The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley

[Unagi]

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES: THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER – DIAGON ALLEY IS COMING TO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT.

Building on the global phenomenon that is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced an expansion of historic proportion with the entirely new themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

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.”

 

[Ben]

Talk about coming out of left field.....

 

[Unagi]

^Not really.

This was the worst kept secret in Universal Orlando history! LOL

 

[Ben]

I meant the announcement in general, An unannounced Wednesday Morning in May?

 

[Zachary]

Does it matter? Everyone already knew everything they needed to about the actual area addition. The big story here is the attractions that are coming along with it. I'd expect a ton more fanfare around them.

 

[Unagi]

I meant the announcement in general, An unannounced Wednesday Morning in May?

This happens all the time in the amusement industry. Parks announce when ever they want and they don't have to tell you beforehand.

When The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was first announced in 2007 it happened on a Thursday morning in May. How is this new announcement any different from that?

 

[Ben]

I guess I just wasn't expecting an announcement till after transformers opens.

 

[James]

So what we have is shops, a restaurant, and a dark ride?

 

[Pretzel Kaiser]

Uni needs to hurry up and announce the new JP stuff...

 

[Zachary]

So what we have is shops, a restaurant, and a dark ride?

That Darkride sounds Forbidden Journey-level major. Also, lets not forget about the train. Something tells me that'll be near an e-ticket on its own.

 

[Unagi]

So what we have is shops, a restaurant, and a dark ride?

That Darkride sounds Forbidden Journey-level major. Also, lets not forget about the train. Something tells me that'll be near an e-ticket on its own.

This!

When I went in January I couldn't believe the size of the building after only seeing it in pictures beforehand. That is gonna be the marquee attraction of that park!

 

[Ben]

So what we have is shops, a restaurant, and a dark ride?

That Darkride sounds Forbidden Journey-level major. Also, lets not forget about the train. Something tells me that'll be near an e-ticket on its own.

Rumors are saying train will be E-ticket.

 

[pandorazboxx]

I thought the Gringotts ride was going to be some kind of indoor coaster (mine cart-style). I love that there is going to be a big fire breathing dragon in the middle.

Also the train ride itself is going to be a ride experience on it's own.

 

[CoolDrMoney]

So what happens to Ollivander's, which is currently located (incorrectly) in Hogsmeade? Do they reconstruct it over on Diagon Alley and put something else in its place in the village?

A Diagon Alley without Ollivander's would be like an Adventureland with no Jungle Cruise.

 

[Ben]

Could defiantly see an expansion of Dervish and Banges into Ollivanders and a bigger, grander Ollivanders experience taking place in phase 2.

I'm hoping for a Weasly Wizard Wheezes, flourish and Blots, the ice cream place, leaky cauldron, Madame malkins, and a walk through experience in Borgin and Burkes.

 

[Unagi]

So what happens to Ollivander's, which is currently located (incorrectly) in Hogsmeade? Do they reconstruct it over on Diagon Alley and put something else in its place in the village?

A Diagon Alley without Ollivander's would be like an Adventureland with no Jungle Cruise.

It wouldn't surprise if they left the one in Hogsmeade AND opened another in Diagon Alley considering the amount of money that place makes for the park. It's a huge revenue stream for them and having one in each park would only double that.

 

[Ben]

No way JK will allow ^this(she gets final say on everything)

 

[Unagi]

^They have kiosks that sells wands scattered throughout Hogsmeade.

She probably doesn't like that but they're there.

Money talks with those wands and they will certainly be sold in each park.

 

[Shane]

One of the Orlando Blogs stated Olivander's stays in Hogsmead and a new one with 4 "Show Rooms" opens in London. I can't remember the site.

 

[Unagi]

One of the Orlando Blogs stated Olivander's stays in Hogsmead and a new one with 4 "Show Rooms" opens in London. I can't remember the site.

It makes sense financially. The Orlando parks are all about money and the wands are one of the most popular souvenir items sold there. So it makes sense to have a location in each park sell them. Plus, you have to think about the people that are only gonna pay to visit one park. It would be stupid of them too have those sold in either IOA or the Studios and not both.