Posting travel snaps is the modern-day postcard, and we're ready to redefine what it means to be all-inclusive, offering not only award-winning US holidays but the very best photo spots at Universal Orlando Resort. After all, sandy beaches and clear waters are lovely, but you can’t beat the awe-inspiring, kaleidoscopic fantasy of theme parks!
One minute you can be sipping from your tankard of Butter Beer at The Leaky Cauldron and the next chomping on a giant turkey leg next in Jurassic Park. From the second you enter these magical parks there’s somewhere unique to capture. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has some of the most must-visit photo spots, but this guide will also take you to the best hidden photo spots as well - worthy not only of your social media, but better yet a place in your treasured travel memories...
1. Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley has some very unique 'diagonal' architecture to capture, and is one of the must-see areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Consider standing in the middle of its pretty cobblestoned streets with vintage-style shop windows and capture the giant dragon sitting atop Gringotts behind you. Time it right, and you could get a pretty fire picture as it breathes out flames every 15 minutes.
2. In front of the Universal Globe
At the entrance to the park, there is the iconic Universal globe. And if you don’t have a picture of yourself in front mid-jump, have you even been to Universal Orlando Resort?
Top tip: avoid the throngs of people standing on the bridge trying to get a photo of the globe from afar, and head down next to it for a better angle and possibly fewer parkgoers. Remember that it spins, so you may need to wait a few seconds to get the full UNIVERSAL letters in the shot!
3. Under the 9¾ sign at King’s Cross Station
Another crucial photo location for the Potter aficionados, Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station is where to wait for the epic Hogwarts Express to Hogsmede. Discreetly located between Muggle platforms 9 and 10, it’s the place where budding students wait for their train to the school at the beginning of each year. Next year, you can strike your best wizarding pose beneath its famous sign bearing a scarf with your chosen house colours!
4. Hogwarts Castle
Who needs fancy, centuries-old European castles when Universal’s Islands of Adventure is home to this mightily impressive sight? Hogwarts Castle is the focal point for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, resting in an elevated position overlooking the snow-capped Hogsmede area of the park. The detail is exquisite, and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a real-life castle. Get the best view by standing on the bridge leading towards Jurassic World with the castle’s towering spires and imposing cliffs behind you, making for an amazing backdrop.
5. Knight Bus
Before you enter Diagon Alley you’ll come across the iconic purple triple-decker Knight Bus, which served as the mythical means of public transportation for Harry’s wizard community. Jump on its platform to the rear and hang on to the pole for a really cool photo op!
6. Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop
For a pop of colour in your photo album take a snap outside the bright bubble gum-pink windows of Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop, famed for its gooey, sugary confections. This is an ever-popular spot to capture the kids brandishing their wands or holding up a cup of deliciously cold Butterbeer for a fun and vibrant photo.
7. Bruce the Great White Shark
The iconic Jaws® ride may have left the park a decade ago but fans of the classic movie can still pose for a brilliant photo with the hanging shark, affectionately known as Bruce, outside Chez Alcatraz restaurant in the San Francisco area of Universal Studios. If you’re feeling brave enough, step underneath the open mouth of the beast for a totally casual head-in-a-shark’s-mouth moment!
8. Outside Voodoo Doughnuts
Universal CityWalk is awash with sound, lights, and colour, providing ample photo opportunities at every turn. And one of our favourite spots for a cheeky picture is the giant throne outside the imposing pink façade of the Voodoo Doughnuts shop – best enjoyed with a sugary frosted doughnut ring in hand at the same time!
Best Hidden Photo Spots at Universal Orlando Resort
And don’t miss some of Universal Orlando Resort’s best hidden photo spots…
The seat next to Milhouse
Head to Springfield and take a seat next to the town’s favourite bespectacled anti-hero, Milhouse Van Houten, while he slurps his drink on a bench outside the Kwik-E-Mart!
The alleyway to the side of Honeydukes
Almost everywhere in Hogsmede provides a great photo opportunity, but one of our favourite lesser-known spots for a quick photoshoot is the little alleyway to the side of Honeydukes sweet shop. Pop in for some Exploding Bonbons or infamous Chocolate Frogs then step outside and say cheese in front of the shop’s wonky green windows.
The New York-themed Sting Alley
Many forget that the park began its life as actual working film studios, and the New York-themed Sting Alley area pays tribute to its movie roots with incredibly realistic back alleys, metal fire escapes and grubby brickwork. If you can find it, this backstreet wonder provides an excellent location for a photo that could pass for an authentic New York hangout!
Ready for your picture-perfect holiday? View our Universal Orlando holidays here or get in touch with our Travel Specialists.
close 
