Hogwarts Express (Universal Orlando Resort)

Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express at King's Cross station
Route with passing point
Route length:	0.676 km
Gauge :	1800 mm
Legend King's Cross Universal Studios Florida Alternative point above the backlot Islands of Adventure Hogsmeade

The Hogwarts Express is a 676 m long broad gauge - funicular railway with a track width of 1,800 mm (5  feet 10⅞  inches ) in Universal Orlando Resort in Florida .

history

The plan for a Hogwarts Express attraction came from Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative . After the opening of the Hogsmeade attraction at the Islands of Adventure amusement park in 2010, Universal began thinking about how to bring the number of visitors to the two neighboring parks back to the same level. First, the creative team considered moving Diagon Alley to the Islands of Adventure. Finally, it was decided to physically separate the locations in London and Hogsmeade so that they cannot be seen from one another. Mark Woodbury then suggested building Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and then connecting the two Harry Potter attractions with the Hogwarts Express.

Surveys about the wishes of the visitors and the first surveying work were carried out in early 2011. On December 2, 2011, management announced that on the film Jaws based Jaws attraction will be closed on January 2, 2012 to make room for new attractions. The first building applications were announced in June 2012. Almost a year later, a local news station reported that an elevated railway was being built between Hogsmeade in the Islands of Adventure and a construction site at Universal Studios Florida.

On May 8, 2013, Universal Orlando announced that it would expand the theme area The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley ( English for "The magical world of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley") to include the Hogwarts Express attraction. At the end of August 2013, the six passenger cars and the two tender locomotives were delivered to be put on the rails . The first of the two trains was put on the track on October 24, 2013 , the second at the beginning of December 2013. In January 2014 there was the first lifecasting video report from inside the train. On December 2, 2013, amusement park website Orlando Attractions Magazine reported that one of the two trains had been seen for the first time in test operation.

In mid-March 2014, Universal Orlando Resort announced more information about the ride and animation. On June 24, 2014, the resort reported that the expanded Diagon Alley and Hogwarts Express would be officially inaugurated on July 8, 2014. A week later, the Hogwarts Express went unofficially into operation without notice. In the first month after it went into operation, a million passengers had already used the Hogwarts Express, which had been developed in just 2½ years.

Animations

Eight passengers sit in each compartment and see the virtual journey through the window

Park visitors can take the Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade to King's Cross Station in London or vice versa if they have purchased a ticket for both parks. Each train compartment has a curved screen where the window would otherwise be. Different video shows are offered depending on the direction of travel. Both take about four minutes each.

From Hogsmeade to King's Cross

At the entrance, conductors check tickets for Universal Studios. The queue of travelers then moves through a forest into Hogsmeade train station and up a flight of stairs to the platform . As soon as the disembarking passengers have left the platform, the passengers can board one of the 20 train compartments .

When the train leaves for King's Cross, Rubeus waves goodbye to Hagrid from outside. The shadows of Harry Potter , Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger can be seen in the hallway, looking for an empty compartment. Thereafter flying Buckbeak past the window while Hogwarts is visible in the background. The twins Fred and George Weasley fly past on brooms. The Hogwarts Express then traverses a tunnel , after which the travelers find themselves in the middle of a storm as they drive past Malfoy Manor . After a second tunnel, the journey continues through a London industrial area and a residential area. The traveling knight becomes visible when the train pulls into the station, where Alastor Moody greets passengers on platform 9¾ of King's Cross station at Diagon Alley.

From King's Cross to Hogsmeade

The Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station

King's Cross Station is a 1: 2 scale replica of the real King's Cross Station . The ticket inspection takes place in front of the case sheet display known from London . At the end of a staircase, passengers will find signs for platforms 9 and 10 and reach platform 9¾ through a wall, using a Pepper's ghost illusion. After the Hogwarts Express has reversed into platform 9¾ and the arriving visitors have left the train, passengers can board one of the 20 compartments.

As soon as the train leaves the station, the owl Hedwig flies for a while into the suburbs of London and Dementors appear in front of the surrounding buildings. At the same time, Harry, Ron and Hermione run down the corridor to find something to eat. After a tunnel, the train passes Malfoy Manor during a storm. In a second tunnel, the compartment lighting goes out and Dementors walk through the corridor. Afterwards, the travelers are greeted by Hagrid, who flies past on a motorcycle while Hogwarts becomes visible in the background. When the train drives through a forest, a flying Ford Anglia becomes visible, which crashes shortly after, before the train pulls into the station, allowing passengers to exit the train towards Hogsmeade.

Railway line

A move above the Orlando Studio backlot

The 676 m long railway line with the unusually large gauge of 1800 mm is single-track and has a passing point halfway above the backlot of the film studio. As a funicular, the Hogwarts Express is pulled by a steel cable and an opposing cable, each 48 mm in diameter. The winch is in King's Cross station; it generates 215 kilowatts (300 hp) while driving and 636 kilowatts (900 hp) for a short time when accelerating.

Trains

The guide rollers of the steel cable of the funicular

The two trains of the Hogwarts Express can take 168 passengers each, so that up to 336 passengers can be transported from station to station per round trip. Each train consists of five vehicles : a replica of a steam locomotive , its tender and three passenger cars . Originally there should only be one car at a time, until the surveys showed that visitors saw the train as a separate attraction and not just as a means of transport. The locomotive of the 70 m long trains weighs 13 tons, the tender 15 tons and the three passenger cars each 27 tons. Since both trains are powered by the same winch, they leave the stations at the same time, then travel at a maximum speed of 12 km / h and arrive at the same time.

On both trains the locomotive always points towards Hogsmeade; the train therefore reverses from Hogsmeade to Kings Cross. Each locomotive is therefore only visible from one side and the back is much less detailed.

The trains were built by the company CWA Constructions in Olten , Switzerland. Its exterior and interior were modeled on the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films. The locomotives with the number 5972 Hogwarts Castle are based on the steam locomotive GWR 4900 Class 5972 Olton Hall ; They were built from aluminum and fiberglass-reinforced plastic and then subjected to an artificial aging process. The electrical cabling, especially the video and sound systems, as well as the control of the vehicles via a computer system was supplied by Frey AG.

media

The special effects in both animations were developed by Double Negative . The London Symphony Orchestra recorded the music for the two train journeys on March 25, 2014 in London's Abbey Road Studios . The music for the journey north is called "Connector Train - Hogsmeade to London".

Web links

Commons : Hogwarts Express (Universal Orlando Resort)  - collection of pictures, videos, and audio files

• Official website

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c} How Universal came up with Hogwarts Express and said goodbye to Jaws . In: Orlando Sentinel , July 2, 2014. Archived from the original on June 6, 2015. Retrieved July 5, 2015. "Thierry Coup ..." created the whole idea of ​​the Hogwarts Express. ... everyone can ride the train , which we thought "This is fantastic." There's no limitation, no ride-height limitation. You get on the train, and it's a train except the journey is magical. ... we worked on that and created the layout, the path . Where would the train go? Of course, it will go backstage, but the guests will never know because we're going to take them on the actual journey. "" 
2. ↑ ^{a b} What is Universal planning for Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion? , WESH. May 3, 2013. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2015. "Proves the permits clear the way for a track that connects the current Wizarding World at Islands of Adenture [sic] to the 8-acre corner of Universal Studios,… The track gives major traction to a rumored Hogwarts Express attraction. " 
3. ↑ Jason Garcia: Universal Orlando ponders how to take full advantage of Wizarding World's popularity . In: Orlando Sentinel , December 10, 2010. Archived from the original on July 22, 2015. Retrieved July 22, 2015. "Executives are wrestling with questions such as when to expand Wizarding World and how to keep business balanced between Islands and Universal Studios Florida - the park without Potter. " 
4. ↑ Universal Studios wonders how and when to expand Wizarding World of Harry Potter . In: Los Angeles Times , April 6, 2011. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015. 
5. ↑ Universal Studios to close jaws to make way for new attraction . In: Orlando Sentinel , December 2, 2011. Archived from the original on July 10, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015. 
6. ↑ Lance Hart: Universal Studios Florida . Archived from the original on December 20, 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
7. ↑ Hogwarts Express Speculation 6/21/12 . Blogger. June 21, 2012. Archived from the original on 9th. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
8. ↑ Universal Orlando announces expansion of 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' , Fox May 8, 2013. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015. 
9. ↑ Universal Studios to add Harry Potter Diagon Alley theme area . In: Tampa Bay Times , May 8, 2013. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015. 
10. ↑ ^{a b} Universal Studios: Where to find 'Jaws' references in Diagon Alley . In: Orlando Sentinel , July 9, 2014. Archived from the original on June 8, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015. 
11. ↑ New photos of Hogwarts Express train at Universal Orlando - Wizarding World expansion updatef . Dream Together Media. August 26, 2013. Archived from the original on July 2, 2014. Retrieved July 8, 2015.
12. ↑ Hogwarts Express placed on tracks at Universal , WESH. October 25, 2013. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2015. 
13. ↑ Allison Walker, Scott Fais, Mike Westfall: Diagon Alley grand opening: Photos, tweets at Universal Orlando , News July 13, 2014. Archived from the original on April 4, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2015. 
14. ↑ Knockturn Alley, Escape from Gringotts announced in Universal Harry Potter expansion , WESH. January 23, 2014. Archived from the original on May 29, 2014. Retrieved on July 7, 2015. 
15. ↑ New details on Universal's Hogwarts Express to be announced , WESH. March 10, 2014. Archived from the original on April 20, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2015. 
16. ↑ Hogwarts Express begins testing at Universal Studios - Wizarding World: Diagon Alley update . Dream Together Media. December 3, 2013. Archived from the original on March 22, 2015. Retrieved July 8, 2015.
17. ↑ New details on Hogwarts Express coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , WESH. March 14, 2014. Archived from the original on May 3, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2015. 
18. ↑ Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal set to open on July 8 , WESH. June 24, 2014. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2015. 
19. ↑ Some parkgoers get a chance to ride Hogwarts Express , WESH. July 2, 2014. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2015. 
20. ↑ Universal Studios visitors get early Hogwarts Express ride . In: Orlando Sentinel , July 1, 2014. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2015. 
21. ↑ Universal Orlando marks 1 million riders on Hogwarts Express . In: Orlando Sentinel , August 7, 2014. Archived from the original on December 4, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2015. 
22. ↑ ^{a b} Secret Harry Potter theme park train unveiled (video). In: Swiss Info , Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, July 18, 2014. Archived from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved on June 30, 2015. 
23. ↑ Theme Park Tickets . Universal Orlando. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
24. ↑ All aboard the Hogwart's Express! Harry Potter theme park recreates train ride through English countryside ... all without leaving the US . In: Daily Mail , March 16, 2014. Archived from the original on August 20, 2014. Retrieved June 30, 2015. “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. " 
25. ↑ ^{a b c d e} Doppelmayr / Garaventa built the Hogwarts Express , Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH. July 25, 2014. Archived from the original on July 18, 2015. Retrieved July 18, 2015. 
26. ↑ ^{a b c} Hogwarts Express Complete Experience (Hogsmeade To Diagon Alley) - Universal Orlando . Theme Park Worldwide. December 16, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
27. ↑ Universal Studios Florida Park Map . Universal Orlando Resort. February 25, 2015. Archived from the original on July 4, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
28. ↑ Simon Veness: Inside Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, Universal Studios . In: The Telegraph , June 19, 2014. Archived from the original on July 27, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2015. "a one-fourth scale replica of King's Cross station" 
29. Jump up ↑ Hogwarts Express Complete Experience (Diagon Alley To Hogsmeade) - Universal Orlando . Theme Park Worldwide. December 16, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
30. ↑ ^{a b c} Hogwarts Express Train Ride Full POV from Kings Cross Station to Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando . July 6, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
31. ^ ^{A b} Arthur Levine: Hogwarts Express . About.com. June 2014. Archived from the original on June 11, 2015. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
32. ^ Construction Update: Wizarding World's Hogwarts Express track and Diagon Alley expansion from above . Dream Together Media. May 18, 2013. Archived from the original on May 25, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
33. ↑ 168-FUL Hogwarts Express . Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH. Archived from the original on July 18, 2015. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
34. ↑ Bob Sehlinger, Robert Jenkins: Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld & the Best of Central Florida . Unofficial Guides, 2013, ISBN 9781628090109 , p. 317: “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. "
35. ↑ Bob Waddington: Universal Orlando Resort Diagon Alley Aerial Photos from 05/24/14 . Pixels at the Park. May 24, 2014. Archived from the original on August 6, 2014. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
36. ↑ Christophe Geiger: Constructing European Intellectual Property: Achievements and New Perspectives . Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham 2013, ISBN 1781001634 , p. 356: “The design of GWR 4900 Class 5972 Olton Hall locomotive is highly functional, built for a specific purpose in 1937. The artistic need to make an authentic visual representation of JK Rowling's Hogwarts Express in the visionary world of Harry Potter has, however shifted this utilitarian product into a highly stylistic and lucrative merchandising world. "
37. ↑ Funicular with a difference for Harry Potter fans . International cable car tour. September 15, 2014. Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved on July 12, 2015: "a special aging process to achieve a realistic effect for a historical train."
38. ↑ ^{a b} Meredith Vieira : Harry Potter: The Making of Diagon Alley . Peacock Productions. June 30, 2014. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved July 3, 2015. 
39. ↑ Ian Failes: Innovation and immersion: Escape from Gringotts . March 29, 2015. Archived from the original on July 3, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2015: “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. "

Coordinates: 28 ° 28 ′ 35.6 "  N , 81 ° 28 ′ 14.2"  W.