Fans of the wildly popular Harry Potter franchise are set to be knocked off their brooms with the announcement that Universal Orlando is introducing a brand new ride and real life Hogwarts Express replica which will add a huge 50% to the park’s Harry Potter landscape! Titled ‘Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts,’ the spectacular new additions are scheduled to open this summer!
What can I expect?
Lovers of the famous Hogwarts Express are in for a treat with the creation of a life sized replica of the world’s most magical school train! After riding their way into the all-new wizarding world, visitors can then hit up the exciting new ride…
Recreating one of the saga’s most thrilling scenes, the ride will see visitors embark on an action packed adventure to retrieve Helga Hufflepuff’s golden cup which is hidden deep in the vaults of the wizarding world’s notoriously impenetrable bank.
Burdened with the quest of destroying the cup, which doubles as one of Lord Voldemort’s sinister horcruxes, riders will be treated to 360 degree sets, 3D projection technology, live special effects and digital high definition animation. The journey plays out in the grandeur of Gringotts bank which will feature a 60 foot dragon, goblin packed marble hall and a gloomy labyrinth of treasure vaults.
This state of the art technology, storytelling finesse and opportunity to ride the legendary Hogwarts Express are guaranteed to delight both Harry Potter fanatics as well as those who aren’t familiar with the books or the film franchise.
Where can I find it the new Universal Orlando Harry Potter ride?
The ride will be located within the park’s all-new themed area known as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. While the new addition does not connect directly with the original area found at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, visitors will be able to transition between both the two via an enchanting replica of the Hogwarts Express.
The train leaves from Universal’s very own Platform 9 ¾ and travels in two different directions, each featuring its own unique experiences. As they travel across the park in the Hogwarts Express, riders will be indulged with an array of beloved character sightings. These include Hagrid aboard his flying motorbike, the mischievous Weasley twins and the quirky Knight Bus stuck in a quintessential London traffic jam.
Get there with Royal Caribbean!
If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Universal Orlando to experience the magic for yourself, why not travel in conjunction with the UK’s leading cruise package provider, Cruise 1st? Currently on offer is an amazing package from Royal Caribbean which sees passengers embark on a 12 night Florida bound voyage on-board one of the lines premium ocean vessels, Oasis of the Seas.
Stopping at Spain’s port Vigo along the way, the luxury liner will take you straight to the doorstep of Universal Orlando where you can jump aboard the Hogwarts Express and make a beeline for the thrills that await at Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts! For those that want to extend their vacation, £99 will buy you a four night stay on International Drive before the holiday comes to a close.
On par with the excitement of the new ride are the services found on-board Oasis. Whether you want to dine at gourmet restaurants, scale a rock wall, coast the Flowrider surf simulator, work out at the gym, indulge in a spa session or glide across the ice skating rink, Oasis of the Seas is a spectacularly equipped vessel that offers something for every cruiser!
Starting at just £899 per person, the cruise is an incredible offer that will turn your Universal Orlando getaway into a fully-fledged luxury vacation at a truly magical price.
Image Source
- Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship
- Creative Commons Wikipedia
- Universal Orlando Resort
