Universal Orlando is very busy putting all the details together for the grand opening of the latest phase of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. When Diagon Alley opens this summer, it will take guests on an all new adventure through the familiar streets of Diagon Alley, as well as deep into the vaults of Gringotts. An all new video released by Universal Orlando showcases a few more of those details, including a look at the huge dragon that will sit on top of the Goblin bank. Also, Universal has unveiled an all new contest to get you to Diagon Alley!
An all new post on the official Universal Orlando Blog (click here) showcases tons of new details, and gives us a glimpse at some all new elements, including a feel for what the area will feel like. Tall buildings will almost completely block the view of the rest of the theme park, creating an immersive feeling of being whisked away to the spot where witches and wizards shop.
Familiar sights return as figures such as the puking girl animatronic makes her new home at Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. The figure had originally started off in Zonko’s Joke Shop in Hogsmeade Village. Many props and pieces made the transition from one area to the other during construction.
Video: The Vision of Diagon Alley – Universal Orlando Resort
One new prop is the huge dragon that has recently made it’s home on top of Gringotts Bank. The video shows a good scale model of what it will look like once completed. The dragon will also reportedly breathe fire at guests passing below.
One detail that was only rumored was pretty much confirmed in the video as well. The all new Escape from Gringotts will be in 3D, or at least portions will. It will be interesting to see how the glasses are explained away, and if there will be more details visible with the glasses.
In addition, Universal has kicked off an all new contest-The search for Diagon Alley supplies! In the all new contest, players will go on a scavenger hunt through other websites to find the items they need from Diagon Alley. The contest has kicked off with a trip to the candy store for Bernie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. It looks like each find will get guests an entry in the contest, and will take you to a different website daily.
Stay tuned for more from Universal Orlando, and be sure to get social with us on Facebook and follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for the latest updates!
