Diagon Alley preview set for June hinting opening date as Universal Orlando sends Harry Potter ticket, Gringotts gold bar

in Entertainment, Events, Merchandise, Movies, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando has sent invitations to the press for a preview of the Diagon Alley expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

It’s set to take place over four days, June 17-20, 2014. But this doesn’t necessarily indicate an official opening date, which Universal declines to divulge at this time. They are, in fact, calling this press event a preview.

The invitation arrived in a box from Gringotts Bank, marked vault 722 – a reference to the expansion project’s internal code number. Inside, a heavy gold bar, bank note, and a ticket for the Hogwarts Express.


Video: Diagon Alley invitation unboxing for Wizarding World of Harry Potter preview at Universal Orlando


The Hogwarts Express ticket is merely a keepsake, not to actually be used in the park or at the event. One side marks the 2014 opening of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida while its other side marks the 2010 opening of the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure.

But the gold bar is representative of merchandise that will be available when Diagon Alley opens this summer, part of many items that will be for sale in the area.

Here’s a closer look at the invitation:

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando

While it’s likely the opening date of Diagon Alley will be June 20, it’s not guaranteed. Nor would it be unprecedented for a theme park to hold a major press event without a grand opening. Disney recently previewed and dedicated their new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train several weeks before its official opening date.

Universal certainly has big rides to unveil, including the Hogwarts Express train and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts attraction, more details of which were revealed this week.

The remainder of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be opening on June 16, also likely part of the 4-day press event.

Inside the Magic will be covering the massive preview event next month as well as any new developments for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley between now and then, so keep checking back!

More photos of the Diagon Alley preview invitation from Universal Orlando:

View Comments (21)