New Details About Diagon Alley and Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando
12:26 PMOur family has loved exploring the world of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade at Universal Studios for the last few years. As a matter of fact, we were just here again this past December, and it never loses its magic for us. Now, Harry Potter fans like us have even more reason to head back to Universal Studios in Orlando. This summer, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley will be opening in Universal Studios. Not only that, but guests will also be able to experience a fully immersive ride on a very real Hogwarts Express for a complete park to park experience!
{Diagon Alley}
The new Diagon Alley addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be located in the Universal Studios park, and will feature key scenes from London, Diagon Alley and even the ever spooky Knockturn Alley. Here is just a sampling of what you will find in this newly themed area of the park.
· 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
{All Aboard the Hogwarts Express}
If all of the above weren't enough, Universal Orlando is going above and beyond to make an immersive experience for its guests. This summer, guests will be able to board a real live version of the Hogwarts Express complete with billowing smoke, views of the countryside and even dementors! You will be able to ride the Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure with your 2-park pass, and ride it all the way to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios. This is just any ride though, it is a true experience. Check it out!
· Being transported from the Muggle world to the wizarding world as you pass through the brick wall at King’s Cross Station to arrive at Platform 9 ¾
· Watching in amazement as the Hogwarts Express pulls into the station – its billowing steam and authentic whistle beckoning you to hop aboard
· Sitting in one of the train’s cabins with your family and friends and actually riding the Hogwarts Express – just as your favorite characters did in the Harry Potter films
· Looking outside your cabin window and enjoying a scenic, breathtaking journey through the British countryside as you encounter magical creatures, some of your favorite Harry Potter characters…and even Dementors…
18 comments
This sounds like so much fun! I wish I could plan a trip down there this summer!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so cool, we are heading there this weekend I can't wait until it is ready.
ReplyDeleteWe will be there later this year and can't wait! It looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteTHIS would make me want to head down there ... even with little ones!
ReplyDeleteExactly, seems adventurous, I will definitely make a trip to the Hogwards in upcoming trips.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds amazing. I so dream of visiting one day!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like so much fun. I hope to go see it one day. I know my kids and husband would love to explore through all of this.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun...I wanna Go!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an amazing experience!
ReplyDeleteMy older four would love this, come to think of it all my kids would :)
ReplyDeleteI have got to go back, we went last year and loved it!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to head back to Orlando. We are hoping to make a trip in October!
ReplyDeleteSo looking forward to going to Universal Orlando again this Summer! I want to ride the Hogwarts Express! ~Toni~
ReplyDeleteThis entire area of Universal looks like a must see for any Harry Potter fan!
ReplyDeleteI would love to take our son to Universal and let him experience this!
ReplyDeleteI'm going back in August and I'm so excited to see the new changes. It was so busy last time that I didn't even get to try butter beer. Gasp.
ReplyDeleteI still have not gone there yet! I really want to.
ReplyDeleteOh it's going to be just stunning! I so want to go. I know Landon would love that train!
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