diagon alley – Page 2 – Orlando Attraction Tickets blog

August 8, 2014

Universal’s Hogwarts Express Hits 1 Million Passengers

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Riding the Hogwarts Express was a key part of Universal’s new expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley. The idea of linking Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley via an actual working Hogwarts Express was not only genius, (whoever came up with this concept deserves a massive pay rise) but also the first of its kind at any theme park in the World.

Yesterday just under a month after its official launch the Hogwarts Express welcomed its 1 Millionth rider!

Reviews of the Hogwarts Express experience have been very positive with the majority of people (UK) really impressed with the attention to detail not only on the train but also at the Kings Cross replica.

The Hogwarts Express offer 2 totally different ride experiences depending upon which way you ride it, which is a great way of really keeping everything authentic. To ride the Hogwarts Express you will require a multi park ticket, Orlando Attraction Tickets only offers multi park tickets so you’re safe in the knowledge that once you’ve booked with us you can ride like Harry and the gang as much as you like.

Have you ridden it yet, what did you think?

Smiles included…

Jamie

July 8, 2014July 9, 2014

Tears, Confetti, Gasps And Lots Of People, The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Is Now Open

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Two years of writing about it, researching it and occasionally breaking news about it came to a huge climax yesterday when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley officially opened at Universal Studios Florida!

Potter fans were up bright and early as queuing started at 5am and we’re not talking about a couple of fans we’re talking thousands! They were greeted with a red carpet, lots of confetti, fireworks and some extremely excited Universal cast members.

Universal opened the first stage of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade in 2010 and it amazes me to think that some quarters were stating that Potter was a fad and wouldn’t last, how wrong they were!

Those first through the doors headed straight to the Gringotts Bank where Diagon Alleys signature ride can be found, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Wait times averaged 300 minutes (5 hours) and at its height was 450 minutes (7.5 hours), it had a few moments of downtime but all in all for an opening day the multi dimensional thrill ride did very well.

The other hugely anticipated ride, the Hogwarts Express proved as expected to be a big hit. Wait times hovered around the 45 minute mark which is pretty good for an opening day.

Throughout the rest of Diagon Alley crowds moved quite freely Ollivanders and the Weasley’s Wizard Wheezers proved very popular as did the centre piece, the fire breathing dragon sat proudly on top of the Gringotts Bank, I’m pretty sure it was the most photographed thing there!

Those who didn’t get there early queued outside the Diagon Alley area for up to three hours, in the afternoon Universal staff started handing out return tickets to keep the crowds moving.

I’m pretty confident that we’ll see Universal Studios hit maximum capacity regularly throughout summer so be prepared to be patient and get used to queuing!

Smiles included…

Jamie

June 26, 2014

Which Ride Is Currently Top At Universal Studios?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

I’m not sure if you heard as its been kept very quiet but Universal Orlando are about to open The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley! As I’m sure you know the new area will feature London and Diagon Alley connected to Hogsmeade via the Hogwarts Express. We’re going out on a limb here but we think it might be a bit of a hit… 😉

Along with the Hogwarts Express Diagon Alley will also feature a new ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts described as a mix between Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers the Ride 3d we believe that this ride will be very popular with guests.

Here at Orlando Attraction Tickets we like to know your opinions of the parks you visit which is why after every holiday we’ll send you a little email asking you to review your experiences, part of this review structure asks you to pick your favorite ride in each parks.

So today for prosperity I thought I’d show you the top 10 most voted for rides at Universal Studios Orlando before Diagon Alley opens and perhaps immediately secures top spot.

The top 10 is made up today of 160 unique votes, all voted for by verified Orlando Attraction Tickets customers.

So as you can see currently the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is the top attraction at Universal Studios according to Orlando Attraction Tickets customers with Transformers the Ride 3d a close second.

I wonder how long it will take Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts or the Hogwarts Express to take the number 1 slot?

Smiles included…

Jamie

June 23, 2014

Webcast Tour Of The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley

Hey Thrill Seekers,

The final episode of in Universal’s Diagon Alley webcast was released on Friday, the episode hosted by Tom Felton and Matthew Lewis give us muggles a glimpse into Diagon Alley and some of the added extras we can expect; including Butterbeer Ice Cream, a quick peek at one of the shows and of course…. the Dragon!

Once again the attention to detail is striking. For me it looks like Universal have surpassed themselves with the new area and 2015 looks like it will be heavily dominated by Mr Potter and his friends.

This is by far my favourite of all the webcasts and gives a great insight in to what we can all expect on 8th July!!

Smiles included…

Jamie

June 20, 2014

Universal’s Second Webcast Features The Hogwarts Express

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Universal yesterday broadcast their second Webcast and UK readers will find a lot of it very familiar. Featuring the journey from Hogsmeade to Platform 9 3/4 the landscape and even the train ride is all very British.

The webcast also give you a great look at how the ride works including the tv screen like windows which will tell the story of your journey.

Watch it here;

The 3rd webcast will be hosted by my favourite Neville Longbottom… I’ll post with more details shorly.

Smiles included…

Jamie

June 19, 2014June 20, 2014

Did You Miss Last Nights Diagon Alley Preview Show? Watch It Here

Hey Thrill Seekers,

I tried my best last night to stay up until 1pm to watch the first in the series of Universal webcasts previewing The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley but I failed… I blame the World Cup, these 11pm kick off’s are killing me. 🙂

Anyway in case you too didn’t make it, here’s what you missed;

Worth the hour I’m sure you’ll agree!

Smiles included…

Jamie

June 17, 2014

Universal Confirm Interactive Wands For Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Last year we wrote a post about how we hoped Universal would add interactive wands to Diagon Alley. Well today Universal have confirmed via a video featuring the Weasley’s that their new style wands will offer you the chance to cast spells.

The wands can be purchased at either Ollivanders shops (Hogmeade or Diagon Alley) and allow the wizard to interact with storefronts in both Wizarding Worlds.

When you purchase your wand you’ll also be supplied with a map, on this map you’ll find markers that will lead you to every location that offers interaction. You’ll also see bronze medallions embedded into the streets that mark the various shop windows where you can cast spells.

Here are some of the location we know about;

With a simple swish and flick, you can levitate a feather quill at Scribbulus…
Use a Silencing Charm to quiet the maddening song of the Fwooper bird at Magical Menagerie…
And light all the lamps and chandeliers in Flimflam’s Lanterns window…

Watch this video below to see the Weasley’s test out the new interactive wands.

A great addition to the Wizarding World. Universal are really pulling all the stops out for what looks to be Orlando’s best 2 park option.

Smiles included..

Jamie

June 17, 2014

Universal Orlando Webcast Series For Diagon Alley Launch

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Excited about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley? Of course you are, how couldn’t you be!

As reported on previous, tomorrow Universal starts its media and VIP preview of Diagon Alley. What would you do to be part of it? Well…. to continue the buzz surrounding the new land Universal will be streaming some live webcasts highlighting exactly what the chosen few will see.

Here’s the lineup;

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
LIVE The Diagon Alley Red Carpet Event — Join the stars of the films on the red carpet with our exclusive live webcast with host Dave Karger, Chief Correspondent for Fandango.
Click here to watch the webcast Wednesday at 8pm EST

Off The Carpet — After the event is over and the red carpet has been rolled away, we’ll have exclusive photos from behind the scenes for you.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19
LIVE All Aboard: A Journey on the Hogwarts Express with Oliver and James Phelps — Staring at 12pm EST, James and Oliver Phelps (who played Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter films) will share with you their trip on the Hogwarts Express. Start at Hogsmeade Station, join them in their carriage for the ride, and finish up at King’s Cross Station in London.
Click here to watch the webcast Thursday at 12pm EST

FRIDAY, JUNE 20
LIVE Behind the Bricks: A Tour of Diagon Alley with Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis & Alan Gilmore — At 3pm EST, head into Diagon Alley with Tom Felton (who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films), Matthew Lewis (who played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films) and Alan Gilmore (Art Director of the Harry Potter films and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter). Get your first look at some of the incredible establishments and amazing details of every wizard’s favorite part of London.
Click here to watch the webcast Friday at 12pm EST

So get your tux on, get a comfy chair and be part of the party.

Smiles included…

Jamie

June 12, 2014

5 Things We’re Looking Forward To At Universal’s Diagon Alley

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We’ve been reporting on Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion coming up on two years now and as we head into the countdown to its official opening I thought it would be a good time to gauge what we’re most looking forward to.

I spoke with my colleagues at Orlando Attraction Tickets and asked them to name the one thing they were looking forward to experiencing most, I’ve documented the 5 most popular below.

Hogwarts Express

Whoever came up with the idea of linking the two parks with a live operating Hogwarts Express is a genius.

For a really authentic Wizarding World experience you have to ride the Hogwarts Express, replicated exactly as per the movies down to the seat cushions, the train offers two totally different stories depending on which way you’re travelling.

More info here – Hogwarts Express

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

The flagship ride for the Diagon Alley area is a safe bet to be awesome. They didn’t let us down with Forbidden Journey did they!?

Desperate not to be called a roller coaster we get the feeling its going to be a cross between the Mummy ride at Universal Studios and the Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure.

More info here – Escape from Gringotts

Interactive Wands

Yep although not confirmed there has been a strong rumour that some of the wands you can purchase from Ollivanders will be interactive with the park. We’re imaging suits of armour collapsing, shop displays reacting to wands and many other surprises along the way.

Think of the faces of your kids when their wand works!!!

More info here- Interactive Wands

Butterbeer Ice Cream

One of the major successes of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade was the famous Wizarding drink Butterbeer. It quickly reached sales of over a million and has since been replicated in the UK at the Warner Bros studios tour. So what will be the new breakout treat…

We reckon it could be Butterbeer ice cream available at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour.

More info here – Butterbeer Ice Cream

Wizarding Money

Don’t bother with that muggle money you’ve got, get it swapped at Gringotts Money Exchange visitors can get their hands on Wizarding Bank Notes which can be used at both universal parks, all overseen by a Gringotts Goblin.

More info here – Gringotts Money Exchange

I’m so excited to see all of this and we’re pretty sure we’ll get an official opening date very soon!!!

Smiles included…

Jamie

June 6, 2014

The Weasley’s Get A Sneak Peak Of Diagon Alley

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We must be getting closer to a confirmed opening date for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, my reasons for thinking this are, firstly the VIP media event being hosted later this month and secondly this detail heavy video released by Universal showing the Weasley Family getting a guided tour.

There’s an amazing amount of detail in this video including a running
Hogwarts Express, a look inside the train and the screens which will be used to tell the story of your journey.

The video gives us our first real look around Diagon Alley and confirmation from the actors that what we see is exactly, if not better than what they used in the films.

What the video here

All this does is wet my appetite even more… Roll on summer!

Smiles included

Jamie