The Universal blog has announced that Diagon Alley has partially “soft opened” for the general public. This means that for limited hours, visitors can enjoy the shops and restaurants of Diagon Alley but NOT the Escape from Gringotts ride.

We are now inviting guests to experience the atmosphere, shops, food and entertainment that Diagon Alley has to offer. Dine in the Leaky Cauldron. Grab your favorite Hogwarts house apparel at Quality Quidditch Supplies. And get that first taste of Butterbeer ice cream.

It brings us all one step closer to the Grand Opening on July 8, when guests will get to ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and enjoy all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

If you plan to visit before the July 8 Grand Opening, please understand that the hours are limited, and access to shops and food venues may vary—not everything may be open all the time.