Universal Orlando Reveal More Secrets of Harry Potter Diagon Alley !

The new Universal Orlando Blog reveal the amazing entertainment and interactive experiences you’ll find when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opens this summer at Universal Studios Florida.

Starting by "catching a live performance by a popular singing sorceress; seeing The Tales of Beedle the Bard come to life with a goose bump-inducing show performed by a troupe of four from the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts; seeing the banter between the Knight Bus Conductor and a shrunken head; and exchanging your Muggle currency for Wizarding Bank Notes while meeting a Gringotts goblin."

"It will begin when you'll step through the archway in the brick wall into Diagon Alley, take a right at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and enter the bustling shopping area called Carkitt Market. That’s where you’ll find two live shows performed daily that will captivate fans of all ages."

"The first show will bring to life two fables from The Tales of Beedle the Bard – “The Fountain of Fair Fortune” and “The Tale of the Three Brothers” (which was featured in the seventh film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1”). Performed by a troupe of four from the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts, this trunk show uses scenic pieces, props and puppetry fabricated by Emmy-award-winning designer Michael Curry."

"The second show features a musical performance by the ever-popular singing sensation of the wizarding world and one of Molly Weasley’s personal favorites, The Singing Sorceress: Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. With a whole lot of soul, this swinging show will feature never-before heard songs including “A Cauldron Full Of Hot, Strong Love,” “You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart” and “You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me” – all titles created by J.K. Rowling. The lyrics also contain never-before-revealed information about Celestina’s wand – written by J.K. Rowling for Pottermore."

"In London, you’ll happen upon the Knight Bus and its two permanent occupants: a shrunken head and the Knight Bus Conductor, who will be more than happy to chat, joke around and take photos with you before you begin your journey into Diagon Alley."

"Before you do your shopping for all the wizarding essentials in Diagon Alley, make sure to stop by Gringotts Money Exchange. Here you’ll be able to exchange your Muggle currency for Wizarding Bank Notes, which can be used within both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade (as well as the rest of our two theme parks) to purchase snacks and items from the shops. And there will be a Gringotts goblin who will be overseeing your transaction…"

"And, of course, Diagon Alley wouldn’t be complete without Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, where you can step inside the small, dusty shop to experience firsthand the magical moment when a wand chooses a wizard, reminiscent of one of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter books and films."

Pictures and text: copyright Universal Studios

Universal Orlando Unveil Hogwarts Express Scenes !

In addition to yesterday's video showing the Goblins of the Gringotts Bank Universal Orlando released another preview video unveiling some of the scenes that guests will see during their trip aboard the Hogwarts Express!

Here are some HD screen captures, first a picture of the locomotive...

Then, of some of the scenes, including Hagrid, the Hippogriff, the blue double decker bus in the streets of London, and more...

Also include in the video a series of digital renderings, some never seen before and showing Diagon Alley...

O-kay, time to watch the video, isn't it?




Pictures and video: copyright Universal Studios

Universal Orlando Harry Potter Diagon Alley Event ! Now Updated With New High-Res Pictures and Live Event Presentation Video !

Universal Orlando did the awaited Live Event about Harry Potter Diagon Alley this morning and released plenty of new renderings, the ones you were waiting for! And this article is now updated with 15 new high-res pics and the 9 min video of the Live Preview presentation!

So, never before has a theme park created a guest experience like this: you will climb aboard the Hogwarts Express in Hogsmeade and moments later arrive at King’s Cross Station – where the wonders of London and Diagon Alley will unfold before you.  And it will be all real.

When guests will arrive in front of the impressive London facade they might recognize  some of them: King’s Cross Station, Charing Cross Road, Grimmauld Place, Leicester Square Station, Wyndham’s Theatre...

...and the famous Eros Fountain from Piccadilly Circus. The purple Knight Bus will be there too with an interactive inside including a taking schrunken head with a Caribbean accent!

The event was introduced by Mark Woodburry, President of Universal Creative, along with actors from the Harry potter movies. Mark was talking from the Gringotts bank vaults, and my guess is that it was filmed in one of the decor of the ride pre-show walk-through.

Then, Thierry Coup, Senior Vice-President Studio Creative told us more about the Hogwarts Express. After arriving at King’s Cross Station aboard the Hogwarts Express, guests will pass through London and the iconic brick wall archway from the films into Diagon Alley – a bustling, wizarding hub within a Muggle city. There will be shops, dining experiences, and the new ride called "Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts" – a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional journey that will take theme park attractions to a new level: 

Guests will board the Hogwarts Express and journey between London’s King’s Cross Station ( picture above ) which will be a replica of the real one in London with the famous 9 3/4 track - and Hogsmeade Station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure ( picture below ). The journey will be filled with virtual views of London and the British countryside – as well as a few surprises. Park-to-park admission will be required. 

Actually, Thierry Coup was filmed inside one of the wagon of the Hogwarts Express, the same one in which guests will make the trip to Hogsmeade Station!

He was joined in the wagon by Evanna Lynch, who portrays Luna Lovegood in the movies.

But if instead to go to Hogsmeade guests choose to stay in Diagon Alley they will enter through a special pathway looking like the parting of bricks that you've sen in the films when Hagrid let Harry potter get inside the area. And, yes, apparently the dragon will stand at the top of Gringoots bank!

Here are others shots of Diagon Alley, from the virtual movie shown during the presentation.

Then, guests will rush to 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! 

Universal didn't said a lot today about the ride itself, keeping surprises for later, but here are two renderings, the first one - now in high-res, below, showing what could be the departure scene of the ride...

I'm sure you want to have a closer look at the ride vehicle...

And also this one, showing an amazing scene during the ride which sure will be a BIG E-Ticket ride!

There will be much more to see in Diagon Alley, where guests will find plenty of shops and eateries:

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

Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops. An expanded version of the one at Hogsmeade village in which guests can witness the magical experience of a wand choosing a wizard.

A closer look at the shop...

Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses.

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.

But also: Leaky Cauldron - Serving traditional British fare such as fish and chips and bangers and mash.

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

Magical Menagerie, which features a collection of plush animals, such as owls and Hippogriffs

Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses

Quality Quidditch Supplies, offering a wide assortment of apparel and equipment including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more

Scribbulus, featuring authentic writing implements and products such as feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards

And, finally, 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!

Now, here is the full 9 min presentation of yesterday with even more infos about Diagon Alley!

For sure this new Diagon Alley will be awesome and just like you i can't wait for its opening this summer!

Pictures: copyright Universal Studios