Tomorrow, January, 23, 2014 is the LIVE Webcast where Universal Orlando will reveal more details on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley expansion at the Universal Studios Florida theme park. The scaffolding has come down on Diagon Alley’s London facade, and the Celebration of Harry Potter weekend is nearly upon us. What will Universal announce during the webcast? Will we get an opening date for the new land? Will we find out more details about the Gringotts bank attraction? Will Ollivander’s wand shop be located in Diagon Alley as in the books? We just have to wait, but while we’re biding our time, why not take a stroll around the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade including a walk through Hogwarts Castle that opened in 2010 at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure.
Universal Orlando put meticulous care into recreating the details of the streets of Hogsmeade, just as they were depicted in the Harry Potter films. You could spend hours peering in the windows of the various shops; just be careful sitting underneath the owls perched in the rafters of the owlery.
The Flight of the Hippogriff is a quick, fun, family coaster that brings you up close to Hagrid’s hut, a brief encounter with Buckbeak, and incredible views of Hogwarts Castle and all of Hogsmeade laid out below.
Of course the main draw of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Hogwarts Castle, beckoning you to come closer, walk inside, and dare to embark upon a Forbidden Journey.
Universal Orlando set a high bar creating the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. So what magic awaits for the expansion of Diagon Alley? It won’t be too long before all secrets will be revealed.
A special thanks to our intrepid videographer, John Saccheri, for creating these video tours of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade.
DISCLOSURE: Universal Orlando provided complimentary admission to experience both theme parks. However all opinions expressed are those of the author. For more family travel news, reviews, and trip reports, be sure to follow Adventures by Daddy on twitter and “like” our facebook page too.
Are you allowed to go inside the Hogwarts?
Yes, you can definitely go inside Hogwarts Castle. Check out the video in the post.