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Experiencing the new Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at Universal Studios

Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at Universal Studios

As big Harry Potter fans, my oldest son and I were thrilled to get to visit Universal Studios and experience the new Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, with our own private tour. Diagon Alley can be found in Universal Studios’ main park, while Hogsmeade is in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Visitors can ride the Hogwarts Express to and from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with a different video experience in each direction. 

Diagon Alley

 The entry to the new Diagon Alley is so cool, with the infamous Double-Decker Bus (Knight Bus), parked just outside. The shrunken head is even interactive, and available for photo opps. Before you enter Diagon Alley is the King’s Cross station where you can board the Hogwarts Express. Then when you enter the alley, the attention to detail just blows you away. Each of the shops look like they’ve come straight out of the movie (or book). We especially loved the fire breathing dragon that sits atop Gringotts Bank. It is cued to breathe fire every 30 minutes. 

The Leaky Cauldron

 

Per our tour guide’s recommendation, we stopped in at the Leaky Cauldron for lunch. The cauldron and photos on the walls created the perfect atmosphere to feel as if you are dining in Diagon Alley. The food was superb as well. I mean, look at that grilled chicken sandwich and Butterbeer! Next time I will be trying the Frozen Butterbeer. 

Escape from Gringotts

 

The hottest new attraction in all of Universal Studios’ parks has got to be Escape from Gringotts Bank. From the moment we walked into the bank, we were in awe over the vibe that goes on there. Goblins were hard at work, and we really felt like we were IN Gringotts Bank. There is no ride of it’s kind.  This new, multi-dimensional 3D thrill goes forward, backwards and sideways. The ride puts you right in the middle of the action as you face the bank’s stringent security measures while navigating the perilous underground vaults. Such an amazing ride!

Harry Potter and the Forbidden JourneySome other notable features of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are:

  • The Child Swap area, where parents can take turns waiting with children who don’t reach height requirements. When one parent finishes the ride, they simply go to the fun child swap area and the other parent can get right on the right. Each child swap area has a movie or activity to keep those waiting busy.
  • The luggage and owl that wait in an area outside of the train.
  • Beautiful scape of Hogsmeade, and the shops therewithin. 
  • The Forbidden Journey ride, which scared the crud out of me (due to the giant spiders), but was such a thrilling and fun ride!

I could go on and on, but truly – go visit Universal Studios and take in all that there is. Our favorite parts of the parks were definitely The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, because there is so much to SEE and DO! For some added fun, stop by Ollivanders and pick up an interactive wand, to cast spells in marked spots throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. I’d love to hear about your adventures!

 

About the author

Emily Buys

1 Comment

  • This looks awesome. My 9-y-o son is just now getting into Harry Potter. I’ve been reading the books to him after having watched all of the movies again.

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