A Closer Look at The Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando

Today, during a short live webcast, James and Oliver Phelps took us a little preview tour of what to expect when riding The Hogwarts Express. While yesterday we posted up a few shots of things here, there's a lot more to see!

Their journey from Hogsmeade to Kings Cross station is filled with surprises and we've got some pictures to show you just what to expect. On top of that, they went into detail about just how much work went into perfecting the ride.

The builders actually rode on trains to get the movement down right to simulate it perfectly, to make it seem as if you were really speeding along the tracks. They also went the extra mile by contacting the original manufacturer of the seats and upholstery from England to make it look 100% authentic and give it that additional touch.

They also pointed out that the trip isn't just over in a flash, you'll be traveling through the countryside and seeing some familiar faces along the way as you make the trip to either station.

So, without further ado, let's get on the with the pictures. Be warned, if you don't want any spoilers don't look beyond the first couple of them.

Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando opens to the public on July 8th, but stick around there's much more to come as the preview week continues tomorrow! 

First Look - Inside Gringotts and Some of What You'll See on the Hogwarts Express!

Tonight Universal Orlando hosted a live stream of the Red Carpet event that officially kicked off the Diagon Alley Preview Week. During the show they talked with several stars of the show about what they thought of it.

However, the bigger thing is that they gave us all a sneak peek into just what to expect from some of the attractions within Diagon Alley. Most notably that of Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and the Hogwarts Express!

So, while we will be getting video of the event up onto our YouTube channel shortly, here's a few stills from tonights live webcast showing off a few things that we haven't seen before.

First up, is the Hogwart's Express. Now we know that each trip will have something a bit different and in the past we've seen a few things that will be going out "outside" the windows as you head to Hogsmeade. We didn't see much of what to expect on the trip from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley though, that is something we can fix! 

New High Res Photos from Universal Show Off Diagon Alley!

Earlier today Universal released a few new images showing off Diagon Alley in all it's glory.

Have to say, this is one amazing achievement and though we've all seen video of the place from various sources, these still are some amazing photos. Showcasing what the new additions looks like during the day and at night!

Diagon Alley opens officially to the public on Tuesday, July 8th 2014 at Universal Orlando.

Anyway, let's get on with the pictures, shall we?

Universal Announces Diagon Alley Opening Date - July 8th!

Well, it looks like Universal was right about the information that was "leaked" just last week. Turns out that the opening date for Diagon Alley isn't June 30th after all.

Universal made the official announcement this morning that Diagon Alley would be opening on Tuesday, July 8th.

Yes, it's a bit weird and I do question a major opening on a Tuesday, but hey, it's Universal and they can pretty much do whatever they want. That said, it is a bit later than I would've expected.

Stay tuned for more Harry Potter news as the day and week continues and be sure to check out the new teaser video from Universal below!

Sneak Peek at the New Interactive Wands at Universal Orlando's Diagon Alley!

We can officially put to rest any speculation on the matter of interactive wands being part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion. They're there, no question about it now!

Earlier in the week markers were spotted in the original Hogsmeade section of the park in Islands of Adventure, but until now we never really got an idea of just what these would do or how they'd work.

With special wands bought at Olivanders or other shops within Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade we'll finally be able to cast spells and see what happens throughout both areas of the park! It's about time, right? You'll also be able to get a map that shows the location of all the interactive hot spots throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade as well when you pick up your wand.

According to the official Universal Orlando Blog, "Once you’re there, just perform the correct spell and watch the magic come to life. 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…

Seriously awesome stuff if you ask me and I can't wait to try them later this year when +Carrie H.C. make the trip down to Orlando to see everything first hand (What? We're not crazy enough to do Orlando parks in the summer, no one should be!). Anyway, here's a video featuring James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) trying out the Interactive Wands for the first time in Diagon Alley!


Be sure to keep it here all week as we'll keep you up to date with all the newest information on Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando!

*UPDATE* Universal Orlando's Diagon Alley Opening Day Revealed - or Maybe Not

The wait is over as we finally have a confirmed opening date for Universal Orlando's massive Wizarding World Expansion, Diagon Alley.

I'm not quite sure who spotted it (though seem to be Parkscope and Orlando United) out there, but an official Universal website has the date listed. Diagon Alley will be opening to the public on June 30th, 2014.

Yeah, that's less than a month away here. Why there wasn't a bigger announcement, I can't say but in just 17 days they'll be opening their newest crown jewel for all to experience.

You can check out the full teaser for the event right here. While this isn't an official announcement, it's hard to disprove this one, so I'm pretty sure it's safe to say this is the date at this point.

UPDATE: Seems the folks at Universal are denying this leak is real. However, the link above to the animation is hosted on Universal web servers and I doubt they'd go through all that trouble and have the wrong date on it. But here's the official word:

I'm calling BS on that, but that's just me. We'll have to see just what they have to say in the next week or so. 

While we won't be there for the opening, we're hoping to get down later in the fall to see everything that Universal has put together for this one first hand! Stay tuned for more updates as we get 'em!

Universal Orlando- New App for Phones and Free WiFi

Image from Orlando Sentinel

Universal Orlando- New App for Phones and Free WiFi!

 With the opening of the new "Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley" looming closer each day, Universal Orlando Resort has just sweetened the deal for guests.

 They've launched a new Phone App (both Apple and Android) which allows for real-time updating of Wait Times along with Park Maps, Show Times, Favorites Lists and more.  Later the App is said to get E-Commerce abilities to allow for  purchasing.

 The final blow? Universal has announced complete free Wi-Fi for all guests. through Xfinity/Comcast. This will allow guests at the Theme Parks, City Walk or anyplace on the resorts property to use the wireless network. No more running up your phones data cap posting live pictures!

 They say visitors should choose the "XfinityWifi" on their mobile device, then follow the prompts.

....still no exact opening date for Diagon Alley though.

Universal Unveils More "Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts" Details!

Universal Studios Orlando reviled more information about the cornerstone attraction for the Diagon Alley expansion this morning, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, this morning.

The combination roller coaster/dark ride, will take visitors into the famed goblin bank as part of a tour, led by Bill Weasley, and then having to escape with Harry, Hermoine and Ron as their tour is a bit derailed.

While not completely a roller coaster, the 60ft drop and fast moving sections have warranted a 46" ride height requirement, which makes a little more friendly than the 48" that is Forbidden Journey. Riders will board cars that seat 12, much like Revenge of the Mummy, before they're taken throughout the twisting labyrinth beneath the famed bank. Featuring 360 degree screens, cutting edge 3-D animations, and a mix of live special effects such as smoke and fire, the ride seeks to immerse riders in a way like they've never been before.

From the very start riders will enter the full Gringotts lobby and then boarding the ride vehicles for a tour of the vaults and caverns beneath. All the while, Harry, Hermoine and Ron have been sneaking inside the bank to retrieve a Horcrux to aid in their battle with the dark lord, Voldemort. And of course, things go terribly wrong on the tour and riders find themselves noticed by Bellatrix. Setting off a wild journey culminating in a battle with Voldemort himself.

Here's a look behind the scenes of the ride that showcases a bit more of the details and of course, we have pictures, lots and lots of pictures of the goblins, sets and other things too!


And now for the pictures!

Universal Studios Orlando- Possible Diagon Alley Opening Date

Universal Studios Orlando- Possible Opening Date for Diagon Alley.

 During a Thursday press conference the Chairman of Lowes Hotels, Johnathan Tisch mentioned a possible opening date for Universal Studios Orlando's newest expansion of their Harry Potter Franchise.

 "Mid-June" is the time frame which was dropped, be it accidentally or on purpose. This fits into the known time-line from Universal Orlando who simply has "Summer of 2014" listed as the opening time frame for Diagon Alley.  This also ties into the same general time frame in which Hogsmeade Village, located in Islands of Adventure opened.

 Universal is not commenting on this, choosing to only say that they have not yet announced anything about an opening day.

 More info is expected next week, when Universal Orlando will reveal more details about the Gringotts ride and possibly the Diagon Alley expansion.

More Details about Universal Orlando's Hogwarts Express Emerge!

Image via Bay9 News

This past Friday, Universal Orlando finally announced more details about the Hogwarts Express attraction that's part of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion.

The train, which takes guests from the new Diagon Alley/London to Hogsmeade, will feature a different experience in each direction.

Also, important to note here, you WILL need a two park ticket to ride, no exceptions on that one. So, for anyone curious how that would work, there's your answer.

What can you expect during your trip? Once on board, the execs were careful to emphasize repeatedly: It is just like the experience of actually riding a train, albeit a magical one. Guests will be able to look out the windows and see an actual Harry Potter scene play out; and depending on where they're seated on the train, and what angle they're looking out the window, the scene will look different. Visits from your favorite characters during the trip, such as Hagrid on his flying motocycle, or Buckbeak the Hoppogriff, the Knight Bus and even a possible visit by a Dementor on the hunt.

Sound awesome? Well, there's a lot more to expect. Like, just how you get to the famous Platform 9 3/4. VP of Corporate Communications for Universal, Tom Schroder, had this to say about that,"I don't want to give it away, you have to experience it. But you'll see people... Transition through the wall, and you'll transition through the wall as you go to the platform".

You want even more? Well, good thing they spilled the beans further and have said that even the candy trolley, or at least something very similar, will be on board as well!

Now, have a look at the First Look video put out by Universal as well as few still of what's being reported as possible scenes that guests will experience while on their journey aboard the Hogwarts Express!

What will the new Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando look like? Have some Concept Art!

Well, news is flying fast out of Universal Orlando today and in the previous two posts we've gotten a look at some of the details surrounding the entire experience as well as a closer look at some of the shops and restaurants. Now, it's time to peek at the concept art that's behind all of this and see just what this amazing addition to Universal Orlando will likely look like!

Universal Orlando posted a ton of these on their Facebook page, but in case you don't feel like going there, we've assembled them all right here for ya! Everything from the Hogwarts Express to a look at the new Gringots ride to pretty much everything else in between can be seen and it's looking like Universal has once again knocked this one out of the park!

First up? Here's what the fully finished entrance to the Diagon Alley area of the park will look like once it's completed. How accurate this will be, who knows, but love the fact that the Knight Bus is there and if rumors are to be believed, the shrunken heads will be interacting with guests too!

The Shops of Diagon and Knockturn Alley!

Well, I gave a bit of a rundown on the shops in the last post, but here's a little more detail about what each of them will offer everyone that visits Diagon Alley or dares to venture into the darkness that is Knockurn Alley.

Unlike the Hogsmeade portion of Wizarding World at Universal, there will be more shops which are bigger and have a lot more selection of goods. Definitely something that's great to see as it's always been something that +Carrie H.C. and myself have wished they would've done in the original attraction within Islands of Adventure. While the ones in Hogsmeade are great, there's not enough and not nearly enough selection, I don't think that'll be a problem with what they're offering here!

I've spent the last little while going through everything that the new website has to offer and tried my best to sum it for everyone below. Here's everything that we could find!

There's a lot to cover here, so let's get   on with the details! First up?

Not only will there be plenty of places to shop and get all of your wizarding needs, but there's also a couple of new places to grab a snack or lunch while you're at it as well! I mean, what would Diagon Alley be without Fortescue's or the Leaky Caulrdon, right?

Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour

You'll be able to indulge your sweet tooth at the long heralded destination for all manner of frozen treats in a variety of unique and interesting flavors. Not much else is really given here, but I'm sure that the ice cream will be fantastic!

The Leaky Cauldron

Located right at the entrance, this popular gathering spot for all manner of witches and wizards is sure to set you right. Traditional British meals include, fish and chips, bangers and mash, cottage pie and of course Butterbeer and pumpkin juice as well!


Well, now that the food options have been laid out, let's get to the rest of the shopping before heading off to Hogwarts and Hogsmead!

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringots and Diagon Alley Details!

Kitsune here, and I'll be your guide through all the news and updates coming to us live from Universal this morning! So, with that, let's get on with it, shall we?

During the live webcast, Universal Orlando has released even more information about the Diagon Alley expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The expansion, which takes over where Jaws used to be within Universal Studios Florida, has been watched like a hawk ever since the project was announced.

The live broadcast was done in front of a facade of Gringot's Vault (maybe a mock of to represent part of the new dark ride?) that's the corner stone of the event and judging by the details as Mark Woodbury, Universal Orlando's Creative Director, talked? Holy crap this thing looks awesome! The level of detail has been heralded by stars of the film and it's an amazing immersive experience.

First up? The Hogwarts Express, it's an entirely movie accurate reproduction. Every detail is represented, but is complete unlike a traditional set would be where filming is done in pieces and the like to allow for camera work. Guests will be able to board either at the Hogsmeade or King's Cross stations. Also, the trip from each direction will be completely different experience as well, which only makes sense, as you travel from one area of the park to the other.

In Diagon Alley, several of the shops that were in the movie will be featured. Including the Magical Menagerie, Madam Malkins, an all new Olivander's, Scribullus, Wizeacres Wizarding Equipment, Weezely's Joke Shop and Quality Quidditch Supplies and of course the Leaky Cauldron as well will all be featured.

Each of these shops will be decked out to the nines just as their movie counterparts were on film. Yes, that's right, if it's sold in them on film, it will be available in the shops as well. 

That's right, you'll be able to buy all your Quidditch gear at Quality Quidditch Supplies from robes and other things from your favorite teams along with various stuffed animals and all kinds of things from the Magical Menagerie as well. Guests will also be able to fully outfitted with robes and other wizarding wear at Madam Malkins!  

For more info check out our detailed post about each shop and what they'll offer!

Knockturn Alley will also be featured, in a much darker and mysterious manner, this is extremely important to Universal to bring the forboding atmosphere to the area. One of the biggest features of Notcturne Alley will be Borgin and Burkes, where guests can purchase Death Eater masks and other "dark side" paraphernalia!

Last, but not least, Universal unveiled the official name for the center piece ride for the new Diagon Alley expansion, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringots. It's promised to be like nothing else that's been seen before. It's a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional experience that promises to top even that of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!

There's going to be more details announced in the coming months, so we're just going to have to wait for even more details to be released from the Universal Orlando Creative Team.

Universal Studios- Final Diagon Alley Teaser (Big Reveal Tomorrow)

The Final "Diagon Alley" Teaser Trailer
-The Big Reveal is Tomorrow-

 Prepare to Go- This is the FINAL "Diagon Alley" teaser trailer from Universal Studios Orlando and for very good reason.

 Tomorrow morning is the big event when all the plans for the newest portions of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley" will be revealed.  With tomorrows special "webcast reveal" event, we here at InSanity lurks Inside are going to be bringing you all the news just as soon as possible!

 Stay Turned, The Big News Hits TOMORROW! 

Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close?

 Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close at Hogsmeade?

 Another new rumor coming from Universal Orlando, this time around their popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas.

 It seems the rumor mill  has been working overtime lately with the opening of Universal Studios Orlando's new Diagon Alley coming into the home stretch. 

 Some are saying that the popular joke shop from the Harry Potter book series, Zonko's could close in the Hogesmeade area. With the new London Area, Diagon Alley opening to the public this summer could that area have it's own joke shop, making two of them rather redundant?

 Diagon Alley is rumored to have it's own joke shop called "Weasely's Wizard Wheezes" which would be larger that the current Zonko's (at least according to the Harry Potter Books). The rumor is stating that Zonko's will close to make way for the newer and larger shop.  This would be the frist closure of anything in Wizarding World.

 Again, this is currently ONLY A RUMOR. Universal Orlando hasn't confirmed or denied any portion of this rumor.

Universal Studios Orlando- Diagon Alley Construction

 Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley Construction- Scaffolding comes down.

 Orlando Theme Park News has some amazing new photos up of the construction at Universal Studios Orlando and their newest project- Diagon Alley.

 This newest addition which has raised up with shocking speed is replacing the former JAWS attraction. The area will feature both Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley from the Harry Potter books and is Universals newest addition to their "Wizarding World of Harry Potter".

 While it looks simply lovely up close, something about this bothers me.

 Orlando Theme Park News is rather famous for having some amazing panoramic images from the theme parks but looking at this one, the flow is bugging me. It doesn't seem to fit, like to much is crammed together with too many styles. I understand their trying to convey London into a very small space, and maybe it IS just me, but I think this may look nicer from across the lagoon if the outside was more uniform.

 Either way, for more photos of the construction of Diagon Alley go check out Orlando Theme Park News. They always have excellent photo updates!

Universal Orlando- Diagon Alley Teasers and News

Diagon Alley Teasers and News- Universal Fires a Warning Shot at Disney


Okay, Universal has officially opened up the "2014 Theme Park Wars" with an opening shot fired directly at Disney World. While Disney is getting ready to start construction on their big "Avatarland" project, Universal Studios Orlando is creeping closure to opening Diagon Alley. Which which be the newest extension of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" that will soon span both of Universal Orlando's Theme Parks.

Universal Studios Orlando- Possible Diagon Alley Animation

Please be patient.. the video is a little bit hinky and takes time to load.


 Possible News Today about the much anticipated "Gringotts" ride going in at Universal Studios Orlando, Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley.

 This video showed up today on Screamscape. Posted on Youtube my Dynamic Attractions, this may or may not be the Gringotts ride. It's simply listed as "Mine Ride Coaster" but seems to share the same design ride cars from the Gringotts attraction. While this may not be the exactly design of the ride, it should give you some nice clues as to what may possibly be included!

 You'll spot a lot of elements which are already in use at other attractions. Two drop sequences as well as a "tilt and switch" track element. Although no one can confirm is this really is Gringotts, it does seem possible since the ride has recently received it's coaster trains.

More information when we find it!

Universal Studios Orlando- Hogwarts Express Arrives

 This afternoon, Universal Orlando shared theme images to the world. The Lifting and Placement of the Hogwarts Express.

 Progress on the expansion of 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' has made big progress today with the engine and cars of the 'Hogwart's Express' locomotive being placed onto it's raised track.

 The 'Hogwarts Express' will travel on a raise track between Universal Studios and Diagon Alley to the Islands of Adventure and Hogsmeade area.  Still no one is sure exactly how the ticketing for this will work as the 'Harry Potter' areas will now be split between the two parks.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley is scheduled to open in Spring 2014.




-All images from Universal Orlando's Facebook Page

Construction Update- Diagon Alley at Universal Studio's Orlando

 As most of you know by now, Universal Orlando is adding in "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" to their Studio's park. This was confirmed in May 2013 after the construction had gone vertical and they could no longer 'hide' what they where up to from the public view.

 If you want to read the press released, please visit: Universal Confirmed Harry Potter and Wizarding World are coming to Studio's for 2014.

 Since then, everyone has had their eyes watching Universal Orlando to see what exactly they've got planned for this "London/Diagon Alley" area which is being placed in the location once occupied by JAWS. While I love Wizarding World and Harry Potter, I'm still not sold that this area needs a presence in the "Studios" theme park.  Rather, I wish it would have taken over the rest of the current 'Lost Continent' area of Islands of Adventure and seen Studio's get something completely new.

 Either way, I can't stop it and I am excited for it because Universal will once again do an amazing job. During a recent visit to the Orlando area we made sure to get plenty of images of the new construction taking place in Universal Studio's. My one concern is the area looks far more cramped then the 'Hogsmeade' area in Islands of Adventure which still has massive crowds.

 We hope you'll enjoy them as much as we enjoyed seeing this new area come to life.

*Pictures under the break for size reasons*