This past summer, my baby girl began reading the Harry Potter series and was quickly captivated by the characters, settings, and magic that is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Upon finishing all seven books, she wanted more: “Are there more books? Can we watch each movie again? I wish I was a witch so I could go to Hogwarts,” were all frequently heard comments in our house. Luckily for my baby girl, she would be feeding her Harry Potter obsession with a visit to Universal Orlando Resort’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new Diagon Alley area at Universal Studios. Check out the fun my girl had during my family’s visit to Universal Orlando and why you’re sure to love The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley!
8 Things to Love About The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort
1. Hogwarts Express
Without a doubt, boarding the Hogwarts Express using Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station in London to travel to Hogwarts and the Hogsmeade Station is a must-do when visiting Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. You’ll need a park-to-park ticket as Hogwarts Express travels between both Universal Studios (King’s Cross Station) and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Hogsmeade Station), but my girl tells me the ride is so worth it! One of the highlights as you travel from station to station is that your Hogwarts Express ride is filled with scenery from the Harry Potter stories, using animated windows and frosted glass to immerse you in the experience – just as if you were riding the real Hogwarts Express! You’ll find characters from the books walking in the aisles, dementors flying by your train cabin, and landscapes from the story.
2. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
A new 3D ride at Universal Studios, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, is located within Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley and brings you and your family along on an adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The ride has a height requirement of at least 42″, so little ones unfortunately won’t be able to ride it. However, one of the great things about this ride is the certificate you can acquire for your little one, should he or she not meet the height requirement, which allows your child to move up to the front of the line at a future date when they ARE tall enough! My husband also enjoyed the child swap area of Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, providing convenience for families.
3. Ironbelly Dragon Atop Gringotts Bank
The fire-breathing Ironbelly dragon that sits on top of Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley is definitely a sight to see! I’m told by my family that when the Gringotts dragon breathes fire, it’s as if the entire theme park freezes and takes a pause to truly take in the amazing sight. If you’re the parent of a young child, you’ll want to keep in mind that the dragon’s fire breathing honestly feels warm even from the street and that the Ironbelly makes loud noises before and while breathing fire. With a little help from Dad, my three-year-old baby boy was able to enjoy seeing the Gringotts dragon comfortably (though he did cover his ears!).
4. Gringotts Money Exchange
A fun interactive experience kids are sure to love is the Gringotts Money Exchange, where an animatronic goblin is available to answer your questions. Gringotts Money Exchange is not located within Gringotts Bank, but is a separate location in Diagon Alley. The goblin will answer real-time questions, making for a fun exchange between your kids and the goblin. You can also actually exchange your muggle money for Gringotts Bank Notes here, which you can then use throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both parks just like real cash.
5. Knockturn Alley
Located down a dark alleyway just off Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley delights Harry Potter fans with its mystery and allure. You’ll find Borgin and Burkes at Knockturn Alley, a shop where you can explore and purchase items typically used by those practicing the Dark Arts.
6. Interactive Wands and Spell-casting
With a visit to Ollivanders, you can witness an interactive experience in how a wand choose its wizard or purchase your own interactive wand (either one of your choosing or a replica of the Harry Potter characters). With wand in hand, your little witch or wizard can then cast spells throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade when standing on marked medallions in the floor. A good thing is that Universal Orlando has plenty of spell-casting help throughout, with employees available to assist children in casting spells.
7. Spectacular Special Effects Bring Harry Potter Books to Life
Overall, as you walk through Diagon Alley and experience all that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer, you’ll definitely be impressed by the details and special effects that bring elements from the Harry Potter book series to life. Even if you just stroll through Diagon Alley, browsing the shops and taking in all the sights, you’ll feel like you entered a Harry Potter book, something my baby girl was beaming about!
8. Butterbeer Ice Cream
Lastly, no visit to Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando will be complete without a taste of Butterbeer ice cream! While you probably already enjoy the Butterbeer drink – do you prefer cold or frozen? – Universal has taken this treat to another level with the addition of Butterbeer ice cream. You can purchase Butterbeer ice cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley!
What is your family’s favorite part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley?
Disclosure: We were provided a complimentary trip and stay at Universal Orlando Resort to experience the resort’s theme parks and many amenities. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
Except where noted, all photos © modernmami™
Leave a Comment Below!