hard as your typical shortbread cookie. It has an Almond flavor to it since it’s been cooked with almond oil. Not too sweet. The train design is marshmallow flavored fondant.

Where Can You Celebrate Back to Hogwarts in Florida and California in 2024?

At Universal Orlando Resort, guests can celebrate “Back to Hogwarts” at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure as well as at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.

At Universal Studios Hollywood guests can celebrate “Back to Hogwarts” at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.

For more information about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com and at Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

2024 Global Back to Hogwarts Celebrations

At Home

• Tune in to the official Harry Potter YouTube channel at 10:30 BST / 05:30 ET

The UK:

• Sam Thompson will be presenting in a special online programme on the official Harry Potter Youtube Channel. There will be NO countdown held or departure board at Kings Cross Station in London. Fans are discouraged from attending the station.

• House of MinaLima London: Fans can attend a Meet-and-Greet with Miraphora and Eduardo, the graphic design duo behind the Harry Potter films. There will be a first come first serve limited-edition Back to Hogwarts 2024 button badge!

USA:

• NYC: For the first time ever, there will be a special Back to Hogwarts pop-up held in the beautiful Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in NYC from Aug 30-Sep 1. The event is free, with unique performances, butterbeer, LEGO building activities, an interactive Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions fan experience, and more. A live countdown will occur at 11 a.m. on Sep 1st.

France

• France-based fans can look forward to a special Quidditch-themed event taking place at Parvis de la Part-Dieu in Lyon, between 31st August and 1st September. Visitors can brush up on their Quidditch skills, strike a pose with our Back to Hogwarts-themed photo opps, play games, enjoy giveaways and much more.

Germany

• On 1st September, a special fan event will be held outside the Theatre at Hamburg's Großmarkt, the German home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Expect an engaging panel, live countdown, and appearances from special guests. Fans in Munich can also stop by Harry Potter: The Exhibition as well as the Wizarding World by Thalia store to celebrate the exciting occasion.

Italy

• The iconic Galleria Alberto Sordi in Rome will play host to a fan get together on 1st September, where aspiring wizards and witches can look forward to a live 11am countdown, brand new Harry Potter themed photo opportunities and activities suitable for the whole family. Molto bene, indeed.

Spain

• Fans in Spain are invited to a special event in Madrid at a soon to be revealed location, which will run between 30th August and 1st September. Festivities include photo opportunities and surprises throughout the day.

China

• Fans are invited to head to Changsha for this year’s Back to Hogwarts celebration where there is a host of activities in store from 30th Aug – 1st Sept, including photo opportunities, artwork displays, and stalls packed to the brim with Harry Potter goodies.

• On the 1st September, fans in Macau can live their best Hogwarts life at Harry Potter: The Exhibition and explore many fascinating galleries.

Japan

• In Japan, on 1st September, lucky fans can join a special 11am countdown at Platform 9 ¾ in Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter! Guests visiting Universal Studios Japan on the big day should also be ready to raise their wands in celebration as a special event will be put on in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to mark the moment for holders of the special after-hours event pass.