Three years ago, one of the most popular series of novels and films came to an epic conclusion: J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter. However, with the help of the Wizarding World, the phenomenon continues to thrive. Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure theme park, which opened in the summer of 2010, captures the essence of the wizarding world that Rowling and the Potter film producers created. Fans can finally explore the streets of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Potter fanatic Hannah Kushner, who got a sneak preview of the Wizarding World before it was open to the general public, was very impressed. “I was amazed by the attention to detail and its unswerving honesty to the books and films,” raved Kushner ’17. She also noticed the effort to cram in as much “magic” into the space as possible. The only time she experienced the illusion of the magical world being broken was when the “muggle” fire alarm went off during her tour of Hogwarts. Simone Veale ’17, who visited in 2011, is not considered a devoted Harry Potter fan, yet she still spoke highly of her experiences at the park. As well as the attractions, Simone especially enjoyed the authentic foods and candies she remembered from the films, such as Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, chocolate frogs, and butterbeer. “Butterbeer is delicious in the summer, especially because you can drink it frozen,” said Veale. The park features authentic dining and shops right out of the Potter books, along with three magnificent attractions, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge, and Flight of the Hippogriff.

In May of 2013, rumors about the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter were confirmed. “Our vision is to create two amazing theme park experiences that combine into one complete, magical journey,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort to the Orlando Informer. The new park, designed to include Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley, and King’s Cross Station, will offer even more magic for Potter fans to enjoy. Similar to Hogsmeade in the original park, visitors will be sure to recognize many shops and locations in the expansion, such as The Leaky Cauldron, Quality Quidditch Supplies, and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. Fans can also visit Knockturn Alley, which consists of several stores dedicated to the dark arts of magic. One of the most anticipated attractions of the new park is the multi-dimensional roller coaster, located inside Gringotts bank at the end of Diagon Alley. To make the visitor’s adventure even more realistic, they will be able to transfer from one park to the another aboard the Hogwarts Express. “We are bringing the same drive, commitment, enthusiasm, and innovation to this project as we did to the first,” said Chairman of Universal Parks and Resorts Tom Williams to the Orlando Informer. As for J.K. Rowling, the novelist is thrilled that the world she has shaped will continue to grow. “I’m so pleased that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has proved so popular to date, and I’m sure that the attention to detail in creating the new Diagon Alley area will make this an even better experience,” said Rowling. The only opposition towards the expansion are fans of the iconic Jaws attraction, which was forced to close down in order to make room for the new Potter park.

Potter fans throughout the WFS community were asked for their opinions on the expansion of the park. Sonia Kumar ’14, who deems herself a strong supporter of Diagon Alley, explained, “I think the expansion could probably make things more entertaining and interactive, especially for kids. The bigger the park becomes, the more realistic it seems, since we’re all still a little disappointed we didn’t get a Hogwarts letter when we were eleven!” Christina Aleman ’17, who will be visiting the Wizarding World over spring break also expressed her excitement about the park. “Because I’ve heard a lot about it, and it was still being built the last time I was visiting Universal, I’m very anxious to see how they bring the magic to life and really make you feel like you are at Hogwarts; although I am disappointed that Diagon Alley won’t be open for when I visit,” she said. On the other hand, William Stanborough ’16, a true Slytherin and Quaker Quidditch member, gives a suspicious “no comment” regarding the expansion. Anxious fans await the grand opening of Diagon Alley, which is scheduled for this summer. Thanks to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, fans can now be a part of the world that they have yet to experience beyond the printed page or television screen.