Universal Studios Florida is full of hidden gems and secrets that can make your visit even more magical.
Here are some of the top secrets that are free for you to explore that you may miss, unless you know where to look.
Disclaimer: These are the secrets we have found and proven. This list will update and add as we find more 😉
1) A Piece of History Behind The Hard Rock Cafe
If you are hanging out on CityWalk, take the small path on the right side of the Hard Rock Cafe, past the Rock Shop.
It may feel like you are going somewhere “restricted” for a moment. I promise you are not. There is a small path back behind the building where you will find a piece of the Berlin Wall.
As a brief reminder, the wall originally seperated East and West Germany during the Cold War. It was symbolically brought down in 1989 to sybolize reunification and no more oppression.
This small secret is a great way to share this piece of history with kids and is a rather unique find in a touristy theme park.
2) Artist Signature Hidden In Marvel SuperHero Island
In Marvel Superhero Island, the murals of superheroes by illustrator Adam Kulbert contain hidden signatures. Universal allegedly asked him not to sign his work, but Kulbert cleverly hid his name “ADAM” in many of the pieces. See if you can find it below:
3) Pick Up The Pay Phones!
Occasionally, you find a random phone around the park. Pick them up and listen 🙂 For example, in Marvel Super Heros Island in Islands of Adventure, there is a phone just to the right when you cross the bridge under the Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Pick it up for the “daily report” from the area….
4) While on the topic of pay phones, find the one in “London”.
This is a bit more well-known secret, so there may be a line. In Universal Studios, go to London ( before entering Diagon Alley) and pay a visit to the red phone booth.
Step inside and dial M-A-G-I-C (62442) on the rotary phone to hear a message from the Ministry of Magic.
5) Kreacher at 12 Grimmauld Place
After getting your message and before heading into Diagon Alley ( if that’s where you are going),look up at the second-floor window of 12 Grimmauld Place to see Kreacher the house-elf peeking out every few minutes.
6) Nod to Jaws
Look in the window of the record store for the title “Here’s to Swimmin’ With Bow Legged Women” by The Quint Trio.
There are a few nods to the “Jaws” movie in the Diagon Alley area, as it used to be the same area where the classic ride was located. One particular one is just to the right of the phone booth mentioned earlier in London.
Look in the window of the record store for the title “Here’s to Swimmin’ With Bow Legged Women” by The Quint Trio. This is a tribute to Jaws and the charater, Quint, which incorporates one of the characters’ famous lines in the record title.
7) Get some Gringott’s Money
We had visited Diagon Alley countless of times before I even realized that the Money Exchange was not just a facade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It is at the back of Carkitt Market and you can actually go inside and exchange your “muggle” money for Gringott’s Bank Notes!
Gringott’s Money Exchange can be found in Carkitt Market in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Some things to know:
- You can exchange cash or use a credit card for $10 or $20 denominations, as these are the only increments available.
- Gringott’s Money can be used throughout the Wizarding World and actually throughout both Universal Studios Parks for food, beverages and souvenirs ( some exclusions may apply).
- We chose to keep our money as a souvenir, or take it back next time for snacks. But, unused bank notes can be exchanged back to “Muggle Money” by visiting Guest Services before leaving Universal.
8) Send a letter from Hogsmeade
Though not technically free, it is affordable. You can purchase a post card or card at the “Owl Post” in Hogsmeade. You will get a quill pen to fill it out and they will stamp it with a “Owl Post” stamp.
To locate the Owl Post, go past the train in Hogsmeade into Hogsmeade Square. The Owl Post is right in the center.
Tip: Bring a stamp from home and you can mail directly from there! This is a great treat for your favorite Harry Potter fans!
9) Say Hello To The Mystic Fountain
This may not be so secret, but don’t hesitate to stop and say hello to the Mystic Fountain in the Lost Continent Area.
Some fun questions to ask him are:
” How Old Are You?”
“Are You Made Of Granite?”
” What is your favorite color?”
You could spend a ton of time there just chatting with it…but be careful…he will get you soaked if you stand too close!
Do you have a fun tip or secret for Universal Studios Orlando? Let me know in the comments and we will check it out next time we visit!
