The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley Is Coming!!
Attention Harry Potter fans and all other Muggles!! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley is coming to Universal Studios Florida. Opening on July 8th, Diagon Alley is an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter set in Universal Studios Florida nearby the existing Harry Potter attractions of Hogswort and Hogsmeade in the Islands Of Adventure Park. The two areas are connected by the Hogswort Express, but more on that later.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley starts at the Muggle version of a London waterfront which completely masks the magical Diagon Alley, Gringotts Bank and the rest of the attraction. You will find King’s Cross Station which houses the terminus of the Hogswort Express. You’ll also see the Black family home which also served as the meeting place for the Order of the Phoenix at 12 Grimmauld Place, the Eros Fountain from Piccadilly Circus and a full size replica of the Knight Bus which Harry rode in the Prisoner of Azkaban. Finally you’ll see Leicester Square which houses the entrance to Diagon alley.
Once through the moving brick wall you’ll find yourself in the magical world of Diagon Alley, an exact replica of the movie and book versions. You’ll see a variety of shops and eateries on either side leading to Gringotts Bank at the far end. The famous Leaky Cauldron has been exactingly recreated and serves traditional English fare such as bangers and mash and fish and chips. Other dining choices include Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlor featuring such wizarding world flavors as butterbeer ice cream, chocolate chili ice cream as well as a host of more muggle style flavors. There are also a number of shops including Quality Quidditch Supplies offering sweaters, brooms and other Quidditch props, Madam Malkin’s Robes For Al Occasions for the discriminating witch or wizard searching for a new robe, and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, an exact duplicate of the three story shop featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. And definitely not to be forgotten, you’ll be able to go into Ollivander’s Wand Shop, purchase a wand and cast spells at various specified locations throughout Diagon Alley.
For those wizarding fans with a darker streak, Diagon Alley wouldn’t be complete without a walk down Knockturn Alley. Perpetually in the dark you’ll be able to explore Borgin and Burkes where you can buy a Death Eater mask and other dark magic items.
The centerpiece of the Diagon Alley experience is Gringotts Bank with it’s huge fire breathing dragon perched open its’ top. Upon entering the bank you’ll see goblins working away and finally you’ll come to the entrance to one of the most incredible rides ever, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. You’ll sit down in a car similar to those ridden by Harry and company in Part 2 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The ride itself is a spectacular combination of roller coaster, dark ride and 3D technologies as you navigate the underground vaults of Gringotts Bank and see many characters both good and evil as well as magical creatures in the depths.
When you emerge from Gringotts, hopefully whole and unscathed, you’ll be able to explore two entirely new streets Horizont Alley and Carkitt Market. These brand new areas were named and designed with the help of Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling herself and include more shops and a space for stage productions of fables from The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
Once you’re ready to leave Diagon Alley you can go to Kings Cross Station back on the waterfront and board the Hogswort Express to Hogsmeade Station inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. You’ll need a Park-To-Park ticket to get to Hogsmeade and Hogswort. You won’t be able to see outside the train as you travel. Instead you’ll see landscapes, scenes and characters from Harry Potter stories through the windows as you travel to Hogsmeade and a whole different set of scenes on the return trip to Kings Cross Station.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida is a spectacular addition to the already incredible Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Now Harry Potter attractions span both parks connected by the Hogswort Express. The excitement level is being ratcheted up to nearly unbearable levels. There’s no doubt that the Universal Studios Parks are a must see for any trip to Orlando.
Don’t forget to book your trip with Jenn at Destinations in Florida. Jenn and all the experienced agents there are always ready to give you the most accurate and up to date information as well as help you plan the perfect trip to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruises and other great destinations. And remember, working with your own travel professional is always free. Isn't it time for you to discover Diagon Alley?
