After being teased about new details a few days ago, the Hogwarts Express is now a little less mysterious than it previously was. Universal released a few more details about the all new attraction, which will be part of the all new Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley. The all new experience will take guests from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and back in a one of a kind attraction that will bring the magical train from the films, and the books to life in ways that we’ve never seen before.
Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando
Universal has released a few photos, as well as some more details about the all new Hogwarts Express, and they are…quite frankly…magical. The all new experience will feature Platform 9 3/4, Dementors and even some of your old friends. The train won’t be as much a ride, as it will be an experience that immerses guests further into the world of Harry Potter than they ever have been before. The experience will combine state of the art special effects, live storytelling, and effects that you’ve never seen before with your Muggle eyes.
There will be two completely different experiences for guests:
As guests enter Kings Cross Station, they will be faced with Platform 9 3/4. There are no details on how exactly it was done, but Universal has said that you will see people transition from London to The Wizarding World right before your eyes. Buckbeak the Hippogriff flying by to greet you, Fred and George on brooms, and Hagrid waving to the train will be some of the things you’ll see on your trip into Hogsmeade Station, and back into Diagon Alley. Sirius Black’s motorcycle, Dementors, The Knight Bus and more will be some of the experiences that guests will see. We’re not exactly sure, but it’s looking like there may be different elements each time you ride.
The cabin itself is straight out of the movies, and will feature not only regular seats, but also full size cabins. Everything is movie authentic, from the layout of the trains, to the whistle…all the way down to the paint used on the train. The train will seat about 200 guests per trip and will take guests through the streets of London, the British Countryside and include some huge surprises. The train will also take guests from park to park, so a ticket for both parks will be needed.
The experience will happen using screens, but it won’t be 3D, so no glasses needed. It also won’t be your typical flat screen TV’s either. Universal has made the impossible possible before, but the technology used on the newest attraction promises to be something that guests have never seen before. The ride will be completely safe for all ages, and will be family friendly, despite Dementors and something else that’s …big and hairy…but everyone loves Hagrid.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley is expected to open “Summer” of 2014, which means pretty much anytime closer to June, but no firm dates have been set yet.
Update
Universal releases a video with the cast of the films and Mark Woodbury
In the video we get to hear some more details from Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) Warwick Davis (in full Griphook goblin costume) and the Phelps Twins. Is it safe to say that we may be seeing them in the attraction or the expansion as well? We know that Fred and George Weasley will play a huge role, but Ron? We’re more excited than ever to see what happens when Muggles are finally allowed to walk the streets of Diagon Alley this summer.
Update
Universal has released yet another teaser video, with something Brewing at the Leaky Cauldron.
The video showcases a little bit of Knockturn Alley, Gringotts and of course the dragon.
Stay tuned as we bring you more about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, and be sure to follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for the latest updates!
