Universal Studios Florida’s newest addition, Diagon Alley, is packed with references to the books and movies. It’s nearly impossible to take it all in with a single pass. Though the area can get quite crowded, and the stores are built to the smaller scale seen in the movies for the sake of accuracy, there is still plenty to see from the street.
Keep your eyes open for these clever features, all visible outside the shops, restaurants, and attractions, as you explore the newest magical addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
8. The record by the Quint Trio
For fans who aren’t familiar with Universal Studios Florida, this park once featured a little seaside town known as Amity where London now stands. Since the classic Jaws attraction was demolished to make way for Diagon Alley, it’s only fitting that the space include a few nods to the iconic shark flick.
Along the London street façade outside Diagon Alley, you’ll see a nondescript record store. Take a closer look in the window and you’ll see a record called “Here’s to Swimmin’ with Bow Legged Women” by the Quint Trio. The title is a quote uttered by the character Quint in the movie, and the name of the group is an obvious reference to his name.
7. Quidditch pennants
Above the Quality Quidditch Supplies shop, you’ll spot small windows featuring pennants from the teams featured in the movies. Items from these teams are found in the shop as well, but you can enjoy the sporting details even from the street if you don’t want to push through the crowds to get in. Featured teams include Puddlemere United, the Chudley Cannons, the Montrose Magpies, and the Holyhead Harpies.
6. Gilderoy Lockhart’s Book Display
Gilderoy Lockhart is a self-important author who teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts in Harry’s second year at school. His book collection also ends up on the required reading list that year. In the window display for Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley, you’ll find a vast collection of this author’s works, all featuring his smiling face prominently.
5. Self-Knitting Needles
Self-Knitting Needles are sold by Spindlewarp’s Wool Shop. These handy crafting items are on display in the window, busy at work. Hermione Granger was known to use these needles to help her quickly make socks and hats for enslaved house elves.
4. The Museum of Muggle Curiosities
Though you can’t enter the Museum of Muggle Curiosities, you can peek through the window at the items that witches and wizards find just fascinating. For those who aren’t familiar with Potter lore, “muggles” are non-magic folk. Witches and wizards are often completely stumped by any technological items or non-magical devices used in the muggle world.
3. Knockturn Alley advertisements
Knockturn Alley is the dark and devious corridor of Diagon Alley. Wizards headed here are usually up to no good. Advertisements in Knockturn Alley are projected onto the walls in light so they stand out in the dark streets.
To the left as you enter is a sign for Phoenix Fire Lighters. These magical fire lighters are purported to create an eternal flame. Molly Weasley used to keep them in the house in the 1990’s. Further down you’ll see an advertisement for a room to let. Reptiles and arachnids are graciously allowed. Expect to see plenty of both in this area.
2. Kreacher’s window
Kreacher is the house elf of the Black family who resides at 12 Grimmauld Place. This surly house elf takes on a much kinder demeanor as the movies progress. You’ll see the exterior of the building in the London façade outside Diagon alley. Keep an eye on the windows and you’ll see Kreacher peeking out from time to time.
1. The makings of a wand
Stop by Ollivander’s Wand Shop in Diagon Alley and take a peek in the windows along the street. You’ll spot some of the magical elements that go into a wand among the famous wandmaker’s supplies. Items such as phoenix feathers, dragon heartstrings, and unicorn hairs are essential components of some of the most famous wands of all time. Harry Potter and Voldemort have wands with phoenix feathers from the same bird. Dragon heartstrings form the cores of many wands, including those of Hermione Granger and Professor McGonagall. Ron Weasley’s wand contains a unicorn hair core.
These are only the beginning of the secrets in store in Diagon Alley. This busy area is overwhelming in its attention to detail, promising new discoveries on every visit.
