Destinations

Hogwarts Is Coming To Hollywood

UO-harry-potter

As it gears up for the Spring 2016 opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, California, Universal has launched a new and interactive web site that will let the world experience a virtual tour of the much-anticipated attraction.

With Hogwarts’ arrival in Hollwood, visitors to the new site will be able to explore Hogsmeade village where magical spells and magical creatures meet dark villains and daring heroes and virtually sample the land’s many shops, establishments and attractions through an artfully recreated parchment map.

With each click of the mouse, guests will venture further into the land to uncover such specialty retail shops as Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Owl Post, Zonko’s Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, along with such famous eateries as Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head pub.

At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, visitors will become acquainted with such iconic locations as Professor Dumbledore’s office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and the Portrait Gallery.

Commentary from the cast, including Daniel Radcliff (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), as well as Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative for Universal Parks & Resorts, is featured throughout the virtual tour.

But there’s more as visitors to the site will also have a chance to explore the multidimensional thrill ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” that’s set to make its U.S. debut in hyper-realistic 3D-HD to further immerse guests in the already captivating storyline, and “Flight of the Hippogriff,” which will be Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster.

Currently, in-park guests at Universal Studios Hollywood can experience and purchase authentic merchandise, including wands, robes and other collectibles from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” available within the Features Presentation shop, located just inside the theme park’s main entry.

As the countdown to the opening continues, visitors to the web site will also be able to sign up to learn more by going to http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/harrypotter/signup .