10 Signs You’re Addicted to Diagon Alley (For the True Harry Potter Fan)

“You’re a wizard Harry!” This line is very familiar to the fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Those few words spoken by our favorite half-giant led us on a seven year adventure of magical triumphs and divine destinies, all starting in Diagon Alley.

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

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Welcome to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida

I know as a fellow Potter fan you’ve imagined yourself walking down the famous alley going from shop to shop and chatting with the citizens of this world.

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

In my mind we’d have passing conversations about the previous defeat of the Chudley Cannons and who was on the cover of the latest issue of Witch Weekly.

Diagon Alley Grand Opening Knockturn Alley with Witch

Perhaps we all can remember Harry’s awkward pronunciation of D-Dia-gon Alley, which landed us directly into the dark artifacts store of Borgin and Burkes.

A storefront on the eerie street of Knockturn Alley.

The infamous alley is known to harbor shady witches and wizards conducting suspicious dealings with canines and other shadowy creatures.

Some may say that frequent thoughts, such as those above, categorize us Potterheads into the group of admirers addicted to Diagon Alley.

Universal Orlando Resort Fenrir Greyback poster in Knockturn Alley of Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

I would rather disagree, but while pondering such accusations I came up with reasons why we might be an addict of Diagon Alley.

And, I would like to know if any of this sounds like you.

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10 Signs You’re Addicted to Diagon Alley

Now it’s time to see if you’re a true Harry Potter fan!

Diagon Alley Entrance

1. You have your family heirloom waiting to be deposited into Gringotts, the wizard bank!

No safer place.

Not one…

…besides Hogwarts of course.

2. You feel the need to stop by and chat with Doris Crockford and give Dedalus Diggle.

Your dream is to give them a hand shake in the Leaky Cauldron before making your way through the magical brick wall into Diagon Alley.

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

3. You want to talk Mr. Borgin down on the price for the Hand of Glory.

After all, it’s old, withered, and has been sitting on the shelf collecting dust for years.

Diagon Alley: Vanishing Cabinet inside Borgin and Burkes at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort
The Harry Potter Diagon Alley Vanishing Cabinet inside Borgin and Burkes

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4. You’re ready for your book to be signed.

You will be the first in line at Flourish and Blotts to have your copy of Magical Me and Holiday with Hags. Both books would be signed by Gilderoy Lockhart.

Gilderod Lockhart Magical Me Wizarding World of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios

5. Your shopping list is done.

You have already made a shopping list complete with:

  • A set of Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder
  • Nine Nosebleed Nougats
  • A dozen of Decoy Detonators to be purchased from Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes

6. Your apartment is move-in ready.

You have staked out the perfect apartment above the Magical Menagerie shop and you want Dolores Umbridge to decorate it.

Universal Orlando Resort Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida Owlery and Sugar Plums Sweet Shop

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7. You’re ready for your robe.

Your appointment with Madam Malkin for a custom robe fitting has already been scheduled seven months in advance.

Universal Orlando Resort Wizarding World of Harry Potter Store with Ravenclaw and Slytherin Robes

8 . Your perfect spot on the Knight Bus has been chosen.

You view the ride on the Knight Bus with Ern as a bucket list item ready to be conquered!

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

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9 – You’re an ice cream foodie.

You have declared yourself the official ice cream connoisseur. It becomes your duty to taste every unique flavor at Florean Fortescue Ice Cream Parlor.

Butterbeer Ice Cream at Diagon Alley Universal Orlando
Butterbeer Ice Cream…Mmmm Diagon Alley

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10. You really want a reservation at the Leaky Cauldron.

You’re hoping Universal will allow you go ahead and book your room. You want room eleven to be precise at the Leaky Cauldron.

Universal Orlando Resort nice lemon drink and chicken dinner at The Leaky Cauldron of Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Leaky Cauldron

…well at least for one night because you’re a true wizard stuck in this muggle world!

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Diagon Alley at Universal Studios – What to Know Before You Go

Let’s go over a few things to know before your trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Decor in Diagon Alley for Christmas at Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Which Park is Harry Potter World Located in Orlando?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando is divided into two sections.

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 Dragon overlooking Fountain of Fare Fortune in Diagon Alley Harry Potter World

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!

NikkyJ in front of Hogwarts Castle in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Universal Studios Hollywood California

Where is the Real Diagon Alley?

The “real” Diagon Alley is located inside the Universal Studios Florida theme park.

Universal Orlando Resort Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley at Harry Potter World in Diagon Alley

But if you’re a Harry Potter purist, then according to the books the alley is accessible from  London through the Leaky Cauldron, which is on Charing Cross Road.

The Leaky Cauldron is a location that is only seen by wizards and is located between a bookshop and a record shop.

There are also two contenders for the REAL Diagon Alley in the “real world.”

Most Potter fans debate between the two following locations:

1. Cecil Court in London

The Cecil Court area has lots of bookshops and historic looking storefronts.

2. Godwin’s Court in London

The Godwin’s Court area is very reminiscent of Diagon Alley with its whimsical looking houses and buildings.

Wizards World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Theme Parks Alone

What is Diagon Alley Universal Address?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter address is 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

What are the Diagon Alley Hours?

Diagon Alley inside Universal Studios Florida is opened 365 days a year 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the regular season.

Universal Orlando Resort Diagon Alley Dragon in Harry Potter World

Hours may change based on the busyness of the park.

Diagon Alley Phone Number

You can reach guest services at Universal Orlando Resort by calling (407) 224-4233.

Diagon Alley: Sirius motor-bike

How Much are Tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Tickets for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter start at $109 per day.

Universal Orlando Resort SugarPlums Sweet Shop and Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley at Harry Potter World

Just know that the prices do vary based on the day and how long you will be visiting Universal Orlando Resort.

Is there a separate ticket for Harry Potter world?

You do not need a separate ticket for Diagon Alley since it is included in park admission.

Celestina Warbeck and Banshees Singing on Stage in Diagon Alley

If you want to visit Hogsmeade, you will need a ticket to Islands of Adventure since that portion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located there.

Visiting both areas Diagon Alley (at Universal Studios) and Hogsmeade (at Islands of Adventure) will require you to have a 2-park ticket.

Is there Butterbeer in Diagon Alley?

Absolutely!

And you must try EVERY type of Butterbeer!

Hot cold and ice cream butter beer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort Trip Report with Rebecca
Trying ALL the Butterbeer!

In case you’re a Muggle, Butterbeer is a drink mentioned several times in the Harry Potter books.

It is the drink of choice for many of the adolescents throughout the famous Wizarding story.

Plus, it’s a staple drink and a must have beverage whenever you visit Universal Studios.

How is Butterbeer served?

  • Cold Butterbeer
  • Frozen Butterbeer
  • Hot Butterbeer (seasonal)
  • Butterbeer Potted Cream
  • Fudge Butterbeer
  • Butterbeer Soft Serve Ice-Cream
  • Vegan Butterbeer

Sooooo many to choose from!!!

Where to find Butterbeer?

You can find a Butterbeer offering of some sort inside this section of Universal Studios at:

  • The Leaky Cauldron
  • Hopping Pot
  • Sugarplum’s Sweetshop
  • Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour

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My Final Thoughts on Diagon Alley

If your smile is as wide as mine and you can say yes to at least three, then you’re probably already addicted to Diagon Alley.

Universal Orlando Resort NikkyJ in Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Dragon on top of Gringotts Banks

Although the severity of your addiction may not be as deep as mine, we may both need an unwanted intervention.

Let us know why you love the Harry Potter series in the comments section below!

Are You Addicted to Diagon Alley Universal Studios? Make your way from Diagon Alley to Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade.
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Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

NikkyJ

(Original Article Date: June 4, 2014/Updated September 25, 2019)

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4 thoughts on “10 Signs You’re Addicted to Diagon Alley (For the True Harry Potter Fan)”

  1. I can’t wait for Diagon Alley and to go back to Universal! I am bummed that I will never get to try Gringotts though…I can’t ride rollercoasters anymore because of spinal surgery. Boo. I will just have to have an extra Butterbeer to compensate. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Well, I thought I was a big Harry Potter fan, but I don’t even know what some of the things on your list are. I guess I better get to re-reading the books and visiting Diagon Alley!

    Reply
    • Haha! I got really detailed on this post to get all of us excited about the opening of Diagon Alley at Universal and to also get us to re-read the books 🙂

      Reply

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