The Hogwarts Express at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley is a huge draw for guests at the newly expanded Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida. The original grand opening date for the Hogwarts Express was July 8th and already in a little over a month it welcomed its one millionth rider! The new attraction has been drawing huge crowds and was worth a party!
Universal celebrated the million-passenger milestone by treating 200 park visitors to Butterbeer ice cream and selected a few special children to receive conductors’ hats before boarding the train. Cheers from guests filled the air at Hogsmeade Station during the celebration of the one millionth rider on the Hogwarts Express – the iconic train that transported Harry Potter and his friends between Hogsmeade Station and King’s Cross Station in J.K. Rowling’s beloved series.
In early July, guests began boarding the Hogwarts Express to travel between The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. The incredible journey, which requires a park-to-park ticket, combines powerful storytelling, live special effects, lifelike animation and state-of-the-art technology to take riders on the journey of a lifetime.
A million guests riding the Hogwarts Express in its first month of operation also says that attendance to the park has gone up and that the opening of this attraction is no small feat for Universal Orlando Resort. Every ride results in a turnstile click because the ride involves leaving one park and entering another. Guests have to prove that they have admission to both parks, scanning their tickets before hitting the boarding platform. Guests with single-park tickets can pay to upgrade their passes at the train stations. The Hogwarts Express is an iconic park ride like none other and is worth a visit the next time you head to Universal – maybe you can be a part of the billionth rider celebration!
Written by Amy Eisenrieth: As an active mom and travel agent, Amy knows memories are what matter most in life. Whether your plans include Wizardry or Pixie Dust she has the magic to make your vacation memories last a lifetime! Contact Amy about saving an extra 5% off your vacation with a coupon tip. Book your next vacation with Amy at 803-281-0330 or by email.
Shana says
I’m proud to say that I contributed to that number. :) I just wish I would have been there for the butterbeer ice cream lol