OMG Hogwarts At Universal Studios Has An Official Opening Date
For a book series that finished publishing eight years ago, Harry Potter is in no rush to leave popular culture. Superfans have been given heaps of reasons to continue dusting off their costume robes and getting out their wands, from the multi-million dollar film franchise to bespoke Hogwarts themed events and even Harry Potter themed bars and hotels.
The latest thing that has pepped up Potterheads is the announcement of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience, which is heading to Universal Studios in Hollywood, California. And now there’s finally an opening date to count down to – April 7, 2016.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is using magic (and cranes, probably) to build replicas of both Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Expect to get a little emotional as you walk through a snow-capped archway into the cobblestoned streets of Hogsmeade, past the Three Broomsticks and with the enormous Hogwarts castle rising in the distance.
There’ll be heaps of rides to go on too. Universal Studios will be bringing the iconic ‘Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey’ ride, as well as outdoor rollercoaster ‘Flight of The Hippogriff’ to Hollywood. There’ll even be a new addition to ‘Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey’ – unlike the original incarnation of the ride at Universal Studios Orlando, this new indoor thrill ride will incorporate 3D technology to make it way more exciting. Riders will don 3D glasses that look like Quiddich goggles (!) and fly alongside Harry as he dodges dragons, dementors and the Whomping Willow in an immersive 360 degree experience. Cool, huh?
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J.K. Rowling’s magical world doesn’t stop there – you can grab authentic food and beverage at The Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head pub, buy all the candy you’ll ever need at Honeydukes, pick up your very own wand at Ollivanders (remember the wand chooses the wizard, Mr Potter!), as well as a heap of other memorable stores including Zonko’s Joke Shop, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.
One thing’s for sure – you’ll be humming that theme song for weeks to come.
Check it out for yourself – start planning your Harry Potter journey with Qantas flights to LA here.
