London waterfront at Universal Studios Florida

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What is the London waterfront?

Although it’s easy to think of the London waterfront as just a facade to hide the magically secluded Wizarding World behind it, this area is actually an attraction in and of itself, replete with some of the most beautiful – and authentic! – theming to be seen anywhere in Orlando. When added with photo-ops, live entertainment, food stands, and exclusive merchandise, this is a spot that will take up much more of your time than you thought.

Where is the London waterfront located?

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, which is in Universal Studios Florida.

London waterfront – height restrictions and other factors

Since this is just a walk-through area of the park, and not an actual attraction, there are absolutely no restrictions of any kind.

London waterfront – what you wish you knew before you experienced it

Just how many Easter eggs there are! From Kreacher the house-elf to phoning the Ministry of Magic, there’s more to do in muggle London than just enjoying the peaceful, park-like atmosphere.

Speaking of which…

What to see at the London waterfront

Grimmauld Place

Number 12 Grimmauld Place is the ancestral (and fictional) home of Sirius Black’s family from the Harry Potter series. Here, you can spot Diagon Alley’s first Easter egg: Kreacher the house-elf peeking out from behind the curtains of a window every few moments.

King’s Cross Station

This is where passengers of the Hogwarts Express enter and exit. You’ll also find street buskers periodically stationed outside (and inside!) of King’s Cross Station to greet all the newcomers to muggle London. Playing instruments that range from violins and guitars to saxophones, these musicians boast a repertoire of roughly 100 different songs, including Christmas music for the holidays.

Charing Cross Road

Home to that muggle contraption called an ATM and The Leaky Cauldron (not an actual entrance).

Leicester Square

Muggles can find the true entrance to Diagon Alley here.

Wyndham’s Theatre

This façade hides the Wizarding World’s exit.

Eros Fountain and the Knight Bus

The Knight Bus at the London Waterfront in Universal Studios Florida

In the center of the London waterfront is Eros Fountain from Piccadilly Circus, and a fully detailed Knight Bus prop is parked right next to it. Although you can’t climb aboard, you can look inside and take pictures of the highly detailed props, including the chandelier from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. A conductor is stationed here to interact and take pictures with, along with the Dre Head, the shrunken head hanging above the dashboard.

What was the London waterfront’s opening date?

July 8, 2014

London waterfront – OI fun fact

Cabman's Shelter at the London Waterfront in Universal Studios Florida — Cabman’s Shelter at the London Waterfront in Universal Studios Florida

Want to know what those peculiarly British cabmen’s shelters are? You should, if only to help make your awe of the London waterfront all the more complete. Luckily for you, we have that explanation right here:

The drivers of hackney carriages (taxis) weren’t allowed to leave their vehicles while on the clock, so the Earl of Shaftesbury headed a philanthropic effort called the Cabman’s Shelter Fund to create the very first drive-through food stops, offering “good and wholesome refreshments at moderate prices.” But because these structures were located on public highways, the police stipulated that they weren’t allowed to be any larger than a horse and cart.

A Cabman’s Shelter in London — A cabman’s shelter in real London

Sixty-one shelters were erected between 1875 and 1914, with only 13 still left standing all throughout London today. If you’d like to take in Florida’s homage to this UK vestige (hey – it’s like another Easter egg tucked away in the Wizarding World), just be aware that the 19th-century rules strictly prohibiting gambling, drinking, and swearing might still be enforced.

London waterfront – photo gallery

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OI Universal Center » Universal Studios Florida » Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

London Waterfront at Universal Studios Florida

What is the London waterfront?

Where is the London waterfront located?

London waterfront – height restrictions and other factors

London waterfront – what you wish you knew before you experienced it