Diagon Alley fire ball from the dragon lights up the night at Universal Studios Orlando.

On November 2, guests to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios will be able to see the area in a whole new light, or lack thereof. Thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time, the magical addition to the park will for the first time since its opening be open at night for an extended period of time to the general public. So you’ll get to experience the moody lighting that delivers even more mystery and thrills as visitors experience their favorite ride, attraction or shop in the cover of night. 

One of the highlights of the extra hour of darkness will be the fire-breathing dragon at Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Sitting atop Gringotts Bank is a 60-foot Ukranian Ironbelly dragon that breathes fire. During the day this feature is impressive and will make you stop in your tracks to catch a glimpse of the beast in action, but at night, the fire illuminates the night sky and the dragon looks even fiercer. As the dragon blows fire the lighting all around Diagon Alley dims for a moment so the fire is amplified. 

The fire-breathing dragon isn’t the only thing that lights up at night at Diagon Alley. Just about everywhere you turn a shop or attraction will glow with bright lights. You really will feel like you are walking the streets in a city in London as street lights blaze and store shops beckon you in with their shine.
 
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour at night shines the streets of Diagon Alley 

Inside Diagon Alley, the streets are lit by street posts and murky/shadowy highlights on the rooftops that really add the atmosphere and make you feel like you’re actually on the set of a Hollywood movie because they are using the same techniques to simulate nighttime lighting as in the Harry Potter films.

Magical Menagerie store at Diagon Alley brings a charming look to the night time scene.

Knockturn Alley, which is always cold, becomes even colder during the night, or at least it feels like it does. This menacing place where evil magic dwells will feel like its own spooky event with Death Eaters strewn about the walls, sinister spells and Borgin and Burkes shop where you can purchase your own disturbing items. The nighttime makes Knockturn Alley feel like it did when Voldermort returned in the final “Harry Potter” films.
 
Spooky lighting makes Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and Quality Quidditch Supplies a delight. 

Besides all of the magic you will feel and experience at Diagon Alley at night, the area is also likely to be less crowded than during the day, plus there are no lines to enjoy the atmosphere. Take it in!
 
Diagon Alley entrance to Diagon Alley has a more theatrical atmosphere at night. 

For the chance to see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a whole new light, look for discounted Universal Studios tickets right here on Best of Orlando.

Orlando, FL – 10/21/14

By: Jena Pugh