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Discover the best and must-try goodies from this year’s Butterbeer season at Universal Orlando Resort in the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter – perfect for any parents planning to visit
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a theme park. And if there’s one thing I love even more than this – it’s fun snacks in a theme park with a magical dose of Harry Potter thrown in for good measure. This means I’m well-equipped to review the latest Orlando offering at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, of course. This will undoubtedly be the best knowledge you can arm yourself with before heading in wand-first, with little ones set on trying everything!
Butterbeer Season comes to life in the parks from March 1 to May 31 each year, celebrating all things – you’ve guessed it – Butterbeer. The frothy, sweet drink made famous from it’s first mentions in the Harry Potter books is a park staple over in the sunshine state, with fans flocking in their thousands each day of the year to grab themselves a hot, cold or frozen version of the drink.
However, in recent years the unique flavour has taken things a step further and included other snacks, and even merchandise, to tempt loyal fans of the wizarding brand and I have a confession to make. I have a problem. A big fat theme park and Harry Potter shaped problem.
I’m a huge fan of Universal Orlando Resort and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter so imagine my delight at being able to visit the parks during what is a momentous occasion for fans. Butterbeer season.
Make sure you pack a pretty penny and an empty stomach but other than that, get your wands and cloaks at the ready, because once you deep dive in, you’ll find yourself lost in a sea of fudges, drinks, caramels and T-shirts. Yes, clothes too!
The whole event has expanded since it first started in 2024 for the first time when there were just a few newbies on offer in the elusive Butterbeer flavours, but this year, there’s so much to choose from.
At first, JK Rowling was very strict on her Butterbeer rules in the parks. There were drinks only, available in hot (like the book), cold and frozen (it is Florida after all), and nothing could alter this – they had to stay exactly as described in the books.
JK Rowling described the drink in her books as, ‘It could be served warm and foaming in tankards or cold in bottles and tasted like a less-sweet butterscotch. Butterbeer had a slight alcoholic content, and although it was safe for children to drink, it could affect creatures (such as house elves) if consumed in a high quantity.’
In the pages of her books, Harry, Ron and Hermione would enjoy this drink at the Three Broomsticks Inn in Hogsmeade and later in the films that followed. The drink versions found in the parks contain no alcohol, but the frothy topping had to remain the same, regardless of visitor requests to have it without on occasion.
Rules changed on March 2, 2023, when JK Rowling allowed a vegan version of the foam topping but fast forward to nowadays and there are all manner of options. From special caramels and ice lollies to a pastry cream puff and soft whip ice cream, there’s something for everyone. There are still no alcoholic versions of anything yet, though – although do grab a Dragon Scale beer if you’re a parent who fancies indulging in something less sweet but equally magical.
There was one Butterbeer item that I couldn’t believe was so tasty. The hot drink version was simply divine. Imagine a melted Werther’s Original with a silky soft, velvet-like consistency. Light, sweet and the colour of a pale malted drink, this was quite simply dreamy. The absolute star of the show and perfect for little ones. Cup sizes are decent, too, so families can enjoy sharing if you fancy trying more than one option.
Excitement is growing for fans, too, with the announcement of a new Butterbeer-flavoured treat coming to the new Epic Universe theme park when it opens on May 22. The theme park will boast a third Harry Potter-themed land, this time called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic, and fans will be able to get their hands on a Parisian-style treat.
The Butterbeer Crepe will be sold at Cafe L’air De La Sirene and will be filled with cookie butter, Bavarian cream, strawberries, and Butterbeer drizzle.
And it’s not just food. From magnets, pins, socks, hoodies, sweaters, tops, keyrings, and a mighty fine checkered shirt are up for grabs in stores across both parks and it’s great news for Annual Passholders, you can use your discount on these items.
Find all merchandise goodies at the Citywalk store, Universal Studios gift shop, Islands of Adventure Trading Co., Filch’s Emporium, in Hogsmeade and Wiseacres in Diagon Alley.