This week Universal Studios Hollywood began what they’re referring to as “technical rehearsals” for the nearly completed Wizarding World of Harry Potter, set to officially open April 7. So what does that mean? Well, most importantly for guests it means that at random times, the new area and rides will be OPEN! This week rehearsals have started, allowing lucky guests who are in the right place at the right time a chance to ride things like the new Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the motion based dark ride that is the main highlight of the Wizarding World.
Hogsmeade Village (all picture courtesy Universal Studios Hollywood)
So why does a park do this? Well, getting the staff trained only goes so far if they don’t get to work with real guests, particularly in the case of ride operators. There’s basically no question that crowds will descend on Wizarding World as soon as it opens, so this helps make sure ride throughput is as high as possible. Park spokeswoman Audrey Eig said, “It’s common practice in the theme park industry to put rides and attractions through the operational process prior to official opening.”
Previews of Flight of the Hippogriff are on now.
Retail shops and restaurants will also be open briefly during the rehearsals, allowing guests to be picked by a wand or have some butterbeer. Like with ride ops, this allows performers to rehearse their shows in front of live guests, and allows clerks/waiters/etc. to get a feel for how large the crowds will be.
Shops and actors should be open and about during at least part of the technical rehearsal time.
If you want a full preview, Behind the Thrills was there last weekend, and the LA Times has an excellent write-up from a tour just before the rehearsals started, check them out. Based on their previews, and my love of movies, the biggest difference between the Universal Studios Hollywood version of Wizarding World and the ones in Orlando and Japan might be the presence of real props from the films scattered throughout the shops and queues. Two other major differences, Forbidden Journey is in 3D, a change compared to the Islands of Adventure version , and Ollivanders wand shop has been expanded to hold a much larger capacity of wand buyers.
In related other Universal Studios Hollywood news, earlier this month the park introduced EZ Rez, an online reserved ticket system. Basically this introduced buying tickets online or specific days, instead of just ordering anytime tickets (which do still exist). What are the benefits, you ask? Well the biggest one is that starting April 7, when Wizarding World officially opens, having an EZ Rez tickets will give one hour early entry to the new land! That alone makes it worth it, but it also comes with small savings compared to anytime tickets (from $5-$20 off depending on the day you’re buying for), and it guarantees entry on the day you have the reservation, so even on crazy packed days you’ll be sure to get into the park. You can start buying those tickets here.
Early entry with EZ Rez means a truly full day of Harry Potter action is possible. Or maybe even getting to visit the rest of the park.
So there you have it, if you’re lucky enough to get there during times of day they’re running rehearsals, you may be able to take a sneak peak ride on one of the signature attractions, see one of the new shows, or at least browse through the amazingly detailed shops. It’s expected a soft opening might happen in March prior to the grand opening April 7, we’ll update you if that’s the case. In the meantime, you can keep enjoying the awesome Wizarding World interactive website.
And, if you get a chance to visit during a rehearsal, let us know what you think and send us some pictures!
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