Summary
- Welcome to Diagon Alley
- Yup, the Dragon Breathes Fire
- It’s No Joke. It’s One of the Weasleys.
- The Gold Standard in Park Rides
- Well-Lit Bank
- Do Your Banking with a Goblin
- They’ll Mix Ya an Elixir
- Want a Wand?
- Interact with The Wizarding World
- How About a Cone of Butterbeer Soft Serve?
- Alleys in Diagon Alley
Welcome to Diagon Alley
Upon entering the secretive Diagon Alley at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Florida, one of the first sights to grab guests’ attention is the dragon sitting atop Gringotts bank. The massive creature, which appears to have just escaped the bank (as in the final film in the Potter series), is quite menacing.
Yup, the Dragon Breathes Fire
At random times, the dragon lets loose with an ear-splitting roar and a mighty fireball. If you are standing anywhere near the fire-spewing creature, you will feel the heat. Other than its impressive fire-breathing capabilities, the dragon does not move.
It’s No Joke. It’s One of the Weasleys.
During the media event previewing Diagon Alley, some of the stars of the film were in attendance, including James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley. (At least I think that’s James. It could be his twin brother, Oliver Phelps, who played George Weasley.)
I just happened to catch Phelps standing in front of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, the novelty and joke shop based on his character. There is a huge animated figure of one of the Weasleys hiding a rabbit under his hat outside the shop.
The Gold Standard in Park Rides
The featured attraction at Diagon Alley is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. To get to the ride, guests enter the bank. Outside the bank is a gold-clad statue of the goblin founder of Gringotts.
Well-Lit Bank
The lobby of the bank is quite plush with (faux) marble columns and walls and an enormous chandelier. According to park designers, the fixture contains over 17,000 crystals that are all hand cast. Cast members dressed as security guards keep the line moving and prevent guests from messing with the props.
Do Your Banking with a Goblin
Among the most astonishing features at Diagon Alley are the animated goblin tellers in the lobby of Gringotts bank. They are some of the most sophisticated and realistic animatronic characters ever developed. Guests can get very close to the goblins as they pass them on the way to board Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride.
They’ll Mix Ya an Elixir
There are all kinds of beverages to sample at Diagon Alley, including the custom-made potions at Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment. The friendly witches will prepare any elixir you choose, such as Draught of Peace and Fire Protection Potion.
Want a Wand?
There are numerous shops at Diagon Alley, many of which sell wands. The highly popular gift now comes in two varieties: standard and interactive. There are all kinds of other items for sale, including Quidditch supplies, Hogwarts school robes, and chocolate frogs.
Interact with The Wizarding World
By purchasing an interactive wand, you’ll be able to make magic happen at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Medallions placed in walkways in front of shops and other locations indicate an interactive wand spot, showcasing the wand motion along with the incantation needed to create the magical effect.
How About a Cone of Butterbeer Soft Serve?
Odd-flavored cold treats are available at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, such as Earl Grey and lavender or orange marmalade. The butterbeer soft serve, which tastes like the now-famous drink in ice cream form, is incredibly good.
Alleys in Diagon Alley
There are all kinds of places to explore at Diagon Alley, including passageways such as this one. In front of the stairway is a motorbike with a sidecar, which I believe Hagrid used to transport Harry in the films.
