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On April 7, 2016, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” will open at Universal Studios Hollywood, marking the highly-anticipated West Coast arrival of this authentic entertainment experience, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films.
More than five years in the making, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is being masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real-world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood. The land will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.
When this exciting immersive land opens in Hollywood for the first time, visitors from across the United States and around the globe will have the opportunity to experience “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” where magical spells and magical creatures meet dark villains and daring heroes and where guests of all ages can explore their inner-wizard.
During the VIP Premiere Event on April 5, John Williams Conducted the LA Philharmonic Orchestra to a spectacular fireworks show over Hogwarts Castle. (see video below).
From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will transport guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen.
Once inside the land, Hogsmeade will bustle to life with the same vitality of a quaint local village as the majestic sounds from the movies bring to life the magic of Harry Potter. The Hogwarts Express steam locomotive that travels from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at Kings Cross station to Hogsmeade is appropriately stationed at the entry where the Hogwarts Express conductor welcomes new arrivals to the land.
Just beyond the stationary Hogwarts Express, guests will encounter an engaging Hogwarts Express interactive photo opportunity where they can partake in memorable scenes from the Harry Potter films as part of a collectible keepsake. Unique to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in the U.S., this photo opportunity will invite guests to step into the Hogwarts Express station and climb inside a cabin where they can choose from three scenic backdrops. Guests will be able to purchase their framed mementos. Each of the images will be equally intriguing and complement the immersive guest experience, whether they choose just one or opt to capture all three adventures, which include, braving the darkness to face the Dementor’s kiss, witnessing the flight of the Weasley’s Ford Anglia or glimpsing a spectacular view of the iconic Hogwarts castle. Each commemorative photo will be framed within a collectible folder emblazoned with the Hogwarts Express train and the classic Hogwarts Railways crest.
The Owlery, an open air, covered barn, where majestic Great Horned and tiny Scops owls perch high above the heads of visiting guests. With cleverly articulated movement, the lifelike owls hoot and click, turn their heads, ruffle and flutter their feathers as they rest lazily between postal deliveries. Below, guests can enjoy the scenery while seated at benches within the shaded enclave where they can gaze up at the owls resting in the timber rafters.
The iconic and picturesque Hogwarts castle sits at the heart of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” with the entrance guarded by two towering winged boars, providing access to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the land’s signature 3D-HD ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.”
The imposing structure is also an attraction unto itself, housing narrow stone passageways, classrooms, dormitories and a treasure trove of props and décor both original to the film and recreated to adorn its impressive rooms and halls.
Also check-out some of the photos from the VIP Premiere Event and keep checking on Socalthrills.com for updates!
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