Harry Potter Diagon Alley: Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World Expansion (Ep. 55)

Jim Hill is reporting from Orlando after getting a rare construction-site walkthrough of Universal Studios Florida’s new Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. Jim takes Len Testa through the land shop by shop, from the Leaky Cauldron and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes to Knockturn Alley, Gringotts, and the massive new Ollivanders. They also dig into the Hogwarts Express, King's Cross Station, Universal's obsessive attention to architectural detail, and why Jim believes Diagon Alley could establish a new gold standard for theme park design.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jim Hill goes inside the Diagon Alley construction site at Universal Studios Florida.

• How Universal is recreating the Leaky Cauldron, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts, Ollivanders, and Knockturn Alley.

• Why Diagon Alley's narrow streets, towering buildings, sound design, and hidden details could make the land unusually immersive.

• The Hogwarts Express experience connecting Diagon Alley with Hogsmeade and the possibility of changing character encounters during the journey.

• Jim explains why Universal's Harry Potter expansion could raise expectations for Disney and the entire theme park industry.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com

• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com

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