Universal Orlando has released a slew of beautiful high-res photos from inside Diagon Alley that offer one of our favorite looks yet at the new Wizarding World expansion.
The theme park announced Wednesday morning that Diagon Alley will be opening Tuesday, July 8 to the public. This week, media including Hypable are in Orlando to see the new land for ourselves (more on that tomorrow).
Update: See our first impressions from Diagon Alley!
Update 2: See more amazing photos from the park!
Various Harry Potter film stars are in town to celebrate the media preview, including the Phelps twins, Evanna Lynch, Matt Lewis, Robbie Coltrane, and Helena Bonham Carter.
The new expansion is located in Universal Studios, the park that plays neighbor to Islands of Adventure, which houses the existing Hogsmeade land. (Fun fact: The original Wizarding World held its grand opening celebration four years ago today.)
A working Hogwarts Express train, depicted in a couple of the photos below, will take guests to and from Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. A park-to-park ticket is required in order to ride the train and experience both lands.
Before we get our own camera inside Diagon Alley, check out these official, high-res photos provided by Universal:
On page 2: Knockturn Alley, Gringotts, and the dragon at night
Diagon Alley is an impressive feat. There are several features in the new land that appear to be even more amazing than the original. In the below photos you’ll see different parts of Diagon Alley like Knockturn Alley, the fire-breathing dragon, and where you can exchange your real money for Gringotts bank notes (to use in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley).
In this first photo you’ll see The Leaky Cauldron. According to Universal, guests will be able to enjoy “Bangers and Mash (traditional roasted sausages with creamy mashed potatoes), Fisherman’s Pie (salmon, shrimp and cod baked together under a potato crust), Toad in the Hole (traditional sausage baked into a Yorkshire pudding and served with onion gravy), Fish and Chips, and the Ploughman’s – a feast of English cheese, crusty bread, cornichon pickles, apple beet salad, Branston pickle and a Scotch egg).” Learn more about the food and drink offerings in our previous report.
