Tom Williams (Chairman/CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts) was on hand to kick off the festivities!

Robbie Coltrane repeated his original tapping of the brick wall from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to open the wall into Diagon Alley.

And of course there were fireworks! (Through the trees!)

And plain fire too!

The cast of the films gathered for a photo before the end of the ceremony.

Here we go!

Absolutely gorgeous!

I'm here to open an account!

One welcome gift for us was the map for the interactive wands we would receive later that night. I didn't get the chance to use it, but by this point I was already so overwhelmed to be in Diagon Alley, I was near tears.

I love this "living portrait."

A look at the ride vehicle in simulated action.

These elevators put the Hydrolators to shame.

The pre-show for the ride includes an awesome "musion" effect that has to be seen in person to truly appreciate!

So neat!

Time to board!

Simply put, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts may (in my opinion) be the most cutting-edge, game-changing attraction of our time.

There's the money shot!

It is astounding just how big Diagon Alley feels once inside.

There are tons of food and beverage options in Diagon Alley including this quaint stand.

Another angle for the dragon...

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