We are so excited to give you a special preview of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the first time in California! Universal Studios has planned multiple "soft opening" days to ensure the park and staff are ready for the official opening day on April 7th. These days aren't posted or guaranteed before April 7, but if you're at Universal Studios Hollywood, keep your eyes open, because you may be in for a surprise soft opening!
Get Away Today was at the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter yesterday to give you a preview with recommendations as you plan your trip to the exciting new land at Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios is celebrating 100 years of movie making in Hollywood this year with the addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and we couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of it!
Spoiler alert: This blog will give away secrets to the new section at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Check out our top six must see moments at the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood - officially opening on April 7, 2016:
1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: The main attraction hidden within the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and takes you on an adventure complete with dragons, spiders, dementors, whomping willows, and of course, magic. The attraction incorporates HD-3D movie screens, larger than life props and other surprises to completely immerse you into the wizarding world. But truthfully, more than half of the fun is getting there! The queue line is truly delightful and full of surprises around every corner of Hogwarts. You walk through Professor Sprout's greenhouse, see real life talking paintings, get advice from Dumbledore, and encouragement from Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The details are amazing and bring you right into the Harry Potter story, even if you are a muggle!
2. Ollivanders Wand Shop and the magical streets: Once your family enters Ollivanders, a professor and master wand maker ensure that your group finds just the right wand for you... Pardon me, helps the wand find you! An actor very carefully uses props and technology to show that the wand is just the right fit! After a purchase, look for the magical brass plaques on the sidewalks for instructions on how to cast spells... Several windows in Hogsmeade will interact with your wand as you cast spells to turn on lights, open a cabinet, bring life to a music box among other fun secrets!
3. Street Performers: The streets are filled with very helpful magical staff, which add to the atmosphere and there is a stage located by the Flight of the Hippogriff. Performances feature many of the popular acts from the Wizarding World, including the Frog Choir, and students from Beauxbatons!
4. The Flight of the Hippogriff: This family coaster features Hagrid's cottage and his many exotic pets.... The Hippogriff nods your way for approval and signals a wonderful time for the whole family! It's also the first outdoor roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood.
5: The treats and drinks: They fit into the theme so well! Everything is exactly how it appears in the movies, or how you would imagine it from the books. Look in the streets for Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice carts, and then duck in the shops for chocolate frogs, every flavour beans, and other fun and exciting references to the wizarding world we all love.
6: The attention to detail: The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter is impressive, to say the least. Every detail is a fun discovery; even using the facilities is fun! Moaning Mrytle can be heard in the pipes!
The upcoming opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is exciting. While you are visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, there is no doubt you will also enjoy exiciting attractions from The Mummy, Jurassic Park, and Transformers. You'll also enjoy hanging out with the Minions from Despicable Me, and taking the famous Studio Tour for other amazing movie adventures. Be among the first muggles to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood with Get Away Today! Book any of our packages online or call our agents at 855-GET-AWAY.
Check out these other great articles:
Harry Potter is Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood
Join the Conversation!
Leave A CommentFroggyDecember 26 2022
I am so excited to go! This is the first time so this gives a lot of good info!
DavidFebruary 20 2016
I can't wait to go I'm so excited. Me and my fiance will be celebrating our anniversary at the grand opening.
JackieFebruary 18 2016
Thanks so much for the update. We are totally planning on going now.
Ann Marie CarterFebruary 18 2016
My family has been waiting for along time for this! We went to the one in Florida 2 1/2 years ago! I would LOVE to take my family and do an article about the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Get Away Today!!