

The ride begins with a dousing of Floo Powder from Hermione Granger, who asks the guests to say, 'Observatory' in order to transport them to their desired location, and the enchanted bench flies off through the Floo Network to the Astronomy Tower. Before continuing on, visitors receive a safety reminder from the Sorting Hat and several paintings in the next two rooms. Ron tries to cast a spell, which goes wrong, and one of several special effects, such as falling snow, is triggered.

In the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Harry, Ron, and Hermione appear from under the Invisibility Cloak, urging guests to meet them in the Room of Requirement in order to sneak everyone down to a Quidditch match. In the Headmaster's office, Professor Dumbledore extends a warm welcome to all Muggles, informing them that Professor Binns is hosting a lecture on the history of the school. As guests proceed throughout the hallways, they encounter replicas of the rooms of Hogwarts castle, including the Headmaster's office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and the Gryffindor common room. Objects recognizable from the series include the Mirror of Erised, the Hogwarts House Jewels, and talking portraits, which feature the founders of Hogwarts. Passengers enter through the castle doors, go to the lockers, queue outside in the green house and then enter the back castle doors. To enter the ride, guests walk through the gates of Hogwarts and begin their journey in the dungeons where they see items featured in the movies and books.
