Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando officially opens

Park-goers must purchase two-park ticket to visit both areas

Thousands line up ahead of the opening of a new section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

ORLANDO – Universal Orlando is bringing more magic to Florida. On Tuesday, the new expanded version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opened.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley comes four years after its counterpart, Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade Islands of Adventure, opened. Guests must buy a two-park ticket to travel to and from the two areas of the park, using the Hogwarts Express train. 

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Thousands of people began lining up as early as 5 a.m. ahead of the new park's grand opening. Visitors had been allowed to check out the shops and walk around for the last week but the main attraction, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott's Ride has been closed until Tuesday. 

"It looks amazing, everything I've read it will be an incredible experience," one man who came from California for the opening said early Tuesday. "So we just got to get on it today, so that's the hope!"

The ride was open during the park's media and VIP preview but had to be shutdown following technical difficulties. On Tuesday, Universal will also have kiosks allowing park-goers to hold their place in line for the 3-D ride while they explore the rest of the park. 

Tuesday's grand opening ceremony begins at 8 a.m., followed by the park's opening at 9 a.m. According to Universal's website, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 

Two-park tickets are required to visit both Harry Potter facilities. A single day two-park ticket for adults is $136; for children, $130.