Universal stirs up more magic
The new Harry Potter area opening at Universal Orlando Resort this summer, called Diagon Alley, will offer fans a new thrill ride themed on Gringotts bank from the Harry Potter book series, along with more than a half-dozen eateries and shops selling wands and other souvenirs.
But its location will also require tickets for both of Universal Orlando’s theme parks if guests want to see the new and original Harry Potter attractions.
Diagon Alley will open at the Universal Studios park. The original Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, which opened in 2010, is located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. The two areas will be connected by a train called Hogwarts Express.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind two-park experience that will completely immerse you in the story,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative.
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are part of the Universal Orlando Resort theme park, but guests can choose to buy tickets for one without the other if they don’t want to visit both.
The new ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, described as Diagon Alley’s “marquee” attraction, will be an indoor ride through Gringotts’ bank vaults.
Universal describes the rich level of detail at Diagon Alley as “theatrical reality,” with shops selling souvenirs drawn from the Harry Potter books such as supplies for Quidditch, a game played on broomsticks.
In addition to a previously announced eatery called the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley will include Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, where fans can nosh on Harry Potter’s favourite ice cream.
Among other new shops in Diagon Alley:
Borgin and Burke’s, a shop devoted to “Dark Arts” that sells masks, skulls and other “sinister items.”
Quality Quidditch Supplies, for Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats and Quaffles — all used to play the game from the book and movie.
Scribbulus, which will sell feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards.