Universal Orlando Resort revealed more details today about the upcoming expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The themed environment will double the size of the area already dedicated to Harry Potter's adventures at Universal Orlando, expanding it across both Universal theme parks.
And - as in the books and films - guests will be able to travel between the two aboard the iconic Hogwarts Express. After arriving at King's Cross Station, 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.
Orlando Attractions Magazine has details:
As part of the expansion, Zonko's Joke Shop in Hogsmeade will be closing to make room for an expansion of Honeyduke's. The stationary Hogwarts Express locomotive will be staying at its current spot in Hogsmeade.<br/><br/>No opening date was announced, but more details about the experiences that can be found in Diagon Alley will be released over time.
There will be shops, dining and a 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.
Here's a list of new attractions:
- 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.
Among the shops:
- 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
- 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.
Restaurants like the Leaky Cauldron will serve traditional British food like fish and chips, bangers and mash, etc. The ice cream parlor Florean Fortesque's will sell unique flavors, among them is strawberry-and-peanut butter.
Diagon Alley opens this summer. Click here to learn more.
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