Pictures: Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando
The fire-breathing dragon, perched on top of Diagon Alley, as seen during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando Sentinel
New additions, opening day, first-look daytime scenes and more inside Diagon Alley, plus the red-carpet ceremony with the stars of the Harry Potter movies; a first look inside the Diagon Alley attraction and various scenes of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley; rendering closeups and construction pictures of the expansion at Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando.
Complete Harry Potter expansion coverage
The dragon spews fire during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Matt Mauney/Orlando Sentinel )
An animatronic goblin welcomes guests in the lobby of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Hogwarts Express prepares to depart from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The fire-breathing dragon, perched on top of Diagon Alley, as seen during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Cheering fans react to being welcomed into a confetti-filled Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Cheering fans react to being welcomed into a confetti-filled Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1
(Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)Cheering fans prepare to rush the entrance of Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Cheering fans wait at the entrance of Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Brenda Ellis of Melbourne delights at being Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Team members welcome cheering fans into a confetti-filled Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Happy fans inside the lobby of Gringotts Bank at Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The dragon spews fire during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The dragon spews fire during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
An animatronic bank clerk, at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The dragon spews fire during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The dragon spews fire during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
An animatronic goblin welcomes guests in the lobby of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
An animatronic goblin welcomes guests in the lobby of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Hogwarts Express prepares to depart during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Hogwarts Express prepares to depart during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A wand seller on the street, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Guests ride the Hogwarts Express during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Hogwarts Express prepares to depart during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
An animatronic bank clerk, at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A view of the main alley during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A view of the main alley during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A view of the main alley during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
An animatronic goblin welcomes guests in the lobby of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
This first-look at Diagon Alley shows the fire-breathing dragon during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Tom Felton, who plays Draco Falfoy, signs autographs during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Fan react at the site of Harry Potter stars during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Fans cheer fireworks during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Robbie Coltraine, who plays Rubeus Hagrid, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Domhmall Gleeson, Robbie Coltrane and Warwick Davis, joke with reporters during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Tom Felton and Helena Bonham Carter during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
James and Oliver Phelps, the Weasley twins, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Matthew Lewis, who portrays Neville Longbottom, answers a question during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Bonnie Wright (far left) and other Potter franchise actors during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Harry Potter actors gather during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Fans cheer during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Bonnie Wright, who plays Ginny Weasley, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Domnhall Gleeson, who portrays Bill Wesley, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Domnhall Gleeson and Evanna Lynch applaud Robbie Coltraine during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Bonnie Wright, who plays Ginny Weasley, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Warwick Davis, who portrays Prof. Filius Flitwick, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Oliver and James (background) Phelps, who portray the Weasley twins, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Helena BNonham Carter, who portrays Bellatrix Lestrange, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Evanna Lynch, who plays Luna Lovegood, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Harry Potter actors gather during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Evanna Lynch, who plays Luna Lovegood, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Warwick Davis, who portrays Prof. Filius Flitwick, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Matthew Lewis, who plays Neville Longbottom, during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Tom Felton, who plays Draco Falfoy, signs autographs during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Hogwarts Express is seen leaving the station before the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Harry Potter actors gather during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A glimpse of the much-anticipated dragon on top of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, at Universal Orlando, is visible for the first time in the park, Thursday, June 12, 2014. An opening day for Diagon Alley has not been announced. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583799364Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A glimpse of the much-anticipated dragon on top of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, at Universal Orlando, is visible for the first time in the park, Thursday, June 12, 2014. An opening day for Diagon Alley has not been announced. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583799364Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A glimpse of the much-anticipated dragon on top of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, at Universal Orlando, is visible for the first time in the park, Thursday, June 12, 2014. An opening day for Diagon Alley has not been announced. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583799364Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A glimpse of the much-anticipated dragon on top of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, at Universal Orlando, is visible for the first time in the park, Thursday, June 12, 2014. An opening day for Diagon Alley has not been announced. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583799364Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Universal sign in the park’s lagoon frames the front of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, at Universal Orlando, June 9, 2014. Guests got a new perspective on the soon-to-open attraction as construction walls were removed for the first time. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583789945Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Guests get a first look at the front of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, at Universal Orlando, June 9, 2014, seeing the new perspective on the soon-to-open attraction as construction walls were removed for the first time. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583789945Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Universal employees (blue shirts) get a first look after the construction walls that used to block the view of the front of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, at Universal Orlando, June 9, 2014, were removed. Guests also got a new perspective on the soon-to-open attraction. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583789945Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A first look after the construction walls that used to block the view of the front of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, were taken down at Universal Orlando, June 9, 2014. Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583789945Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
