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Something magical is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood this spring.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is ready for its star studded, red carpet premiere on April 5th, before officially opening its magical door to the general public two days later, on April 7th.
This Harry Potter land on the West Coast of America promises to take fans into the intricate and detailed world of wizards and witches.
Universal has other Harry Potter experiences at its parks in Orlando and Japan and both have been applauded for their attention to detail and fan-pleasing atmosphere.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood has already been open to the public on select days and times this month. Known as a soft opening, these practice runs allow guests to try out the areas so that when it comes to the official opening day, everything runs smoothly and any last minute issues can be evanesco.
Due to these soft opening days, it has been possible to get some glimpses of the delights visitors can expect to see when this new area opens. It looks good, real good!
Here are some of the things that will make you want to rush out to Hollywood and explore the world of Harry and his friends…
5. It’s Different To Orlando
J.K. Rowling and Universal have collaborated once more to make sure that this new land is faithful to the Harry Potter books and movies.
This does mean that those who have experienced Hogsmede in Hollywood’s East Coast sister, will notice a lot of similarities. However, these lands are not identical twins.
Hollywood has gained a few additional shops for you to browse including Zonko’s Joke Shop and Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment. One other store you will be able to walk through here is Gladrags Wizardwear. In this wizard clothing store visitors can now get a closer look at Hermione’s dress from the Yule Ball as well as other character costumes.
You can also head aboard the Hogwarts Express for a photo opportunity. Visitors can sit inside one of the train carriages and have their photo taken onboard the wizard train. Interestingly, there are some real props to be seen, including the luggage racks.
One of the most popular attractions in its Orlando park, is getting expanded here in Hollywood. Olivander’s wand shop, where the wand famously chooses the wizard is bigger than its Florida counterpart. Inside Olivander’s, a Wandkeeper will help one lucky guest find their perfect wand in this fun show. Hopefully the increased capacity of Olivander’s Hollywood branch will reduce some of the larger wait times that have been experienced in Orlando.
Even if you have been to Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, you will still want to see some of the new things on offer in Universal Studios Hollywood.
4. Interactive Wands
A fan favourite from from both Hogshead and Diagon Alley at Universal Resort Orlando is making its way to Hollywood.
For around $47.95, guests can purchase an interactive wand that will allow them to become wizards (or witches). These wands can be acquired in a number different locations in the Wizarding World, but most notably in Olivander’s.
These special wands are equipped with a rfid chip and allow guests to cast spells all around Hogsmede.
There are 11 different spells that you can cast, and even if you have been to Hogsmede in Orlando, you will notice the spells are not all the same.
If you want to see some of the spells in action, take a look at the video above taken during soft opening.
So if you have always dreamed of casting spells like Hermione, head to Olivander’s and pick up your own wand.
3. There’s A New Butterbeer
This sweet drink, made famous in the Harry Potter book and film series has become a fan favourite ever since it was made available in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.
Not content with just regular Butterbeer, the varieties of this sugary treat continue to grow. Guests are now able to indulge in frozen, hot, fudge and ice-cream on both coasts. But there is a new Butterbeer dessert to tempt your tastebuds.
Butterbeer potted cream is available to be purchased from the Three Broomsticks pub. This creamy dessert only debuted last December in Orlando, and looks delicious.
With so much many Butterbeer options available, will potted cream become your new favourite?
2. The Forbidden Journey Is In 3D
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is coming to the west coast, and it’s going to be in 3D.
Similar to the ride in Universal Studios Japan, visitors are going to have to put on 3D glasses to experience the attraction.
The original attraction housed in Orlando is just plain old 2D, Hollywood is the only place in the U.S that you will be able to enjoy this ride in 3D.
Despite reports that the ride is causing some guests to vomit, the chances of getting motion sickness is unlikely to put off many Potter fans. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes guests on a thrilling broomstick ride through Hogwarts, encountering Dementors and dragons as they go. You get to live the movies here at Universal.
For Harry Potter fans, one of the best things about Forbidden Journey in both of the Orlando and Japan parks is the queue. Whilst on their way towards the ride vehicles, riders walk through the castle grounds, corridors and classrooms.
It seems guests will have a similar experience at Hollywood. The queue winds its way through the grounds, where you will be able to spot Mr Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia. Eventually visitors will make their way into Hogwarts where they will see the portrait room and Dumbledore’s office.
It is likely that similar to Orlando, guests may be able to simply tour the castle and not ride at the end. Perfect if you are a nauseous Harry fan.
After the impressive queue, riders will board their vehicles, where with the a mixture of 3D and physical effects will be taken on a trip of a lifetime through Hogwarts.
This really is the centrepiece attraction of this Wizarding World on the West coast.
1. There’s So Much Detail
Just like its East Coast and Japanese relations, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood is jam-packed with detail.
If you’re a huge Potter fan, you will be able to spend hours enjoying all the little easter eggs, from the Puking Pastilles display in Zonko’s window, Hagrid’s Hut in the grounds, right down to the frog choir.
Universal have once again worked closely with Harry Potter author JK Rowling to create a world that is true to the books. Even if you aren’t a fan of the movies, it’s hard not to be impressed by just how immersive this land is.
If you ever dreamed that one day you would receive an invitation to go to Hogwarts, you no longer have dream, you can truly go to Hogwarts here.
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Hollywood officially opens its doors to muggles on 7th April 2016.
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