We're in the home stretch now. The Universal Orlando® Resort is getting closer and closer to the official opening ofThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™. I don't know about you, but I've been spending a lot of time thinking about all of the things I'm going to experience inside Diagon Alley. I am sure I will find some new favorites once I get to Diagon Alley, but I've come up with a list of things I am most looking forward to. Here's my list so far ...
5. Sampling the Butterbeer™ ice cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
Is it wrong to hope that my first stop in Diagon Alley is Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour? The shop will serve continental breakfast items, pastries, scones and sweet cakes in the morning, but we'll be visiting for some of the incredible ice cream combinations, including Earl Gray and Lavender, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Strawberry and Peanut Butter, and, of course, Butterbeer!
4. Exchanging some of my Muggle money for Wizarding Bank Notes
OK, the Gringotts Bank goblins do frighten me a little bit, but that won't stop me from exchanging my Muggle money at the Gringotts Money Exchange. I might be purchasing my Butterbeer ice cream with Wizarding Bank Notes, but I will be saving a few for souvenirs.
3. Exploring the shops of Diagon Alley
You know by now, shopping is my favorite pastime, and I know that it's going to be an incredible experience inside Diagon Alley. I'm figuring this where we'll get our souvenirs -- an owl for Lily inside the Magical Menagerie, some quidditch gear for Leap inside Quality Quidditch Supplies and a few gag gifts for Tad at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Don't worry about me, I am certain to find my own wizarding wares inside Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment.
2. Hopping Aboard the Hogwarts Express™
OK, I am almost as excited about passing through the brick wall at King's Cross Station to reach Platform 9¾ as I am about the entire train ride. I especially cannot wait to take my first trip aboard the Hogswart Express and experience the journey through the British countryside just as Harry, Ron, Hermione and all of the other first-years did. I may pack a few Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans for the trip to Hogsmeade!
1. Coming face to face with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named inside Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™
The 60-foot-tall, fire-breathing Ukranian Ironbelly dragon sitting atop Gringotts Bank should be warning enough that you're entering the most heavily guarded place in all of Diagon Alley. From walking through the polished marble lobby with goblins to experiencing the moment that Harry, Ron and Hermione break into the bank to retrieve a magical object to help defeat Lord Voldemort, I just know Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is going to be an incredible experience. Just the idea of traveling deeper and deeper through the cavernous passageways to the vaults and coming face to face with Death Eater, Bellatrix Lestrange, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is enough to give me goosebumps.
I could go on, but these are just the top 5 things I am most excited about inside Diagon Alley. What are you most looking forward to inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley? Share in comments below!
Related: Escape from Gringotts Will Unleash the Evil of Voldemort
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Hoppy planning!
