Remember a few weeks ago when the Today Show was supposed to be filming at Universal Orlando? Remember how that taping was cancelled a few days later? Then remember how Al Roker was spotted at Universal Orlando that same Friday? Well, now we know exactly what he was up to with an all new teaser video for a huge new contest that will give glimpses of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, as well as a chance to win a trip to the grand opening celebration that will take place at the all new resort. Most importantly, it gives us a glimpse of the inside of Gringott’s Bank, and the Goblins that will be working as guests venture through the queue area.
Al Roker from The Today Show was onsite a few weeks back to record a segment for the show, but it wasn’t what we all thought. In the segment, which aired today on YouTube, Roker takes a walk through the queue for Gringott’s, right by some clever as they come Goblins. The new attraction, Escape from Gringott’s, is said to be a multi-sensory, coaster like adventure. We’re very excited to see exactly what that means, but there’s a good chance we’ll have to wait a little longer.
However, it doesn’t seem that we have to wait a whole lot longer, as The Today Show will be running a contest where viewers will be able to decipher clues, and win a chance to Universal Orlando for the grand opening of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Here’s the announcement:
Thanks to Orlando United and Inside the Magic for the heads up.
The goblins look amazingly realistic, and they are supposedly all animatronic, and this is just the queue! Imagine what the rest of the ride is going to look like.
The contest (click here to enter) kicks off on Tuesday, May 13th, and will run for six days. It’s quite possible that either somewhere in that six day period, or at the end of the contest, that an opening date will also be announced.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley marks the second Wizarding World to open at Universal Orlando, the first being Hogsmeade, which opened in 2010. While an official date has not been released, many speculate that it will be right around the same time as the original Wizarding World, which opened in June.
Diagon Alley will feature the all new Gringott’s ride, as well as tons of shops and restaurants, including The Leaky Cauldron. Guests will also be able to board the Hogwarts Express and take a journey through the countryside to Hogsmeade station, where they can venture to Hogwarts and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
Update
Universal Orlando has released an all new video with an even better look at the goblins.
The amount of detail is breathtaking, and the motion is extremely fluid. This is the first of what is sure to be many sneak peeks in the coming weeks of not only the Goblins, but also many of the other features of the attraction, and Diagon Alley.
“Here to open an account? Very Well.” The bank manager especially looks lifelike, and doesn’t have the look of regular animatronic. The goblins are just a piece of the queue, and shows the level of detail that Universal has put into the attraction. We are sure to get more of a look at the most anticipated attraction of the past few years during the Today Show beginning on May 13th.
Video-Watch clever as they come Goblins move and interact in Diagon Alley
Update 5-13-14
The Today Show has started their contest, and will be giving away 25 trips to the grand opening of Diagon Alley. Every day after 9:30 a.m. EST for the next six days you can watch Al Roker for a clue and venture a guess.
Clue 1:Where can you board the Hogwarts Express at Kings Cross Station?
Click here to make your guess and to enter for a chance to win a trip to Diagon Alley!
Stay tuned as we bring you even more from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and be sure to follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for the latest updates.
Update 5-14-14
The contest continues today with another clue. Remember, you can view each clue after 9:30am EST for the next five days!
Clue 2: In which wand shop in Diagon Alley can you see a wand choose a wizard?
Click here to make your guess and enter for a chance to win a trip to Diagon Alley and Universal Orlando!
Stay tuned tomorrow as we bring you tomorrow’s clue plus more from Universal Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Update 5-15-14
Clue 3: This drink is a specialty at the Hogs Head Pub and it will also be served at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. It’s a sweet, frothy, non-alcoholic beverage that can leave a mustache. What is it?
Click here to make your guess and enter for a chance to win a trip to Diagon Alley and Universal Orlando!
Stay tuned tomorrow as we bring you tomorrow’s clue plus more from Universal Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Update 5-16-14
Clue 4: Witches and wizards store their money in Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Wizard money comes in Nuts, Sickles, and what other coin?
Click here to make your guess and enter for a chance to win a trip to Diagon Alley and Universal Orlando!
Stay tuned tomorrow as we bring you tomorrow’s clue plus more from Universal Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
