It has been all over Twitter today that the Hogwarts Express has opened for business over at Universal Orlando in Florida. And the Official Blog has announced the details of the opening. You must have a park to park ticket and CANNOT enter Diagon Alley. Book your vacation to visit Diagon Alley now!

Around 3pm today, we opened King’s Cross Station, Hogsmeade Station and everyone’s favorite scarlet steam engine to guests with Park-to-Park admission. The Hogwarts Express will be open, in limited hours, between now and the grand opening of Diagon Alley on July 8.

Just to make sure there’s no confusion, Diagon Alley itself is still not open. But starting today, there will be windows when the Hogwarts Express, along with King’s Cross Station and Hogsmeade Station, will be open for you to enjoy.

Hop on in Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and step off in King’s Cross Station. Or jump on the train in London and disembark for a day in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. It’s all yours with Park-to-Park admission.

During the Diagon Alley Media & VIP Preview last week we got to participate in a bunch of Q&A sessions with cast members. Last, but not least, we’re sharing the panel featuring Bonnie Wright, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, James Phelps and Oliver Phelps.

P.S. Let’s all wish Matthew Lewis a Happy 25th Birthday today!

Book your vacation to Diagon Alley now!

Next Monday, June 30th, at 8pm, NBC will be airing Harry Potter: The Making of Diagon Alley, an exclusive special, hosted by Meredith Vierra.

In anticipation of the July 8th Grand Opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park experience, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Meredith Vieira will host Harry Potter: The Making of Diagon Alley, an NBC News primetime special produced by Peacock Productions. Vieira gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the design and construction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, the latest manifestation of the multi-billion dollar cultural phenomenon of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter: The Making of Diagon Alley chronicles the remarkable four year journey leading up to the highly anticipated unveiling of the new theme park experience. Meredith Vieira details the tremendous global effort and groundbreaking technology involved in creating Diagon Alley, from the initial conception, development and construction of the biggest attractions, down to the most fascinating details of the massive operation.

The NBC News primetime special provides behind-the-scenes access and interviews with the cast of the Harry Potter films, including Bonnie Wright and James and Oliver Phelps, as well as in-depth interviews with the creative team that brought J.K. Rowling’s enchanted world to life.

Book your vacation to Diagon Alley now!

During the Diagon Alley Media & VIP Preview last week we got to participate in a bunch of Q&A sessions with cast members. Today we’re sharing one of the talent panels featuring on-screen relatives Helena Bonham Carter and Tom Felton.

Book your vacation to Diagon Alley now!

Thursday morning after we had Q&As with all the cast members,  Ric Florell, Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations at Universal and Chef Jayson gave us an overview of Diagon Alley food and beverage experiences. Later at lunch we got to sample some of the food and, as always, I went straight to the Fish & Chips, one of my favorite meals. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.  I also enjoyed Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice, which had cinnamon around the rim of the cup. It had a very interesting flavor, but I enjoyed it.  Then, for dessert my group and I shared the sticky toffee pudding: so good!

If you want a more in depth review of the food, check out our friend Kat’s (of Mugglenet) food recap!

Book your vacation to Diagon Alley now!

During the Diagon Alley Media & VIP Preview last week we got to participate in a bunch of Q&A sessions with cast members.  Today we’re sharing one of the talent panels featuring Warwick Davis, Robbie Coltrane and Domhnall Gleeson.

Book your vacation to Diagon Alley now!