Let me start by saying I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I read all the books, saw all of the movies and was in attendance for the grand opening of Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade in 2010. For me, being at the grand opening was a no brainer.
For starters, I'd like to give Universal credit for how they handled the grand opening, for the most part. Kicking those who wanted to camp out off property until 5 a.m. on the dot seemed a bit much, but once I got on property, things ran quite smoothly. Waited at the Studios gates for about an hour, was let into the park at 6 and Diagon Alley was open by 8.
For the original Wizarding World, I was in the second group let into the land when I arrived at 5:30 a.m. Being in the first group was so much better. First off, I was up close and personal to the grand opening ceremony and second, walking into the land with confetti in the air and media taking pictures left and right was awesome. I originally intended on attending a soft opening beforehand, but that moment was made more special because I didn't.
Once I was in the land, like pretty much everyone else, I rushed to Gringotts. The queue area was pretty spectacular. Animatronic goblins were cool, but the details that went into the queue were awesome. The ride features two pre-shows and a photo op to get your own vault pass, which you can purchase at the exit. The pre-shows were cool, especially the lift taking you deep into the vaults. I was unable to experience the attraction this time (see my editorial Harry Potter and the War on Larger Guests for details) but what I saw was great.
After Gringotts, I figured it was time to enjoy the new food offerings. I first tried a Fishy Green Ale, which is a non alcoholic drink. It tasted like a mint boba tea, which wasn't bad, but isn't really my thing. After that, I checked out Butterbeer Ice Cream. It was basically soft serve vanilla ice cream with a Butterbeer swirl. It was good, but not as mind blowing as the drink.
With ice cream in hand, I wandered around checking out the sights. I first took a turn down a shady alleyway into Knockturn Alley. Knockturn is actually inside a building, which is pretty cool. It's also very dark, which is why I took no pictures. Inside the store Borgan and Burke's, you can purchase items enchanted with dark magic or featuring your favorite Death Eaters or He Who Must Not Be Named himself.
Weazley's Wizard Wheezes is a great shop featuring plenty of prank and joke items. There is also a Quiddich shop featuring plenty of house themed items.
Next, I grabbed a bite at the Leaky Cauldron, which was great. The atmosphere is dark and muggy, which fits the shady pub style from the films. I had the Specialty Chicken Sandwich, which is a grilled chicken sandwich with sharp cheddar cheese, smoked bacon and a apple mayo. It was quite tasty. Unlike The Three Broomsticks, your food is brought to you using a candlestick that you bring to your table.
Later, I ventured over to the stage where I caught a retelling of The Tale of the Three Brothers. It was awesome and featured a multi faceted stage, special effects and an awesome puppet version of Death. It was great.
Since everyone else was in line for Gringotts, I was able to walk into Olivanders. The Diagon Version is bigger and on a grander scale, featuring two show rooms. The show itself is virtually the same, but the look of the new version is much better.
At last, it was time for my trip to Diagon Alley to end, so I returned to London, where I entered King's Cross Station to travel to Hogsmeade. Before you enter, you must scan your park ticket. Once you enter, you feel you are surrounded by a classic London train station. They even have a snack stand in the queue featuring English beer and snack foods. Once you go upstairs you "walk through" a wall to Platform 9 and 3/4s to board the Hogwarts Express! The train itself is quite impressive and looks just like it does in the movie, steam everywhere and all. You share a small cabin with up to 5 other guests. The ride itself features great sights from the Harry Potter films along with events happening outside your cabin. It's a lot of fun.
Overall, Diagon Alley is without a doubt the best and most immersive themed land of all time. The details, food, attractions and entertainment combine for the definitive Harry Potter experience. It is a must see for theme park fans and Harry Potter fans alike.
Written by Chris Coburn