Diagon Alley- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

London & the Streets of Diagon Alley - Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts - Kings Cross Hogwarts Express

Photo courtesy of Tom Bricker

Below the escaped Ukrainian Ironbelly sits Gringotts Wizarding Bank, the predominant bank of the wizarding world. Second only to Hogwarts in security and safety,  Gringotts employs strong safety measures: dragons protect the deep caverns, enchantments protect the vaults, goblins guard the secrets of the bank with their honor and lives, and Ministry of Magic Guards patrolled the foyer.

Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort

Where as Diagon Alley and Hogwarts Express take place during the Summer of 1996, Escape from Gringotts takes place May 1st, 1998. During this time Diagon Alley is a desolate street while under the rule of a Voldemort controlled Ministry, which wouldn't be a pleasant setting for a theme park. While goblins still work the tellers, the Voldemort controlled Ministry guards run the bank (aka your helpful Universal Team Members; explains the no bag policy).

You are here to open a new bank account and take a tour of the bank. Of course, this occurs parallel to the heist of Helga Hufflepuff's cup by Harry, Ron, and Hermione and you get caught up in the action. A last minute rescue from Harry saves your hied from Voldemort's torture, which also lets loose the dragon on top of the bank. Oops.

Escape from Gringotts expands upon the same design philosophies from Forbidden Journey, Indiana Jones Adventures, Countdown to Extinction (née Dinosaur!) and Radiator Springs Racers by using the whole land as a build up to the ride experience. Diagon Alley is the shopping district for the Wizarding World and as such the bank is its hub. The Knight Buss conductor to the bar tender at the Hopping Pot plays into the roll of Diagon Alley, and this all cumulates under that dragon.

There are three designed areas in the bank: marble covered guest areas, back stage dark wood, and dank cave space. As you progress through the queue you peal back the vernier of the bank as the fitted suits and marble columns give way to dark wood, middle class-esque working areas. What's
interesting is the goblins 'control' the main guest areas, while ministry officials/TMs are present in the offices and vault loading station.

Escape from Gringotts load area.
Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort

Talking about the vault loading station, this is one of the many comparisons I've seen between this attraction and Indiana Jones Adventure out at Disneyland. The vault load area echoes the same
massive caves at Indiana Jones Adventure, as does the dual load dispatch area and "turn into wait and hold show scene". Similarities also come in pacing where you interact with Indy/Bill between action segments, view massive set pieces, and then are "stationary" for the final two show scenes (darts/ball and Voldy/lava). And of course we cannot forget the "goodbye" from Bill and Indy before the music swells as you enter the ride station. I'm not saying the rides are comparable or identical, but I've heard from more than one person they get reminded at spots.

Indiana Jones Adventure load area.
Photo courtesy Jon Fu.

One of the under reported and loved scenes in the attraction is the lift to the vaults. Using a floor that raises and falls a few inches, projection screens to show outside the lift car, and wind creates a next generation version of the hydrolators from The Living Sea. Thought what separates the lift from the hydrolators and other similar faux elevators is the plot progresses beyond "you're being transported somewhere else" which puts it more in line with the non-faux elevator but actually a real elevator of the stretching rooms in The Haunted Mansion in Disneyland. Here the characters descend with you and the guests glimpse the trolls which will feature later in the ride.

There are two unique aspects to this attraction that are worth mentioning. During the first show scene is one of the few "tilt" tracks in existence; here your vehicle stops at a dead end of track to watch a scene before the track tilts forward, aligning with another piece of track to create a drop. Your vehicle is held during this time using breaks before they release at the opportune time for a cool first

impression. The other is vehicle movement, where unlike typical roller coasters you do not face forward or parallel to the track the whole ride experience. Rides like Seven Dwarf's Mine Train feature "tilting" left and right, but Gringotts also spins the vehicles in time to the ride while the roller coaster track itself pitches and yaws in time to the ride film. What you end up with is a ride system more like a cross between Spider-man at Islands of Adventure and Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida (or for those Disney based, imagine if Indiana Jones Adventure was a roller coaster too).

Escape from Gringotts succeeds in impossibly putting you into the highly controlled world and movies created by JK Rowling. It doesn't hit the perfect home run like Indiana Jones Adventure does, but matches itself quite well against rides like Radiator Springs Racers and Forbidden Journey. Yes, the attraction further cements Universal into the "put these glasses on watch this screen" attraction category, but that's another discussion for another time. Gringotts is the keystone element of a complex and texturally rich land. Nothing works quite as well as without this attraction and this attraction doesn't work as well without Diagon Alley, and that's an amazing feat.

3.1 - Alohomora

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Joe and Nick are joined by a late Mike to discuss the opening crowds of Diagon Alley, capacity woes, Frozen characters on sticks, new IP at UOR, replacement for San Fran area at USF, and more.

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

Universal Releases Video of Gringotts Animatronic Goblins

Yesterday, the Today Show posted a video of Al Roker in the Gringotts queue.  The internet was treated with a brief glimpse of the Goblins of Gringotts.  Today, Universal posted a 27 second video of the Goblins, and the animatronics sure are impressive.

Just like in the Harry Potter films, guests will enter Gringotts through an ornate marble hall surrounded by Goblins perched atop high counters.  Goblins are not fans of humans (or anything but gold and armor, they are really unpleasant actually.)  In the movies, the Goblins can be seen sneering and scowling as witches and wizards walk by.  The Goblin animatronics appear to remain faithful to their cinematic counterparts.

At the end of the hall, guests will be greeted by Bogrod who is shown in the video asking if we "would like to open an account?"  Bogrod is the Goblin who Harry Potter casts the Imperius Curse on when he, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook break into Gringotts in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Universal and Disney fans alike never miss the chance to complain about Universal's lack of audio animatronics in attractions.  They also complain about Universal's over reliance on screens.  Gringotts appears to be the best of both worlds.  A close analysis of the Today Show and Universal clips reveals that there are at least 6 Goblins in the queue line.  There are presumably more that have yet to be shown.

The reception of the Gringotts Goblins has been overwhelmingly positive on Twitter and Message Boards.  However, there are still some theme park fans who seemingly cannot be pleased with Universal's animatronic efforts.  Some criticisms are that the Goblins do not move realistically and that the heads seem "off."  A rewatch of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II may be in order for these people.  The Bogrod animatronic is an accurate portrayal of the actor in the film.  Furthermore, the Goblins do not move that much in the films.  As mentioned earlier, they do not care for humans and really only care about money.  In the queue, like the films, the Goblins are scowling, judging, and counting money.  In my opinion, the Goblins are very believable and faithful to the films and source material.

Another criticism is that the animatronics do not compare to "Disney's best", but I am not even sure what that means.  Please tweet us or leave a comment of an example of "Disney's best" animatronics.

As always, please follow us @Parkscope on Twitter for up to the minute news on Diagon Alley.

UOR Permit Updates: Potter, Spidey, Jurassic Park, and More

Big news breakout from the Orange County comptroller site today, with a plethora of juicy Notice of Commencements.

First of is one that is 100% for the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley project. It's for one of the many projection systems that will no doubt grace the land from Electrosonic Inc. The NoC says the contract is for a 3.5 million dollar projection system for Project 722, which we all know is the overall project number for Diagon Alley.

Next is one for the beginning of the construction of the Jurassic Park games in Islands of Adventure.

Third is an update for Spider-man's RFID controls on the ride vehicles.

Now, here's where things start to get a little interesting. First up is an NoC for a Control System from ITEC Entertainment Corp, who has a long history of providing work for Universal Orlando Resort. They've worked on many attractions from the opening of Universal Studios Florida through today. This could have something to do with the Spider-man work above, thought Hatetofly over at Orlando United also said they were contacted about working on the new version of Kong going into the Disaster building.

Next are 4 NoCs for animated figures and props, all from different people. While it's unknown what projects these will be for, the safe bet is that at least a few are for Diagon Alley and Gringotts. I've come to this conclusion due to the fact that the company that built Forbidden Journey's dragon, Entech Creative, is one of the contractors being used. Others are Animax Designs, Advanced Animations, and Cinnabar Florida.

As always, stay tuned to @Parkscope for more updates.

UOR Permit Update: Potter Sets and Possible Screen Installation

Big new Notice of Commencements were put up yesterday on the Orange Country Comptroller site for Universal Orlando Resort, both which seem to point towards the Wizarding World of Harry POtter - Diagon Alley expansion. The first is for set installation, and the NoC directly supports that it is for Project 722, which is the overall project number.

The second, and more perplexing one, is for projection screen installation. One would think this is for Gringotts, but it also seems a bit early for that considering the state of the interior in the last pictures we've seen.

As always, stay tuned to the blog and @Parkscope on twitter for all available updates.

Breaking: New Diagon Alley/Hogwarts Express Details

Good afternoon, true believers! I'm here after completing a survey which Universal Orlando had just sent me asking my opinions on some things pertaining to both Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express. First of all, the survey says the planned opening for the land will be summer 2014, which whittles the original and nebulous "2014" down a little bit. Many have theorized it will open in June like its predecessor, and now that looks likely. Also, the survey confirms the rumors that Gringotts will indeed be a 3D attraction. It also says it will be likely that a 2 park ticket will be required to ride the Hogwarts Express(which is confirmed to have different shows each way), but more on that later.

Moving on from there, it is also confirmed that there will be different set ups for Hogwarts Express disembarking depending on the crowd levels in the park. When it is crowded, the exiting guests will be required to exit into the London Waterfront, where they will queue with the rest of the guests wanting to get into Diagon Alley/Hogsmede respectively. However, on less crowded days, they will be allowed to enter directly into the land.

From there Uni asked questions about ticketing, including increasing blackout dates for the Power Pass, and asked what would be a more fitting name for it if they did.

They also asked as a non-Floridian AP holder whether or not giving me the option to pay monthly to renew my AP as well as giving me a 30% discount on last years price would increase my chances of renewing for the 2014 year...which I obviously said it would!

To wrap up the survey, they asked a series of situations revolving around the Hogwarts Express, which really seemed to be the focus of the survey. It mixed and matched ticketing situations, prices, wait times, roundtip/one-way trip, and unlimited/limited ride scenarios and asked which would be the most appealing to me. This leads me to believe Universal has still not completely set themselves on a two park ticket being required to ride the Hogwarts Express and are still hammering out the details.

Well, that's all I've got for you today, everyone. Make sure you follow @Parkscope for up to the minute details as they come in!

UOR Permit Update 11/13/12: Potter Track Installation

Exciting times, true believers! Universal has filed a notice of commencement today which I believe is for the Gringotts ride track. It can be seen below.

As you can see, it's for the installation of mechanical equipment by Mosley. Doing some digging, I found Mosley's site, which shows that they are a coaster fabricator and installer. They've worked with all the biggest manufacturers, and were the ones that built/installed Rip, Ride, Rockit.

Here's their official site: http: http://www.mosleyerecting.com/index.html

So there we have it. We should have track going up inside the building sooner rather than later.

Universal also filed 2 other NoC's, one for the replacing of a kiosk in KidZone, and another that doesn't have an attachment yet. We'll keep you updated on that one at @Parkscope.

Universal Orlando Project Update 8/3/12

Universal Orlando Resort currently has multiple projects underway.  Since permits for most of them have been approved, new details have been scant.  That being said, we can update you on inspections and recent pictures that have been taken.

Project 722 Lagoon Wall

©2012 Universal Creative.  All Rights Reserved.
Thank you Lee.

The project with the most visible progress and the one that is furthest along is the new London Lagoon Waterfront that is replacing Amity Village.  The area is being modeled after London's Victoria Embankment which features a concrete with wall with pillars, fancy lamps, and greenery.  PCL Construction has completed nearly two thirds of the new wall.  It would not be too crazy to think that the whole wall could be compete in the next two weeks.

After the wall is complete, they will need to get to work on the inland portion which will either feature planters or ponds.  The plans we received from Lee at WDWMagic did not specify what they were.  If the areas are indeed ponds, that could take a while to complete.  If they are planters, we could see this area open up some time this year, at the rate they are going.  Inspections on various sections of the wall have been  scheduled almost daily.

Project 7542: Gringotts Bank

Gringotts is seemingly far along, but we cannot see it without someone going on a helicopter tour of Universal Orlando.  It is tucked away far back in the former Jaws plot and is obscured by trees from the Fear Factor Live theater.  Over the past week, it has had various footer inspections for "pile reinforcements"; "test pile rebar"; and "column/vertical cell/shaft."  Clearly, a foundation is clearly in its future


Project 7685: Pre-Engineered Metal Building

At first glance, I believed this to be for Gringotts.  Only time will tell.  The permit and review are short on details.  It is currently awaiting revisions since July 25th.


Project 609: Transformers

Transformers has either caught-up with or surpassed Gringotts.  Recent photographs and inspections of the site reveal that there is a rebar mat already in place within the confines of the below grade, sheet-piling reinforced area where Soundstage 44 used to stand.  Today, there was a "Final Inspection for Concrete reinforcement."  Visitors to Universal Studios Florida should be seeing a slab appear shortly.  Universal is wasting no time on this project and looks to be on track for a Winter 2013 opening.

©2012 Warner Bros Pictures.  All Rights Reserved.

Projects 7717 North Station: Platform 9 3/4

Like Gringotts, progress on this project will remain a mystery until someone gets a helicopter update.  Utilities were put in earlier this year.  The area is likely undergoing dewatering or preparations for dewatering at the moment as the permit was recently approved by the South Florida Water Management District.

Project 4691 Connector:  Hogwarts Express Track

©2012 Google Earth.  All Rights Reserved.  

Work has reportedly begun behind the Revenge of the Mummy showbuilding on the Hogwarts Express track.  Many believe that there will be a track switch in this area for trains to bypass each other as they make the trip between Hogsmeade and London.

Project 3641 South Station:  Hogsmeade Station

©2012 Google Earth.  All Rights Reserved.
©2012 Universal Creative.  All Rights Reserved.

Pictures have recently sprung up showing an excavator behind the Lost Continent construction walls and there is a noticeable absence of trees.  The future home of Hogsmeade Station is likely undergoing dewatering or is being set up to be dewatered.  Riders of Dragon Challenge should be able to see this.

Could Hogsmeade look like this in a few years?
©2012 Google Earth.  All Rights Reserved.   

Project 7448:  Diagon Alley

The Diagon Alley permits have been languishing in the review stages since late May.  The review of the second set of plan revisions were completed on July 20th.  Today, August 3rd, was the first update in two weeks.  Wastewater seems to have gotten new plans and changed their Disapproval to Approved.  Hopefully the other hang-ups received revisions as well.  It would be nice for every aspect of WWoHP Phase 2 be ready for construction.  This is currently the last piece of the puzzle, at least for the foundations of Phase 2.

Project 142:  Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Work has seemingly begun as pictures of a crane and green fences have appeared on the internet.  The resort is currently being built in 3 phases of 600 hotel rooms.  There are currently permits for fire pits, swimming pools, and a bar.  Some people are reporting that the water taxi canal will not be extended to Cabana Bay which is unfortunate if true.

To discuss these projects, visit and join Orlando United.  For updates, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

UOR Permit Update 6/13/2012: Gringotts

Permit to layout the foundation for Project 7542 (Thought to be Gringotts) was issued today!  Previously, it was only under review like the others we have been telling you about.

This means we should start seeing visible progress on the former Jaws site very soon.  Expect to see wooden stakes and colored tape initially.  This is the first step towards Potter beyond demolishing and grading the former Jaws/ Amity plot.

As you may remember, the layout for Phase 2 of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was leaked in February:

© Universal City Development Partners LLC. 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Yesterday, Universal filed a permit for a construction fence with the Orlando Comptroller.  The fence is for something in USF, most likely Potter construction.

Follow @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87 on Twitter and keep checking our blog for future updates!

Universal Century Part 2: From Comcast with Love

In 2011, Comcast acquired NBC-Universal.  It was and is a merger of epic proportions and major consequences for the entertainment industry.  In the merger, Comcast acquired the portion of Universal Orlando owned by G.E./NBC, but a share of ownership was not enough for them. Due to the success of the resort since the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Comcast decided to buy out Blackstone completely for full ownership of Universal Orlando.  For the first time in a long time, Universal had stable ownership with deep pockets.

Stephen B. Burke
"very bullish"

With Comcast came Stephen B. Burke, executive vice president and executive in charge of NBC-Universal.  Burke spent a decade with Disney in a theme park management position.  In the New York Times article, he  is quoted as saying he is "very bullish" about the theme parks.  So, not only does Comcast have the money, they have an executive who is excited and passionate about the theme parks.  On paper, every thing about the current management and ownership of Universal Parks and Resorts looks great.

 “There is an incredible sense of energy and forward motion around here, no doubt about it,” said Thomas L. Williams, chief executive of Universal Parks & Resorts.

“We’re really feeling the love,” said Mr. Williams, Universal’s chief.

If you're a theme park fan, you have to be excited.  Universal execs are excited and Comcast is dedicated.  The "Year to be Here" is just the beginning.  Earlier this year, the iconic "JAWS" attraction closed at Universal Studios Florida to make way for the much anticipated expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Insider information has London, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts Express all coming to the Orlando resort with an ambitious construction timeline.

Plans for WWoHP2 files with SFWMD

On top of Wizarding World expansion at Universal Orlando, the resort will be receiving an ambitious amount of construction over the next 5 years.  Rumors have Universal building a moderately priced 4th onsite hotel, a possible Transformers attraction at Universal Studios Florida (different from the one at USH), and a Seuss attraction at Islands of Adventure.  Currently, Universal is expanding its City Walk offerings with the forthcoming "City Walk Promenade" addition which was originally supposed to be a part of "Year to be Here."  The Promenade is yet another step to becoming a more well-rounded resort where guests can spend an extended vacation solely at Universal Orlando.

Concept art of City Walk Promenade
©2012 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved

Harry Potter's magic is spreading to Universal resorts around the world.  In November, news leaked that Universal Studios Hollywood will be getting the popular Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride and their own Hogwarts Castle.  On top of Harry Potter, USH is said to be getting other attractions in order to compete in the California market dominated by Disneyland Resort including the soon-to-be rechristened Disney California Adventure.  This month, it was announced that Universal Japan will also be getting a Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Phelps twins helped announce WWoHP at USH and USJ

The future is bright for Universal Parks and Resorts.  After a decade languishing in ownership limbo, they are ready to take on the theme park industry yet again.  Fans and the media (as evidenced by the NYT article) have taken notice.  It is and will continue to be a great time to be a theme park fan in California and Orlando.

“We’re the best, we think, at creating the world’s greatest theme park attractions."-Chick Russell, Universal Creative

Universal Creative continues to set a high bar for itself and with Comcast, they finally have the funds to really flex their muscles.  It will interesting to see what's in store for Wizarding World of Harry Potter Phase 2 and the other host of attractions Universal plans on unleashing on the world in the coming years.  Universal Century is here, welcome.

To be continued with Universal Century Part 3: USF Revival

"Universal Century" was inspired by an article published by "The New York Times" on May 21, 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/21/business/universal-armed-with-cash-from-comcast-takes-aim-at-disney.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1