Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment released new concept renderings of the much-anticipated The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opening this summer at Universal Orlando Resort. Muggles will have the opportunity to ride the Hogwarts Express, travel to King’s Cross Station, and wander through Diagon Alley, experiencing the world of Harry Potter like never before.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be located at Universal Orlando’s Universal Studios, while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade is situated at Islands of Adventure theme park. The Hogsmeade attraction opened in 2010 and features the Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, and the Hogsmeade village.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will include “new experiences based on the signature areas of London, Diagon Alley, and Knockturn Alley.” Both the Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley parks were designed with the input of Stuart Craig and the Harry Potter films’ production team.
Here are the details on what Muggles can expect from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley:
· Board the Hogwarts Express and journey between London’s King’s Cross Station (located in Universal Studios Florida) and Hogsmeade Station (located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure). The journey will be filled with views of London and the British countryside – as well as a few surprises. Park-to-park admission is required.
· Experience a groundbreaking new, multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, which will place riders in the middle of an incredible adventure as they navigate their way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults
· Witness the magical experience of a wand choosing a wizard at Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops
· Discover the darker side of magic in Knockturn Alley, the darkest of dark places that features Borgin and Burkes – a shop specializing in the Dark Arts that will offer a wide variety of Dark objects, such as Death Eater masks, skulls, and other sinister items
· Explore some of Diagon Alley’s famous shops, including:
o Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a vibrant shop featuring novelty items, magical jokes, and toys inspired by the books and films that will amaze the mischievous child in everyone
o Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, where guests will find a variety of wizardwear from Hogwarts school uniform ties, scarves and jumpers, to authentic wizard’s robes and character costumes
o Magical Menagerie, which features a collection of plush animals, such as owls and Hippogriffs
o Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses
o Quality Quidditch Supplies, offering a wide assortment of apparel and equipment including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more
o Scribbulus, featuring authentic writing implements and products such as feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards
· Enjoy traditional British fare that includes favorite dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and more at the Leaky Cauldron
· Visit Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour for frozen treats in a variety of tantalizing and unique flavors such as strawberry-and-peanut-butter ice-cream and many others
