PARKLIFE
Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “We’ve created an entirely new type of ride that propels guests into the story like never before and guests will remember it long after their visit to Diagon Alley.” As mentioned, the Hogwarts Express links the two Harry
Potter areas and guests enjoy two completely different experiences depending on whether they are travelling to Hogsmeade or London. Built by Doppelmayr/Garventa Group, the Hogwarts
Image courtesy Universal Orlando Resort
Express is in fact a funicular rail system disguised as a steam locomotive and combines powerful storytelling, live special effects, lifelike animation and state-of-the-art technology. The train uses an elevated track to take passengers between both Universal parks, with the cabin windows in the coaches actually being digital video screens which
take riders into the themed environments of the books and films. Park-to-Park admission tickets are required to travel between the two parks. Of course the Escape from Gringotts ride and the
Hogwarts Express, while being the key attractions, are only part of the overall experience which also includes a plethora of other elements that make up the latest addition to the Harry Potter areas at Universal. As well as the spectacular theming which recreates Diagon Alley so superbly, guests can also enjoy new entertainment and shows and other interactive experiences. Among these are The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a new stage show which takes place in the Carkitt Market, a covered, outdoor shopping area inspired by London’s famous markets, and the Singing Sorceress: Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, a musical performance featuring the ever-popular singing sensation of the wizarding world, known from the books as Molly Weasley’s favourite singer. “Bringing The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon
Alley to life has allowed our team to create show content and experiences that will take guests further into the fiction than ever before,” says Michael Aiello, creative development director for Universal Orlando’s Entertainment team. “Nowhere else in the world will guests be able to enjoy these unique experiences – from watching a stage show based on the popular wizarding stories from The Tales of Beedle the Bard to enjoying the music of Celestina Warbeck, a character from the fiction.”
56 InterPark January–February 2015
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