As promised, Universal Orlando announced new details about the Hogwarts Express at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this morning.
A press release, updated website, and new stills offer an early glimpse at what guests can expect onboard as they travel between Hogwarts/Hogsmeade and London/Diagon Alley beginning this summer at Universal Orlando.
“To board the Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station, you’ll walk straight through a solid brick wall onto Platform 9 ¾,” Universal’s website says, “where a Hogwarts Prefect will be waiting to lead you to your passenger compartment.”
Your experience on board will be unique to the direction you’re traveling. “Once seated in the cabin, guests will be able to look out their windows as an incredibly authentic and magical adventure unfolds before them,” a press release states. “They’ll see Hagrid come alongside the train on his flying motorbike, Buckbeak the Hippogriff swoop gracefully over the black lake, the Weasley twins on brooms and up to their usual antics, the Knight Bus swerving through London traffic – and other special moments and surprises.”
Universal released three new stills from the journey today which depict Hagrid, Buckbeak, and one of the Weasley twins. These scenes will appear during the train ride outside of your window:
Click each image to see it full size!
A video released on YouTube includes new interviews with Rupert Grint, Warwick Davis, and the Phelps twins who discuss the new expansion. Given Grint’s involvement with this video, it may suggest that he is involved with the Wizarding World Diagon Alley on a greater scale. In other words, he may appear in the Gringotts Bank thrill ride.
A park-to-park ticket will be required to ride the Hogwarts Express since Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are located in two separate parks at Universal Orlando.
Universal has not announced an opening day for Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express other than offering a summer timeframe.
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