Universal announce "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley" to open in 2014

[Genie of the Lamp]

First look inside diagon alley:
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201312/3807/

 

[danpam1024]

First look inside diagon alley:
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201312/3807/

How exciting! It amazes me how quickly these new lands are build!

 

[Bairstow]

First look inside diagon alley:
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201312/3807/

Looks like it's coming along nicely.
I'm most interested seeing what the modern London side of this wall ends up looking like.

 

[Magenta Panther]

First look inside diagon alley:
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201312/3807/

AWESOME!!!!!

I wonder if that's an authentic reproduction of a cramped London back alley? Being a Yank, I wouldn't know...

 

[JT3000]

I don't follow HP, but is Diagon Alley supposed to be that dungy looking? My eyes aren't fans.

 

[Bairstow]

I don't follow HP, but is Diagon Alley supposed to be that dungy looking? My eyes aren't fans.

Oh definitely. It's supposed to look a forgotten crevice of old London in constant use for the last couple hundred years.
My friend is a much bigger Potter fan than I am and when I showed him the picture he asked why everything looked so bright and clean.
I'm guessing that they aren't even done weathering/dirtying it up yet, or begun with the window dressing and signage.

 

[disney4life2008]

2014 opening? Is it possible it could open BEFORE the three-year long project known as the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?"

Universal is really got it going on striking while the iron is hot. Maybe it is time for a career change...hhmmmmm

I agree. It seems the seven dwarfs and new fantasyland has been going on forever.

 

[magicallactose]

I don't follow HP, but is Diagon Alley supposed to be that dungy looking? My eyes aren't fans.

Yes, Diagon Alley is supposed to be smeared with centuries of accumulated grime and soot.

Also, this is simply a small part of the Diagon Alley expansion. I presume a lot of the shops (perhaps most) are going to have faux brickwork (like what they are currently doing with the London facades), and I'm sure those are going to look more 'smart' and 'pretty'. The contrast between the more ramshackle-looking shops (as we see in the leaked photo) and the more pristine shops like Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes will create a wonderful contrast, resulting in a land that feels truly 'real' and 'lived-in'.

This is the type of placemaking that a true World Class theme park does, and I am thrilled.
Weasley's Wizard Wheezes as seen in the films:

 

[danpam1024]

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201305/3481/
the interactive wands sound great! New collection

 

[RandomPrincess]

I don't follow HP, but is Diagon Alley supposed to be that dungy looking? My eyes aren't fans.

Here is is in the first movie -

 

[JT3000]

Here is is in the first movie -

That doesn't look nearly as run down to me. In fact, this still looks much more... theme parkish than what I'm seeing from Universal. More whimsical, less "holy crap, that is legit dirty." I know I should wait to judge the finished product, but wow.

 

[RandomPrincess]

That doesn't look nearly as run down to me. In fact, this still looks much more... theme parkish than what I'm seeing from Universal. More whimsical, less "holy crap, that is legit dirty." I know I should wait to judge the finished product, but wow.

Here are some set close ups - You can see the wear and tear better.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

If you think that's dark and dingy, wait until you see Knockturn Alley.

 

[HTF]

The leaked picture from Diagon is from the "Gringotts" Corridor

 

[danpam1024]

The leaked picture from Diagon is from the "Gringotts" Corridor

do you have it?

 

[Bairstow]

do you have it?

 

[RTeker]

A YouTube video from Universal Studios Florida Facebook page i think ya'll might like

 

[djlaosc]

Is it possible that the final coat of paint for the Gringotts corridor hasn't been applied yet?

I'm sure I can remember people somewhere (not necessarily here) complaining about the paintwork on Springfield's Fast Food Boulevard, but then the final coat was applied...

 

[Bairstow]

Is it possible that the final coat of paint for the Gringotts corridor hasn't been applied yet?

I'm sure I can remember people somewhere (not necessarily here) complaining about the paintwork on Springfield's Fast Food Boulevard, but then the final coat was applied...

I'd say it's likely.
None of the signage or window dressing is up yet either.

 

[HTF]

Warner Brothers, Stuart Craig, Alan Gilmore, and JK herself all still need to sign off on so many things. Expect countless touch ups, revisions, and changes before opening day.