Die-hard Potterheads (Harry Potter fans) flocked Universal Studios Orlando for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley opening on July 8. The crowd consisted of wizards and Muggles alike, a surge of excitement rippling in the air as they waited to be let in.
News 13 reports fans were already lining up as early as three AM just to get in the new Orlando Resorts attraction-two hours earlier than the 5:30 AM opening for lines. The actual Diagon Alley grand launch was not until 8 AM.
"I got up at 3:45," Andrew Scardino, a "Harry Potter" fan from Houston, Texas told News 13.
Jessica Medina of Miami said she arrived at 4:02 AM, adding, "I've been a really big Harry Potter fan since I was in third grade."
Many came decked in costume, wearing their house colors (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin) and wizard robes despite the Florida heat. However, park-goers were offered shade thanks to the tall and often asymmetrical buildings inside the park.
Due to the long lines, visitors were allowed to enter in groups, with some waiting for hours just to enter Diagon Alley. The park's center of attraction, the new "Escape From Gringotts" ride reportedly had a five to seven-hour waiting time.
"I'm not even tired yet," Scardino updated News 13 later that afternoon. "I have been on a high from being in there."
Paul Brinkman of The Orlando Sentinel shared the emotional reactions of die-hard Potter fans. Many were in tears and others even had runny make-up to prove it.
Veronica Junco, a teenager from Miami, came dressed as a student from Ravenclaw, according to Brinkman.
"I missed the opening in 2010. Then I learned there was a second chance to come to this one," Junco gushed. "I couldn't sleep last night. I'm so excited." She was later overwhelmed with tears as she walked in Diagon Alley for the first time.
Other older fans enjoyed shopping in Diagon Alley's more sinister area, Knockturn Alley. Katie Carter, 18, and Ally Harris, 19, bought Death Eater scarves for $21.95.
"This shop is amazing. We'll both be broke. We love Death Eaters. Bellatrix LeStrange is awesome," Carter told Brinkman.
Visitors can buy annual passes or hotel packages to visit the Harry Potter Diagon Alley attraction. One day passes are worth $136 for adults and $130 for children.
