Universal's Diagon Alley gives Disney World a run for it's money

Universal's Diagon Alley gives Disney World a run for it's money

Even a former Disney Executive conceded that Universal's got a leg up as fans anticipate the opening of Harry Potter World's newest attraction, Diagon Alley.

If there’s one thing Florida is known for, it’s Disney World. Yet that seems to be changing thanks to Universal’s Harry Potter attraction — it’s pull is only getting stronger now that its latest addition, Diagon Alley, is opening soon.

Ever since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in 2010, people have flocked to the park to see the book-turned-movie phenomenon as a theme park attraction. In the years since the park’s premiere, it’s also been said that it not only rivals anything at Disney World, but tops it. Duncan Dickson, a former Disney executive, told The New York Times in 2011, “Up until now, nobody ever said this or that is better than Disney. The Hulk coaster at Universal is great. Manta, at SeaWorld, is very good. But it’s not better than anything at Disney. [Harry Potter] is better.”

Now Diagon Alley is on the horizon, opening July 8, to cause even more hysteria among fans. It will feature two new rides and seven additional stores — making this alley all about the money. Potterheads will not only spend a lot of time, but money as well on items like owls, robes and wands. Additionally, Universal prepared for the crowds ahead by making Diagon Alley more accommodating. They had no clue what kind of crowds to expect when they first opened the park four years ago, so with this addition the streets were widened.

Universal’s newest addition is scaring Disney, which could explain the entertainment giant’s recent price increase. Some experts believe that the spike in Disney World ticket prices was instituted to cover the cost of the patrons they might lose to Diagon Alley this summer. The battle won’t end in Florida, though: one might wonder what will happen in California after Universal Hollywood completes their own Harry Potter land.

Be social, please share!

Facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *