Recently, a bestie asked me to divulge all of my favorite theme park secrets. I have so many secrets I’m eager to share, so naturally, I have to oblige. It would make an awesome series for this blog, don’t you think? Very well! This one is for you, you-know-who-you-are. 😉 Let’s kick this series off with this author’s top 5 favorite secrets of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando.
The Leaky Cauldron actually leaks!
The Leaky Cauldron greets you after you come through the cleverly hidden brick wall entrance. Fans of the Harry Potter books and movies will recognize this pub as a magical hot spot for witches, wizards, and the occasional muggle to grab a bite. The cauldron in the hearth inside might look dusty and beyond repair, but it certainly doesn’t leak – what a nightmare that would be for the staff! However, if you find yourself standing outside the pub under the hanging sign, expect to get wet.
The Bird in Bourgin & Burkes
Malfoy has been skipping class to repair the vanishing cabinet at Hogwarts. You’ll find the results of his experiments in Knockturn Alley’s one-stop-shop for all of your deatheater decorating needs – Borgin & Burkes. Listen closely to the vanishing cabinet by the register, and you’ll hear something inside fluttering and tweeting about.
The Singing Shrunken Heads
For those who have visited Knockturn Alley before the Fall of 2024, you know the singing shrunken head choir – they’re not really a secret. Their off-key singing was too obnoxious (and too hilarious) to ignore. However, they were recently removed from their window at Noggin & Bonce and replaced with a generic shop window scene. Rumor has it the scene is being repurposed for a new spell experience, possibly one that ties to Epic Universe and new mobile app features. If this is true, I will especially miss the angelic and severely dehydrated choir for their rendition of “Show Me the Way to Go Home,” a song from the movie Jaws. It was one of several hidden tributes to the Jaws ride that used to exist in the very same spot. The beloved boat ride was closed and demolished in 2012 to make space for Diagon Alley. For now, you can still see the spell token for “mimblewimble” in the cobblestones below the N&B window, though it appears to be painted over. The fact that the spell token hasn’t been completely removed gives this Jaws fan hope that the shrunken heads are on temporary vocal rest and will soon be singing again.
The Scribbulus Secret Spell
At Scribbulus, witches, wizards, and writers alike will find a litany of stationary supplies – quills, ink, stamps, wax, parchment paper, journals, and more. It is also the home to two – yes, two! – wand experiences. As you exit the shop, the window on the right showcases a large white quill. A gifted witch or wizard can make it fly if they know how to properly pronounce levi-O-sa (not levi-o-SA!). In the window on the left, a large blank scroll is collecting dust. Most people ignore this window because there isn’t a spell token on the pavement below it, but if you look close, you’ll see a clue. WandS at the ready.
The Bellatrix Bye-Bye
Whether you’re making a deposit or hunting horcruxes, Gringotts is the place to go. As the goblins will tell you, Gringotts is a high-speed roller coaster ride that will take you to its deepest and most secure vaults far below the earth. Before you get there, you’ll run into the notoriously beautiful and deadly Bellatrix LeStrange. Spoiler alert for those who haven’t ridden this coaster: during your first encounter with LeStrange, she will break the coaster track and force your car to tilt downward at a steep angle. It is hard not to look down at the looming darkness that threatens below, but if you want to see this secret, lock eyes with Bellatrix. As the car plunges downward, Bellatrix will give you a mischievous send-off. If you are in the front car, you’ll probably miss it, but the back rows are guaranteed to see this secret goodbye – if you are brave enough to keep your eyes open.
Diagon Alley has no shortage of secrets to discover – with more on the way even as I write this blog! What are your favorite secrets of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando? And what area should we explore next? Until next time…
See you in the Single Rider Lane! 😉