5 Reasons To Visit Diagon Alley

By Camilo Echeverri Bernal on November 20, 2014

So, I finally decided it was time to get an Annual Pass to Universal Studios. They were actually cheaper than I thought, and I know that within three or four visits to the two parks, I will have made up for the expense. Besides, I get free parking and I believe some discount on merchandise.

I may be a bit late on this–but it is time for me to fangirl a little.

Anyway, on to the fun stuff. As you may or may not know, you don’t have just Hogsmeade to look forward to in your Harry Potter adventure with the castle and the fun rides; no, sir.

Now you have Diagon Alley and a part of Muggle London. Let me give you five reasons to visit Diagon Alley. Over Hogsmeade. You can visit Hogsmeade, just don’t go there first.

1) Detail.

image via http://www.jaunted.com

It is incredibly detailed. Like, ridiculously so. Like, right out of the films. I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful it is.

The moment I stepped into it I was drawn in. I was 11 again and filled  with wonder as I entered that world that until then had been reserved for films or my imagination. I could almost smell the magic. Just take it in for a second and be filled with utter glee.

You will find there pretty much every single store as in the books and the films. Or at least the ones that are shown in the film. I could not make my mind up.

2) Knockturn Alley.

image via http://www.geekynews.com

I may be Pottermore sorted and member of Gryffindor House, but I still could not believe my eyes as I followed the arrow that pointed towards the infamous alley.

I felt literal shivers down my spine. When I entered Borgin and Burkes, I also felt thrilled. So many memories from the films, as well as feeling like I was actually there, and that I was an actual wizard setting foot inside this shop of wicked and baleful things.

Definitely recommend going in, taking pictures and all that.

3) Gringott’s Bank and Escape from Gringott’s.

image via http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/

Dontcha wish your bank was hot like this one? I do. With goblins and all of it. If it weren’t for the fact that a group of rambunctious children decided it’d be funny for them to go up to the goblins and start messing around with their hands and their desks, I might have enjoyed myself more.

Concerning the ride itself. I would go as far as to say that it is by far, out of the two Harry Potter-themed virtual rides, the best one. Escape From Gringotts has all of the story-telling that the other one lacks, in my opinion.

4) Did I mention the Knight Bus?

image via http://www.wesh.com

Though located in actual Muggle London, it was cooler than I ever could have thought. I did not get to ride it myself, but I wish I could have. I think we can ride it. If so, that would be great. No, that would be magical. It would add to my overall experience of Diagon Alley.

Just another detail that truly made me feel at home, almost. As though I had stepped into another reality.

5) The Magic.

image via http://fashionandpopculturemagic.blogspot.com

The main reason why you will want to go, either by yourself or with your family, is to live the experience. To truly feel what it might be like to be a wizard. To belong in a world where almost everything is possible.

Sure, there aren’t real mythical beasts like dragons, nor is there magic in the real world … but in these lands of imagination brought to life by Universal Studios, it is almost impossible to not believe for an instant. It’s almost like you’re walking in the footsteps of the Golden Trio–as though you yourself are re-living their best moments.

Go to Diagon Alley to feel that feeling. To explore and be amazed with all it has to offer. I most certainly was transported. Once you go in, you will not wish to leave; once you go in, you cease to be ordinary and feel extraordinary.

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