[Glenn.]

‘London’ and Diagon Alley Will Come to Life at Universal Orlando in 2014
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.
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And – just like in the books and films – guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express.

Work on the new area is already underway. When complete, it will feature shops, a restaurant and an innovative, marquee attraction based on Gringotts bank – all directly inspired by the fiction and films.

More details on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be released over time.

To bring Diagon Alley and ‘London’ to life, Universal’s creative team is working closely with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films – just as it did for Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

"I'm so pleased that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has proved so popular to date, and I'm sure that the attention to detail in creating the new Diagon Alley area will make this an even better experience," said J.K. Rowling.

“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.”

“We are thrilled to offer the legions of fans the opportunity to embark on this new journey and experience Diagon Alley as it was brought to life in the books and films,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

“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.

Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are swept into the adventures of Harry Potter. They can tour Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine at the Three Broomsticks. They can soar above Hogwarts with Harry, be chosen by a wand at Ollivanders, sample Butterbeer and much more.

[AnnieK]

Glenn I'm so jealous you are going to Florida soon...

[Ammi]

..are you planning to buy loads of Harry Potter stuff Glenn...you're a huge fan aren't you..?...

[AnnieK]

When my Best friend went recently, she brought me a Hedwig back...it's gorgeous and tweets and everything. I love owls It has to be hidden from little grubby hands though as it is white.

[Ammi]

..yeah, your son told me all about your little grubby hands Annie..he said you'll be allowed to have Hedwig back when you can be more careful and wash them properly....

[Glenn.]

We're going again in 2015 so I can't wait for this.

I'll just have to settle for hogwarts and hogsmeade for the time being.

10 weeks Thursday

[Glenn.]

Apparently the merchandise is shockingly expensive too

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Glenn

Apparently the merchandise is shockingly expensive too

..yeah, I imagine it is quite expensive Glenn, I know the stuff I bought at Disneyworld was and that was quite a few years ago...but there's so much stuff that you can't get in the Disney shops over here and I'm sure you'll find a few things you'll want to bring back..I think it is nice to have little keepsakes of holidays..my thing is Christmas tree baubles, I like to buy one from everywhere I've been if I can..and Christmas time is a great time to remember family holidays, I think....when we put them on the tree, we always start talking about funny stuff that happened....

[Glenn.]

Yeah I always get christmas stuff. I love the Christmas shop in magic kingdom

I got a new tree last year so it needs some American Christmas on it.

[AnnieK]

Have you done the Harry potter thing when you've been before Glenn or was it not open then? My friend said if you've not been go early...

[Glenn.]

No it wasn't there the last time we went. The Deathly Hallows book had only just been released back then.

We're going to be at the park at opening so we will pretty much walk straight in. Once it reaches capacity they turn people away and tell them to come back later in the day.

[AnnieK]

Originally Posted by Glenn

No it wasn't there the last time we went. The Deathly Hallows book had only just been released back then.

We're going to be at the park at opening so we will pretty much walk straight in. Once it reaches capacity they turn people away and tell them to come back later in the day.

Sooo jealous...get lots of pics...presents are always good too hinthint

[Glenn.]

Opens July 8th

[InOne]

Looks pretty sick to be fair.

[GypsyGoth]

I want to be there!!

[InOne]

Originally Posted by GypsyGoth

I want to be there!!

I'm game if you are

[Glenn.]

Officially opened today.

Current wait time for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is 6hrs

Current wait time to enter Diagon Alley- 4-5hrs