Archive - Park Journey

Published on

February 11, 2014

Six Flags Magic Mountain announces Speedy Gonzales - Hot Rod Racers

2014 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain Announces Newest Roller Coaster

Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers will become 19th roller coaster

VALENCIA, Calif. — February 11, 2014 — Six Flags Magic Mountain, the “Thrill Capital of the World,” today announced its newest pint-sized roller coaster. Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers will anchor the revitalized Bugs Bunny World, becoming the fourth roller coaster in the children’s area, more than any other U.S. theme park.

Sitting in miniature hot rod race cars, riders will enjoy an action-packed adventure with plenty of drops and thrills on a roadster-themed racetrack. Kids and parents can ride together as they take a sprint around the grand prix track. Joining 11 other rides and attractions, from flying airplanes to pint-sized trucks and trains, Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers will debut in early summer.

“We are excited to introduce Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers to our coaster collection at Six Flags Magic Mountain,” said Bonnie Rabjohn, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor park president. “This time it’s a fun adventure for our littlest guests. The mini-coasters in Bugs Bunny World are the perfect training ground for aspiring thrill seekers at the ‘Thrill Capital of the World.’ No doubt we will be creating lots of magical memories for them this year.”

With the addition of Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers, the Valencia theme park will boast 19 roller coasters, more than any other theme park on the planet, including the new Full Throttle, which debuted in June 2013 as the world’s tallest and fastest looping coaster; X2, the world’s first 5th dimensional coaster; Tatsu, the world’s tallest and fastest flying coaster; Goliath, the giant among giants; Viper and more.

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2014 Season Passes are on sale and provide unlimited visits (including Fright Fest®) for 2014. Season Passes are now more affordable with low monthly payments through the annual membership program. Additional season pass perks include free tickets for friends and more.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, in Valencia, north of Los Angeles off Interstate 5 at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit. The park is currently open weekends and school holidays. For complete operating days and hours, and for more information call (661) 255-4111 or visit us online at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

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Published on

February 4, 2014

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Harry Potter construction continues at Universal Studios Hollywood

2014 Attractions Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Harry Potter Hogwarts Simpsons Springfield Studio Tour The Voice Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World

This week we continue looking at the ongoing construction of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Wizarding World of Dirt ... err, Harry Potter, Springfield and whatever the heck they are doing where the Curse of the Mummy's Tomb was on the Studio Tour.

We also have some pictures of a production getting ready to take place on the Backlot for one very popular show.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

A look at what Despicable Me looks like as of February 1st. It seems we are always a couple of days early as last update the sign was installed a day after our pictures were taken and apparently the wall in front of Gru's house was removed since Saturday.
We hope to have a couple of updated pictures of this later in the week.

A close up of the sign. No different than the one in Orlando.

You can win tickets to the Grand Opening of the ride. We've made it easy for you to enter, just click here.

Due to some issues I was having with my camera this is the closest look we'll get at Super Silly Funland this update.

From down below (on the tram actually). Hopefully we'll get to see more soon.

All indications are that the ride and land will be ready to open sometime in April.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Not really a whole lot of change with WWoHP since our last update. Once vertical construction begins in a few months it should get a bit more exiting than just "dirt".

Some more dirt and steel.

And lots more dirt for good measure.

Studio Tour

For those fans of The Voice, here you go. If you thought the show was taped in some amazing concert venue and all of those pre-performance videos were shot on the streets of LA ... well, I'm sorry. They are all done on the Universal Backlot and the show is taped on Stage 12.

Peace Out ... or is that a "V"?

If you are in Southern California or will be visiting and would like tickets to The Voice (or many other shows) you can visit 1iota. Really great resource for free tickets. We've done a few live concerts for Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Something we missed on our last update, Fast and the Furious has thankfully been closed (looks like for good). No word on what may be replacing this.

It appears all of the "themeing" has been removed. Not sure if the cars and robot arms are still there.

Who says it never rains in Southern California?

A picture that nobody has ever taken before in the history of picture taking.

Sadly this is not in preparation for Halloween Horror Nights but for some new show they are filming on the backlot.

Hello Mother

Jaws is still closed for what is a pretty extensive rehab. Reports are that the tilting pier effect is not coming back. Maybe something different?

They've cleared even more land where Curse of the Mummy's Tomb was. Still no indication if this is going to be a future attraction for the tram or for the theme park.

I see no reason why this can't be an expansion for Wizarding World utilizing the Hogwarts Express concept they are using in Orlando to get people out to this area of the park.

Around The Park

Decorations celebrating the Year of the Horse were up in Universal Plaza.

Even though it was bright and sunny it was a pretty chilly day. Not sure why they had the fountains on.

Still a temporary entrance for Shrek 4D.

Walls heading all the way around towards Flintstones BBQ which will hopefully be on it's way out soon.

We'll finish with one of the many amazing walk-around face characters at the park. We'll try to feature a different one for each update. These individuals are great and really are the heart of the park.

That's going to wrap it up for this update. We hope to have some updated Despicable Me pictures in the next few days and if anything major changes with either Despicable Me or Harry Potter we'll be sure to head to the park.

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Published on

February 4, 2014

Mine Ride, Ghostrider and Camp Snoopy refurbishments continue at Knott's Berry Farm

2014 Attractions Calico Mine Ride Camp Snoopy Cedar Fair Knott's Berry Farm Komen OC

Knott's is continuing it's upswing that has been taking place over the last few years with some offseason refurbishments and a full re-do of Camp Snoopy for it's 30th Anniversary.

The Calico Mine Ride is receiving a complete refurbishment with the help of Garner Holt similar to what the Timber Mountain Log Ride received last year, so we know it will be great.

Ghostrider is also receiving a lot of work this offseason and hopefully it will return this ride to some of it's former glory.

Calico Mine Ride

Unfortunately we can only see what is going on outside of the ride, but if the amount of work being done outside is any indication, the ride is going to be fantastic when it re-opens this spring.

Lots or rock work being done at the front of the ride.

Camp Snoopy 30th Anniversary re-do

Camp Snoopy is being fully re-done in celebration of it's 30th Anniversary. The amount of work being done in this area of the park is staggering.

Due to all the work being done on the pathways, the entire space in front of Sierra Sidewinder is closed off.

The queue for the ride is temporarily located near the FastLane entrance.

A look from the other side of Camp Snoopy. During this portion of the work being done there is only 1 entrance and exit for Camp Snoopy.

On the other side of Camp Snoopy, the area near Timberline Twister is getting the most amount of work in preparation for it's refurb and the new rides that will be coming to the area this spring.

The queue and station for the coaster is being completely replaced to fit the new theme.

It's nice to see the park taking the time to preserve so much of the natural setting unlike some other parks that find it easier to build over trees instead of preserving them. This really is a change in the way Knott's would have done things a few years ago and it's great to see.

Work continues on the other side near Lucy's Tugboat . Lucy's Tugboat was open during our visit (2/1) but was closed as of Monday. Be sure you are following the park on Twitter as they list all of their closed rides every morning before the park opens. It's a great resource.

Snoopy's Bounce House is still open ... for now.

The entire area should look brand new when construction is done later this spring. We look forward to bringing more updates on it's progress in the months ahead.

Ghostrider Refurbishment

Ghostrider is closed for it's yearly refurbishment but the amount of work being done on the track seems to be more extensive than in years past.

Lots of work being done on the turn around area and the section heading over Grand Ave.

Hopefully the ride will be rideable again when it reopens.

Grand Avenue Parking

As we first shared with you on our Facebook and Twitter pages last week, the parking in front of the Marketplace stores has been removed and it looks like planters are taking their place.

While we think minimizing traffic on Grand Ave. is a good thing, one consequence of losing these parking spots is less 3-hour parking.

Beginning March 1st the park will only have a 1-hour parking area (in the lot between TGIFridays and Ghostrider) with guests being able to validate in the Marketplace to get 3-hours of Free Parking.

What this means is that the loophole that many Season Passholders would use to spend a couple of hours in the park is now gone. Park guests will now have to pay the $15 to park, upgrade to the parking pass for $55 or make sure you get validation at one of the Marketplace restaurants or shops to get your free 3-hours.

The strangest part is if you miss your 3-hour window by even 1 minute you will have to pay $25 to park.

While I think much of this is a good idea (passholders should have to pay for parking to enter the park) being so strict and going from $0-$25 in a minute is a bit harsh.

I think a happy compromise would be to have a 2-hour Free Parking window, 4-hours with Validation and then an incremental fee (say $5 an hour) for hours 4-6. Then the park can feel free to charge $25 after that. It would seem to make the most sense especially when the wait for the Chicken Dinner Restaurant can exceed an hour on some days.

Maybe offering another level of pass that includes parking would help as well. Currently only the Platinum Pass includes Free Parking.

It will be interesting to see how this is implemented in March and how much flack the park will get or if it will just become the norm.

Around the Park

It was truly a beautiful day to be out at the park. Even though it's early February it was like an early spring day.

One of the benefits of being at the park for early morning events is Ghost Town pictures with great light and no people.

For those that don't know, Windseeker is now fully gone and replaced by a planter.

The fences and queue are still there so I'd guess that this area won't be empty for long, especially considering all the work that had to be done on the nearby rides in order to fit Windseeker in this spot.

Jaguar had recently been closed for some work, not sure exactly what was done but I'm guessing it was just offseason refurbishments. I didn't ride because after a few years of Coasting for Kids with Give Kids The World I don't ever need to ride Jaguar again. =)

Silver Bullet and Xcelerator looking great on a beautiful Southern California day.

That's going to wrap it up for this update. If you missed our coverage of the "Knott's For The Cure" event yesterday you can find that update here.

We are hoping to get back to the park sometime in early March to check the progress on the Mine Ride and Camp Snoopy refurbishments.

We'll also have a Universal Studios Hollywood update for you tomorrow.

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Published on

February 3, 2014

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM PROUDLY PARTNERS KOMEN® ON A QUEST FOR A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER

Cedar Fair Komen OC

The Park Will Offer A Specially Discounted “Pink Ticket” February-March In Support Of the Organization

This past Saturday Knott's Berry Farm kicked off their "Knott's for the Cure" event that will feature special Pink tickets and Pink merchandise at the park from February 1st through March 31st. You can see the entire press release below.

As part of the announcement, the park held an event for Breast Cancer survivors which included a breakfast, a ride on Pony Express and a very touching ceremony featuring some truly inspiring stories.

The Boardwalk Ballroom all decked out in Pink for the event.

Pink Ribbon ice sculpture.

Snoopy and Lucy greeting guests as they enter the event.

Knott's General Manager Raffi Kaprelyan greeting the assembled guests.

Included in the ceremony were some touching stories from a member of the Knott's Berry Farm family who had undergone treatment as well as other survivors and women who are currently struggling with Breast Cancer. It was a very touching event.

After the event inside the Boardwalk Ballroom it was off to Pony Express where the ladies took some rides on Pony Express.

The Breast Cancer Survivors taking their rides on Pony Express.

Some signs in the front of the park wish some stories from Komen Orange County.

It was truly a great morning and this is going to be a great event. Along with the tickets some great merchandise is available inside the park and at Virginia's in the Knott's Marketplace.

The park is also selling Magnets which guests can place on a sign at the front of the park. The idea is to fill up the sign with tributes to those who have been impacted by breast cancer. It will be interesting to head back to the park in March and see the amount of magnets that have been placed.

Make sure you head to the park before March 31st to take part in this great event. The only thing better than going to a great park to have a great time is to give something back while doing it.

Below is the full press release with all of the information needed to participate in this great event.

* Pictures below courtesy of Knott's Berry Farm

Buena Park, CA (Jan 2014) - Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County are working together to raise money for breast cancer awareness, services and research by offering a special “Pink Ticket” and limited edition specially designed “pink” merchandise from February 1 through March 31st.

“It is wonderful to see Snoopy hugging Woodstock on top of the logo for Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure benefiting Susan G. Komen Orange County,” said Lisa Wolter, Executive Director of the Komen Orange County Affiliate. “This partnership will raise much needed funds for mammograms and breast health outreach, and it shows the warmth and caring embrace we can all extend to women and families going through their struggle with breast cancer.”

In Orange County, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to Komen’s funding of research, new treatments and awareness of the importance of annual mammograms to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most curable stages, the survival rate for breast cancer has risen dramatically over the 33 years of the organization. The Orange County Komen Affiliate provides mammograms for uninsured women and works with other organizations to bring breast health information to people throughout the county.

The promotion will provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy Knott’s world class entertainment, attractions and specially-themed “pink” décor, while supporting an important cause that touches many women. Starting February 1, through March 31, guests can purchase “Pink Tickets” for theme park admission only online at www.knotts.com. A portion of the “Pink Tickets” proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen Orange County.

Knott’s Berry Farm has kicked off the promotion by donating $25,000 to Susan G. Komen Orange County. The money that the theme park has already donated will provide 400 women in Orange County with life-saving breast health services.

Guests entering the theme park during the time of the promotion will be greeted by a pink Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure display adorned with Snoopy and his pal Woodstock. Guests can purchase a commemorative limited edition magnet to place on the special display in honor of, or in memory of, someone affected by breast cancer. The magnet will be sold at select merchandise locations inside Knott’s Berry Farm and all proceeds will benefit Komen Orange County.

“I am ready to buy ‘pink’ Knott’s Berry Farm merchandise for my granddaughters because I want there to be a cure before they grow up,” said Wolter.

For more information on the fight against breast cancer, please contact the Susan G. Komen Orange County office at (714) 957-9157.

For Knott’s theme park information including hours of operation please visit www.knotts.com or call (714) 220-5200. Follow and join the conversation by using #KnottsPink.

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We will have a full Knott's Berry Farm update for you on Tuesday (February 4).

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Published on

January 27, 2014

RunDisney Revisited: Disney events vs. Non-Disney events - The Fun Factor

FULL DISCLOSURE NUMBER ONE: This article is revisiting a topic I wrote about last year when I wrote for MiceChat. If you'd like to see the original article you can click here.

FULL DISCLOSURE NUMBER TWO: I'm involved as a volunteer for Superhero Events who runs a few of the events featured in this article. Some of the people who provided me with reviews and pictures for the races featured are also a part of Superhero Events. My goal is to be as impartial as possible when discussing the individual events. Please let me know if I've failed. =)

In addition, the photo quality on some of these pictures may not be up to our normal standards. It's sometimes (always) hard to take great pictures while running.

Now that that's out of the way, let's get to it.

Let's face it, the more fun something is the more likely you are to want to do it. Visiting theme parks is fun, that's why we go to them, ride the coasters, eat the food, see the shows and visit sites like this one. Running is no different and with the success of RunDisney, other races outside of Disney are starting to figure it out.

Start Line of the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon

Hanging with the characters while running through Disneyland (left) and Walt Disney World (right)

Shortly after I started running in January 2010, some friends told me about the Disneyland Half Marathon. As a long-time Disneyland Annual Passholder (at the time) I had heard about it, but never thought about running it.

When registration opened I dropped my $110 (to run ... are they crazy) and decided I needed to actually be able to finish this thing. That's when I got addicted to running and my life hasn't been the same since.

I have a feeling many of my fellow runners have a similar story. Unfortunately, what I've seen due to the ever-increasing fees for RunDisney races are people getting discouraged, the fun factor being taken out of it and people going back to their sedentary lifestyle.

Running the Tinkerbell at Disneyland (left) and through the parks of Walt Disney World (right)

What I'm here to tell you is that Disney doesn't have a monopoly on fun races. Far from it. There are many other lower-cost options out there to encourage you to keep running, to keep moving and most importantly, keep having fun!!!

Disneyland's Matterhorn at Sunrise

I'm not here to recommend any particular race over another race. I'm not here to discourage you from running a RunDisney race. I'm currently planning on running the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World in January 2015. But if you enjoy running and Disney is taking a big bite out of your pocketbook, there are plenty of other races out there for you.

Review of the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon and Tinkerbell Half Marathon by @GoofyRunning

The smaller corrals this year were much nicer but Disney really needs to check the times as many slower runners were in Corrals B, C and D. Much less bottle necking at Walt Disney World vs Tinkerbell.

The race retreat at Walt Disney World was awesome and the food after the full marathon was great. ChEaR squad this year was nice. My wife was fed well and was able to catch me in Magic Kingdom, ESPN and at the Finish line.

Walt Disney World Pasta party was weak compared to the great location at Disneyland. It seems that Walt Disney World is about getting you in and out quickly and it feels like you are being rushed. At Disneyland they take their time and have no issues with you hanging out from beginning to end.

Themed Mile Markers for the Walt Disney World Marathon

Below are the prices for two upcoming Disney races as well as a comparison of the price increases over the past few years.

Prices for 2014 Disneyland Half Marathon (being held in September):
Half Marathon - $195
10K - $105
Dumbo Double Dare (Half Marathon and 10K)- $320
5K - $70
Kid Races - $20

Prices for Disneyland Half Marathon from 2010 -2013:
2010: $110
2011: $125
2012: $150
2013: $175

Dumbo Double Dare
2013: $280
2014: $320

Prices for WDW Wine and Dine Half Marathon (being held in October):
Half Marathon - $175
5k - $50
Kid Races - $15 and $30

Running through "beautiful" Anaheim during the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon. They have added classic cars to this portion of the race in recent years.

By Comparison, here are the current prices of some other races being held in various locations. Many races have lower fees the sooner you register and always make sure you check online for discount codes.
(Click on any of the links to be taken to the home pages for each individual race below)

Hollywood Half Marathon (Hollywood, CA)
Half Marathon - $105
10K - $50
5K - $40
Kids Races - $15

Costume Party Run (San Diego, CA)
Hilarious Half Marathon - $95
Wacky 5K - $35

Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL)
Marathon - $185

Los Angeles Marathon (Los Angeles, CA)
Marathon - $180

Space Coast Marathon/Half Marathon (Cocoa, FL)
Marathon - $95
Half Marathon - $85

The San Francisco Marathon (San Francisco, CA)
Marathon - $155
Half Marathon - $115
5K - $45

Rock N Roll USA Marathon and Half (Washington, DC)
Marathon - $140
Half Marathon - $125

Running across the Golden Gate Bridge during the 2013 San Francisco Marathon

As you can see above, you don't have to break the bank for a race. And as you can see from the pictures below, the fun factor in many of these races is still there.

Awesome 80's 5k in Pasadena

Awesome 80's Pasadena (left) and Costume Party Run San Diego (right)

Costume Party Run 2013

And while you won't be running through any Disney parks, running on Hollywood Blvd, through the streets of LA, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego or Washington DC isn't too bad.

So let's break down the value of these races a bit.

Let's take the upcoming 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon which costs $195.
For that $195 you get entry to the race, a medal, pre and post-race snacks, a tech-shirt, on-course entertainment/water and a goodie bag.

Next, let's take a look at the upcoming 2013 Los Angeles Marathon which currently costs $180.
For that $180 you get entry to the race, a medal, pre and post race snacks, a tech-shirt, on-course entertainment/water and a goodie bag.

I know what you are thinking ... "But we don't get to run through Disneyland and DCA during the other race". You are absolutely correct, and Disney knows this.

Let's look at some other factors that are included in every race:

Expo:
Disneyland's Expo is located on Disney property, the only cost they would be incurring for that weekend is whatever events would rent out their expo center for that weekend.
The LA Marathon Expo is at the LA Convention Center. I'm sure they get a deal but I don't think there could be any argument that the cost to rent out the LA Convention Center far outweighs the cost Disney would lose by not renting out their Expo center.

Walt Disney World Marathon Expo

Course:
As already mentioned, it is hard to compare to running through any of the Disney Parks. But when you look at the course for the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon only about 3 to 3 1/2 miles is actually run inside the parks or backstage at the parks. There is also approximately a mile run on the parking lots of Honda Center, Anaheim Stadium and a path on Santa Ana River. So let's be generous and say 9 miles run on the streets of Anaheim. With the course you would have to factor in the manpower of police and parking enforcement to close those 9 miles of road.

For the LA Marathon there is approximately 24 miles run on the streets of Los Angeles. The first 1/4 mile is on the parking lot of Dodger Stadium and there is a little more than a mile run through the Veterans Administration. For most of the race you are running on major Los Angeles streets like Sunset, Hollywood Blvd and San Vicente Blvd. So once you factor in the manpower of police and parking enforcement to close 24 miles of road through a major city, you can really see where that $180 is going.

Running on Hollywood Blvd

Sadly, it's becoming less evident to see where the $195 for the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon is going other than in the back-pocket of the mouse.

Running on Harbor Blvd after exiting Disneyland

If you've never run a Disney race I would not ever discourage you from doing so. For a Disney fan who also loves to run it's pretty much the holy grail of races. I'm seeing a lot of runners doing it as a "Bucket List" thing and being 1 and done. That's my feeling on the Dopey Challenge for 2015. I'm going to likely be sacrificing about 8-10 other races I'd do throughout 2015 just to run the Dopey and a Disneyland race so I can get the "Coast to Coast" medal.

So whether you are new to running or have been running for awhile and you want to try a Disney race ... I say go for it. But don't get discouraged by the soaring prices. Know that there are other races out there, wherever you live.

Backstage fun at Disney California Adventure

I tend to pick races that have some cool place or city to run through (whether it's Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium, San Francisco, Hollywood) or some kind of theme (Costume Party Run, Awesome 80's Run). It's always more fun to run places you've never been vs where you run every day.

No matter what the race is, the sense of accomplishment you feel when its over is the same.

After the Disneyland Half marathon 2010 (left) and after the LA Marathon 2013 (right)

It's also important to remember that most races (Disney included) do have a charitable component. Whether it's in the training or a portion of the fees going to individual charities. Get involved, give something back while you are pushing your body to it's limits.

If you'd like more information on any of the races mentioned in this article you can click on the links above. The Disneyland Half Marathon registration is now open. If you'd like to run it this year you'd better register TODAY (Tuesday January 28). The race will likely sell out during it's first day. Registration opens at Noon EST (9am Pacific).

If you have any comments or questions about starting running or running with Disney please, ask away. We are more than happy to help with any questions regarding training plans, registration tips, travel tips, race discounts and more.

If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter.

If you have any comments, please share them below.
Published on

January 23, 2014
Universal Orlando Resort Reveals Details for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley

2014 Attractions Harry Potter Hogwarts Universal Orlando Wizarding World
2014’s Most Anticipated New Theme Park Experience Opens This Summer and Brings More of Harry Potter’s Adventures to Life

Expansive New Area Will Feature Something for Everyone: The Hogwarts Express, A Groundbreaking Ride, Plus Spectacular Shops and Dining

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 23, 2014) – Never before has a theme park created a guest experience like this: you climb aboard the Hogwarts Express in Hogsmeade and moments later arrive at King’s Cross Station – where the wonders of London and Diagon Alley unfold before you.  And it is all real.

With this summer’s opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life inside a new, magnificently themed area that includes a revolutionary attraction experience, as well as all-new themed shops and dining.

The two companies today revealed first-ever details about the new area and the one-of-a-kind adventures it will offer the whole family.  The spectacularly themed environment will double the size of the sweeping area already dedicated to Harry Potter’s adventures at Universal Orlando, expanding it across both Universal theme parks.

And – just like in the books and films – guests will be able to travel between the two areas aboard the iconic Hogwarts Express.

Universal Orlando launched a global phenomenon when it opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at its Islands of Adventure theme park in 2010.  That area includes the iconic Hogwarts castle – which houses the groundbreaking Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction – and the village of Hogsmeade.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be located within Universal Orlando’s second theme park, Universal Studios, and will create new experiences based on the signature areas of London, Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley.

Universal’s creative team has been working closely with Stuart Craig and the production team from the Harry Potter films to make the new area as authentic and spectacular as possible – just as it did with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade.

The vision for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley is unprecedented, with Universal Orlando creating the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience.

After arriving at King’s Cross Station aboard the Hogwarts Express, guests will pass through London and the iconic brick wall archway from the films into Diagon Alley – a bustling, wizarding hub within a Muggle city.  There will be shops, dining experiences, and a new ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional journey that will take theme park attractions to a new level.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will give visitors the exciting opportunity to:

Board the Hogwarts Express and journey between London’s King’s Cross Station (located in Universal Studios Florida) and Hogsmeade Station (located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure). The journey will be filled with views of London and the British countryside – as well as a few surprises. Park-to-park admission is required.
Experience a groundbreaking new, multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts,which will place riders in the middle of an incredible adventure as they navigate their way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults
Witness the magical experience of a wand choosing a wizard at Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops
Discover the darker side of magic in Knockturn Alley, the darkest of dark places that features Borgin and Burkes – a shop specializing in the Dark Arts that will offer a wide variety of Dark objects, such as Death Eater masks, skulls, and other sinister items

Explore some of Diagon Alley’s famous shops, including:

Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a vibrant shop featuring novelty items, magical jokes, and toys inspired by the books and films that will amaze the mischievous child in everyone
Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, where guests will find a variety of wizardwear from Hogwarts school uniform ties, scarves and jumpers, to authentic wizard’s robes and character costumes
Magical Menagerie, which features a collection of plush animals, such as owls and Hippogriffs
Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses
Quality Quidditch Supplies, offering a wide assortment of apparel and equipment including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more
Scribbulus, featuring authentic writing implements and products such as feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards

Enjoy traditional British fare that includes favorite dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and more at the Leaky Cauldron
Visit Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour for frozen treats in a variety of tantalizing and unique flavors such as strawberry-and-peanut-butter ice-cream and many others

And more!

More details about the unique experiences that can be found in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be released over time.  For more information about the area, visit www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter

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