Local 6 Theme World: Diagon Alley Q&A

Local 6's theme park expert answers your Harry Potter questions

Many of you have been sending in questions over the Local 6 Facebook page and ClickOrlando.com. Here are your top questions answered:

Q. How do you get invited to the preview?
A. While July 8 is the official opening date, some lucky muggles will get to experience Diagon Alley early. Universal is promising special access to the new land to people who purchase special Potter Packages at Universal's hotels and partner hotels starting in late June. Click here for more information

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Q. Should annual passholders expect a sneak preview?
A. Probably. Team Members (That's Universal's term for its workers i.e. Disney's Cast Members) Your best bet for a passholder preview date: Follow Universal Orlando's Facebook page.


Q. When will the attraction be open? Who can we expect to be there? (We know date now but please add anything else you know)
A. July 8 is the grand opening. No word yet on if there will be any Potter stars there or not. Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Le Strange), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), most of the Weasleys & Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) will be at Wednesday's event. Look for special coverage on Clickorlando.com.

Q. Which new stores will be in Diagon Alley? Will there be a lot of store ‘fronts' like Wizarding World? Or more real shops to go in?
A. Yes to both! Over in the original Hogsmeade, several new facades have gone in to support the interactive wands. Zonko's storefront remains even though the interior has been taken over by an expanded HoneyDuke's.

In Diagon Alley/KnockTurn Alley/etc expect to dine at the Leaky Cauldron, pick a wand at the original location of Olivanders (with probably much less of a wait), get your gag on with "Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."

For Robes and other attire, head to "Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions." For your wizard gaming needs: "Quality Quidditch Supplies." And "Magical Menagerie" will feature creatures. Those of you interest in the dark arts will find "Borgin and Burkes" a welcome place to shop.

For sweets lovers: Butterbeer Ice Cream and other exotic flavors will be served up at "Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour" Look for pictures of all of that and more very soon!!

Keep your questions coming! For more coverage of Diagon Alley and for other theme park news, visit the Local 6 Theme World page.


About the Author:

Ken Pilcher is a lifelong Floridian with more than 30 years in journalism experience. He joined News 6 in 2003 and has covered Central Florida attractions and theme parks since 1988. He currently produces News 6 at 7 p.m.

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