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Universal reveals details about new Harry Potter attraction

ORLANDO, Fla. — On Tuesday, Universal Orlando Resort revealed details about Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, the new thrill ride that will be located in the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley expansion.

Channel 9 also learned Universal will need to hire about 3,500 people to fill jobs with the Diagon Alley and other additions.

Imagine being part of the iconic moment from the Harry Potter film series where Harry, Ron and Hermione break into one of the most guarded places in the wizarding world -- Gringotts Bank -- to retrieve a magical object that will help defeat Lord Voldemort.

Most people have seen the action on the big screen, but now they'll be able to live it.

Universal's creative team worked hand-in-hand with Stuart Craig and his production team from the Harry Potter films to immerse guests in the pivotal scene from the final Harry Potter book and film.

During an action-packed, fully-immersive journey on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, guests will:

  • Marvel at the 60-foot, fire-breathing Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank
  • Tour Gringotts Bank and pass through the marble hall where they'll see goblins hard at work
  • Race through a labyrinth of underground Gringotts vaults
  • Encounter the villainous Death Eater, Bellatrix Lestrange, as she attempts to send guests to their doom
  • Come face to face with He Who Must Not Be Named
  • Experience even more mind-blowing moments

“Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts will change the way you think about theme park attractions,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “We’ve created an entirely new type of ride that propels guests into the story like never before, and guests will remember it long after their visit to Diagon Alley.”

The multi-dimensional, multi-sensory attraction will revolutionize theme park entertainment, Universal officials said. The next-generation thrill ride seamlessly integrates a compilation of the most innovative technology ever created, 360-degree themed sets, 4K digital high-definition animation, state-of-the-art 3-D Infitec projection systems and live special effects with beloved characters and breathtaking moments from the Harry Potter books and films.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life. The new area will double the size of the sweeping land already found at Universal Orlando, expanding the spectacularly themed environment across both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Inside the land, guests will enjoy themed shops, dining experiences and the Escape from Gringotts thrill ride.

The grand opening date for the spectacularly themed environment will be announced at a later date.