Any doubt that Harry Potter fandom was alive and well disappeared with the announcement of new spinoff films but if any doubts lingered, they were dashed this week when fans couldn’t help but express their excitement over the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
Universal Studios Florida announced Wednesday that the expansion to the original Wizarding World’s Hogsmeade park would open July 8. Immediately, fans took to Twitter to react to the news, many using the hashtag #DiagonAlley.
OMG IM WAKING UP TO AN OPENING DATE FOR #DiagonAlley! ALL THE AMAZING PHOTOS! IM CLOSE TO TEARS! @UniversalORL @OrlandoInformer #potterwatch
— Kristen Del Curto (@kristendelcurto) June 18, 2014
Wizarding World #DiagonAlley officially has an opening date: July 8th! I’m getting my Floo powder ready!!!! :D
— Ashley M. (@ashmillan) June 18, 2014
Okay seriously who’s going to take me to Florida to Diagon Alley. I need to go. ✨
— Sydnee Sassaman (@SydTheKid_33) June 20, 2014
A preview event is being held at the park this week, meaning pictures are also surfacing on social media showing what fans can expect when the park opens. These sneak peeks show the park’s decor, the working Hogwarts Express train that will connect the two parks, various merchandise, and delicious Potter-themed food, all stoking the fire of the fandom.
The fire breathing dragon inside #DiagonAlley at Universal Studios Florida. #HarryPotter pic.twitter.com/BQNGHejZLC
— Marc Graser (@marcgraser) June 20, 2014
Looking at pics of the new Diagon Alley in @UniversalORL & just wishing I could apparate over there like NOW!
— Christine Davies (@Cdprincess5) June 20, 2014
@OrlandoInformer Kreacher in the window above the door of 12 Grimmauld Place. #DiagonAlley pic.twitter.com/irnG8si0qb
— Josh Winn (@thecjwinn) June 19, 2014
The new #DiagonAlley at @UniversalORL is incredible! The food, the rides, the shops – love it! #DiagonAlleyPreview pic.twitter.com/es29yA9Afc
— Carrie McLaren (@VFFamilyInsider) June 19, 2014
The cast has also been on hand at the park for a red carpet event and interviews. They’ve been tweeting and sharing their own discoveries in Diagon Alley as well.
The Harry Potter Cast❤❤ :) attends the Grand Opening of Universal Studio’s Diagon Alley (June 18, 2014) pic.twitter.com/Qgk71xUvks
— Logan Lerman (@EmsWatsonn) June 20, 2014
AND I JUST SAW A CRUMPLE HORNED SNORKACK FOR REALS AND PAID MY RESPECTS AND IT FEELS LIKE ENLIGHTENMENT. pic.twitter.com/r6DgfBpdDH
— Evanna Lynch (@Evy_Lynch) June 18, 2014
Looking like a dodgy band’s album cover, @Mattdavelewis, @TomFelton, Helena Bonham-Carter & me at #DiagonAlleyPreview pic.twitter.com/baiGRatAtn
— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) June 19, 2014
BREAKING: @UniversalORL posted a new vid of the HP cast with the new interactive wands! https://t.co/8T66GDRcyJ #potterwatch #diagonalley
— The Snitch Seeker (@TheSnitchSeeker) June 17, 2014
Everything at the park looks impressive and thought-out, down to the tiniest detail. It looks like the expansion may be yet another answer to the fandom’s prays for more Potter goodness!
Photo via Universal Orlando/Twitter