Harry Potter World vs Disney's Star Wars Land

There’s a lot of talk these days about “immersion” when discussing theme parks, especially in lands like Universal’s Harry Potter World: Daigon Alley and Hogsmead, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney World. To try and understand what all the fuss is about, let’s take a look at the definition of the word.
im·mer·sion (noun): the action of immersing someone or something in a liquid.
Uh, ok cool but we aren’t talking about water parks, Einstein.
Ok, ok there’s a 2nd definition here for immersion: a method of teaching a foreign language by the exclusive use of that language, usually at a special school.
Listen, I appreciate the Star Wars-invented language of Aurebesh but I’m not spending my precious time on Batuu LEARNING. Gross. Who wants to learn in a theme park? We saw how it worked out for EPCOT!
Let’s take a look at the definition of the word “immersive” to see if that clears anything up.
im·mer·sive (adjective) providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something (such as an activity or a real or artificial environment).
So we are deeply absorbed in an artificial environment… all our attention is focused on things that are fake! That’s it! Immersion means we’re obsessed with fake stuff!!! COOL!
So who is the BEST of the FAKEST? We’ll try to work that out today as we pit Orlando’s fiercest contenders against each other: Harry Potter World vs Disney's Star Wars Land
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[@dariusmcintosh8748]

I’ll be honest I’m more of a Star Wars guy … but Harry Potter land literally makes you feel like you’re in the movie

[@Tibainium]

Galaxy's Edge would maybe stand a chance if it was themed around the original trilogy. The Wizarding World blows it out of the water

[@mattmcgrath4253]

Couldn't agree more with you. I enjoyed Galaxy's Edge but the whole time I was thinking "This would be all around cooler if it was themed more to the original trilogy". Especially with Rise of the Resistance. It's a great ride, but it would just feel so much cooler and intense if Darth Vader was coming after you instead of Kylo.

[@juanitajones6900]

Frankly, I wish Galaxy's Edge would embrace all three trilogies.

[@thefilmeffect6089]

It is at a disadvantage from the get go because every Harry Potter book/ movie is set a Hogwarts, but Star Wars is mainly in space. A Star Wars land should’ve been set in Mos Eisley on Tatooine and you could’ve also had Jabba’s palace with it. You could’ve made it a multi area park with other areas like Cloud City. I was shocked they had some cliche Star Wars theming set in a place I don’t care about. I would much rather spend money to go the Wizarding World because of this. I love the original trilogy more than Harry Potter, but Galaxy’s Edge looks lackluster comparing the two.

[@largol33t1]

If they were obsessed with theming it after newer SW films, they could at least have centered it around The Force Awakens and Rogue One. And after watching tons of videos about GE, I see no distinction between them and nothing to connect them to the movies. As a result, it looks odd seeing Rey and BB8 walking through the parks in the video. If they had themed it appropriately, then she and BB8 would look like they belonged in that land.

[@JunFan777]

I'm not the biggest Potter fan but I was born on the day the original Star Wars released ( May 25, 1977). Been a Star Wars nut my entire life up until The Last Jedi. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter MOPS THE FLOOR with galaxies edge. They built a star wars land that has no star wars in it and feels like an empty middle east bazar. The SECOND you step foot in harry potter world it SCREAMS harry potter.

[@svis6888]

Hum Star wars land has star wars stuff like the millenium falcon, so idk why it doesnt SCREAM star wars

[@1ronEntertainment]

@@svis6888most of the land isn’t from the movie.

[@svis6888]

@@1ronEntertainment ok

[@svis6888]

@@1ronEntertainment well yes the last trilogy but I guess they should've gone with the older ones

[@gabo_n]

What really brings the Wizarding World to the top over Galaxy’s Edge for me is the dynamism of the lands of Harry Potter. When you’re there it all feels alive, the window displays move, the dragon breathes fire, Hagrid’s rushing in the distance. Meanwhile, walking around Batuu it all feels more like a set where actors occasionally walk around, the ships are all stagnant, and for some reason even the lighting doesn’t feel as dynamic as harry potter’s.

[@MamyShmerman]

That's a great point. The Wizarding World has this magical kinetic quality to it.

[@MP-cr7uf]

My daughter wanted a Harry Potter birthday last year, so we bought her the Hermoine dress/robe outfit and her interactive wand to use at Universal Orlando and it was so much fun. We all loved the rides, food, entertainment, shopping, and of course the spell casting. Galaxy’s Edge can’t even come close to comparison.

[@erin5269]

Wizarding World is 100% better and it's not even close. Even my friends and family that have never seen/read Harry Potter say that it's way better than Galaxy's Edge in terms of immersion and theming. Universal did a phenomenal job making you feel like you're really in the books. Galaxy's Edge feels so empty and lifeless in my opinion.

[@mollyoreilly9670]

Hubs and I went on a trip together and experienced Galaxy’s Edge and HP world during the same trip. We liked GE but we were blown away by HP world! And I agree with Molly… Hagrid’s is hands down the best ride!!!

[@mj4782]

Wizarding world is better and it’s not even close. Aside from the bar in Galaxy’s Edge, everything else is bland and boring. Of all the planets and landscapes they could have chosen in the Star Wars universe - they chose a desert planet full of sand. Anakin obviously didn’t have any input in the design. I’m constantly delighted when I go to the WW. I went to galaxy’s edge once and lost any interest in going back. The Endor area where Star Tours is located is beautiful compared to the entirety of galaxy’s edge.

[@ellieespinoza8088]

Totally agree!

[@willbrown8124]

Totally agree

[@marsharehm5599]

Hagrids and Rise are 2 completely different experiences!! Can’t compare!

[@janehondal4480]

Molly, please take Duckfist to universal and ride hagrid’s motorbike adventure. That would be a fun video. I understand why Batu was created because Harry Potter series took place in basically the same settings, compared to all of the Star Wars movies had too many different locations to replicate in one limited theme park area. Love these RTT videos

[@candycemonroe7345]

Hagrid's magical motorcycle adventure ... TM

[@unfuzzy]

the biggest difference is that you can freely wear hogwarts robes in harry potter land. just try dressing up as a star wars character at disney. just try it.

[@JupiterMedic]

I just saw Molly and Quincy on Main Street and it made my day!! (Didn’t want to interrupt your conversation) 🤩 totally had a fangirl moment! And, definitely needed this to help us decide on when to do HP world with the kids. This video was so helpful!

[@kayajackson50]

I’m so jealous. I was hoping I would run into them on my last Orlando trip and I missed out. We were at the same park one the same day and I didn’t see them 😭

[@nicoleacosta5545]

The editor's asides in this video killed it yet again! I could watch this another 20 times and still die laughing!!! Love Star Wars Galaxy's Edge but HP takes the cake with it's theme. No contest.

[@MrKelvin2230]

for me neither Hagrids or Rise of the resistance is my favorite ride, but I do have to say that the wizarding World is by far better land, is just makes y ou u feel something that galaxy edge doesn't.

[@ellieespinoza8088]

Honestly, if Disney put the same amount of effort they put into Rise of the Resistance into the rest Galaxy's Edge, it could have been epic. I love Star Wars and Harry Potter, but I think the Wizarding World is better in terms of themeparks.

[@lavetaloca7790]

Hagrid's for the win! as Quincy said, its a great ride even without the theming and its very re-ride'able. Rise is very impressive but it is the same thing every time

[@stuffingtonjfluffypantsiii]

I'll take the Wizarding World over Galaxy's Edge any day of the week. I was there last September and loved it

[@honeysuckle754]

I personally liked the one hour plus version of this video from a year ago better, but the editing is the real glow up.

[@ItsameBS]

After a few rides of Rise you know what you get and it doesn't change. The main Potter rides are better and you continue to notice something new.

[@jacklevenberg4591]

Love the AllEars videos! Would love a video on what you miss out on in the queues of certain rides if you do Lightning Lane instead of standby. For our honeymoon next year, we're going to try to maximize Genie+, but don't want to miss out on any fun theming/experiences/pre-shows that you can only get in the standby queues. Thanks for all of your hard work, it makes planning so much easier!

[@redflamearrow7113]

Yes, we definitely need this!! We've been wanting you to do this for ages.

[@krfsdad]

Harry Potter Hands down. Star Wars has one decent ride, Rise. that constantly breaks down, you pay extra to just ride it but you have to get lucky at 7an to even get close to ride it. Oh wait,you could wait 4 hours and still not ride it in the queue. $ 300 light saber that lights up versus a $ 45 wand that interacts all over the worlds. Please. I'm just glad Disney didn't get Harry, we'd have had a one ride cute place with 6 hour waits for it.

[@stacyscooby8488]

I love both Star Wars and Harry Potter can’t pick favorite they are amazing 🤩

[@Molbyone]

The answer is easy. Wizarding World takes the cake

[@justinpatrick7899]

Really fun video. I enjoyed it a lot. I give HP the nod in everything because my wife & I are both huge HP fans & neither of us cares about Star Wars at all (gasp lol). But I will admit that the Stars Wars land is impressive even if you aren't a fan.

[@newellgster]

Not even close. Universal killed it and Harry Potter wins by a large margin. Disney is a big sales job - seriosouly, one giant attempt to sell you items that have little or nothing to do with the films - universal is better all around with respect to capturing the world of Harry Potter and the food and entertainment of the books/films. Galaxy's Edge is just nowhere near as strong or cohesive.

[@tombursch9928]

My son's and I love star wars, and on our way home from Florida, we came up with numerous better ideas than galaxies edge. It was good, but should have been way better. They were handcuffed by three very average sequel movies with characters most don't connect with.

[@ericahall9905]

I’m a Massive Star Wars fan but Wizarding world wins hands down.

[@MissMyMusicAddiction]

UO knocked it out with DA. Galaxy's Edge is cool, just not as cool. Nighttime is when DA really shines.

[@SabrinaLatoya]

Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron 🙌🏾 best food we had our entire trip. Galaxy’s edge doesn’t even come close and I was not all that impressed with Rise!

[@arianastevens6662]

You should make an updated video where you try to get all the autographs available in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios now that they can do it again

[@Sabrina.C.217]

I really felt Quincy's merchandise/shopping existential crisis. 😆

[@KevinMeno2008]

Fun fact: John Williams composed the theme songs to both Star Wars & Harry Potter, even though in the Wizarding World he only composed the score for Years 1 (Sorcerer's Stone), 2 (Chamber Of Secrets), and 3 (The Prisoner Of Azkaban).

[@mde8097]

Love Duckfist's tshirt. This is the way.

[@iloveslotvideos1188]

Content request: could you all do a video on fun poses for photo pass pics as a solo traveler. Also for families I guess but I am a solo traveler and my pics never look as cute as you guys! I’m

[@Jennifer-uv7kp]

I can't wait to go to both parks and make up my own mind. I have a feeling its going to be the Wizarding World! Team Slytherin!! Going to Universal this fall for HHN! More Harry Potter stuff please!! Shout out to Molly

[@koolaid3816]

I gotta say, my kids love Star Wars and are disappointed that it’s not stuff they know from the movies. They like Galaxy’s Edge but they always comment on that. We don’t have a dog in this fight because we’ve never seen Harry Potter 😬. But I will say we always say man we gotta watch these movies because this land looks so cool, everytime we go

[@queenblacc4579]

I put off riding Hagrid’s because I thought it might be overhyped and was blown away when I rode it. I was excited to ride Rise, only waited about 30 minutes and found it sort of….forgettable? I’m not taking away from the detail or theming, it was impressive. But I’ve skipped it pretty much whenever I’ve gone back. I was more impressed with Slinky dog somehow.

[@juliemarienau4646]

I relate so hard to Duckfist sometimes ...Vibes lol

[@brianpatry6362]

Wait, Tales of Beedle The Bard is doing Fountain of Fair Fortune again? When I was there in January they weren't because Rowling's lawyers were arguing they didn't have the rights to the other Beedle The Bard stories due to only The Three Brothers having been shown in the movies. Was this settled and Fountain of Fair Fortune officially back?

[@GLJosh]

I wonder if they compared the California versions? DL Galaxy Edge vs Universal Studios Hollywood might be a 1 to 1 comparison.

[@alanarapacz1882]

Alan! Mr too! LOTR, HP and Star Wars (OG) ❤ 😊

[@nicolelechman609]

A ronto wrap is a $15 hot dog in a pita bread.... they used to have an amazing chicken wrap and got rid of it

[@wakeupscreaming9883]

I'm a prequel and OT Star Wars fan, but The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just done so well. Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley are in separate parks, (and whatever 3rd world they create in Epic Universe), and the immersive worlds ignite the imagination -- and i'm not even a diehard Harry Potter fan. They put a smile on your face. For Star Wars, if the prequel trilogy, Original trilogy and sequel Disney trilogy were 3 separate children, it's like a parent is favouring only one child, and neglecting the other 2. Who would do such a thing? In other words, the land was created with no love for the entire brand -- contempt for the other 2 step-children that have been locked away underneath the stairwell, like Harry Potter. And you can feel it. Galaxy's Edge looks dreary and depressing. They should have built Galaxy's Edge in Disney Springs with all the expensive lightsabers and droid shops and outrageously priced hotel, and called it a day.

[@MamyShmerman]

Also I don't think it's valid to compare Hagrid's (TM) to Rise. One is a launch coaster with themed elements, the other is a trackless dark ride, they fall in entirely separate ride categories. Although maybe I'm a bit biased. I recently rode Hagrid's front row, motorbike side, at night, and it was one of the most thrilling and memorable ride experiences I've ever had. It really feels like magic- and I usually prefer dark rides to coasters.

[@jrios29]

I always find it funny that Molly always overlooks the fact that Galaxy's Edge has waaaaay more Easter eggs then the Wizarding World. Just because she doesn't get them, doesn't mean they aren't there! She's a huge Harry Potter fan so she gets the references. Same thing applies to Star Wars fans that goto Galaxy's Edge. I love both of them though! They are both great for what they represent. 😁

[@brettdudenhoeffer3405]

While I love both IPs I like Star Wars better. That being said, Harry Potter World is better hands down and it isn’t even close.

[@memoirsinmotion]

Wizarding World for the win!!I I can't wait for Universal's Epic Universe to open. I wonder what the part of the Wizarding World will be brought to life there?!?!

[@MacKennaSkye]

Yes 🙌 Pumpkin juice is the best!!

[@amy_soucy]

Disney needs a few lessons from Universal. (When the teacher becomes the student.)

[@SuperMetalhead96]

Something to consider. If you live closer to California, half the stuff that is said about Wizarding World in here doesn't apply. Having only been to Universal California, that Wizarding World seems to be a very downgraded version. It's just Hotsmead with 2 rides, and I only think 1 of them is worth your time. Galaxy's Edge, however, is very consistent between the two locations. You won't feel like you're missing out of you go to one location over the other like you will with Wizarding World.

[@ItsameBS]

Potter easily. Galaxy's Edge doesn't even take place in the same series that people like most.

[@kayajackson50]

Awesome episode. I like the overall look of Star Wars but Harry Potter wins for me. It’s more fun and Harry Potter has better food and things to do!

[@espo221b]

You can't see Darth Vader in "Star Wars Land". That's an automatic win for Harry Potter land. Give me The Wizarding World any day.

[@lovestodive1879]

I've never been to Wizarding World, have considered taking a trip to Universal just for that but I'd have to buy two tickets and that seems like a lot of money. I can't ride roller coasters or 3D rides so there wouldn't be much else for me to do there. I have been known to not even step foot in Galaxy's Edge during a trip. I've seen the Harry Potter movies and thought they were cute but have not read the books. I've seen the OG Star Wars movies, you know Han and Leia and Luke and have seen one of the newer ones so not a huge fan (I just like Harrison Ford and Chewie).

[@sherrillmichealson3469]

Harry Potter. And the train is my favorite part!

[@UNRENDERED_]

I feel like universal definitely goes harder than disneyworld with everything lol little kids will disagree

[@sandrawillis8686]

Just wish Universal was more size inclusive! 🙃

[@halfassfashion]

You gotta pay the troll toll to get in.

[@GLJosh]

Wizarding World-live scenes from the movies/books vs Galaxy Edge-Star Wars themed area based in-between two mediocre SW movies.

[@outatime8560]

The Wizard World is way better than Galaxy’s Edge. Being in a place you have seen in the movies and read about in the books is so much better than being in a made up land. If Disney made Tatooine this would be a much harder decision for me.

[@snarksquirreltastic367]

I've never been to either, but I wish Galaxy's Edge was Tattoine, not Tattoine Lite. I want to see Darth Vader, not a wannabe like Kylo Ren. I'm not a huge HP fan, but the idea of walking INTO the movies sounds amazing to me.

[@sarahssoloadventures582]

This isn’t even a contest! Harry Potter all day long!

[@trev9749]

Wasn't there a similar video to this a while back? Seems like this channel is just rehashing old videos

[@nicolelechman609]

The hype on Rise of the Resistance has gone over my head. I liked it, but it basically Ratatouille but a little better... Its a good ride, but man is it over hyped

[@jeremyharris1547]

Being that I was 4 when Stars Wars debuted and collecting all the figurines and buliding the sets by hand, actually making my own Tattoine and degobah play sets, yeah we were resourceful. When i walked into Battuu and saw that B-E-A-UTIFUL HUNK OF JUNK in the Galaxy kind of made me nostalgic for the play sets. Can I appreciate HP and Hogwarts, surely. But i give the nod to galaxy edge.

[@nicoleacosta5545]

"Gaxy Edge" lol

[@jeremyharris1547]

@@nicoleacosta5545 fixed it! Big fingers, little bitty buttons! Like Genie, the good blue one's living space!

[@nicoleacosta5545]

You are awesome but now it says gaxaly instead of Galaxy! Love this! Can I say that you made my day? I have been a bit depressed and lonely so this interaction with you has cheered me up considerably.

[@jeremyharris1547]

@@nicoleacosta5545 double fixed, i am glad i could make you smile and enjoynthe day.

[@ricanvibez]

As a fan of both, it’s Harry Potter by a good bit.

[@MamyShmerman]

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, Galaxy's Edge is visually kind of ugly. The Wizarding World is beautiful. Plus the Wizarding World has three rides to Galaxy's two, and one of those is a glorified filler attraction. Wizarding World wins.

[@cc1526]

Can’t forget flight of the hippogryth (spelling? Lol) and the train both ways! So really, it’s 3 amazing rides, one pretty good kids ride, and one family ride that doubles as transportation compared to one amazing ride in galaxies edge and one glorified filler attraction 😆

[@MamyShmerman]

@@yahitxa Oh yeah, I guess it would. I'm not sure why it slipped my mind.

[@SelfishKun]

Wait times are better at universal than at rise

[@amitsingal2856]

Love both IPs but probably more of a Star Wars fan I like both parks but galaxy’s edge is nowhere near wizarding world in my opinion

[@sunnyd663]

Accio all the Harry Potter. Since Molly dropped bombs that us 1985 babies had our Hogwarts letters lost in the mail its been game over. Life has new meaning.

[@JonDayattheparks]

Harry Potter wins hands down....if you haven't ridden Hagrid's your opinion is not valid, there I said it!

[@subzippo]

Every time I see Celestina Warbeck she looks radically different from the last time.

[@rodstephx3]

Hogwards express as a cash grab? ... and buying a disney park hopper ticket that allows you to only visit other parks after 2 isnt? Yikes lol sorry but universal wins it for me and I'm not even a harry potter fan 🤣

[@nickcervenka8756]

Wizarding world is so much better, for what it does for the Fandom than SW, it's not even funny

[@amykathleen2005]

Unpopular opinion I wasn't too impressed by rise

[@TheGreatPinkPillow27]

I've only been to Galaxy Edge, and as a real Star Wars fan, it was amazing! And I had fun. I have no need to go to the other park. Because all I need to do to have a "magical experience" I will just go to my local Renaissance fair. You see, Harry Potter can easily be..."copy". Star wars on the other hand cannot be.🥰🌌

[@EPiche09]

It's a trap. There's no coke in star wars.

[@xatuyou8045]

Neither of those are the correct names

[@tylersmith9528]

Disney in general is unmatched by Universal…but to even try to put Harry Potter world in the same conversation as Galaxy’s Edge is blasphemy. From story, to food, to attractions, to experiences…lol stop it. There is no comparison to even be made. Galaxy’s Edge >

[@wakeupscreaming9883]

Universal Studios in LA started out as a studio tour of actual movie sets. Disney started out as a theme park, and never shot movies there. The two parks started in completely different places, so the comparisons aren't really fair. I'd argue Universals newer attractions are on par with Disney.

[@theservantsofthesoul1606]

Me and my band produced a Star Wars punk-rock song in Chicago that is a spin on "The Empire Strikes Back". Please click on our sleeping tiger icon to possibly give it a listen. It is called "Lightsaber Language".

[@Hubgrass]

Harry Potter is better. There, I saved you 20 minutes. 😆

[@kyogresfunchannel]

Thanks, I mean They Said that for the interactions in HP lands, Universal wants you to pay money, which sure but a $40 wand is better than nothing with walking characters and being on your phone.

[@SasquatchChief]

Sorry Star Wars but Harry Potter has cast a hex on you. Having to spend two and half hours or longer waiting in line for Rise outside under the sun crushes any new hope of bludgering Harry Potter and Hagrid’s. If your actions in picking the First Order over the Resistance mattered, maybe I’d rate it higher. Blue milk might be worse than eating Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. It’s definitely worse than Butterbeer by at least 15 parsecs.

[@disneylover751]

I know this is probably a hot take, but I effing HATE JK Rowling and HP. I’m hopelessly loyal to all things Disney. That will always win in my book.

[@camrynbell5060]

Uhm can we get Universal on the phone bc Molly your really on to something here with the Potions Class bar. 🤩 🧪 🍹