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NEWS
Exclusive: Universal poised to rollout Harry Potter Diagon Alley attraction globally
POSTED 12 Dec 2014 . BY Jak Phillips
One million guests rode the Hogwarts Express in the month after it opened in July 2014
After the runaway success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Orlando, the theme park operator plans to replicate the winning formula across its other sites, Attractions Management understands.

The groundbreaking attraction, reported to have cost around US$250m (€202m, £159m) to create, saw thousands of designers, artisans and engineers collaborate to faithfully recreate Diagon Alley as JK Rowling imagined it, complete with a 3D multi-sensory ride that takes passengers on a daring escape from Voldemort and co at the Gringotts wizarding bank.

The joint collaboration between Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment broke the mould to create the world’s first centrally-themed multi-park experience. This saw the construction of a replica Kings Cross train station – complete with platform 9 and ¾ – enabling guests to catch the Hogwarts Express train to hop between the new world and the Hogsmeade attraction at nearby Islands of Adventure. For Potter fans to use the train, a two-park ticket costing US$136 (€101, £81) is required.

Given the standout success of the attraction – one million guests rode the Hogwarts Express in its first month – it is unsurprising that Universal is eager to spread the concept across its parks and capitalise on the Potter-mania that evidently endures.

According to a high-placed source, Universal is looking at a similar concept for Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as its parks in Singapore and Osaka, Japan. The plan would work particularly well at Osaka – which earlier this year launched its own Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle – with the potential for an area similar to Diagon Alley and a Hogwarts Express to link the two attractions.

It is thought that the company is also mulling the presence of Harry Potter attractions at its forthcoming resorts in Beijing and Moscow.

Potter-related attractions have proved to be hugely successful for Universal. Wizarding World of Harry Potter has doubled attendances at Universal's Islands of Adventure, from 4.2m at opening in 2009 to 8.1m in 2013.

Numbers for Universal Studios, Florida – also saw an increase – from 5.1 million to 7.1 million (according to most recent figures) – via sales of the multi-site Universal/Seaworld pass, showing how the Potter-effect has knocked on to the wider business.

A Universal spokesperson was unable to comment on the company’s expansion plans.
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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Exclusive: Universal poised to rollout Harry Potter Diagon Alley attraction globally
POSTED 12 Dec 2014 . BY Jak Phillips
One million guests rode the Hogwarts Express in the month after it opened in July 2014
After the runaway success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Orlando, the theme park operator plans to replicate the winning formula across its other sites, Attractions Management understands.

The groundbreaking attraction, reported to have cost around US$250m (€202m, £159m) to create, saw thousands of designers, artisans and engineers collaborate to faithfully recreate Diagon Alley as JK Rowling imagined it, complete with a 3D multi-sensory ride that takes passengers on a daring escape from Voldemort and co at the Gringotts wizarding bank.

The joint collaboration between Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment broke the mould to create the world’s first centrally-themed multi-park experience. This saw the construction of a replica Kings Cross train station – complete with platform 9 and ¾ – enabling guests to catch the Hogwarts Express train to hop between the new world and the Hogsmeade attraction at nearby Islands of Adventure. For Potter fans to use the train, a two-park ticket costing US$136 (€101, £81) is required.

Given the standout success of the attraction – one million guests rode the Hogwarts Express in its first month – it is unsurprising that Universal is eager to spread the concept across its parks and capitalise on the Potter-mania that evidently endures.

According to a high-placed source, Universal is looking at a similar concept for Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as its parks in Singapore and Osaka, Japan. The plan would work particularly well at Osaka – which earlier this year launched its own Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle – with the potential for an area similar to Diagon Alley and a Hogwarts Express to link the two attractions.

It is thought that the company is also mulling the presence of Harry Potter attractions at its forthcoming resorts in Beijing and Moscow.

Potter-related attractions have proved to be hugely successful for Universal. Wizarding World of Harry Potter has doubled attendances at Universal's Islands of Adventure, from 4.2m at opening in 2009 to 8.1m in 2013.

Numbers for Universal Studios, Florida – also saw an increase – from 5.1 million to 7.1 million (according to most recent figures) – via sales of the multi-site Universal/Seaworld pass, showing how the Potter-effect has knocked on to the wider business.

A Universal spokesperson was unable to comment on the company’s expansion plans.
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MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
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TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
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We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
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QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
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+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

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Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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