Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment have announced a huge expansion of the Harry Potter theme: a new The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley "environment" will be built across both theme parks by next year.
The new area will bring to life some of the experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films.
Diagon Alley and "London" will be located within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, where guests already experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.
Just like in the books and films, guests will be able to travel between London and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express.
Work on the new area is already beginning. When complete, it will feature shops, a restaurant and a marquee attraction based on Gringotts bank.
Universal is cooperating on the project with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films.
"Our vision is to create two amazing theme park experiences that combine into one, complete, magical journey," said Universal Orlando Resort EVP of marketing and sales Alice Norsworthy.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in June 2010, based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and the blockbuster Warner Bros. movies. Visitors there already can tour Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade, and dine at the Three Broomsticks.
