68 • THE GRIFFON • Fall 2014
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TRAVEL FLORIDA
BIG things afoot at Universal Orlando Resort
The changes happening at Universal Orlando® Resort are nothing short of phenomenal. Some are calling them “groundbreaking.” Others take it even further and use the phrase “game-changing.” However you term it, it’s big. This summer, stars from the Harry Potter™ films were on hand for the unveiling of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida®. Confetti, fireworks and a red carpet lined with dozens of cheering Diagon Alley team members
welcomed thousands of excited guests as they entered the all-new, spectacularly themed land for the very first time. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley brings even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life at Universal Orlando.This fully immersive area expands upon the global phenomenon launched by Universal Orlando when it opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure® in 2010. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley is filled with incredible entertainment experiences for the whole family. You arrive in London aboard the Hogwarts™ Express, an immersive experience all its own.This train is an exact replica of the one Harry and his friends took to Hogwarts™ castle in the films. It travels between the two lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with both journeys offering a different ride experience as guests encounter characters from the films along the way. Within Diagon Alley you’ll discover shops with windows full of magical surprises, authentic food and beverages, a towering dragon that breathes fire and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™, a new attraction unlike any other that takes you on a thrilling ride through the Gringotts vaults.To ride between the lands aboard the Hogwarts Express, you’ll need a Park-to-Park admission ticket (additional restrictions apply). It really is an experience that requires a couple of days to enjoy properly, so as long as you’re here, you might