BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 14, 2014 Report Share Posted March 14, 2014 From InsideTheMagic...http://www.insidethemagic.net/2014/03/hogwarts-express-details-reveal-magical-connection-to-universal-theme-parks-in-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion/ Hogwarts Express details reveal realistic visuals with Dementors and more between Harry Potter lands at Universal Orlandoby Ricky BrigantePosted on March 14, 2014 Soon Harry Potter fans will finally have the chance to take that leap of faith onto platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross station en route to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley expansion, Universal Orlando is creating a real life version of the famed Hogwarts Express train, connecting the existing Hogsmeade Village area of their Islands of Adventure theme park to the London waterfront opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida. A few days ago, Universal teased they would be revealing new details about the Hogwarts Express ride this Friday. Now just after midnight, those details have emerged. Universal Orlando describes the Hogwarts Express as follows:Being transported from the Muggle world to the wizarding world as you pass through the brick wall at King’s Cross Station to arrive at Platform 9 3/4Watching in amazement as the Hogwarts Express pulls into the station – its billowing steam and authentic whistle beckoning you to hop aboardSitting in one of the train’s cabins with your family and friends and actually riding the Hogwarts Express – just as your favorite characters did in the Harry Potter filmsLooking outside your cabin window and enjoying a scenic, breathtaking journey through the British countryside as you encounter magical creatures, some of your favorite Harry Potter characters… and even Dementors. “Harry Potter” fan sites Snitch Seeker and Leaky Cauldron were invited to a Universal Orlando press event in New York to offer additional details about the experience. The Hogwarts Express trains will seat roughly 200 passengers and the ride will last around 7 minutes. Visuals will be featured in the “windows” of the train, showing familiar characters in a 3D-style manner that offers a better view than a simple 2D screen. It’s not traditional 3D (no glasses), but also not exactly flat either. A few newly released images from the attraction are seen below. Guests will need park-to-park admission to enjoy the real journey aboard the iconic locomotive. The Hogwarts Express experience will combine storytelling, live special effects, lifelike animation and state-of-the-art technology to take riders between the two parks. Guests will see two completely different experiences depending on whether they’re traveling to Hogsmeade or London. Once seated in the cabin, guests will be able to look out windows to see an authentic adventure unfold. They’ll see Hagrid come alongside the train on his flying motorbike, Buckbeak the Hippogriff swooping over the black lake, Weasley twins on brooms, the Knight Bus swerving through London traffic, along with other special moments and surprises. The trip from Hogsmeade and Hogwarts to London and Diagon Alley will include Fred and George Weasley flying on broomsticks, Hagrid waving to the train, London streets, and Buckbeak the Hippogriff flying. The trip from London and Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts will feature the British countryside, Dementors, Hedwig, and Hagrid on Sirius’ motorcycle. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express will open this summer. No date has been announced yet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beckers 1,136 Posted March 14, 2014 Report Share Posted March 14, 2014 I haven't read or watched any HP but that sounds pretty awesome Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AC in A2......Aaron 693 Posted March 14, 2014 Report Share Posted March 14, 2014 Sounds pretty great. This is on our to do list for our next trip. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799 Posted March 14, 2014 Report Share Posted March 14, 2014 I can't wait for Z to be a little taller! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2014 They just added this video to the article above.. http://youtu.be/5gmSf4R2Ac4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted March 14, 2014 Report Share Posted March 14, 2014 The WWoHP is what you call an attraction, not the recycled crap that Disney is force feeding us.Dave's (DIT) is right, the Mermaid ride does SMB, and the Mine Coaster looks like a snooze fest.In fact, IMO, the entire "New Fantasyland" SMB, it's very disappointing.All that hype for IASW wannabe and a so, so, coaster based on a 200 year old fairytale that Walt recycled as his own. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AC in A2......Aaron 693 Posted March 15, 2014 Report Share Posted March 15, 2014 Can you locals tell me the best day of the week to go to universal?We will be at WDW Jan 24 - Feb 7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2014 New video update posted by Universal Orlando... http://youtu.be/rbMOjvvTI6g Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted April 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2014 Update from Inside the Magic... PHOTOS: Knight Bus arrives at Diagon Alley as Universal Orlando adds iconic details to Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansionTopics: Movies, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando, Universal Studios FloridaTags: Diagon Alley, Knight Bus, London, Wizarding World of Harry Potter When approaching the new London waterfront area of Universal Studios Florida, there won’t be giant signs pointing theme park guests into the Diagon Alley expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It will simply be hiding behind a row of large-scale facades of real-life locations like Kings Cross station. Those who know where to look will find the “secret” entrance. But there will be a few clues that something magical is happening in the area, the most notable of which has now arrived: the Knight Bus. As seen in several of the “Harry Potter” films, the Knight Bus is used to transport Potter and others around the Muggle world (particularly through tight spaces) at harrowingly high speeds.At Universal Orlando, it’s parked next to the Eros Fountain, an excellent photo op for visitors. But there will be much more to the Knight Bus than acting as a familiar set piece. Universal Creative president Mark Woodbury confirmed to me in a recent press conference that it will be home to an interactive feature, a talking shrunken head complete with Caribbean accent – just as seen in the films.Below is a concept rendering of how the area will look when soon completed: Foliage has also sprung up around the London embankment and freestanding scaffolding indicates more structures are being erected. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will open at Universal Orlando this summer. No specific opening date has been announced. http://www.insidethemagic.net/photos/photos-knight-bus-arrives-at-diagon-alley-as-universal-orlando-adds-iconic-details-to-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted April 11, 2014 Report Share Posted April 11, 2014 Looks cool Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AC in A2......Aaron 693 Posted April 12, 2014 Report Share Posted April 12, 2014 Amazing.That the damn mine train is not done.How do they get so much work done so quick at Universal? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted April 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 An update from Inside the Magic. Follow the link for the full article/photos...http://www.insidethemagic.net/photos/photos-zonkos-closes-as-honeydukes-expands-in-original-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-at-universal-orlando/ Zonko’s closes as Honeydukes expands in original Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal OrlandoWith Diagon Alley on the way at Universal Studios Florida, the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter has taken on some major changes. Zonko’s Joke Shop is now closed, converted to an expansion of Honeydukes, the sweet shop that was connected to it. The green walls of Honeydukes now reach all the way through the former Zonko’s location, lined with candy jars. he change is due to the introduction of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a new store coming to Diagon Alley that will sell many of the same joke items that Zonko’s formerly did – and then some. Zonko’s was originally patterned after the Wizard Wheezes store, though changed in name and content to make it fit into Hogsmeade Village. But now that Diagon Alley is being built, Universal can make it all match JK Rowling’s source material. On the outside, Zonko’s still remains – for now. But inside, everything looks very green, a motif that may change in the coming months after Diagon Alley opens and Universal’s designers have a chance to further enhance this area. It can also be seen near the beginning of the Hogsmeade Village tour video below:http://youtu.be/Q7f-ktkWRpY Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and Diagon Alley are set to open this summer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted April 26, 2014 Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 The WWoHP is what you call an attraction, not the recycled crap that Disney is force feeding us.Dave's (DIT) is right, the Mermaid ride does SMB, and the Mine Coaster looks like a snooze fest.In fact, IMO, the entire "New Fantasyland" SMB, it's very disappointing.All that hype for IASW wannabe and a so, so, coaster based on a 200 year old fairytale that Walt recycled as his own. I didn't see this post until now. Am I to understand that Lou said I am right?? And to think...he's on a ship and offline now for the next 7 days. I can milk this for a while. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted April 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 From Orlando Attractions Magazine... New Wizarding World merchandise and refreshments shown to Universal Orlando team members Universal Orlando team members were able to see some top secret magical items today – some new merchandise and foods and beverages that will be sold in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley when it opens this summer. While we weren’t able to attend and team members weren’t allowed to take photos, we were able to find out some of the things they saw. Here’s what we gathered from a first-hand report. • Complete costumes of Bellatrix Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy and others. • Gold bars from Gringott’s Bank. • Various styles of baseball caps with the words “Wizard” “Witch” and “Muggle” on the fronts. • A full line of Quidditch and “house” apparel. This included sweat shorts/pants, robes, jackets and shirts, themed after all four houses. • Many accessories themed to the four houses. Some of these include wallets, coin pouches, mugs/cups, and iphone/tablet cases and covers. • Furry hats possibly designed after the uniforms worn by the students of the Durmstrang Institute from the films. • Various styles and sizes of quill pens and stationary that will be available at Scribbulus. • A realistic Dobby the house elf doll. An entire section of the showcase was devoted to refreshments. Many new dishes will be offered at the Leaky Cauldron restaurant. Some of these include Fish & Chips, Fisherman’s Pie, Cottage Pie and a large assortment of breakfast items. Another highlight of the refreshment display was the new beverage offerings. A new mint flavored bubble tea will be offered plus eight original alcoholic beers will be on tap. The expansion will also feature an indoor Butterbeer cart. Some other previously announced items and shops are: • Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses. • Quality Quidditch Supplies, offering a wide assortment of apparel and equipment including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more. • Scribbulus, featuring authentic writing implements and products such as feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards. • Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, featuring novelty items, magical jokes and toys. • Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, offering a variety of wizardwear from Hogwarts school uniform ties, scarves and jumpers, to authentic wizard’s robes and character costumes. • Magical Menagerie, features a collection of plush animals, such as owls and Hippogriffs. No opening date has been set for Diagon Alley this summer but all signs point to July.http://attractionsmagazine.com/new-wizarding-world-merchandise-refreshments-shown-universal-team-members/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Seals 111 Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 With no disloyalty to my first love (WDW) I have to say I'm really looking forward to seeing this. I'm not a huge HP fan, but my 3 DSs were/are and after hearing numerous discussions among them and their friends I read all the books and watched many of the movies a couple of years ago. I love that they are re-creating so many things from the books/movies so that one can actually live in the HP world for a time. We've been to the first area twice and although I thought it was too small, I was very impressed. We will likely go see the new part after the initial crowds die down. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted May 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 More updates and photos posted by Orlando Attractions Magazine to Facebook... Photo Update: The fountain and angel statue topper are being installed in the London area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort, and a sign for the Leaky Cauldron and more details are starting to appear. The opening date has not been announced yet, other than this summer. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152365354129330&set=pcb.10152365360499330&type=1&theater Scroll through the photos, there are a bunch. This is looking sooooooo cool! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted May 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 From Inside the Magic... Escape from Gringotts ride brings goblins to life with animatronics at Universal Orlando’s ‘Harry Potter’ expansion Just a day after a “Today Show” teaser revealed a first look inside the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts attraction, Universal Orlando has released a closer look at the animatronic goblins that populate the bank in Diagon Alley. “Here to open an account? Very well,” says one goblin in part of the entertainment that awaits guests who will travel to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion at Universal Studios Florida this summer. The “Today Show” will offer further sneak peeks at Diagon Alley throughout next week’s airings. An opening date for Diagon Alley has not yet been announced, but could be during these shows next week. Videohttp://youtu.be/1tz4xNRRR4M Photos and full article here...http://www.insidethemagic.net/videos/video-escape-from-gringotts-ride-brings-goblins-to-life-with-animatronics-at-universal-orlandos-harry-potter-expansion/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted May 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2014 From Inside The Magic... PHOTO: New Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride concept art released as Universal Orlando teases more details next week Universal Orlando has launched a new official blog to keep fans updated on their latest happenings – the biggest of which is the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. New details have now been promised to be revealed for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts on May 13 via their blog. They’ve released new concept art showing the load area for the upcoming Diagon Alley ride as well as a short video teaser.http://youtu.be/9kSp4T66WEg http://www.insidethemagic.net/photos/photo-new-harry-potter-and-the-escape-from-gringotts-ride-concept-art-released-as-universal-orlando-teases-more-details-next-week/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted May 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 More from Inside the Mouse... Voldemort, Bellatrix revealed in new Escape from Gringotts ride details for Universal Orlando Harry Potter expansion New ride details have been revealed by Universal Orlando for the highly-anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, Diagon Alley. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is the name of its star attraction, a high-tech combination of roller coaster-style thrills, plenty of special effects, and familiar faces from the hit franchise. As soon as the roller coaster-style scenes through these vaults were shown off in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” with its stars narrowly escaping from a massive fire-breathing dragon, it was clear this needed to be transformed into a theme park ride. That’s exactly its intent, to recreate that climactic scene from the film. New details and concept artwork released today show off what this expansive experience will be like when it opens this summer – though no date has been announced yet. Video: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride concept art from Universal Orlandohttp://youtu.be/EX1eQW5XKuwVideo: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – Behind the Sceneshttp://youtu.be/17ySA77iRyIMuch like its Forbidden Journey counterpart in the original Wizarding World, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts will combine real sets and special effects with computer animation and projections to bring high-speed thrills to life. At one point in the ride, guests will be surrounded by a screen that’s almost 360 degrees. It’s not exactly a roller coaster, but will feature fast-moving ride vehicles. Escape from Gringotts will have a height requirement of 42″, intended to be a bit more family-friendly than Forbidden Journey, which has a requirement of 48″. Gringotts is the biggest focal point of Diagon Alley. As guests walk down its main street, all eyes will be drawn to the 60-foot-tall fire-breathing dragon permanently perched atop the building. But that’s just the beginning of what can only be described as a uniquely immersive experience. Stepping inside Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Universal Studios Florida guests will find themselves inside the lobby of Gringotts Bank, reproduced exactly as it appeared in the “Harry Potter” films. Just as it was a first-time experience for Muggles (regular, ordinary humans) to venture into the Wizarding World as part of the original Harry Potter land in the neighboring Islands of Adventure theme park, stepping into Gringotts is equally unusual, as Universal’s story goes. Muggles are quickly welcomed inside by Bill Weasley (portrayed by actor Domhnall Gleeson) as part of the tour.But at the same time, the lead trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione are sneaking into the bank to retrieve a fabled Horcrux as part of their attempt to vanquish the evil Lord Voldemort. Yes, Diagon Alley will finally be bringing the Dark Lord into the theme park experience, notably absent form the original Wizarding World. Naturally, as with most theme park attractions, something goes horribly wrong. After passing through recognizable areas of Gringotts Bank, guests wind up in the deep trenches of its underground vaults. Just as in the movies, guests will board large industrial looking vehicles, arranged side-by-side within a stone and rock lined load area. Animatronic goblins will be seen working their posts on both sides of the rooms, looking around and even talking, welcoming guests inside as new customers. The ride will last roughly four minutes holding 12 people in each vehicle. From there, the wild Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts adventure begins. Bellatrix Lestrange (portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter) has noticed the trio snooping around and, subsequently, the Muggles stepping in as well. She is joined by Death Eaters to stop the Horcrux from being found and destroyed. Riders will speed through the depths of the vaults, passing trolls, dragons, Bellatrix, and ultimately encountering Voldemort himself. While Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts will be the highlight of Diagon Alley, it by no means will be the only attraction. A real, working Hogwarts Express train will transport guests between Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. Diagon Alley will also include plenty of shopping and dining opportunities along with some unique entertainment, all of which will be revealed in the coming weeks. Full article with more photos and video...http://www.insidethemagic.net/2014/05/voldemort-bellatrix-revealed-in-new-escape-from-gringotts-ride-details-for-universal-orlando-harry-potter-expansion/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted May 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 Update to the above article includes pictures of the Hogwarts Express... On the “Today Show” this week, Al Roker will be revealing clues to give fans a chance to win a trip to the grand opening of Diagon Alley. In the process, they are also giving a first look inside some of Diagon Alley’s areas, including the actual Platform 9 3/4 and Hogwarts Express: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 The train and station look huge, very impressive. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799 Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 This looks very impressive. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799 Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 OMG! I said the same thing as Lou again. Make it stop! BradyBzLyn...Mo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 OMG! I said the same thing as Lou again. Make it stop! How do you think I feel? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 Very impressive. NOW how do you two feel?? BradyBzLyn...Mo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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