“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” Comes to Hollywood

Announced for the first time in 2012 (cf. EAP News, 03.01.2012) theme park Universal Studios Hollywood, California, recently scheduled the arrival of its new Harry Potter attraction for spring 2016. Following the example of equivalent theme worlds at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will bring guests high authenticity and storytelling and is expected to attract Harry Potter fans and visitors from all over the world. After more than five years of planning and development, “Universal Studios Hollywood is thrilled to bring our guests a new, compelling experience of ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ as we embark on this next chapter in our storied history”, Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood, comments.

Like in the already existing Harry Potter theme worlds “Hogwarts” castle will be situated in the center of the new attraction from where “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will start and take its guests on a journey into many memorable scenes alongside the three main characters Harry, Ron and Hermione. As in Florida, the hyper-realistic 3-D experience features a groundbreaking robotic ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects (cf. EAP, issue 04/2010). Additionally, the family coaster “Flight of the Hippogriff” will debut as Universal Studio Hollywood’s first outdoor coaster. Guests will also have the possibility to eat, drink and shop for souvenirs in magic locations like “Three Broomsticks”, “Hog’s Head pub”, “Ollivanders”, “Honeydukes” and “Dervish and Banges”. (eap)