Harry Potter fans on the West Coast, rejoice. Universal Studios Hollywood today announced that “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will open in the spring of 2016.
Today’s announcement also included details about the new land’s signature attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, “in hyper-realistic 3D-HD” — unlike the two other “Forbidden Journey” attractions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QXCLAHro1o
Of course, you can expect California’s version of “Wizarding World” to be just as spectacular as Florida’s and Japan’s:
More than five years in the making, and inspired by J. K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters and the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood will bring guests the same authenticity and storytelling found at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan and is expected to attract Harry Potter fans and visitors from all over the globe for decades to come.
“Harry Potter is an exhilarating multi-generational global phenomenon that has captivated the world’s attention across every one of its mediums, from books and movies to exhilarating theme park adventures,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood.
“The momentum behind J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world is as strong as ever and we are incredibly excited to bring Hogwarts to Hollywood,” said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Fans around the world have experienced the magic at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ in Orlando and Osaka and we look forward to continued success with our partners at Universal Studios Hollywood as we offer more fans a chance to step into this immersive environment.”
Hogwarts castle will sit at the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and will house the land’s signature ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The ride will feature a “groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects.”
Guests equipped with 3D glasses will “venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.”
At Universal Studios Hollywood, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will make its U.S. debut as a dynamic 3D-HD adventure designed to further immerse guests in an already captivating storyline.
The “Wizarding World” will also feature a new family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff,” which will become Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor coaster.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter’s epicurean world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including: Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head pub, as well the Magic Neep and Butterbeer carts.
Hollywood’s “Wizarding World” will feature “eight retail shops and locations, including Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Owl Post, Zonko’s Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.”
While Harry Potter fans wait for Wizarding World to open, they’ll be able to get their Hogwarts apparel fix by purchasing “authentic merchandise, including wands, robes and other collectibles” from the Wizarding World at the theme park’s Features Presentation gift shop.
To learn more, visit Universal Studios Hollywood’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter website.
How do you think Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Wizarding World” will compare to the Florida and Japan iterations? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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