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masterofmystery · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2013, 02:45 AM

After the initial announcement of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley on Wednesday morning, local Orlando press spoke to some of the Universal reps about what's the come for the new expansion of the Harry Potter world at Universal Orlando Resorts.

Various Orlando print and television media were invited to Universal on Wednesday for the announcement, and got the chance to speak to Thierry Coup, Universal Creative Senior Vice President. Coup was the head coordinator and producer for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Hogwarts Castle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure in Orlando.

The original announcement only confirmed the Gringotts attraction as the headline for the new area, and Coup was vague in confirming the long-standing rumours that the main restaurant at the park will be the Leaky Cauldron, and what the Hogwarts Express ride has in store for fans. As of now, no shops or attractions within Diagon Alley save Gringotts have been confirmed.

Quote:

I need to know about Gringotts bank. What's the coolest part about the attraction?
THIERRY COUP: When you saw the films or read the books, [Gringotts bank] was just meant to be a ride. The fantastic way that Harry Potter goes down into this bank in the first film, we wanted to bring that to life. In collaborating with Warner Bros. and the filmmaker who created those visuals, we're going to bring you this incredible ride experience that's good for the whole family that everyone's going to be able to enjoy.

What about the ride system/vehicle? Can you give us anything?
TC: We have to wait a little bit more.

When we're inside Hogwarts Express traveling between parks, will we be looking outside and onto a set, or are the "windows" actually video screens?
TC: First of all, how extraordinary is that, to be able to go and ride Hogwarts Express from London to Hogsmeade Village and back, just like they did in the films? Along the way, imagine the journey. It's going to take you completely into the environments, with the characters, with a lot of surprises. But you're going to be completely immersed in that world just like Harry Potter was along the way.

You announced there will be one new restaurant. Could it be the Leaky Cauldron [the gateway to Diagon Alley from the Muggle world]?
TC: Maybe. We want to make sure to bring all the signature places that were in the films and fiction. So you can imagine what would be there. It's going to be very cool.

Universal finally confirmed that Diagon Alley is indeed being built over the area that once occupied Amityville and the Jaws ride, which was shut down in early 2012, in Universal Studios Florida.

Channel 9 in Orlando also heard that the new Diagon Alley spread should be completed by the time Universal's newest on-site hotel, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The hotel has begun accepting reservations for rooms starting from March 31, 2014. No word yet on if Diagon Alley will be open next spring, or even the summer. We will of course have full detail on what's the come for the next step in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter when information is released.

Please note: the official names for both parks at Universal Orlando Resorts are The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, set to open in Universal Studios Florida next year.