When the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure four years ago, fans clamored for a glimpse of Hogwarts Castle and the village of Hogsmeade, and stood in line for new rides and to buy the sweet, frothy concoction known as butterbeer. Now Harry’s world has expanded again, with another magical location from the book series, Diagon Alley, the hiding-in-plain-sight “business” district in London where witches and wizards purchase such staples as bat spleens and eel eyes, and Hogwarts’ students buy their robes, spell books, cauldrons, magical pets and other supplies.
Set at Universal Studios, with the Hogwarts Express train running between the two lands, Diagon Alley is a faithful recreation of the twisting, cobbled street that is home to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a joke shop owned by Harry’s friends, the Weasley twins; Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, selling your standard wizarding wares and supplies; and even a new Ollivanders wand shop, where the wand chooses the wizard.
But it’s Gringotts, the goblin-run bank that tells the big story here, literally, as it houses a new 3D thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, which propels visitors into the terrifying moments when Harry, Ron, Hermione and the goblin Griphook attempt to break into one of the bank’s high-security vaults. Along the way, riders face the wrath of the Dark wizard Voldemort and his loyal minion, Bellatrix Lestrange.
For meeting planners, it’s another imaginatively themed setting to choose from, with amazing architectural details and settings, performers such as Celestina Warbeck, the “singing sorceress,” and Potterverse treats like butterbeer ice cream creating an immersive environment to enhance any Muggle gathering.
“Orlando is once again making headlines thanks to the new Diagon Alley at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” notes George Aguel, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Our theme parks provide an excellent opportunity for meeting professionals to conduct special events and put together once-in-a-lifetime experiences for their attendees.”
