The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened yesterday after five years in the making and almost six years after the first Wizarding World opened at Island of Adventure in Orlando. The park held a star-studded premier with multiple actors from the Harry Potter Films and a performance by John Williams conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic to open in the new land.
Wizarding World Hollywood IS OPEN! Photo Courtesy Universal Studios Hollywood
Harry Potter fans probably recognize these people: stars of the films. Photo Courtesy Universal Studios Hollywood
“Today is a very exciting and historically significant day for us,” said Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood. “This incredible event to celebrate the opening of ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ marks the pinnacle of years of hard work and the beginning of a new generation of Universal Studios Hollywood. With over 75 percent (of the park) completely re-imagined, Universal Studios Hollywood is an entirely new theme park destination and we look forward to sharing everything that the Entertainment Capital of L.A. has to offer with visitors from around the world.”
Guests entering the world are greeted by the conductor of the Hogwarts Express and thrust into the village of Hogsmeade, bustling with sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Harry Potter world. The myriad of shops throughout Hogsmeade include Olivnaders, Zonko’s Joke Shop, Honeydukes, and multiple other Harry Potter notable locations, all part of bringing the sense of immersion to the Wizarding World. Of course, the land is topped by Hogwarts Castle standing over it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iMNMAHUP4k
“I am delighted to see ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ brought to life in a way that is so close to what I imagined when writing the books. I’m thrilled that Harry Potter fans can now experience the wonderful immersive experience created at Universal Studios Hollywood,” said J.K. Rowling.
Mmm…Beer…Oh wait, that’s more fitting for the neighboring Simpsons Land, oh well. Photo Courtesy Universal Studios Hollywood
The signature ride of Wizarding World, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, differs from the version in Orlando primarily by introducing 3D-HD video (enabled by 3D goggles that look like quidditch goggles), while also including practical effects and robotic motion simulation. Along with Forbidden Journey, Wizarding World includes the Flight of the Hippogriff family coaster, which is actually Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster. Reviews of the rides, like this one and this one from the LA Times, have been positive so far.
The park sold out the opening day earlier this week online, the first time the park has ever sold out in advance. So far it looks like there every other day is available. If you order online for a specific date, you get one hour early admission the Wizarding World, which could be a huge benefit with the large crowds. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends, and prices will go up during the summer months. You can reserve your tickets here, and read more about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood here. If you get a chance to visit the park, let us know what you think in the comments below!
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