The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade has had a few tennants move out, and several new ones move in over the last week. Storefronts, and actual stores have changed at the Wizarding World at Islands of Adventure as they are moved over to Diagon Alley. The most notable of changes is that Zonko’s Joke Shop has been closed at Islands, and the wildly successful Honeydukes has been expanded. This is all in preparation for the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Right out of the gate, guests will notice that the size of the Zonko’s storefront has shrunk in size. So too has the different items that were in the windows of the shop. The girl with the puking pestules has been removed, as well as the rows of chattering teeth, bombs, as well as several other Wizarding Weezes.
Inside the shop, things are a lot roomier. The walls are lined with rows upon rows of candy jars, filled with every type of candy imaginable, and the cash register and fudge counter has been moved from the middle of the store, to the very end of the store. Previously the cash register would mark the split between the two stores. Also gone are the extendable ears that used to hang from the gap in the ceiling if you looked up.
Take a look at these three pictures from, the exact same angles to compare before the shop was changed:
The area is much brighter after, and there is a ton more room in Honeyduke’s to move around. The bigger brighter walkways makes for a welcome change in the always crowded area.
Video-Get a before and after walk through of Zonko’s and Honeydukes at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Honeyduke’s isn’t the only shop that has changed in the Village of Hogsmeade. The line of shop facades and storefronts has changed a bit as well.
The first shop is nestled right in between the former Zonko’s and Honeyduke’s. It appears that it was added to help take away from the extra space lost. Mc Havelock’s Wizarding Headgear sells the latest in hats, scarves and any other apparel that is meant to protect the mind of the young witch or wizard…or more accurately, the head which holds the mind.
The other new storefront is Madam Puddifoots’ Tea Shop. Fans of the book series will recognize it as the place where Harry and Cho Chang had a bit of a date. The shop is very frilly, and girly with tons of lace everywhere. In the windows guests can see cakes with several different toppers. Madam Puddifoot’s replaces Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment, which sold telescopes and other materials. That shop was replaced, because it’s going to be a real shop in Diagon Alley when it opens this summer.
Video-Get an upclose look at the new shops of Hogsmeade
So what do you think about the new additions? Do they make The Wizarding World resemble the world’s crafted by the books and the films? While Zonko’s was a cool shop, it was definitely the dividing line between the crowds. While Honeydukes was always full of people, Zonko’s was rarely packed. Still, if you’re missing the whimsy and fun of Zonko’s, don’t fret…all the items that were previously available in that gift shop will once again be available at Weasley’s Wizarding Weezes, when it opens up in Diagon Alley.
Slideshow-Get a detailed look at the old Zonko’s Joke Shop in our photo gallery!
The Wizarding World has become one of the must see destinations in Orlando, and has catapulted Universal Orlando into one of the top family destinations. The resort is growing to bring even more families, vacationers and fun seekers together. The resort just opened it’s fourth hotel at the beginning of April, and will expand their CityWalk Venue with a total of 8 new shops, and two redesigned shops.
Take a look at all the construction happening, as well as a detailed look at the newly expanded Honeyduke’s in our slideshow below!
Slideshow-Walk through Honeyduke’s and see all the construction happening at Universal Orlando
Can’t view the slideshow? Check out all the pictures by clicking here!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley opens this summer, as does all the huge new expansions in the park.
Stay tuned for even more updates, and be sure to follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for even more updates!
