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Diagon Alley dragon

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opened at Universal Studios Florida back in July 2014, and has already welcomed millions of visitors. It takes Universal Orlando guests into the magical London shopping street, and is also connected to the original Wizarding World over at Islands of Adventure by a high-tech recreation of the Hogwarts Express.

Just like Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley is packed with little tributes to the books and movies that inspired the area. As you race from shop to shop and attraction to attraction, it can be easy to overlook these. That’s why we’ve created this handy list to help you spot some of the best easter eggs to look out for.

Let us know of any we’ve missed in the comments section!

Spoiler warning: There are no major plot spoilers for the Hogwarts Express or Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in this article, but if you don’t want to know anything about how the rides work, then avoid numbers 21 – 30.

1. The Quint Trio

Quint Trio

There are tributes to the former Jaws attraction (which sat for 22 years on the same site as Diagon Alley before its closure in 2012) scattered throughout the new Wizarding World.

One of these can be found in the London Waterfront area, where you’ll find a nondescript record store. Displayed in the window is a record titled “Here’s to Swimmin’ with Bow Legged Women”, by the Quint Trio. This is a reference to a toast made by shark hunter Quint in Steven Spielberg’s movie.

2. A familiar tune

Shrunken Heads

While attempting to track down the shark in Jaws, the three heroes sing “Show Me the Way to Go Home”. This song is among those performed by the shrunken heads that are on display in Knockturn Alley.

3. The shark jawbones

Jaws

You can find another Jaws reference in the storefront of Mr. Mulpepper’s Apothecary. A set of shark jawbones is hidden away behind a variety of herbs and potions.

4. A mythical being

Luna Lovegood

The mythical Crumple-Horned Snorkack beloved of Luna Lovegood can be spotted on the second level of the Magical Menagerie store.

5. Speaking in tongues

Magical Menagerie

In the window of the Magical Menagerie store is a snake, which will speak to you in Parseltongue and English.

6. An invisible bird

Borgin and Burkes

If you listen closely to the Vanishing Cabinet in Borgin and Burkes, you’ll hear a bird chirping away inside.

7. A familiar face

Kreacher

Kreacher, the surly house elf who resides at 12 Grimmauld Place, can be spotted in the façade of the Blacks’ home. Keep an eye on the windows, and you’ll see him peering out every now and then.

8. Too big to hide

Dragon

Not quite all of Diagon Alley is hidden from the rest of Universal Studios Florida. Sit down for a bite to eat in Springfield, and you’ll be able to see the tail of the dragon that sits atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

9. Instant darkness

Look up at the second floor of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, and you’ll spot Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, used by Harry to sneak into Draco Malfoy’s train compartment in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

10. The fireworks display

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes

Look up at the skylight in Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, and you’ll see a perpetual fireworks display.

 
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Comments

You missed the part about Moaning Myrtle moaning in the bathroom.

There is no Crumple-horned Snorkack, I was in that store 2 minutes ago and asked the staff. That part isn't true.

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