The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the much lauded land based on the boy wizard book and movie series, has quickly become the destination at Universal Studios Hollywood since its 2016 debut. The Wizarding World’s landmark attraction offers enchantment to Potter fans and Muggles (that’s non-magical folk) alike. Whether you’re visiting Hollywood (though the park is technically just over the hill in Universal City) and searching for things to do or are a Potter-obsessed local looking for your fix, check out these tips and bits of info before you embark on your journey.
Is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter an entirely separate theme park?
Nope, it’s just a themed land—albeit an incredibly immersive one—in the middle of Universal Studios Hollywood.
Is there an extra admission charge?
No. Access is included with a park ticket, which ranges from $109 to $134 depending on the day. Reservations are currently required for Universal Studios Hollywood.
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How can I skip the lines?
Universal offers front-of-line Express passes ($189–$279) that include access to a priority line for each attraction. If you don’t want to spend that much money, though, waiting in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is totally bearable: We’ve typically seen wait times between a half hour and an hour.
What can you actually do there?
The Wizarding World’s village-like Hogsmeade portion features shops and restaurants pulled straight from the Harry Potter universe while the Hogwarts section features two rides.
On summer nights, you can see the four houses of Hogwarts come to life on the castle’s exterior during the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle projection show. The five-minute show occurs multiple times toward the end of the evening. There’s a similar show during the holiday season dubbed the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
What are the rides?
The centerpiece attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is housed inside of Hogwarts Castle. You’ll fly through the castle grounds—via a cleverly disguised robotic arm that whisks you through tangible scenes and projection domes—and encounter everything from a dragon to dementors. Across from it, you’ll find the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster. Additionally, you can line up for an interactive experience at Ollivanders, where one lucky would-be-wizard gets to wield a magical wand.
What about the shops?
You’ll find a mix of clothes, candy and other trinkets from the books and films at shops with recognizable names like Zonko’s Joke Shop, Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Owl Post, Dervish and Banges, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment and Gladrags Wizardwear.
Do they sell Butterbeer?
Of course, in iced, frozen and hot formats—and it’s delicious (albeit sweet).
What other food is there?
You’ll find traditional English fare at the Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head Pub, as well as snacks from the Magic Neep Cart and two Butterbeer stands.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogwarts Castle, which houses Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, at Universal Studios Hollywood |
| Universal Studios Hollywood |
| Harry Potter (book series, film series and universe |
| 34°08′17.50″N 118°21′11.64″W / 34.1381944°N 118.3532333°WCoordinates: 34°08′17.50″N 118°21′11.64″W / 34.1381944°N 118.3532333°W |
| Operating |
| April 7, 2016[1] |
| Gibson
Amphitheatre[2] The Adventures of Curious George |
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park near Los Angeles. The area is themed to the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the film series and novels by J.K. Rowling. The attraction—the second Harry Potter-themed area to exist at a Universal resort—was designed by Universal Creative from an exclusive license with Warner Bros. Entertainment.
After the successful debut of a similarly themed area at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Parks & Resorts announced the construction of a second Wizarding World of Harry Potter on December 6, 2011. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood officially began operation on April 7, 2016.
This attraction suspended operations on 14 March 2020 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic.
Background[edit]
Previous Universal Harry Potter attractions[edit]
A Harry Potter themed attraction at a Universal Studios park or a Disney park was rumored in 2003.[3][4] However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise had been acquired by Warner Bros., which denied all rumors.[5] In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a "highly credible source" that the Universal's Islands of Adventure park's Lost Continent area at Universal Orlando Resort was going to be re-themed "to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children's franchises".[6] Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation that the new area would involve Harry Potter.[7][8] On May 31, 2007, Universal, in partnership with Warner Bros., officially announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be added to Islands of Adventure.[9][10][11][12]
After a 2+1⁄2-year construction period, the area officially opened to the public on June 18, 2010.[13][14] This resulted in attendance at the park jumping approximately 50% in its first year of operation.[15] On July 8, 2014, Universal opened an expansion to the Wizarding World at Universal Studios Florida, Diagon Alley, which was placed in the former Amity Island area of the park. This expansion also included the new ride experience: The Hogwarts Express, in which a train travels between the two Universal Florida Parks, from the Hogsmeade area to Kings Cross Station (right outside of the entrance to Diagon Alley). A week later, on July 15, 2014, Universal opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan.[16]
Construction of Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios Hollywood (March 2015)
Rumors and official announcement[edit]
On December 1, 2011, the Wall Street Journal reported a rumor from "people familiar with the matter" that Universal Studios Hollywood was going to add its version of Islands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.[17] The report also detailed the possibility that Universal Parks & Resorts would open additional Harry Potter-themed areas at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Japan as well as a location in Spain.[17] This report was widely relayed by other media sources.[18][19][20] On December 6, 2011, Universal Studios Hollywood announced the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.[21] Universal Parks & Resorts executives Tom Williams and Ron Meyer were accompanied by Warner Bros. executives, the Governor of California Jerry Brown as well as James and Oliver Phelps who played the Weasley twins in the films.[22] The announcement came with very few details of what would be built, however, it did confirm that the Gibson Amphitheatre would be demolished and a re-creation of Hogwarts and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey would be constructed.[2][23] The last show at the Gibson Amphitheatre was held on September 6, 2013, prior to its closure and subsequent demolition.
On April 23, 2013, NBCUniversal made the final step by receiving a unanimous vote in approval of the 25-year expansion by the county Board of Supervisors. This $1.6 billion expansion is expected to greatly boost tourism and the local entertainment industry. It will also create 30,000 jobs during the time of construction.[24]
On December 8, 2015, it was announced that the park will open on April 7, 2016. The announcement featured actress Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films. However, the soft opening was on March 31, 2016.[1]
Attractions[edit]
Similar to the Wizarding World in Japan, this one never featured the Dragon Challenge coaster like Islands of Adventure once had, but does include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff, along with Ollivander's Wand Shop Show, and the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally.
Wands purchased from Ollivander's Wand Shop can be used to do "magic", using sensors that track down the wands. While performing different "spells" from the Harry Potter universe, fans can produce different reactions, such as unlocking a cabinet, opening a box of candy (Chocolate Frogs), and forcing a ruler to lower itself.
The table below show the different attractions across the park.[25]
| Flight of the Hippogriff | Ride |
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | Ride |
| Ollivanders Experience in Hogsmeade | Show |
| The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle | Show |
| Hog's head | Dining |
| Three Broomsticks | Dining |
| Dervish and Banges | Shops |
| Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods | Shops |
| Honeydukes | Shops |
| Ollivanders Wand Shop in Hogsmeade | Shops |
| Owl Post & Owlery | Shops |
| Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment | Shops |
| Gladrags Wizardwear | Shops |
| Zonko's Joke Shop | Shops |
Dining and shopping[edit]
- The Three Broomsticks and Hog's Head Pub
- Ollivander's Wand Shop
- Owl Post
- Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment
- Gladrags Wizardwear
- Dervish and Banges
- Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods
- Honeydukes
- Zonko's
See also[edit]
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Japan)
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Exclusive: Hollywood's 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' sets its opening date". USA Today. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
- ^ a b Nakashima, Ryan (December 6, 2011). "Poof! Harry Potter park to appear in Hollywood". USA Today. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
- ^ Hill, Jim (August 14, 2003). "Why For wouldn't J.K. Rowling let Universal Studios build a Harry Potter stunt show?". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ Creative, T.Holland (July 12, 2003). "Harry Potter's Going to Disney World?". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ Clarke, Susan Strother (August 8, 2003). "Aol Lawyers Cast Spell On Rumors". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ Levine, Arthur (January 28, 2007). "Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park". About.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
- ^ Hart, Lance (February 1, 2007). "Harry Potter / Lost Continent Transformation". Screamscape. Archived from the original on February 3, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
- ^ Hill, Jim (February 5, 2007). "Monday Mouse Watch: You'll believe a car can fly". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
- ^ "Harry Potter theme park planned". BBC News. May 31, 2007.
- ^ Sturcke, James (May 31, 2007). "Harry Potter theme park to open in Florida". The Guardian. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
- ^ "Harry Potter theme park swoops to Fla". USA Today. May 31, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
- ^ Albright, Mark (June 1, 2007). "A whole new magic kingdom". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
- ^ Garcia, Jason. "Big day is here: Universal hopes Harry Potter's magic will last". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
- ^ "Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park opens". Australia Times. June 19, 2010. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
- ^ Nakashima, Ryan (December 6, 2011). "Poof! Harry Potter park to appear in Hollywood". USA Today. Los Angeles. Associated Press. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ Cripps, Karla (July 16, 2014). "Universal Studios Japan's 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' opens". CNN. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ a b Schuker, Lauren A. E. (December 1, 2011). "Second 'Harry Potter' Park Planned". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
- ^ "Harry Potter attraction on way to Universal Studios Hollywood after successful Orlando debut". Washington Post. Associated Press. December 2, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2011.[dead link]
- ^ Serjeant, Jill (December 1, 2011). "Harry Potter theme parks set to expand: report". Reuters. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
- ^ Fritz, Ben (November 30, 2011). "Harry Potter attraction coming to Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
- ^ "Hogwarts Coming to Hollywood". Press Release. Universal Studios Hollywood. December 6, 2011. Archived from the original on December 16, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
- ^ Bevil, Dewayne (December 6, 2011). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter to expand at Universal Orlando". Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on January 1, 2013. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
- ^ MacDonald, Brady (December 6, 2011). "It's official: Harry Potter land to debut at Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
- ^ Villacorte, Christina (April 23, 2013). "Harry Potter coming to Universal Studios Hollywood". Daily News. Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ "Universal Studios Hollywood - Los Angeles, California - Official Site". Universal Studios Hollywood. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
External links[edit]
- Official website