Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley Coming to Universal

Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment announced today The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area into Universal Studios Florida.

wizarding world diagon alley

© Universal Orlando Resort

A press release from Universal Orlando reads:

“Scheduled to open in 2014, the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Universal Orlando theme parks and allows Universal’s creative team to bring an unparalleled vision to this unique project. The new area will bring to life some of the experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films, offering brand-new adventures for fans and theme park guests from around the world.

Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, where guests now experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. The new area within Universal Studios will be just as expansive, immersive and authentic as the existing themed environment.

And – just like in the books and films – guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express.”

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Construction on the area is underway and has been for quite some time. The area replaces the Jaws attraction that closed in early 2012.

The new area will include shops, a restaurant and a roller coaster based on Gringotts bank. The Hogwarts Express train will travel through the backstage area of Universal Orlando as it transports guests between the two parks.

Several Universal Orlando executives gave their input on the new project:

“We are continuing the journey and adding an entirely new level of adventure,” said Tom Williams, Chairman of Universal Parks & Resorts. “And we are bringing the same drive, commitment, enthusiasm and innovation to this project as we did to the first.”

“Our vision is to create two amazing theme park experiences that combine into one, complete, magical journey,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president, marketing and sales for Universal Orlando Resort.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in June 2010 as a fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment – bringing to life the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and the blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros. Since that time, it has become a global phenomenon, entertaining millions of people from around the world.”

Expect more details on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley to be released over time.

What are your thoughts about this expansion? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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