Full Look at the Wizarding World of Hary Potter- Diagon Alley

By Zach Cooper

On July 8th, 2014, Universal Orlando opened up Diagon Alley, an expansion to the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter.



HOGWARTS EXPRESS: In the Harry Potter film trilogy, Hogwarts students are taken to the castle by boarding the Hogwarts Express. In order to make it onto the train, the characters must enter Platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross Station. To do this, you have to run directly into a stone wall, in the center of Platform 9 and 10.


Universal Creative was able to bring this to life in Diagon Alley. Soon after you run through the wall, you board onto the Hogwarts Express, identical to film.
 

 

On the trip, the windows feature many characters and tributes to the film. Though not all the characters are one your good side.

 

The Hogwarts Express takes you on a trip directly from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade or from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley. Requires a ticket to both parks.
 

 

A full POV of the attraction courtesy of Inside the Magic.

 

 

 

 

 

HARRY POTTER AND THE ESCAPE FROM GRINGOTTS: A true example of the future of theme park attractions is for sure this ride.
 

 

The attraction is located in the center of Diagon Alley, with a large dragon on the top. Very often the dragon blows real flames into the air.

 

 

A walkthrough of the queue courtesy of Inside the Magic.

Inside the queue, you get to see many goblins working hard on wizard deposits and banking. The lobby's main centerpiece is a large chandelier.

 

 

These goblin animatronics are very similar to the ones in the film and look so real.

 

The ride vehicle is a replica of the train that took Harry Potter to his vault in the film. Each vehicle seats 12 people.

 

 

Above is an on-ride snapshot courtesy of Universal Orlando. The real attraction is not allowed to be filmed, as it is in 3D. Inside the attraction you go on a wild ride through the vaults, encountering the films villains and heroes.




KNOCKTURN ALLEY: An offset path from Diagon Alley leads you to the dark world of Knockturn Alley. By using the interactive wands, you transform yourself from muggle to wizard. With just one spell, you can make anything happen. Also inside is a small store with purchasable dark arts merchandise.
 

 

A video walkthrough of Knockturn Alley courtesy of Inside the Magic.

 

 

 

 

WEASLEYS' WIZARD WHEEZES: Inside is a fun and crazy joke shop. In the movie, it is owned by the Weasley twins: George and Fred. Some items are available for purchase.
 

 

A video walkthrough of the shop courtesy of Behind the Thrills.

 

 

 

 

OLLIVANDERS WAND SHOP:

 

 

Video courtesy of Inside the Magic.

 

Ollivanders is both a show and gift shop. In the show, an Ollivander employee helps find a wand for a wizard. There are many special effects that go into this. You can also purchase a wand in the gift shop. The interactive wands are also sold here.

 

 

 

 

 

SINGING SORCERESS- CELESTINA WARBECK & THE BANSHEES: This musical performance is a fun jazz routine.

 

 

 

There is so much else in Diagon Alley, this post could go on forever. There are many other shops and even another show! Diagon Alley opened today, July 8th at Universal Studios Florida.

 

 

Sources:

-Images © 2014 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.

 These images though can be traced back to other websites.

-Videos courtesy of  Inside the Magic and Behind the Thrills.

-Information courtesy of Inside the Magic and Universal Orlando.

-Images traced from Relive the Adventure.