Knight Bus conductor performed by a woman for the first time at Universal Orlando
The Knight Bus conductor character is being performed by a woman for the first time within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
Knight Bus history
A woman debuted in the character role of the Knight Bus conductor at Universal Studios Florida. We believe this to be the first time in the role’s 10-year history that the conductor has been performed by a woman.
The conductor character stands watch outside of the Knight Bus, itself positioned along the theme park’s waterfront promenade, adjacent to the London-themed façades. This row of fake apartments hides The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley from view of the rest of the park.
Since the July 2014 opening of Diagon Alley, the Knight Bus conductor has been a man. Going forward, the role will alternate day to day among genders. Although there is only one woman in the role right now, this opens the character’s casting requirements for performers of all genders. The Universal Orlando app says the Knight Bus characters appear “continuous until park close.”
This change follows the recent debut of women in the role of the Hogwarts Express conductor next door at Universal Islands of Adventure’s Wizarding World counterpart, Hogsmeade.
Looking ahead, the Potter’s presence at Universal will expand yet again in 2025 when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic opens as part of the new Epic Universe theme park.
‘Take it away, Ern!’
Within the “Harry Potter” stories, the Knight Bus provides high-speed (and arguably unsafe) transportation to witches and wizards in need of a ride. Harry hops aboard the Knight Bus in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” traveling from Privet Drive to Diagon Alley.
Contrary to what some guests might at first think, the meetable character at Universal is the Knight Bus conductor, not the driver. (That title goes to the Ern, who’s absent from the parks.) In “Prisoner of Azkaban,” a character named Stan Shunpike is the conductor. At Universal, the role of conductor is more malleable rather than specific to one character.
Guests can approach the conductor for a chat, and the conversation might be joined by Dre Head, a shrunken head visible above the dash of the bus.
More Attractions Magazine stories:
Follow us:
Ready for adventure? Our trusted partner Universal Fan Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the fun. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating epic vacations. Visit Universal Fan Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
