Press conferences were held at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley’s Leaky Cauldron this morning where media learned more about the expansion.
Our first question for Diagon Alley’s creative team was about what they learned from Hogsmeade that they could apply to the expansion. Universal admitted that walkways were expanded while maintaining the look of the tight spaces that you see in the books and films.
In addition, they knew fans loved the details of Hogsmeade and wanted to take them a step further for Diagon Alley. “Fans really love all the details, and we wanted to raise the bar one more time,” said Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President of Universal Creative. “You come down to Diagon Alley and this is a whole different level and a whole different scale. The fans wanted to experience a lot more.”
Related: See photos of the stars at this morning’s press conference on our Instagram
In addition, Universal heads addressed a couple of burning questions. They were mum when asked what could be coming next in the Wizarding World. Also, they confirmed after some pressing that Dan Radcliffe and Emma Watson did not film new scenes because of other commitments. The other actors you see on the ride, like Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, and Rupert Grint did film scenes for the Gringotts bank thrill ride.
On the cast side of the morning, Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) said he felt like a ten-year-old holding a wand and using it in the new interactive sections of the parks. He was equally amused while riding the Hogwarts Express and was thrilled to see himself inside of it. Domnhall Gleeson (Bill Weasley) admits that he appears in the Gringotts Bank ride more than he appears in the films.
Actress Bonnie Wright, who plays Ginny, spoke to the theme park’s abilities to add detail you wouldn’t find in the Harry Potter books or movies. “All those extra details that [Rowling] couldn’t put in the films – here you get to really see them.”
Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix) was asked about what she thought of riding the Gringotts ride and had to laugh off the question because she got stuck on it last night. She said she’d try it again later, however.
Tom Felton (Draco) spoke to how much you can find within Diagon Alley. He said he’s been here for six or seven hours and still isn’t sure if he’s seen everything yet.
Asked about what else Universal could build from the Potter world, Felton naturally hoped for a haunted mansion/Malfoy Manor type of attraction.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opens July 8. Read our first impressions from our report last night.