Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day From A to Z: The BEST Day Ever!

Last weeks Diagon Alley grand opening day celebration has long past, but I can’t help laughing with childlike giddiness as I replay that wonderful day over and over in my mind.

I was even quoted by the Tampa Bay Times regarding my first reaction to Escape from Gringotts.

Universal Orlando Resort Diagon Alley Grand Opening with Dragon in Harry Potter World
Diagon Alley in Universal Studios

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Diagon Grand Opening Day Photos

With so many articles out there giving you all a “how to guide” or “top tips” (myself included), I’ve decided to do something new to showcase my indescribable trip through the brick walls of London.

London Facade with Kings Cross Station at Harry Potter World Diagon Alley

Let’s go through my photo adventure of Universal’s Diagon Alley grand opening day from A-Z!

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A – Aguamenti!

I finally got it using my interactive wand!

Wizards World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day with NikkyJ at Theme Parks Alone

B – Butterbeer Ice-cream

For the brave and hungry.

Butterbeer Ice Cream at Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day Universal Orlando
Butterbeer Ice Cream…Mmmm Diagon Alley

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C – Celestina Warbeck

She is joined with her Banshees to perform their greatest hits.

Celestina Warbeck at Diagon Alley Orlando Grand Opening Day
Celestina Warbeck at Diagon Alley

D – Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day Merchandise

Cool Diagon grand opening day commemorative post card and pin.

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day Merchandise Post card and pin

E – Elf Services

Located at House-Elf Replacement Agency.

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day House-Elf Replacement Agency

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F – Fantastic Beasts

…and I know just where to find them!

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day: Fantastic Beasts and stuffed animals on shelves

G – Gringotts Wizarding Bank

There’s no safer place !

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day: Gringotts Bank with Dragon on top.
Diagon Alley: Gringotts Bank

H – Hearty Meal

A delicious wizard meal of Bangers and Mash at the Leaky Cauldron.

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day: Bangers and Mash at Leaky Cauldron
Bangers and Mash at the Leaky Cauldron. Diagon Alley

I – Ironbelly Ukrainian Dragon

He looks ready to fry us with his fire!

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day Firebreathing dragon
Diagon Alley Firebreathing dragon

J – Joke Shop

Created by the Weasleys because no one else can do it better!

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day Wheezes Wheezing WizardsJoke Shop

K – Knight Bus Adventure Touring Company

The best touring bus to the rescue!

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day: Knightbus Wizarding World of Harry Potter. #harrypotter #universalstudios #diagonalley #wizardingworldofharrypotter

L – Leaky Cauldron

A safe place for the little witches and wizards.

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day: Leaky Cauldron with cafeteria style seating at lunch.
Early Lunch at the Leaky Cauldron: Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day July 2014

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M – Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions

Shopping here will put a smile on her face .

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day: Madam Malkin Robes for Every Occassion

N – Number Twelve Grimmauld Place

Learn all the secrets that are hidden within it.

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day Number 12 Grimauld Place with Kreature Globin in the Window

Watch Next: Diagon Alley Complete Guide: The BEST Place to Visit in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

O – Ollivander’s Wand Shop

You know the wand truly did choose the wizard!

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day : Ollivander's Wand Shop. #harrypotter #universalstudios
The Wand and the Wizard. Diagon Alley

P – Potion-making Kit

A starter kit for the below average student 🙂

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day Eternelle's Green Potion with Gilly Water from Harry Potter Books
Diagon Alley: Potions

Q – Quidditch Life

Find many Quidditch celebrity sightings throughout Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day Quidditch Celebrity

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R – Roguish Witch

Ready to lure you into Knockturn Alley!

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Knockturn Alley with Witch

S – Sirius’ Motorbike

Alway a highly dependable motor-bike!

Diagon Alley: Sirius motor-bike Grand Opening Day

T – Tale of the Three Brothers

Wizarding fairy tales so eloquently told.

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day: Tale of the Three Brothers
Tale of the Three Brothers: Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day July 2014

U – U-No-Poo

Because, you know it’s a household must!

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day U-No-Poo at Weasley Wizard Wheezes
Diagon Alley U-No-Poo at Wizard Wheezes

V – Vanishing Cabinet

For all of your escape needs in the Wizarding World!

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day: Vanishing Cabinet inside Borgin and Burkes
The Harry Potter Diagon Alley Vanishing Cabinet inside Borgin and Burkes

W – Which broomstick?

…and where will it take you?

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day: Broomsticks
Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day July 2014

X – Xenophilius Lovegood’s Latest Story:

Gringotts Wait Time and the Conspiracy to Steal Wizard Days

Diagon Alley Grand opening day Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride wait time.
Diagon Alley Grand opening day Gringotts wait time.

Y – You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart

You’ll be singing this top wizarding jingle as you make your way through Diagon Alley.

The Leaky Cauldron Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day.

Z – Zealous Celebration

This most EPIC celebration for the most amazing place in Orlando!

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Celebration
Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day Celebration

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What to Know Before You Go

Now that you know what to expect at Diagon Alley, let’s go over a few of the most commonly asked questions.

Universal Orlando Resort The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Merchandise at Universal Studios Florida Menagerie Snake

Which Park is Harry Potter World Located in Orlando?

Harry Potter World in Orlando (and yes I did use that term…this is a Muggles’ guide ), is divided into two sections as mentioned earlier.

What is the Difference between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley?

Diagon Alley focuses on the Wizard’s experience shopping, dining, and socializing in the secret London location.

Universal Orlando Resort Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment in Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Merchandise

Hogsmeade focuses on the experience of the Hogwarts students living and learning inside the castle. Plus, their experiences exploring the little village of Hogsmeade.

Does Universal Hollywood have Diagon Alley?

Universal Hollywood currently does not have a Diagon Alley section. You can still experience the Hogsmeade adventure in the Hollywood park!

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

Final Thoughts on Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day

As you can, Diagon Alley Grand Opening Day was absolutely fantastic!

There’s really no set guideline to preparing for a grand opening for anything related to the Harry Potter series.

Universal Orlando Resort Leaky Cauldron Menu at Universal Studios Diagon Alley Harry Potter World

However, there are ways of enjoying yourself no matter what the situation may bring.

Be sure to check out OutdoorsyDiva for her splendid post on her Potter-filled experience too.

If you enjoyed this Universal Studios Itinerary Guide, then you’ll love these:

Read the Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

NikkyJ

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