Several weeks ago crews at Universal Studios Orlando began work on the highly rumored but yet-to-be-announced Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion featuring London and Diagon Alley.
Last month we had showed you the first signs of vertical construction, and today we want to pass along photos of the near-complete Wizarding World London water front.
This section is one of the first aspects of the expansion to be completed, and the easiest one to see as you walk around Universal Studios’ former Jaws area.
First, here’s the real London waterfront at the Victoria embankment
The lion head “is one of several that adorn both the Victoria and Albert Embankments,” writes Esoteric London. “Designed by the sculptor Gilbert Bayes they gave rise to the saying, ‘When the lions drink, London will sink’ as should the Thames reach the level of their mouths large parts of the Capital would be underwater.”
And now, the Wizarding World expansion’s highly rumored London expansion
… Looks familiar, doesn’t it?
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Despite clear comparisons like this, construction permit filings, and simple word of mouth, Universal remains completely mum on the project. Our best guess for the long silence is the fact that if they announce details about the expansion, potential visitors will decide to postpone their Wizarding World trip until Diagon Alley/London opens.
Rumors suggest Diagon Alley will feature a Gringotts thrill ride, The Leaky Cauldron restaurant, and shops like Dervish and Banges.
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for new evidence, interesting construction photos, and whatever else we can dig up. Thanks to Orlando Park News for the construction photos.
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