Pictures: Universal Studios now and through the years
The fire-breathing dragon, perched on top of Diagon Alley, as seen during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando Sentinel
An animatronic goblin welcomes guests in the lobby of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Cheering fans react to being welcomed into a confetti-filled Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Happy fans inside the lobby of Gringotts Bank at Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583850553Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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The dragon spews fire during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The dragon spews fire during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
This first-look at Diagon Alley shows the fire-breathing dragon during the red carpet VIP preview ceremony at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Wednesday night, June 18, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808824Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Hogwarts Express prepares to depart from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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Scenes from the grand opening ceremony of the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction at Universal Studios Orlando, Monday, July 2, 2012. (JOE BURBANK/ORLANDO SENTINEL)
Scenes from the grand opening ceremony of the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction at Universal Studios Orlando, Monday, July 2, 2012. (JOE BURBANK/ORLANDO SENTINEL)
Scenes from Universal’s new Superstar Parade --featuring popular characters from Universal’s animated television and film releases-- during it’s first-ever performance for park guests, Saturday, May 5, 2012. (JOE BURBANK/ORLANDO SENTINEL)
Scenes from Universal’s new Superstar Parade --featuring popular characters from Universal’s animated television and film releases-- during it’s first-ever performance for park guests, Saturday, May 5, 2012. (JOE BURBANK/ORLANDO SENTINEL)
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Scenes from Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular lagoon projection show featuring fountains, fireworks and 100 years of Universal movie scenes shown on a state-of-the-art “waterfall screens,” at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, May 5, 2012. (JOE BURBANK/ORLANDO SENTINEL)
Guests at Universal Studios enter the first drop of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit during its “technical rehearsal” Sunday, August 16, 2009. (DEWAYNE BEVIL/ORLANDO SENTINEL)
