Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
spillover affects wait times at these attractions all day, so experience them as early as
possible.
WIZARDING WORLD-DIAGON ALLEY ATTRACTIONS
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
What it is
Super-high-tech 3-D dark ride with roller-coaster elements.
Scope and scale
Super-headliner.
Fright potential
All scary elements are heaped on this one, though the
ride itself is less intense than Forbidden Journey at IOA.
Bottleneck rating
10+.
When
to go
Immediately after park opening or just before closing.
Special comments
Expect
looong
waits in line; must be 42” to ride.
Authors' rating
Not to be missed; .
Dura-
tion of ride
4½ minutes.
Probable waiting time per 100 people ahead of you
4 minutes.
Loading speed
Moderate-fast.
Owned and operated by goblins, Gringotts is the Federal Reserve of the wizarding
economy, and the scene of memorable sequences from the first and final Potter in-
stallments. It's known for its toppling column facade, chandelier-adorned lobby, and
bottomlesscaverns,andtheheart-stoppingrailcartsrunningthroughthem.Thetheme
park adaptation is the centerpiece of Diagon Alley.
Like Forbidden Journey at IOA, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
incorporates a substantial part of the overall experience into its elaborate queue,
which (like Hogwarts Castle) even nonriders should experience. You enter through
the bank's lobby, where you're critically appraised by glowering animatronic goblins.
Your path takes you to a “security checkpoint” where your photo will be taken (to be
purchased afterwards as an identity lanyard in the gift shop, natch), and past animated
newspapers and office windows where the scenario is set up.
Unlike Forbidden Journey, Gringotts doesn't rush you through its queue, but
rather allows you to experience two full preshows before approaching the ride
vehicles. In the first, goblin banker Blordak and Bill Weasley (Ron's curse-breaking
big brother) prepare you for an introductory tour of the underground vaults. Then
you're off for a convincing simulated 9-mile plunge into the earth aboard an “elevat-
or” with a bouncing floor and ceiling projections. All this is before you pick up your
