On the Road to Diagon Alley: We're in the air!

June 16, 2014 at 11:37 AM · Everything.....I'm looking so forward to this! Have a good flight and shoot some great photos and videos like always for us all in the upper states and beyond....

June 16, 2014 at 12:29 PM · We definitely need an impartial bangers and mash comparison between the Leaky Cauldron and Finnigans. The public deserves to know!!!

June 16, 2014 at 12:46 PM · Could you please check out the Gringots ride and tell me how much stress there will be on the body. Will it have coaster elements like bend turns or is it mostly simulated?
I would be very grateful for that info.
have a great time and I will check back as often as I can.

June 16, 2014 at 12:55 PM · Be safe, Mr. Niles.... and try not to catch Hogwarts! ;)

Have fun!

June 16, 2014 at 12:55 PM · Great question, OT.

From what I understand, Gringotts will be less intense, physically, than Forbidden Journey. But we'll be sure to offer as detailed a description of the physical forces on that ride as we can. Thanks!

June 16, 2014 at 1:39 PM · I think the key areas or unknowns for me would be how they handle Express Pass for both Gringotts and the Hogwarts Express.

Other questions:

1. Hours of operation (including early entry for on-site guests) for both Harry Potter sections once the new area opens.

2. The special wands to activate things around the Harry Potter lands, will those be active right away? I think some previous articles had mentioned a delayed introduction for those.

3. I doubt they'd release this, but are there any preliminary plans for a third phase down the line?

June 16, 2014 at 1:40 PM · Robert,

I would love to hear about the architecture/layout of the world. From hearing/seeing it described in maps, it is still confusing! Thanks for giving us all a sneak peak!

June 16, 2014 at 2:12 PM · Have a safe flight. Can't wait to hear your first impressions and descriptions after finally getting to experience it first-hand; and in person. I'm excited about all of it...the entire land, the detailed architecture, the shops, the restaurant, the entertainment offerings, and especially the train stations and GRINGOT'S ride/coaster. This is the most excited I've been about a theme-park experience here in the states since the last Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at IOA and Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Hope it has a smooth opening and can't wait until September to enjoy it myself. Looking forward to your report...again; have a safe trip!!

June 16, 2014 at 2:33 PM · You will have to sample everything including the new interactive wands, the shows, the meet and greets, and the food. I will look forward to your report.

No cross country drive? I am disappointed.

June 16, 2014 at 2:58 PM · Voted for TPI!!

June 16, 2014 at 3:59 PM · Hi Robert, I would love to hear more specifics about Knockturn Alley & Carkitt Market -- regarding logistics & retail offerings. Also, understanding how a large influx of people will pass through the brick wall into Diagon Alley would be much appreciated.

Looking forward to all of your reporting this week! Safe travels!

June 16, 2014 at 7:29 PM · I would like to know , how advance is gonna be the technology for gringotts, because universal is promising a breakthrough of technology with this ride, have a safe flight.

June 16, 2014 at 7:35 PM · We've arrived, and are settled in. Had dinner at the new Vivo in CityWalk, which I will post tomorrow night.

June 16, 2014 at 7:39 PM · Robert...If you make it to I Drive 360 let me know. Would love to have you visit Kings.

June 16, 2014 at 8:33 PM · I've heard a rumor about a Ministry of Magic second expansion coming down the road. Just a rumor, mind you.

June 16, 2014 at 8:44 PM · Robert, I hope that in wake of all the Harry Potter excitement, you don't forget to check out Springfield at the Studios. As a huge fan of The Simpsons, that has me more excited about my next Universal trip (whenever that may be) and I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.

June 16, 2014 at 11:29 PM · It seems like the opening of Diagon Alley is getting more attention than Hogsmeade. Just watched Jimmy Fallon... it's going to be a week long commercial for my favorite resort...

June 17, 2014 at 5:41 AM · Bobby - Watch out for the Dementors...

Krecher has been watching!...

June 17, 2014 at 7:31 AM · Thank you so much for all the great coverage. Your site is wonderful. I'm sure you will cover this, but I am very interested in the things that can't be captured in pictures. What is the feel of the theme? Any different than other parks or have they captured something new?

Have a great time! Be there for us stuck at home!!

June 18, 2014 at 4:19 AM · Are we still unsure of the opening date?

June 18, 2014 at 8:59 AM · Can we ride or at least get on the knight bus??

June 18, 2014 at 10:24 AM · Opening date just announced: July 8. Given that Universal hotel guests have booked packages with Diagon Alley access starting June 29, I expect there to be soft openings before the 8th.

June 18, 2014 at 10:24 AM · As for the Knight Bus, it doesn't look like you'll be able to get on, beyond standing on the steps for a photo op with the conductor.