10 Hidden Highlights You Absolutely Can’t Miss When Visiting Diagon Alley

Travel Center / General Report Photo / All screenshots fromBuzzFeed

The second Harry Potter-themed area at Universal Orlando Resort in the U.S., Diagon Alley, is set to officially open on July 8. As the opening date draws nearer, key attractions within the area are being gradually revealed. Below are some of the hidden highlights of Diagon Alley as introduced by BuzzFeed. If you’re planning to visit Diagon Alley this summer, don’t miss these out!

▲1. Perfume Advertisements Inside King’s Cross Station

In the movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, there’s a scene where Dumbledore and Harry Potter chat while looking at advertisements on the wall at King’s Cross Station — those perfume ads have been faithfully recreated in the park. If you’re taking the Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley, you’ll find this ad on your right.

▲2. The House-Elf Kreacher Peeks at You Every Minute

Remember Kreacher, the loyal house-elf of the Black family? The park has also recreated the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix — 12 Grimmauld Place. As you walk by, look up at the right window on the second floor, and you’ll see Kreacher peeking out from behind the curtains every minute.

▲3. The Snake in the Monster Book of Monsters Exhibit Talks Through the Glass

If you stand outside the window of the “Monster Book of Monsters” exhibit and stare at the snake through the glass, you’ll notice it speaks to you in Parseltongue — and yes, it also speaks English.

▲4. The “Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder,” Your Escape Essential, Is Hidden on the Second Floor of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes

When in trouble, just throw some of this powder to plunge the area into instant darkness — perfect for making a quick escape. A must-have for any magical adventure. Just head up to the second floor, and you’ll find it tucked away in a corner.

▲5. The “Vanishing Cabinet” That Can Transport You to Hogwarts, and the Hand of Glory

Located in Knockturn Alley, Borgin and Burkes houses one of the “Vanishing Cabinets.” As you step inside and approach it, you’ll even hear birds chirping from within — just like in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Oh, and another can’t-miss item in Borgin’s shop: the Hand of Glory.

▲6. Check Out the Roof of Gringotts — That Dragon Isn’t Just for Show

Every 15 minutes, the fierce dragon perched atop Gringotts roars to life and breathes fire. Have your camera ready — this is your only chance to witness a dragon breathing fire up close.

▲7. Goblins at Gringotts Offer Just One Service Per Counter

While you’re in a rush to join Harry on his Gringotts break-in adventure, approach one of the goblin tellers’ counters and ring the little bell on their desk — they’ll immediately turn to give you an intense stare.

▲8. Three Services Offered at the Leaky Cauldron

Take a look at the services posted on the pub’s exterior wall: “Want to take the Knight Bus? — Please DIY, and do not ask any staff inside.” “Room service — available starting at 12:01 AM.” And most importantly: “We don’t even have an owl. Thank you very much.”

▲9. Interactive Wands Let You Become a Powerful Wizard Instantly

Shout the weather spell “Metelojinx!” and point your wand in the right spot, and water will pour down from the umbrella in the photo!

▲10. The Knight Bus Parked at the Alley Isn’t Just for Photos

At the Knight Bus stop, you can meet staff dressed as conductor Stan Shunpike and driver Ernie Prang — and yes, Ernie can talk too.