The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley is officially open and I am excited to share a first hand account of a ride on the Hogwarts Express. One of the Hallmark features of the new Harry Potter world at Universal Orlando is the Hogwarts Express Train. My kids love trains and my oldest son has had quite the obsession with them since he was two. This is probably the reason why we seek out the train first thing when we head to a theme park. Given that we are train fans and Harry Potter fans I have am in awe at the detail and delight that this experience offers guests. This is no ordinary theme park train ride. The train connects Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, allowing guests with park-to-park admission to enjoy a real journey aboard the iconic locomotive.
The Hogwarts Express experience combines powerful storytelling, live special effects, lifelike animation and state-of-the-art technology to take riders on the journey of a lifetime. Once seated in the cabin, you can look out the windows as an incredibly authentic and magical adventure unfolds before your eyes. You will see Hagrid alongside the train on his flying motorbike, Buckbeak the Hippogriff swoop over the black lake, the Weasley twins on brooms and up to their usual antics, the Knight Bus swerving through London traffic – and other special surprises.
Universal’s Creative team worked closely with Warner Bros., Stuart Craig, and the production team from the Harry Potter films to create a sensational Hogwarts Express experience that the entire family can enjoy. The Creative team went to great lengths to ensure the experience is true to the books and films. Everything about the train is authentic – from the paint and the materials used to build it and all the way down to the whistle.
You will feel as if you have been transported directly from Universal Orlando right to London and on the pages of the Harry Potter book series. The Hogwarts Express is an amazing adventure and there is nothing like it at any other theme park. Whether you are a Potter fan or not you will enjoy the park to park journey in the comfort and adventure of this new authentic and entertaining train ride. Sit back, relax, and let the video above give you a taste of the journey of Harry Potter
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