FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

2. The Hogwarts Express

Linking the existing Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure with the under-construction Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, the Hogwarts Express will recreate the journey taken by Potter and his friends at the start and finish of every year at Hogwarts. It will actually travel through a backstage area between the two parks, but multimedia technology will be used to convince guests that they are journeying between London and Hogsmeade.

Initially, Universal envisaged the attraction as little more than a basic transportation link. But it quickly became clear that many fans were more excited about the Hogwarts Express than they are about the rest of Diagon Alley. Now, the Hogwarts Express will be a full multi-sensory experience, telling a story as well as getting guests from A to B.

Linking two lands with a shared theme in two entirely separate theme parks, the Hogwarts Express will be a truly unique attraction. In fact, it's the only ride listed in our extensive database of 3,500 attractions that is listed as belonging to two parks!

Hogwarts Express locomotive

The trains that will run on the Hogwarts Express line are faithful recreations of those seen in the movies, and also closely resemble the existing, stationary train that sits at the entrance to Islands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter (see the photo above). There will be two trains, so that the ride can run in both directions (from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley, and vice-versa) simultaneously.

Kings Cross station

The exterior of Kings Cross Station in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley will closely resemble the real thing. The station will be located on the waterfront-facing section of the Diagon Alley expansion, close to Universal Studios Florida's lagoon. Riders will board the train on platform 9 3/4.

Kings Cross Station

The Hogsmeade station, meanwhile, is located close to the Dragon Challenge roller coaster in the existing Wizarding World at Islands of Adventure. It is expected to closely resemble the station seen in the movies.

Very little has been revealed about the experience that awaits guests riding on the Hogwarts Express. Once thing is known, though: riders won't actually see the backstage areas that they are passing through. Instead, sound and video effects will be used - possibly even in conjunction with live actors - to bring the journey to life.

Guests will look out “windows” projecting new Harry Potter stories, giving the illusion of traveling from one destination to the other while having a few magical encounters. It is also rumored that the Hogwarts Express experience will feature several different stories not unlike the multitude of adventures that are brought together on Disney’s updated Star Tours attraction. One of these may feature an attack by Death Eaters, but there has been no confirmation of this.

Riders on the Hogwarrts Express will be required to hold a Park-to-Park ticket, covering admission to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It is expected that, to cater for those who have purchased single-park tickets that wish to ride, Universal will set up ticket booths at the two stations.

 
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Add new comment

About Theme Park Tourist

Theme Park Tourist is one of the web’s leading sources of essential information and entertaining articles about theme parks in Orlando and beyond.

We are one of the world’s largest theme park guide sites, hosting detailed guides to more than 80 theme parks around the globe.

Find Out More About Us...

Plan Your Trip

Our theme park guides contain reviews and ratings of rides, restaurants and hotels at more than 80 theme parks worldwide.

You can even print them.

Start Planning Now...