Ready to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express? Well, now you can. Well, not quite yet, but later this summer, as Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment prepare to give “Harry Potter” fans an expansion to their popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The new addition, Diagon Alley, includes a groundbreaking ride, themed shops, and dining.
Diagon Alley will double the size of the area already dedicated to Harry Potter in the Islands of Adventure Theme Park, and it will be located in the Universal Studios theme park. Hogwarts Express will connect the two parks, allowing guests to travel between them.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened in 2010, and it is home to Hogwarts castle and the village of Hogsmeade. The Diagon Alley section will of course feature Diagon Alley as well as London and Knockturn Alley.
Universal’s creative team has worked closely with Stuart Craig, the production designer of the “Harry Potter” films, to maintain the authenticity and look of the franchise.
Guests will be able to:
- Board the Hogwarts Express and journey between King’s Cross Station and Hogsmeade Station.
- Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional thrill ride through the perils of Gringotts vaults.
- Enjoy British foods at The Leaky Cauldron, as well as:
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·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
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·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
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·Explore some of Diagon Alley’s famous shops, including:
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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
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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
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Magical Menagerie, which features a collection of plush animals, such as owls and Hippogriffs
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Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses
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Quality Quidditch Supplies, offering a wide assortment of apparel and equipment including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more
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Scribbulus, featuring authentic writing implements and products such as feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards
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I may have to get down to Orlando to visit Universal Studios, though I’m still a bit sore they took out the “Jaws” ride. Still, the new expansion sounds exciting, and I think any fan of the “Harry Potter” series will love the additions.
