Hogwarts Express: How Universal Built Harry Potter’s Park-to-Park Train Ride (Ep. 57)

Jim Hill and Len Testa take an early look at Universal Orlando's Hogwarts Express, the ambitious Harry Potter attraction connecting Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure with King's Cross Station at Universal Studios Florida. Jim explains how Universal Creative designed the experience to function as both transportation and attraction, complete with Platform 9¾, authentic train details, immersive special effects, and different journeys in each direction. They also dig into the operational challenge of moving thousands of guests between parks and why the Hogwarts Express could become one of the most important pieces of Universal's Wizarding World expansion. NEWS • Universal Creative reveals how the Hogwarts Express will connect Hogsmeade and King's Cross Station. • Guests will experience the illusion of passing through the brick wall to reach Platform 9¾. • Each train compartment recreates the look and feel of the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films. • Six-minute journeys feature Harry Potter characters, Dementors, Hogwarts Castle, the Knight Bus, and other familiar sights. • Jim and Len examine how park-to-park admission turns the Hogwarts Express into both an attraction and a major ticketing strategy. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices