Hogwarts Express conductor performed by women for the first time at Universal Orlando

Hogwarts Express History

Earlier this week, women made their debut in the character role of the Hogwarts Express conductor at Universal Islands of Adventure. We believe this to be the first time in The Wizarding World’s 14-year history that the conductor has been performed by women.

Upon stepping into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, guests encounter a (stationary) Hogwarts Express train car, often flanked by the train’s conductor. This in-universe character is happy to chat with visitors about all things trains, Hogsmeade, and Hogwarts. Since the June 2010 opening of The Wizarding World, the conductor has been a man. Going forward, the role will alternate day to day among genders.

This change reflects the Hogwarts Express character performer, not the team members operating the actual Hogwarts Express attraction. That ride — which opened in 2014 and travels between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida — has never instated gender limitations.

Universal’s official blog advises guests to check the Universal Orlando app for the conductor’s set times, though we don’t see the schedule listed there at the time of this writing, so you might need some Felix Felicis (liquid luck) to meet the conductor for yourself.

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