Magical Fun BEFORE You Enter Diagon Alley

Hogwarts Express Que from London to Hogsmeade

As you are in line to go onto Platform 9 3/4, you pass through the wall. It is easy to miss one of the most fun special effects in the park – if you don’t know where to look. You will need to stay about 10 feet back from your group to catch a few snapshots or video as they walk through. Truly magic.

17 Grimmauld Place

When walking through the streets of “London” you will see the entrance to Diagon Alley. Right next door to the entrance is a row of houses on Grimmauld Place.  If you stand and watch the 2nd story of the house – every few minutes, Kreacher the House Elf peeks out the window to look at the street below.

Knight Bus

Sitting right across the street from the entrance to Diagon Alley is the Knight Bus. To hail the bus, a witch or wizard must stick their wand hand in the air (the way you might while hailing a cab), or book a ticket in advance. Stop for a chat with the conductor but keep your ears tuned toward the chatty shrunken head dangling above the dashboard inside the bus – he might just surprise you.

Red Telephone Box

There is a red telephone box, or telephone kiosk, just outside the entrance to Diagon Alley in London. Not only does it make a fun photo opp, but it is also a little magical. You just have to pick up the receiver and actually use the phone. Just dial MAGIC (62442) and you will magically be patched through to the Ministry of Magic.

Magical Fun In Diagon Alley

I Can hEAR You

Well, the ceiling can. Inside Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes, if you look up and listen up, you can hear whispering from the extendable ears that hang from the ceiling. You might just hear a joke or a bit of gossip! Listen carefully now!

Interactive Wands

An interactive wand might be pricey (at around $50), but don’t knock it until you try it. The interactive wands kept my teenagers busy for hours! The interactive wands let you “cast spells” all over Diagon Alley. Check out the map that comes with your wand and look for tell-tale metallic plaques. You may be so excited that you grab the wand from your kid and try it yourself!

Fire Breathing Dragon

I always tell people to look up – that they might see something new. In this case if you look up while walking in Diagon Alley you will see Gringotts Bank. Sitting up at the top is a Ukranian Ironbelly Dragon. Every 15 minutes (or so) he breathes FIRE! You can feel the heat! If you find a good spot to watch you will know when it is about to happen as you can hear a popping sound just before!

Magically Mischievous Mirror

Don’t try this one unless you can take a critique! Inside the shop Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, you can try on Hogwarts school robes and uniforms . There’s a mirror in the shop that will gibe you a critique of your outfit – whether you like it or not.

Gringotts Bank Goblins

The queue to ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts might be one of the most magical pieces of Diagon Alley. As you enter the bank you walk alongside the goblins counting money and managing accounts. If you stop and speak to the main goblin he will look right at you and answer your question. You might be surprised at how accurate his responses are.

Needless to say there is so much more magic in Diagon Alley than I can include here. Let us know what your favorite bit of magic is at the Universal Orlando Resort!