We’ve finally found our way from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley. If you haven’t done so yet, see what it’s taken us to get this far here:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Photo Tour – Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade to London Kings Cross
and
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Photo Tour – London Kings Cross at Universal Studios
Today we get to see what all the hubbub is about as we tour Diagon Alley’s landmark attraction “Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts”.
Gringotts Bank is the focal point as you step into Diagon Alley for the very first time. The bank looms in the distance with it’s escaping Ukranian Ironbelly Dragon. This scene is unmistakable from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Watch out. You might get toasted.
The entrance to the attraction looks very much like the goblin owned and operated Gringotts Wizzarding Bank.
As guests first enter they reach a rotunda with massive columns leading up to the high ceiling and ornate crystal chandelier.
More of the queue line in the rotunda area.
After guests exit the rotunda, they make their way into the massive great hall of the bank. If you thought the chandy candy in the rotunda was special, wait until you see the massive chandeliers in the next room.
It’s in this room where we get our first look at the animatronic goblin tellers.
At the end of the great banking hall is the head bank teller.
A behind the scenes look at how such a small goblin reaches this high podium.
From this point guests travel through the golden gates and into the depths of Gringotts bank records system.
Photographers are on hand in small alcoves to take your photo for bank ID security clearance, which can be purchased at the end of your journey.
At the end of this queue area guests are held before entering a pre-show room where they will witness an encounter between Griphook and Bill Weasley.
After the pre-show guests enter a holding room where they are queued up to hop on the Gringotts elevator which will take them miles down into the cavernous bank vaults.
Once inside the elevator guests feel as if they are actually plummeting miles down into the caves within the bank.
After exiting the elevator, it’s time to pick up your 3D glasses and make your ascension up the winding staircase to your magic cart.
Once up on the ride platform the view is AMAZING!
There are two separate loading areas here. The setup and vehicles are similar to the Revenge of the Mummy attraction.
Here’s a look at the exit if you chicken out, or have someone with you that just wants to experience the walk-through portion of the attraction.
Time to board your magic cart. Strap in. It’s going to be a wild ride.
Whew…we made it out alive. Time to make our escape!
Now that we’ve made it safely out of Gringotts, it’s time to tour the rest of Diagon Alley. See you tomorrow for the last installment in this Harry Potter series!
