Diagon Alley

This is hands down, the best area in the whole park! As soon as you enter, you are pretty much in a whole new world. You will think you have been dropped onto the pages of Harry Potter and are legitimately in Diagon Alley (the Florida heat will be the only reminder that you are not). The streets get crowded easily because everyone wants a picture and stops without warning. The shops are amazing and so are the food options.
I recommend also going at night because not only is it not as crowded, the atmosphere is calmer and the lighting is beautiful.

Out of all the parts of Universal Studios, this makes the best walking tour. The narrow alleyways, the performances, the dragon that breaths on the clock, and the butter beer, all make this an experience that mixes your senses into something that is memorable.

What can I say, this was a huge highlight of my recent trip to Florida. I had been to Universal Studios before, but this outperformed my expectations for a Harry Potter amusement park area — there was simply so much to see and do and good gosh the butterbeer (especially the frozen and hot varieties) was so good! I loved the architecture, the staff in costume and in character and the number of ways of interacting with things available here. Even the smaller details that would seem impossible to replicate were attempted which I rather appreciated. Even watching folks play with their interactive wands on the street is fun.

5 stars for the incredibly realistic experience!
Seriously, from the moment you enter you will feel as if you’ve stepped into a different world. The architecture is beautiful and the people watching is even better! Wanna see grown adults wearing costumes and NOT at the Tampa Bay Renaissance Festival? Ok, well grab yourself a beverage (I suggest a Dragon Scale) and sit down in Diagon Alley. After a full day of broomsticks and butter beer and wands and wizards you’ll be saying ‘Swish and Flick’ and staring at every pointy hat hoping it «sorts you out».
Tip: Go at night. It’s a COMPLETELY different experience and even more amazing

I highly recommend getting butterbeer ice cream, along with a mug of butterbeer.
The place can get super crowded, but that’s to be expected. For the ride, you’ll go through the line a lot faster if you do the single rider line. Ride was awesome though. Make sure to put your stuff in a locker before getting in line.
The whole atmosphere here is amazing for Harry Potter fans.

So much fun! We loved the escape from gringotts ride! Don’t exchange your money for goblin money without asking questions — you can’t use it everywhere and it’s not easy to switch it back ! Look for knock turn alley and go into all the shops. Long line to get icecream unfortunately !

This one is going to be quick. Again, just love the job they’ve done replicating the HP world. This area is mostly shops (candy, butter beer, real beer!!!, toys, collectibles, etc, etc, please spend your money here, etc., restaurants). The fire breathing dragon is awesome and I love the kid in the candy store window who is continually throwing up in a bucket! If you are claustrophobic, beware — this area gets über crowded and fast!

As a casual Potter fan (saw the movies but didn’t read the books) I was looking forward to checking this out — but didn’t loose sleep with excitement. There were definitely plenty there that probably did. The entire build out was very well done — with Easter Eggs to be found. The ridge on this side was great as well. Loved the detail and all of the little nooks to check out. Also enjoyed seeing how many people dressed the part to visit the park.
TIP: The Dragon blows fire every 25 minutes — so set your watch if you miss it the first time.

Diagon Alley was replicated very nicely from the iconic movie scenes of Harry Potter, however, it’s mostly shops and eateries that you’ll be looking to visit. The same types of shops and eateries exist in Hogsmeade, in the other park, so I was expecting to see some other types of attractions. They have Gringotts Bank with the giant dragon sitting atop and a Escape from Gringott’s roller coaster, but other than that it’s a pretty quick walkthrough. The interactive wands cost close to $ 50, which allow you to use ‘spells’ in some of the windows of shops to activate items behind the glass. A bit disappointing, but glad we got to see what it was all about.
Best,
Charlie

What universal has done to replicate diagon alley is absolutely nothing short of amazing! From walking in London to transitioning into diagon alley, truly takes your breath away. If you closed your eyes and just opened them in the alley it would feel as if you have transported directly to the movie! They did a phenomenal job replicating the shops and statues and drink spots!
Diagon alley is 10x more interesting to me then the islands of adventure side! It feels bigger, more detailed and truly gives you a chance to experience eating and shopping and drinking as if you were really walking down diagon alley!
You see little kids in their sorcerer cloaks waiving their wands at the store displays where it looks as though they are really performing magic. I am sure for children this is a real treat for them and takes their imagination to a whole other dimension! Even for adults the shear construction and time and money invested into this park can clearly be seen and appreciated!
After going to this side of the park and seeing the wonderful statues and buildings! I have no idea how universal went so long with out Harry Potter!!! I guess that’s why it is the busiest part of the park, on both sides!!!
This is a MUST see for all ages! Even those who do not appreciate Harry Potter!!!

This was what I was looking forward to most on my trip to Disney/​Universal. And Diagon Alley EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS. Once we passed through those famous red bricks, it was like we stepped straight onto the movie set. And the Harry Potter soundtrack playing made it so much better.
We went during one of the busiest weeks of the year (the week between Christmas and NYE). So by there was crowds. Crowds. And more crowds. Everything at Diagon Alley is crowded together so it’s like, well, an alley.
We spent about 2 hours just walking around all the shops and buying souvenirs. I think we looked at every single detail, and I still wasn’t ready to leave.
THINGS TO SEE/​DO:
1. Take those obligatory pictures at King’s Cross station, the Knight bus, and Grimmauld Place all located outside Diagon Alley.
2. Apparently the dragon above Gringotts breathes fire. Unfortunately, we never saw it happen. Consider yourself lucky if you do see it.
3. Go on the Escape from Gringotts ride. Even if the line is longer than 2 hours like it was for us. It’s the only ride at Diagon Alley, so the lines will probably get long.
4. If you have a park to park pass, take the Hogwarts Express to Islands of Adventure.
5. Butterbeer — If you come, you have to try butterbeer. It was delicious and refreshing. It’s so good, we’ve found a recipe online and sometimes make it at home. I didn’t like frozen butterbeer as much as regular. It also may be hard to finish alone if you’re not splitting with someone.
6. Walk around the shops — They have pretty much anything and everything Harry potter here — if you’re into the Dark Arts, head to Knockturn alley. It’s well hidden behind the restrooms. Want wands? Head to Ollivanders or Gregorovich’s. The lines here do get long. Quidditch equipment, robes, candy, or stuffed magical creatures? There’s something for everyone. We bought Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, and if you’ve never tasted earwax before, you’re missing out on life.
7. If you’ve bought a wand, do some magic. You can aim your wand at different parts of the park and they will make things move.
8. Random details that I loved — Wanted moving pictures of Fenrir Greyback, moving pictures on the Daily Prophets, a basilisk by the magical creatures that speaks Parseltongue (too bad I don’t)
Diagon Alley is so much better than Hogsmeade at the Universal Studios Island’s of Adventure. There’s less rides here, but more to see.

Okay, I did not read the Harry Potter books or even watch the movie but my husband did. This trip to Universal was all about Harry Potter.
We visited Dragon Alley on our second day at Universal. It is amazing even for those who were not Harry fans. It’s like walking into another world. The buildings and stores were so authentic for a wizarding experience.
I think Universal really outdid itself with the Harry Potter theme. It’s one of the best there.
Loved it.

Walking into here for the first time, I almost cried. I definitely teared up. It’s like walking into the movies for real. What an experience!
There are so many shops (I wished there were more shops open, especially the book store).
Everyone, including me, are in full robes and running around.
Warning in the middle of the day, it gets super crowded. But well worth it. Get some butter beer and some butter beer ice cream (OMFG SO GOOD) and enjoy yourself!
Also, stay on premise at their resort and you get in an hour earlier than everyone else, which is so worth it because it’s quiet and you really get to take it all in.

This place was so wonderfully created and brought to life! It was so breathtaking and fun to be in, my family and I had to go twice during our trip to Orlando! Definitely be willing to shed a couple bucks (maybe more than a couple, or at least $ 50 if you’re a true wizard/​witch) to buy a wand. It’s an easy place to get lost and fascinated by the wizarding world of Harry Potter. The fact that it is pretty much hidden from the rest of the universal attractions creates an aura of WOW as soon as you walk in. The buildings, fire breathing dragon, drinks, snacks, and food were more than what we expected. Frozen butter beer and butter beer ice cream are a must and if you’re into more experimental kinds of concoctions, they have those too! Wonderful place for the whole family even though it can get quite crowded during peak seasons. Please don’t miss out on this one!

This was my first time to Harry Potter World and I cannot imagine it without Diagon Alley, it was amazing! While Hogsmeade is also fun, there is truly something magical about your first time walking into Diagon alley from the ‘London streets.’
As you make your way through the separated brick wall, you’re first greeted with an impressive view of Gringotts at the end of the alley, and yes. That b a fire breathing dragon up top.
There are so many things to check out here. Just strolling along sipping a butterbeer is fun enough, as you peer into the shop windows. Once you’ve done that a couple.several. Ok I spent a good part of the two days I was there just haunting the streets… but when inclined, drop into one of many shops.
Upon entering the alley, the Quality Quittach Supplies and the Weasely’s shops are on your right and the Leaky Cauldron looking seedy as usual on the left. Further on you can pick up wands at either Olivander or Gregorovitch’s wand shops. There is an ice cream parlor, a street shop selling butterbeer, and a kiosk where you can nab some pumpkin juice. In the back you can also get your ink on at Flourish and Blotts, score some sweet Hogwarts robes, or pick up a pet at the menagerie.
Once you’ve dined on the not so five star viddles from the Leaky Cauldron, made your purchases, and sipped a. couple… cups of butterbeer, you can either check out the Gringotts ride, which was my favorite, use an interactive wand to make magic at several locations in Daigon Alley, or watch a group of theatre performers as they tell tales from Beedle the Bard.
Once you’ve done everything, in my case at least eight times, you can venture into the bone chilling Knockturn Alley or make your way to Kings Cross and continue your journey to Hogwarts.
However you choose to spend your time, enjoy the magic of Diagon Alley and as any good Harry Potter nerd, don’t leave till they force you to, and while you’re being escorted out loudly exclaim ‘but this is where I belong, I’m just waiting on my Hogwarts letter.’

I died and went to. Diagon alley. I have really never seen anything like it. They didn’t build a small stage. They recreated the world and it is every bit magical as the reviews suggest.
I will admit. I only watched 4 of the movies and read none of the books *ducks*. But even an ignoramus as myself found the entire experience to be so unique and memorable. The wands, the rides, the train and the scale of it all. Don’t miss it.
Yea it gets crowded and the streets get a tad narrow. But there are just endless shops to see. The attention to details is unprecedented. I also love how so many ppl get dressed up in robes and scarves. It’s very charming. I definitely felt left out.
Now if only someone would recreate Middle Earth. :)

It was her special day, she turned 11. Turning 11 in the world of Harry Potter means it’s time to go to Hogwarts, school of magic. We were all so excited because almost everyone in my household are huge Harry Potter fans. There isn’t a year we let go by since the movies came out that we don’t gather together and have a Harry Potter movie marathon. We love it.
Diagon Alley was amazing!!! If you ever dreamed about actually being there and experiencing what Harry Potter and his friends experienced, you’ll be happily pleased. As soon as you walk into the alley it’s like you’re in another world, another time, another reality. The kids were ecstatic. And I’ll admit, so was I.
All of the shops look just like they do in the movies. You literally feel like you’ve just stepped into London. The bank sits right in the middle of the alley, with a fun ride on the inside, what a view when you enter the alley. We didn’t get on the ride because the line was extremely long and this particular ride doesn’t accept express passes. (I highly recommend getting express passes. Many of the rides allow them.) The huge, white, fire breathing dragon that sits atop the bank makes quite the statement. The restaurant located in Diagon Alley looks exactly like the dining hall for the students at Hogwarts in Harry Potter.
One of the best parts was watching our kids use their magical wands we bought from the wand store at the special locations in the alley. Each spot is marked with a special code that lets you know to stand «here» and point your wand at the designated location to get a reaction. Each reaction is different, you never know what you’re going to get.
Overall, it’s one of the best attractions at Harry Potter Universal Studios.

As a huge fan of the harry potter series… Diagon Alley at Universal is a pretty accurate creation to the one we read in the book and watch in the movie. Located at the back of Univeral studios… When we got to the park before the park opening, you can see wave of people ready to charge and ambush the world of wizard. As soon as 9am dropped, you see everyone running, speed walking, trying to get the Gringotts Bank ride for the least wait. The thing with universal studios compared to Disneyworld is that. they require you to put everything in lockers for more «thrill rides». Each thrill ride has their own set of lockers to rent where a limited time is free for rent for the ride duration, anything after is like $ 3. The time free for rent varies depending on how long the wait in line is. I still find that annoying but… it is what it is… Let’s leave the Gringotts bank ride for that review itself. but Diagon Alley has so much to explore. The Dragon located on top of the bank spits fire every few minutes which is cool to spectate.
Also are several stores lined up in the alley just like the ones in the books/​movies… Some noteable stores include:
*Ollivanders wand shop — To get those magical wands (magic tricks lay within the diagon alley/​Hogsmede)
*Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes — If you like those weird candy from harry potter and chocolate frogs
* Leaky Cauldron– if you’re trying to dine in harry potter spirit
*Madam Malkin’s Robe shop– To try on all the harry potter gear and robes (instagram all them pix)
*Fountain of Fair Fortune — The Famous ButterBeer (iced, hot or frozen)
Also if you happened to pick up a wand from Ollivanders’, there are 16 spots in Diagon alley that you can perform some tricks in, which creates the experience to even MORE real. (9 more at Hogsmede in the Island of adventures park). I suggest getting early to the park just to ride the Gringotts bank ride as it does have a consistent long wait throughout the day, then slowly explore Diagon Alley. It feels like you’re part of the movie/​book because everything is so SPOT ON. Can’t wait for the Los Angeles location to open up on the April 7^th, 2016. It will be severely crowded, so ill probably be there in the summer! Univeral Studios Orlando is pretty much nothing without the wizarding world of harry potter!

This new Harry Potter theme area is tucked away in a hidden little alley (much like in the books/​movies), so hidden in fact that we missed it the first time we went by. The entrance is located just past the new train station, near the British bus. What I love about the understated, secret entrance is how much it enhances the initial «wow» factor that you get as you enter the area. I thought that the original HP area at Universal was great, but holy smokes is this place amazing!
They decided to build this location in the other side of Universal (the original area is in Islands of Adventure; this one is in the regular Universal Studios area). You can reach the two different areas with their train or by simply entering each park separately, but will need to pay for a pass to both parks. The area is so incredibly elaborate and there is so much to see and do here — the attention to detail is amazing. If you are a fan of the HP stories, I couldn’t recommend this more highly. Such an awesome experience! In addition to rides and shops (the dark wizard area is so cool — be sure to check it out) there is also a fantastic restaurant and stands selling food. You can easily spend a few hours in this area alone and not be disappointed!
One interesting thing that I discovered this year was that this area (including rides) is open during Halloween Horror nights — with barely any lines to speak of. So if you’re hoping to check it out but don’t want to deal with crowds, that may be a great time to do it. Only bad thing is that it is at night, so in the dark it is a very different experience — but with only a 10 minute wait for the new Gringott’s ride, who’s complaining?

Waouh c’est largement les plus beaux et aboutis décors que j’ai vu dans un parc d’attraction, je né suis absolument pas fan d’Harry Potter mais là je dis bravo à Universal c’est incroyable on est vraiment transporté dans un autre monde.
En plus c’est grand, on peut facilement y passer plusieurs heures à observer tous les détails, faire les différents magasins et restaurants.
Le dragon qui crache du feu est le point d’orgue final et là on se dit que rien n’est à modifier tellement c’est parfait.
J’imagine que pour les fans d’Harry Potter c’est le paradis, en plus c’est génial car de l’extérieur on né voit rien car tout les décors sont cachés derrières des décors traditionnels de la ville de Londres donc l’immersion est encore plus totale.
Chapeau Universal vous avez dépassé le maître Disney sur ce monde, en plus construit en peu de temps.

My husband and I will go to Universal just to hang out in Diagon Alley. Everything is gorgeous and it’s a Harry Potter fan’s dream come true. (My hubbie is a huge HP fan.)
There are shops and restaurants everywhere and little hidden gems tucked away in ever corner. Not to be missed if you are visiting Universal.