My family LOVES to go to Universal.
I've written about it a few times (here, here, here, here, and here), but that definitely won't stop me from writing about it again. We started going to Universal in 2010 when they opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade and Hogwarts). It was such a hit that we returned in 2011 and again in 2013. Then, they opened Diagon Alley this year, and obviously, we HAD to go check it out! (If you haven't read the books/seen the movies, here's your crash course: Hogsmeade: village that the school is located near; Hogwarts: the magical school Harry attends/castle the school is housed in; Diagon Alley: area in London where major magical shopping takes place.)
Since I've already posted about Hogsmeade and Hogwarts previously, I'll write mostly about Diagon Alley (but I reserve the right to do a short post about Hogsmeade, should I feel the urge).
Diagon Alley is kind of magical for Harry fans. If you've seen the movies, Universal's re-creation is an amazing duplication of the Diagon Alley set. Visitors truly feel as though they have walked in to the Real Diagon Alley. Now, if you're looking for Harry-themed rides, you're only going to find one (Escape from Gringotts) in Diagon Alley, BUT you'll find all manner of Harry Culture everywhere you turn. Amiee and I were geeking out about all the incredible detail covering every inch.
Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios, while Hogsmeade is located in Universal's Islands of Adventure. Visitors can take the Hogwart's Express (train) between the two parks/magical locations, but you have to have tickets to both parks (which we did). I'm fairly certain that the train (TWAIN!) was Claire's absolute favorite thing. I'm thinking we rode it 5-6 times while we were there. It takes you from the platform in Hogsmeade on a trip through Great Britain, ending at King's Cross station in London. It is CRAZY how realistic the King's Cross station is. You forget you're in a theme park and genuinely feel you're in a train station. (You can also do the reverse journey; the "countryside" out the window of the train is different each way.)
How realistic is this? I mean.
Sunset view.
Platform 9 3/4 in King's Cross. When you're going through the line in King's Cross on your way to board the train to Hogsmeade, there's this awesome visual effect that makes it look like the folks in line ahead of you are actually walking through the brick barrier. Of course, when you actually walk through the "barrier," you're just walking through a normal walkway...but it's magical for those behind you.
Trying to get the 9 3/4 sign in the background. Meh. Good try.
Claire waiting (semi-patiently) for the train.
Anyone recognize this billboard from movie 6?
Claire and some porters at the station! She was SO excited and gave me a thumbs-up!
Leicester Square outside the entrance to King's Cross.
The Knight Bus, complete with a Stan Shunpike.
Number 12, Grimmauld Place. Kreacher makes regular appearanced in the window.
Amiee and Claire trying to get in.
The brick wall leading into Diagon Alley (not exactly from the Leaky Cauldron...but right next to it).
The Dragon guarding the top of Gringott's is the focal point of the Alley. Every twenty-ish minutes, the dragon rumbles and breathes fire. It's impressive.
Better shot.
The main attraction in Diagon Alley is the ride housed inside Gringott's (that's the wizarding bank, for those of you who may not know). It's a cool ride, but honestly, a huge part of the cool factor comes from the awesome detail and attractions that you pass as you wind your way in line through the bank. It's incredible. There are even animatronic goblins (they run the bank, non-Potter fans) that look REAL (you know, as real as goblins can look). You travel into the depths of the bank (like Harry, Ron, and Hermione in book 7), so you see a wide variety of Potter-esque details. Absolutely incredible.
There were hilarious signs like this along the line to the ride.
This chandeliers are breathtaking. And GINORMOUS.
Goblins. They move and work and interact with each other. It's so weird/crazy/cool.
Goblin statue outside of Gringott's. He's standing on a mountain of galleons, by the way. Also, see how high the houses behind him rise? I learned that Universal intentionally built everything in Diagon Alley tall enough that, when in the Alley, you cannot see anything outside. It really helps sell the magic.
Weasleys Wizard Wheezes. Fred's/George's head bobs up and down while raising and lowering the top hat. It's nutty crazy in there...which is very appropriate.
Close up!
There are a couple of really great shows that we watched a few times, as well. Celestina Warbeck performs some of the songs mentioned in book 6 (at the Weasleys' house during Christmas break), and she is quite the performer. The songs are super catchy and she's pulls in easily-embarrassed guys for audience participation. I REALLY wanted her to pull Brad up on stage, but she didn't. Brad is just too cool and collected, I guess.
Celestina doing her thang.
There is also an amazing dramatic/puppet (very sophisticated puppets) show depicting the story of the Three Brothers from the Tales of Beedle the Bard. It was absolutely fantastic. The effects were so so so good, and we really enjoyed it. Twice. And a half, I think.
The beginning of the Three Brothers.
The first brother re-meeting Death.
The second brother using his stone.
The third brother meeting death as an old friend.
Claire was an enthusiastic supporter of all of the shows.
And a few other details, just for fun:
Quality Quidditch Supplies
Madam Malkins
Outside of the Magical Menagerie. Fun fact: Diagon Alley is designed so that if you buy the (very expensive) interactive wands, you can use them to perform "magic" at various locations. The magic includes making it rain and turning lights off and on. Claire was watching someone do that while Amiee was smiling for this picture.
The array of magical pets.
Unicorns!
A peck of owls!
There's even a Knockturn Alley. Now, we're not into dark magic, but we ARE into shade and air conditioning, both of which can be found in Knockturn Alley.
Borgin and Bourkes.
Flourish and Blotts
The signs for the bathrooms were "Witches" and "Wizards," rather than "Women" and "Men."
Yes, I did take a picture of the toilet.
Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor is, perhaps, one of the best parts. We had ice cream from there at least three- but I'm thinking four- times. The flavors are incredible and really unique. Some of our favorites: clotted cream, peanut butter and strawberry (my favorite), chocolate chili, butterbeer, and sticky toffee. UN-BE-LIEVABLE. Trust me on this. They let you get two flavors in one cup. I highly recommend a peanut butter strawberry-chocolate chili combo or a clotted cream-sticky toffee combo.
Florean's is the yellow building.
Another view.
These (sorta creepy) little guys bob up and down while you wait in line. Claire was highly entertained.
The Leaky Cauldron serves classic pub food that is quite yummy. It's also just a fun place to look around. The detail is so fun for Potter fans.
We thoroughly enjoyed exploring and experiencing Diagon Alley. There was so much more I couldn't even get pictures of. The detail is just unbelievable. Now, we still love Hogsmeade and prefer the abundance of rides that it offers, but the sheer experience of being immersed in a "wizarding world" is just really fun. I have even more I could write (and maybe one day I will), but it is HIGH TIME I get this post up. I've only been talking about it since May...
