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| imagedimensions = 250px
| caption = A Hogwarts Express train arriving at Hogsmeade station in Islands of Adventure
| image_alt = Rail tracks run diagonally across the picture. On the right are passengers standing on a platform behind barriers. On the left is a old-looking sign saying "Hogsmeade". In the middle is red steam locomotive approaching the station with metal signs for "Hogwarts Express" and "5972" on the front.
| location = Universal Orlando Resort
| section = [[The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)|The Wizarding World of Harry Potter]]
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In early 2011, [[construction surveying]] was spotted in the [[Islands of Adventure#Lost Continent|Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure]], and the resort had begun surveying visitors about a possible expansion. This led to rumors that Universal Orlando was planning to expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.<ref>{{cite news|last1=MacDonald|first1=Brady|title=Universal Studios wonders how and when to expand Wizarding World of Harry Potter|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-wizarding-world-harry-potter-expansion-04201101-story.html|accessdate=July 2, 2015|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=April 6, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729005940/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/06/news/la-trb-wizarding-world-harry-potter-expansion-04201101|archivedate=July 29, 2014}}</ref> At the end of the year, the resort announced the [[Jaws (ride)|Jaws: The Ride]] would close on January 2, 2012 to make way for a future attraction.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Garcia|first1=Jason|last2=Bevil|first2=Dewayne|title=Universal Studios to close Jaws to make way for new attraction|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-12-02/business/universal-to-close-jaws-20111202_1_wizarding-world-new-attraction-kongfrontation|accessdate=July 24, 2015|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=December 2, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710174252/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-12-02/business/universal-to-close-jaws-20111202_1_wizarding-world-new-attraction-kongfrontation|archivedate=July 10, 2015}}</ref> Almost two and a half years later, [[WESH]]-TV, the local [[National Broadcasting Corporation|NBC]] affiliate for the Orlando/Central Florida area, reported that an elevated track system had been installed at Universal Orlando and that the track ran between Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and a construction area in Universal Studios Florida.<ref name=weshtrack/>
[[File:Universal Orlando Kings Cross at Night.jpg|thumb|left|Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station at Diagon Alley has a large roof based on the real [[London King's Cross railway station|King's Cross railway station]].|alt=On the left is a red steam locomotive and three carriages, with steam drifting out above. On the right passengers queue behind barriers and signs that say "Hogwarts Express" and "Platform 9¾". Over both of these is a large cylindrical glass and steel roof.]]
On May 8, 2013, Universal Orlando announced the expansion of Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley, along with the Hogwarts Express attraction, to be located on the former site of the Jaws attraction.<ref>{{cite news|title=Universal Orlando announces expansion of ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’|url=http://myfox8.com/2013/05/08/universal-orlando-announces-diagon-alley-an-expansion-of-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/|accessdate=July 2, 2015|publisher=Fox 8|date=May 8, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114165225/http://myfox8.com/2013/05/08/universal-orlando-announces-diagon-alley-an-expansion-of-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter|archivedate=November 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Thurston|first1=Susan|title=Universal Studios to add Harry Potter Diagon Alley theme area|url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/universal-studios-to-add-harry-potter-diagon-alley-theme-area/2119834|accessdate=July 2, 2015|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=May 8, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228103313/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/universal-studios-to-add-harry-potter-diagon-alley-theme-area/2119834|archivedate=February 28, 2014}}</ref><ref name=wheretofindjaws>{{cite news|last1=Bevil|first1=Dewayne|title=Universal Studios: Where to find 'Jaws' references in Diagon Alley|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-universal-studios-jaws-diagon-alley-20140709-post.html|accessdate=July 24, 2015|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=July 9, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608215029/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-universal-studios-jaws-diagon-alley-20140709-post.html|archivedate=June 8, 2015}}</ref> By the end of August 2013, all six passenger cars and both [[Tender (rail)|tenders]] had been spotted in the backstage area, waiting to be assembled on the track.<ref>{{cite web|title=New photos of Hogwarts Express train at Universal Orlando – Wizarding World expansion updatef|url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/new-photos-of-hogwarts-express-train-at-universal-orlando-wizarding-world-expansion-update/|website=Orlando Attractions Magazine|publisher=Dream Together Media|accessdate=July 8, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702232453/http://attractionsmagazine.com/new-photos-of-hogwarts-express-train-at-universal-orlando-wizarding-world-expansion-update/|archivedate=July 2, 2014|date=August 26, 2013}}</ref> The first of the two trains was installed on the track on October 24, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hogwarts Express placed on tracks at Universal|url=http://www.wesh.com/themeparks/other/hogwarts-express-placed-on-tracks-at-universal/22626852|accessdate=July 7, 2015|publisher=WESH|date=October 25, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228162942/http://www.wesh.com/themeparks/other/hogwarts-express-placed-on-tracks-at-universal/22626852|archivedate=February 28, 2014}}</ref> By the beginning of December 2013, the second train had been placed on the track.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Allison Walker|author2=Scott Fais|author3=Mike Westfall|title=Diagon Alley grand opening: Photos, tweets at Universal Orlando|url=http://mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2014/7/8/diagon_alley_opening.html|accessdate=July 16, 2015|publisher=News 13|date=July 9, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404031624/http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2014/7/8/diagon_alley_opening.html|archivedate=April 4, 2015}}</ref> In January, the resort previewed the interior of the Hogwarts Express through a [[Lifecasting (video stream)|live cast]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Meredith|first1=Michelle|title=Knockturn Alley, Escape from Gringotts announced in Universal Harry Potter expansion|url=http://www.wesh.com/themeparks/other/knockturn-alley-escape-from-gringotts-announced-in-universal-harry-potter-expansion/24074114|accessdate=July 7, 2015|publisher=WESH|date=January 23, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529044349/http://www.wesh.com/themeparks/other/knockturn-alley-escape-from-gringotts-announced-in-universal-harry-potter-expansion/24074114|archivedate=May 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Clay|first1=Kevin|title=New details on Universal's Hogwarts Express to be announced|url=http://www.wesh.com/orlandomyway/orlando-theme-parks/new-details-on-universals-hogwarts-express-to-be-announced/24898836|accessdate=July 7, 2015|publisher=WESH|date=March 10, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420021206/http://www.wesh.com/orlandomyway/orlando-theme-parks/new-details-on-universals-hogwarts-express-to-be-announced/24898836|archivedate=April 20, 2014}}</ref> On December 2, 2013, ''Orlando Attractions Magazine'', an amusement park website, spotted one of the trains being tested.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hogwarts Express begins testing at Universal Studios – Wizarding World: Diagon Alley update|url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/hogwarts-express-begins-testing-universal-studios-wizarding-world-diagon-alley-update/|website=Orlando Attractions Magazine|publisher=Dream Together Media|accessdate=July 8, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322075553/http://attractionsmagazine.com/hogwarts-express-begins-testing-universal-studios-wizarding-world-diagon-alley-update/|archivedate=March 22, 2015|date=December 3, 2013}}</ref> In mid-March 2014, Universal Orlando Resort released further information about the ride, including concept animations.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Becker|first1=Kayla|title=New details on Hogwarts Express coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter|url=http://www.wesh.com/orlandomyway/orlando-theme-parks/new-details-on-hogwarts-express-coming-to-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/24975658|accessdate=July 7, 2015|publisher=WESH|date=March 14, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503041030/http://www.wesh.com/orlandomyway/orlando-theme-parks/new-details-on-hogwarts-express-coming-to-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/24975658|archivedate=May 3, 2014}}</ref> On June 24, 2014, the resort announced that the Diagon Alley expansion, including the Hogwarts Express, would officially open to the public on July 8, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dennis|first1=Andrea|title=Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley at Universal set to open on July 8|url=http://www.wesh.com/orlandomyway/orlando-theme-parks/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-diagon-alley-at-universal-set-to-open-on-july-8/26546642|accessdate=July 16, 2015|publisher=WESH|date=June 24, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812083125/http://www.wesh.com/orlandomyway/orlando-theme-parks/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-diagon-alley-at-universal-set-to-open-on-july-8/26546642|archivedate=August 12, 2014}}</ref> A week later, Universal Orlando soft-opened the Hogwarts Express, without any announcement.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Becker|first1=Kayla|title=Some parkgoers get a chance to ride Hogwarts Express|url=http://www.wesh.com/orlandomyway/orlando-theme-parks/some-parkgoers-get-a-chance-to-ride-hogwarts-express/26759030|accessdate=July 16, 2015|publisher=WESH|date=July 2, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810114212/http://www.wesh.com/orlandomyway/orlando-theme-parks/some-parkgoers-get-a-chance-to-ride-hogwarts-express/26759030|archivedate=August 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bevil|first1=Dewayne|title=Universal Studios visitors get early Hogwarts Express ride|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-universal-diagon-alley-hogwarts-express-20140701-post.html|accessdate=July 16, 2015|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=July 1, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716123426/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-universal-diagon-alley-hogwarts-express-20140701-post.html|archivedate=July 16, 2015}}</ref> Within a month of the Hogwarts Express' opening, one million riders had ridden the Hogwarts Express.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bevil|first1=Dewayne|title=Universal Orlando marks 1 million riders on Hogwarts Express|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-universal-hogwarts-express-million-riders20140807-post.html|accessdate=July 12, 2015|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=August 7, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204023637/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-universal-hogwarts-express-million-riders20140807-post.html|archivedate=December 4, 2014|quote=One million passengers have now ridden the Hogwarts Express, the train that connects the two halves of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, … The vehicle, … links Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks}}</ref> It had taken approximately two and a half years to develop.<ref name="sbc">{{cite news|url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/multimedia/secret-harry-potter-theme-park-train-unveiled/40510978|title=Secret Harry Potter theme park train unveiled|date=July 18, 2014|work=Swiss Info|publisher=[[Swiss Broadcasting Corporation]]|format=video|accessdate=June 30, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701160153/http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/multimedia/secret-harry-potter-theme-park-train-unveiled/40510978|archivedate=July 1, 2015}}</ref>
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It is only possible to access the Hogwarts Express after having already gained access to either theme park.<ref name="hogwarts-express-offical-website"/>
[[File:Hogsmeade Station (22985179850).jpg|thumb|left|[[Booking office]] in front Hogsmeade station|alt=A gatehouse-style building that appears to be made of stone, with a long queue of people leading up to it. For the left of a building is a sign that says "Exit only". A sign reads "Hogwarts, to London King's Cross" above four archways: the first archway at the left is blocked off; the second archway says "Booking Office"; the two remaining archways are labelled as "Entrance".]]
===Track===
[[File:Hogwarts Express Backlot.jpg|thumbnail|right|Trains pass over the Universal Orlando [[backlot]] between stations.|alt=The lower half of the photograph shows industrial office buildings, with a small label "T-4" in one corner. Above this runs a steel construction carrying an elevated rail system, with an emergency exit walkway. Mounted on the track is a red steam locomotive with two small wheels and three big wheels raised slightly above the track. Above the middle of the three big wheels is a curved sign says "Hogwarts Castle". Under the train are sets of much smaller wheels resting directly on the track.]]
The track of the Hogwarts Express is a single-track funicular [[elevated railway]] running over the [[backlot]] between the two theme parks, with a two-track passing loop at the midpoint.<ref name="bevil-20140702"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/construction-update-wizarding-worlds-hogwarts-express-track-and-diagon-alley-expansion-from-above/|title=Construction Update: Wizarding World’s Hogwarts Express track and Diagon Alley expansion from above|website=Orlando Attraction Magazine|publisher=Dream Together Media|date=May 18, 2013|accessdate=June 30, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525212929/http://attractionsmagazine.com/construction-update-wizarding-worlds-hogwarts-express-track-and-diagon-alley-expansion-from-above/|archivedate=May 25, 2015}}</ref> It is {{Convert|676|m|ft|sp=us}} long and has a track gauge of {{RailGauge|1800mm}}. On the track, there is a haul rope and a counter rope, each with a diameter of {{Convert|46|mm|in|sp=us}}. The cable winding motor is located at King's Cross station and has a [[rated capacity|rated load]] of {{convert|215|kW|hp|sigfig=1|sp=us}} and a peak [[power rating]] of {{convert|636|kW|hp|sigfig=1|sp=us}}.<ref name=doppelmayrPressRelease/>
===Trains===
[[File:Hogwarts Express (23642915436).jpg|thumb|right|Each train has three [[corridor coach]]es, with seven compartments, and seating for eight per compartment, facing each other in two rows of four|alt=Photograph looking into an 1950s-style train compartment, with space for people to sit on the left and right, with small lamps and luggage racks abive. In the centre is a metal and glass window, with brass knobs either side. Projected behind the window is a picture of brickwork showing a slight perspective distortion.]]
The Hogwarts Express uses two trains that can transport 168 passengers each, giving a total of 336 passengers per cycle.<ref>{{cite web|title=168-FUL Hogwarts Express|url=http://www.doppelmayr.com/en/products/references/168-ful-hogwarts-express/|publisher=Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH|accessdate=July 18, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718135701/http://www.doppelmayr.com/en/products/references/168-ful-hogwarts-express/|archivedate=July 18, 2015}}</ref> Each train is an articulated [[cable car (railway)|cable car]] formed of five sections: a replica of steam-locomotive and its tender plus a set of three passenger coaches each with seven passenger compartments. Each compartment holds up to eight seated passengers and has its own projection system instead of windows.<ref name=doppelmayrPressRelease/><ref name="macdonald-20130509">{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-diagon-alley-wizarding-world-harry-potter-universal-studios-05201309-story.html|title=What may come to Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2.0 at Universal Orlando|date=May 9, 2013|accessdate=January 28, 2018|first=Brady|last=MacDonald|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422180235/http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-diagon-alley-wizarding-world-harry-potter-universal-studios-05201309-story.html|archivedate=April 22, 2016}}</ref> Originally each train was planned to have only two passenger coaches; the number was increased following a survey that suggested potential passengers saw the Hogwarts Express as an attraction rather than a means of transportation between the parks.<ref name="sehlinger-jenkins-2013">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EDMuAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT317|title=Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld & the Best of Central Florida|first1=Bob|last1=Sehlinger|first2=Robert|last2=Jenkins|isbn=9781628090109|publisher=Unofficial Guides|year=2013|page=317|quote=Universal was somehow surprised by a survey that showed guests considered the Hogwarts Express an attraction rather than merely transportation connecting the two parks. ... the stations and track were already under construction and designed to handle only two cars carrying guests.}}</ref> The locomotive on the {{Convert|70|m|ft|adj=mid|-long|sp=us}} trains weigh {{convert|13|t|lb|sp=us}}, the tenders weigh {{convert|15|t|lb|sp=us}}, and each passenger carriage weighs {{convert|27|t|lb|sp=us}}. Since the attraction is set up with a funicular track system, both trains depart and arrive at the end stations at the same time and travel at the same speed of {{Convert|3.4|m/s|km/h mph|sp=us}}.<ref name=doppelmayrPressRelease/> The two trains pass each other at the halfway point.<ref name="brady-2014030">{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-trb-diagon-alley-wizarding-world-harry-potter-universal-orlando-20140520-story.html|title=A double dose of Harry Potter coming to Universal Orlando|first=Brady|last=MacDonald|date=May 30, 2014|accessdate=February 19, 2018|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|quote=two trains will pass at the midpoint along parallel tracks much like a funicular.}}</ref>
[[File:Hogwarts Express (23301058749).jpg|thumb|left|Locomotive at the [[buffer stop]] in Hogsmeade station: the trains always face the same direction, and reverse out of Hogsmeade|alt=Looking forwards along the left side of a red steam locomotive with signs for "Hogwarts Castle" and "5972". The front of the locomotive is touching a buffer stop, behind which is a high wall. ABove the wall, parts of a roller-coaster can be seen.]]
On both trains, the locomotive faces towards Hogsmeade station; it is not possible for the trains to face King's Cross. As a result, the Hogwarts Express departs from Hogsmeade and enters King's Cross in reverse.<ref name="levine-20150611"/> At each station, the platforms are located on the left side of the trains. The trains are therefore only designed to be seen from one side; the other lacks the locomotives' false driving wheels and specific detailing.<ref name=pov2/><ref name=pov1/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Waddington|first1=Bob|title=Universal Orlando Resort Diagon Alley Aerial Photos from 05/24/14|url=http://www.pixelsattheparks.com/2014/05/24/universal-orlando-resort-diagon-alley-aerial-photos-from-052414/|publisher=Pixels at the Park|accessdate=July 25, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806230523/http://www.pixelsattheparks.com/2014/05/24/universal-orlando-resort-diagon-alley-aerial-photos-from-052414/|archivedate=August 6, 2014|date=May 24, 2014}}</ref>
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====Media====
[[File:Orlando-hogwarts-express-inside-cabin-with-window-view-15988152016.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|Curved projection system behind each compartment window|alt=Inside a 1950s-style train compartment. On the left is a window with a projected blue-green image behind it. On the right is a person watching the projection through the window. The compartment lights and sliding door are partially reflected in the glass.]]
Each compartment has a curved screen where the window would be. There are two different experiences, depending on the destination of the train. The special effects in both video components were designed by [[Double Negative (VFX)|Double Negative]].<ref name=pov2/><ref name=pov1/><ref name="failes-20150329">{{cite web|url=http://www.fxguide.com/featured/innovation-and-immersion-escape-from-gringotts/|title=Innovation and immersion: Escape from Gringotts|first=Ian|last=Failes|date=March 29, 2015|accessdate=July 2, 2015|website=[[Fxguide]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703114144/http://www.fxguide.com/featured/innovation-and-immersion-escape-from-gringotts/|archivedate=July 3, 2015|quote=Double Negative also contributed to the Hogwarts Express — a transporter that takes guests between the two theme parks of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida at the Universal Orlando Resort. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans both parks. Guests on the Hogwarts Express have views showing them leaving London and arriving at Hogsmeade ... projected onto curved screens outside the train windows.}}</ref>
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==Journey==
[[File:20150823-hogwarts-express-universal-studios-orlando-kings-cross-frontage.jpg|thumb|left|King's Cross station entrance, based the real [[London King's Cross railway station]]|alt=Photograph taken on a sunny day of a tall yellow brick building with the words "King's Cross" across the front above an archway filled with glass. On the right of the building is a tower with a clock on each side: the clock shows that the time is 12:25 in the afternoon.]]
Theme park guests may use the Hogwarts Express to travel between Hogsmeade and King's Cross in London, close to Diagon Alley. They can travel in either direction as long as the guest has purchased a Park-to-Park ticket, Annual Pass, or Seasonal Pass, which gives guests access to both of Universal Orlando's theme parks within the same day.<ref name="hogwarts-express-offical-website"/> Two different experiences are provided depending on the destination of the train, both of which are approximately four minutes long.<ref name=doppelmayrPressRelease>{{cite news|title=Doppelmayr/Garaventa built the Hogwarts Express|url=http://newsroom.doppelmayr.com/en/doppelmayr/news/doppelmayr-garaventa-built-the-hogwarts-express-2/|accessdate=July 18, 2015|publisher=Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH|date=July 25, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718132016/http://newsroom.doppelmayr.com/en/doppelmayr/news/doppelmayr-garaventa-built-the-hogwarts-express-2/|archivedate=July 18, 2015|quote=composed of two carriage sets, is a faithful reproduction … from the Harry Potter films. The train is made up of a steam locomotive, a coal tender and three passenger carriages. … Faithfully reproducing every detail … The carriage set is constructed to look of solid, heavy iron and wood sections and the interiors of the carriages are accurately lit}}</ref><ref name="dailymail-20140316">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2582149/All-aboard-Hogwarts-Express-Harry-Potter-theme-park-recreates-train-ride-English-countryside-without-leaving-U-S.html|title=All aboard the Hogwart's Express! Harry Potter theme park recreates train ride through English countryside...all without leaving the U.S.|work=Daily Mail|date=March 16, 2014|accessdate=June 30, 2015|archiveurl=https://archive.is/nZJwO|archivedate=January 26, 2018|quote=Riders will have two different experiences — one on the way to the new London-themed area at Universal Studios Park and another on the way to the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter area.}}</ref>
===King's Cross to Hogsmeade===
The King's Cross station part of the attraction is built on a site that previously held the Jaws attraction. The entrance to the station, which is a quarter-scale replica of the real [[London King's Cross railway station]], is located in the London area, close to Diagon Alley.<ref name=wheretofindjaws/><ref name=parkmap>{{cite web|title=Universal Studios Florida Park Map|url=https://www.universalorlando.com/Images/USF_ParkMap_tcm13-48044.pdf|date=February 25, 2015|publisher=Universal Orlando Resort|accessdate=July 2, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704200534/https://www.universalorlando.com/Images/USF_ParkMap_tcm13-48044.pdf|archivedate=July 4, 2015}}</ref><ref name="veness-2015-06-19">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/northamerica/usa/10903335/Inside-Harry-Potters-Diagon-Alley-Universal-Studios.html|title=Inside Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, Universal Studios|work=The Telegraph|location=London|first=Simon|last=Veness|date=June 19, 2014|accessdate=July 2, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727143552/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/northamerica/usa/10903335/Inside-Harry-Potters-Diagon-Alley-Universal-Studios.html|archivedate=July 27, 2015|quote=a one-fourth scale replica of King’s Cross station}}</ref> Passengers enter the station building and have their admission ticket checked. They then enter a queue which takes them farther into the station building, under a [[split-flap display|split-flap departure board]], and past London-related advertisements, several stacks of suitcases and a shop selling British brands of food and drink. After ascending a flight of stairs, passengers find themselves between signs for King's Cross Platform 9 and Platform 10. [[File:20140919-peppers-ghost-platform-9-3-4-gag-kings-cross-universal-studios-orlando.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.8|Using a [[Pepper's ghost]] illusion, those ahead in the queue appear to pass through a brick wall|alt=Photograph of a hotel-style metal-framed luggage trolley surrounded by old-style suitcases. In the background is what appears to be a solid brick wall. with platform number sign "10" on the left, and "9" on the right. The trolley contains a human-sized semi-transparent mirror that combines the foreground and background.]] They can see those ahead of them walking through the "wall" forming the entrance to Platform {{frac|9|3|4}}. This effect uses the [[Pepper's ghost]] illusion. After continuing around several corners, guests arrive on Platform {{frac|9|3|4}} itself to wait for the next train to arrive. After the Hogwarts Express has reversed into Platform {{frac|9|3|4}} and the arriving passengers have disembarked, the next passengers enter one of the twenty-one compartments in the three passenger coaches.<ref name="levine-20150611"/><ref name=pov1>{{cite AV media |people= |date= July 6, 2014|title= Hogwarts Express Train Ride Full POV from Kings Cross Station to Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando|trans-title= |medium= |language= |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQdReb_tMWg|access-date= July 2, 2015|archive-url= |archive-date= |format= YouTube video|time= |location= |publisher= |id= |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |ref= }}</ref>
As the train departs King's Cross, [[Magical creatures in Harry Potter#Hedwig|Hedwig the owl]] flies alongside while passing through the outskirts of London. Hedwig flies away and [[Magical creatures in Harry Potter#Dementors|Dementors]] arrive from over the nearby buildings. At the same time [[Harry Potter (character)|Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] pass along the corridor side of the coach looking for food. The journey enters a tunnel; upon its exit, it passes by Malfoy Manor during a stormy night. Next, the train passes through a second tunnel and the lights in the compartments go out as a Dementor enters the train and passes along the corridor; Harry Potter uses his magic to defeat the Dementor. After exiting the tunnel, riders are greeted by [[Rubeus Hagrid]] flying on a motorbike with [[Hogwarts]] in the background. As the train enters a forest, the flying [[Ford Anglia]] appears and starts driving through the terrain. The car crashes soon after and the train leaves the forest, passing by Hogwarts once again before arriving at Hogsmeade Station with Hagrid greeting passengers.<ref name="levine-20150611"/><ref name=pov1/>
Line 133 ⟶ 134:
===Hogsmeade to King's Cross===
[[File:Hogsmeade Station.jpg|thumb|left|Sign opposite Hogsmeade station platform|alt=Looking over the edge of a platform, a rail runs left-to-right across the photograph. Behind is a wall that appears to be made of stone. Attached to the wall are a row of small lamps and a large sign with the word "Hogsmeade".]]
At the entrance of the queue, ticket inspectors check passengers' tickets for Universal Studios. The queue then leads into a forested area which leads into the Hogsmeade station building. Upon climbing a flight of steps, travellers reach the Hogsmeade station platform. Once the arriving passengers on the Hogwarts Express have left the platform, passengers waiting may then board the train and enter one of the twenty-one passenger compartments within the train.<ref name=pov2>{{cite AV media |people= |date= December 16, 2014|title= Hogwarts Express Complete Experience (Hogsmeade To Diagon Alley) - Universal Orlando|trans-title= |medium= |language= |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oeHJmwD-sQ|access-date= July 2, 2015|archive-url= |archive-date= |format= YouTube video|time= |location= |publisher= Theme Park Worldwide|id= |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |ref= }}</ref>
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