Later this summer, Universal Studios Florida will debut an expansion to their extremely popular ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ in their Islands of Adventure theme park that will transport young witches, wizards, and muggles to London where they can venture into Diagon Alley, the premiere shopping destination for the English magical community. Previously, it was announced that the area would be headlined by the ride ‘Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts’, which features brand new scenes with franchise stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Helena Bonham Carter, and Ralph Fiennes, along with shops like Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Ollivander’s, and The Leaky Cauldron. But now we know what sort of entertainment can be found in the upcoming attraction that brings us deeper into J.K. Rowling’s magical world.
In a blog post on their official website, Universal shared some of the various forms of entertainment that guests can indulge in when they’re not waiting in line for the new rollercoaster through the wizarding bank. Similar to the conductor of the Hogwarts Express in Hogsmeade, the Knight Bus Conductor will greet guests when they first enter London in between exchanging banter with the shrunken head that hangs from his rearview mirror. Speaking of exchange, visitors can go deeper into the ‘Harry Potter’ experience by acquiring the currency of witches and wizards with Wizarding Bank Notes from the Gringotts Money Exchange. Instead of weighing down your pockets with galleons, sickles, and knuts, fans will have the option of using paper bills to purchase wands, robes, or even butterbeer.
In terms of shows, a troupe from the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts will entertain the masses wandering through Carkitt Market with two fables from ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard’. Emmy-winning designer Michael Curry designed scenic pieces, props, and puppetry to bring to life ‘The Fountain of Fair Fortune’ and ‘The Tale of the Three Brothers’, which was featured in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1’. You can check out a preview of the brothers in the gallery below:
Finally, Molly Weasley’s favorite singing group The Singing Sorceress: Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees will serenade guests with never-before-heard songs like “A Cauldron Full Of Hot, Strong Love,” “You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart”, and “You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me”, which were all created with the help of Rowling herself.
Even though there are two whole theme parks at the guests’ disposal, it sounds like there will be enough to do in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to keep people busy all day thanks to all the rides, entertainment, and interactive experiences around every corner. As more and more information pours out about Diagon Alley, I wish that I were among those making the trip down to Florida this summer to check it all out.
What are you most excited for in the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Florida? Will you be checking out these new shows or exchanging your cash for Wizarding Bank Notes? Let us know in the comments.
