

The construction walls may be up at Universal Studios but that doesn’t mean Best of Orlando didn’t get a glimpse into what’s going on beyond the wall. Today we know a big chunk of the London façade is complete or close to it and we can’t wait to see what it will look like when it is all complete!

Last weekend at Universal Studios, the construction crew was testing out the Water Fountain that sits in the middle of the new London facade. The fountain was a massive bronzed structure with a statue attached. In addition to the massive fountain, the area included what we believe will be fish and chip stands, which look complete. There was also some kind of new construction for an entrance to London and they’ve added trees to cover up the back of house.

The King’s Cross station is almost complete as are the buildings that connect to it. While we were there, people were touring the brick entrance to Diagon Alley and the Knight Bus. The Knight Bus is by far the biggest tease to guests on the other side of the wall as you can see the top half of the purple triple-decker peeking up and out from the wall. If you are unfamiliar with the Knight Bus, the automobile serves as public transportation for wizards in need in the Harry Potter series. In the films, it moves at high speeds and haphazardly, but at Universal Studios; it will serve more as a photo opportunity than an actual moving vehicle.

When construction is complete, Universal Studios’ guests will travel through the subway entrance in the façade into Diagon Alley, a shopping and financial district for wizards. Once inside Diagon Alley, guests will be able to wander through shops, restaurants and other Harry Potter experiences from the films including a ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and the Leaky Cauldron.

An opening date for Diagon Alley has not yet been released, but Universal Studios says it will open sometime this summer. Stay tuned for more details on the new Diagon Alley and its opening date. In the meantime you can get your fill of all things Harry Potter at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.

Orlando, FL – 05/13/14

By: Jena Pugh Photos: Alex Mateo