Universal Orlando - Universal Studios

Discussion in 'Universal Orlando Photos' started by ddindy, Dec 22, 2014.

  1. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    Post your photos from the Universal Studios side of Universal Orlando here.
     
  2. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    In December, 2014 I took a day and a half away from WDW to check out all of the new additions to Universal. I plan to go back in May to do more photography. I didn't have time to take my tripod, so most of my night shots are hand-held or using some other handy support. Thank goodness for vibration reduction!

    The area outside of the entrance to Diagon Alley is modeled, for the most part, around central London. The structure in the background is a copy of Wyndham's Theatre near Leicester Square. The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in Piccadilly Circus is reproduced in the foreground. (The fountain is commonly called the Eros Fountain, although the figure on top is actually Eros' twin brother Anteros). And if you're a witch or wizard holding your wand in the air, the Knight Bus is on the left waiting to give you a lift.

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    In search of Diagon Alley
     
  3. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    Gringotts Wizarding Bank uses a dragon (specifically a Ukrainian Ironbelly) to scare off would-be thieves. Muggles, however, are attracted to the area when they hear the roars that signal an imminent eruption.

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    Guarding Gringotts
     
  4. Scottwdw

    Scottwdw Member

    Was told I will be doing Universal on my next trip. Hope Gringotts is running that day.
     
  5. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    Scottwdw likes this.
  6. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    How about a little treat to help get through the rest of the week?

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    Wonderful Duff
     
  7. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    How can you tell when a dragon is about to breathe fire at you? There's a pilot light on its tongue. ;)

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    Tongue of flame
     
  8. Scottwdw

    Scottwdw Member

    That's hot, @ddindy but I found this angle not so hot when the fire does come out.
     
  9. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    True, but that's the fun of new attractions - discovering the best photo angles.
     
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  10. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    The best part of the Men In Black attraction is that it's new every time, thanks the neuralyzer shot you get at the end of the ride. Or so I'm told.

    The next time I try this shot, I want to use a tripod. I was too lazy to carry it with me on this day.

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    The Universe and You
     
  11. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    If you buy the appropriate magic wand (or, more precisely, a wand selects you), you can cast a spell on this fountain in Diagon Alley and get a little surprise from the mermaid. (Note the Gryffindor student in the background; guests really like to dress up when they visit the Wizarding World.)

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    Sentient beast
     
  12. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man!"

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    Embiggened
     
  13. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    I'm posting photos from Universal this week to give you an idea of what parts of it (primarily the Wizarding World sections) look like. That way, if you opt to join us there during Pixelmania, you'll know what to expect.

    We'll start with the entrance to Diagon Alley (which is a play on the word "diagonally.") This is what you see if you've found the hidden path into the Wizarding World.

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    Welcome to Diagon Alley
     
  14. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    For those not familiar with the Harry Potter stories, the Leaky Cauldron is an inn in the heart of London. The part that faces the muggle (non-magical) world is nondescript and easily missed. (In fact, I missed it completely in Universal; that's a shot for the next trip.) The back of the inn, seen here, faces Diagon Alley. Wizarding folk can find a drink, a meal and a bed here.

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    Rest your wand here
     
  15. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    You can get an idea of what the whole Diagon Alley experience is like with this shot in the heart of the district. You can see the head of the Gringotts dragon overhead, the arcade in the distance and Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour on the right side of the intersection. For those who want something a little stronger, the Fountain of Fair Fortune, just out of frame on the right, serves a variety of beers including the exclusive Wizard's Brew and Dragon Tail Ale.

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    Wizard shopping center
     
  16. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    Diagon Alley takes on a different look at night. But if you're up to no good, it's best not to advertise it like the woman on the right. ;)

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    Late night shopping
     
  17. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    Diagon Alley is not just a bunch of pretty facades. Sprinkled amongst the shops vying for your money are a few establishments right out of the Harry Potter books. The Magical Menagerie is full of interesting creatures such as this animatronic kneazle.

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    Who do you trust?
     
  18. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    And once again we return to Springfield, where Krustyland beckons. Give your money to toothless carnies running rigged carnival games.

    [​IMG]Springfield, Florida
     
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  19. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    There was a welcoming committee when I arrived at Diagon Alley in the morning. I don't know if this is standard or if they were just keeping folks away from the film crew in the background.

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    Welcoming committee
     
  20. ddindy

    ddindy Member Staff Member

    Diagon Alley is not just theming and team members in black robes. There's also entertainment, like Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. They're performing their salute to quidditch, called Beat Back Those Bludgers Boys and Chuck That Quaffle Here.

    [​IMG]Beat those bludgers
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2015

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