A Magical Night in Diagon Alley

Life Travel

20140708-175914-64754792.jpgI have to say, Universal Orlando’s new Diagon Alley could easily turn anyone into a Harry Potter fan. After visiting for the Diagon Alley preview, I couldn’t wait to go home and watch the movies, just to see how spot on all of the details were.
Before we could enter Diagon Alley, we had to take Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade to King’s Cross. I could see the train approaching the station by the steam coming from the engine. It slowly approached and then we were able to board.
20140708-175911-64751094.jpg20140708-175912-64752497.jpg
IMG_20140620_203405
We entered our cabin car, along with some other muggles, and made our journey towards London.  I grabbed a seat closer to the window so I could view the London countryside, while outside our cabin door I could hear some familiar wizard voices.
20140620_201223_LLS
20140620_201210_LLS
IMG_0679
We exited the train once we arrived at King’s Cross.  I recently visited London, and consider myself a bit of a tube expert, so I was truly amazed by how much the station felt like the real thing.
20140620_201237_LLS
20140620_201445_LLSIMG_0694
IMG_0714
We made it out to the street.  Once again, the attention to detail was incredible.
20140620_202900_LLS
IMG_0709
After a few brief words from some of the film actors, it was time to head inside and explore Diagon Alley. The first thing you see when you enter is the an enormous fire-breathing dragon atop Gringotts bank.
IMG_0882
Before we jumped on the ride, we decided to explore Diagon Alley a little deeper.
20140620_223340_LLSFirst stop, Ollivanders. It’s where all wizards go to get their wands.  Hoping I might have a little wizard in me, I thought I would walk away with a wand that had chosen me.
20140620_223142_LLS
No such luck.  I guess my wizardy side just wasn’t strong enough that night.
IMG_0838
To ease my pain, it was time for ice cream. Butterbeer ice cream, that is.  20140620_215056
IMG_0735
Following our sugar high, we were a bit out of it and ended up in the bad part of town.  We took the wrong turn and ended up in Knockturn Alley.  Wizards were all around, urging me to try their dark magics.  It was a bit scary.

20140620_222535_LLS  20140620_222624_LLS  20140620_222656_LLS20140620_222806_LLSI needed to cleanse myself from all the dark arts, so I made an elixir to induce euphoria.

IMG_0730Worked like a charm, I was feeling in seconds.  All cleansed and ready to head Gringotts.
20140620_215437_LLS
IMG_0755 20140620_220454_LLS IMG_0843The goblins were hard at work, but we tried our best to distract them.  How often do you get to talk to a real-life goblin?
IMG_0751However, someone didn’t look too happy with me when I asked for a loan.IMG_0737After our escape, we wandered around, mingling with wizards.
IMG_0857And I even managed to take the first wizard selfie.
20140620_222140_LLSIMG_0881
My night in Diagon Alley was a success.  I cannot wait to go back!

You Might Also Like

5 Comments

  • Reply
    Jen Andrade
    July 8, 2014 at 9:44 pm

    So cool, so cool, so dang cool! I stalked your instagram during your trip, omg! I saw the movies and read the books, I’m not a crazy fan, but think that this park is brilliant. I’d even go as far as to say I’d never need to go to Disney World if I could get a VIP trip to WWHP!

    • Reply
      Rochelle Siegel
      July 8, 2014 at 9:46 pm

      Diagon Alley is so well done! I wasn’t that big of a fan either until I saw what Universal did. I’m planning on going back, when the crowds die down a bit 🙂

  • Reply
    worldjourneysdiscover
    July 8, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    wow! I didnt know about this place! I’m surprised they havent made something like this actually in the UK. If I ever get to Florida I won’t miss this it looks really cool. thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Rochelle Siegel
      July 9, 2014 at 8:27 am

      Universal Orlando went all out on this one. You truly feel like you have been transported into the world of Harry Potter. Definitely worth a visit.

  • Reply
    Rubye
    July 12, 2014 at 9:40 am

    It’s hard to find your page in google. I found it on 14
    spot, you should build quality backlinks , it will help you to
    get more visitors. I know how to help you, just search in google – k2 seo tips and tricks

  • Leave a Reply

    Skip to toolbar