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Channel 9 takes sneak peek at Universal's Diagon Alley

ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort has cast another marketing spell on the world.
 
On Thursday, WFTV Channel 9 Eyewitness News got a glimpse into what is expected to be a huge money maker for the theme park.
 
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Diagon Alley doesn't open until July 8, but it's already created quite a bit of buzz.
 
From fire breathing dragons to butter beer ice cream, Universal is pulling out all the stops.

Universal's expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expected to draw millions of more tourists to central Florida, which could bring a big boost to the local economy.

The new park zone, called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, will delight fans of the hit book and movie series with a marquee ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

But Diagon Alley is also heavy on experiential retail, with stores so entertaining and visually stimulating that you almost forget you're shopping.

The attraction doubles the size of the Harry Potter footprint on Universal's property. Diagon Alley opens to the public July 8 at Universal Studios. A train called the Hogwarts Express connects the new area to the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, called Hogsmeade, which opened in 2010 on the other side of the theme park at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

"Based on what we experienced back in 2010 and for the last four years it has been non-stop success," senior VP of Universal Creative Thierry Coup said.

Universal executives are expecting a big return on their investment in Diagon Alley.

In 2010, 11.2 million people visited Universal Orlando, up 2 million from the year before. That was around a 20 percent jump for the theme park. That increase in visitors meant more dinner reservations and hotel bookings. Harry Potter was such a success that Universal executive decided it was worth trying again.

"We were only open for a few months before we were thinking, 'What else can we do?'" said Mark Woodbury, with Universal Orlando Resort.

Hotel managers told Channel 9's Shannon Butler that some people have moved their reservations and changed their flights just to be here after the new attraction opens.

Universal rolled out the red carpet Wednesday night, as they started showing off Diagon Alley.

Helena Bonham Carter, Matthew Lewis and Domhnall Gleeson were among the actors from Potter films walking a red carpet at Universal Wednesday night.

"I have watched all the movies at least twice and it's just one of my favorite series on the face of the planet," said tourist Aviva Davis.

If fans want to see both Harry Potter areas, a two-park ticket is required. For adults, a two-park ticket for one day costs $136; for children, it's $130.

Cast Interviews:  Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) | Weasley Twins

Photos:  Harry Potter Stars On Red Carpet | Diagon Alley

Here are five first impressions of Universal's new Diagon Alley, which was inspired by the fictional London location famous for wizarding supplies in the Harry Potter series:

WINDOW SHOPPING

The level of detail in Diagon Alley is amazing, and nowhere are the features more fun and true to the novels and movies than in shop windows. There are lots of things for sale, but others are simply great decorations. Books play a central role in the decor; window-shoppers will see animatronic versions of "The Monster Book of Monsters," a tome with teeth, along with self-knitting needles and Harry Potter's snowy owl, Hedwig.

UNIQUE GIFTS

With seven shops in Diagon Alley, there's plenty to buy. (There are five shops in Hogsmeade, Universal's original Harry Potter attraction.) Among the offerings: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes (chattering teeth, expandable ears), Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions ($250 for a wizard's robe), Quality Quidditch Supplies (everything for playing the real-life sport based on the game in the series) and Scribbulus (implements for paper, pen and ink lovers). Magical Menagerie sells cute stuffed animals (pygmy puffs are popular), while Borgin and Burkes — located off Diagon Alley in the book, on Knockturn Alley — is a "dark arts" shop that sells skulls, black T-shirts and Death Eater masks. Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment sells telescopes and binoculars.

INTERACTIVE WANDS

For $35, guests can buy interactive wands at Ollivanders Wand Shop, located in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. When wand-wielding guests see a medallion symbol in either area, they can wave the wand and cast spells. The wands make trolls dance, light lamps and chandeliers, and silence some shrunken heads, among other things. Maps of the medallion areas are available, but Universal says there are also some hidden spell areas for guests to discover.

WIZARD WARDROBES

In addition to robes, fans can buy capes and preppy button-down cardigans inspired by the four houses where Harry and his fellow students live at Hogwarts school. Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions also has on display a wedding dress and two costumes that aren't for sale: an intimidating black-beaded cape ensemble worn in a promo for the new attraction, and a costume worn by Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart in the "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" movie. The wedding dress is white with white feathers at the hem and softly twinkling lights within the skirt.

PHOTO OPS

As you enter Diagon Alley, look toward Gringotts Bank — which is the entrance to the centerpiece thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. A dragon is perched atop the bank, and it breathes fire —an instant Facebook photo or Instagram shot. Once you enter the bank, while in queue for the ride, don't miss the three enormous glass chandeliers. Finally, find 12 Grimmauld Place where Kreacher the House Elf peers eerily from a window.