Throw on an invisibility cloak, straddle a broomstick (or book an air ticket) and fly over to Los Angeles where The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has officially opened at Universal Studio Hollywood.
Finally!
The magical attraction opens to the public today, a few days after celebrities blessed it at the exclusive preview.
Inside, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter brings the movie franchise to life with impeccable details as a real-world interpretation of the set.
Fans will love the snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets plus the historic British sensibilities that characterise the whimsical look and feel of the land.
Upon entering the land through the archway, Hogsmeade bustles to life with the same vitality of a quaint local village: merchants hard at work, a train conductor welcoming new arrivals and a pub packed to the gills with hungry patrons, but with the added element of enthusiastic guests intent on experiencing them all, including the land’s signature ride, ‘Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,’ and the family outdoor coaster, ‘Flight of the Hippogriff™’.
An achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology, ‘Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey’ makes its U.S. debut at Universal Studios Hollywood in hyper-realistic 3D-HD designed to further immerse guests in an already engaging storyline.
The multidimensional thrill ride features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. In this updated adaptation of the ride, guests sports Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles as they venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.
Joining in the exclusive celebration earlier this week were Harry Potter film talent, including Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), and Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), as well as Stuart Craig (Production Designer, Harry Potter films and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”).
Other celebrities included Mindy Kaling (“The Mindy Project”), Travis Barker (Musician), Thandie Newton (Crash), Vanessa Hudgens (“Grease Live”), Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”), Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin), “Emmy Award-winner Greg Nicotero (Executive Producer, “The Walking Dead”); Emmy Award-winner Chris Hardwick (Comedian/host, “The Talking Dead”), Alanna Masterson (“The Walking Dead”), and Golden Globe-winning actor, Billy Bob Thornton, among others.
Also in attendance were Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood; Tom Williams, Chairman & CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts; Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal; Mark Woodbury, President, Universal Creative; Kevin Tsujihara, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment; filmmaker Steven Spielberg ,and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti.
“Today is a very exciting and historically significant day for us.”
Larry Kurzweil, Universal Studios Hollywood President
“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.”
Los Angeles’ Mayor, Eric Garcetti, added that he expects the attraction to contribute to the city’s surging tourism industry by expanding its global appeal.
“It sends a message to visitors from across the world that L.A. is a place you and your family have to experience.”
Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Mayor
“I’m proud to see this game-changing world-class attraction open. Universal Studios Hollywood’s epic transformation will create new jobs, stimulate hospitality revenues and make our economy stronger.”