Harry Potter fans will soon be able to immerse themselves into a new magical attraction at the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios in Hollywood.
Unveiled on the 5 April, the premiere of the new wizarding experience saw Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry lit up with various light displays, including fireworks and 3D projections, which included a giant Basilisk snaking around the castle. The opening was marked by legendary composer John Williams, who lead the LA Philharmonic in front of the castle.
Fireworks explode over a reproduction of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and WizardryMario Anzuoni/ Reuters'Students' sing during a special preview opening of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, CaliforniaMario Anzuoni/ ReutersA giant Basilisk is projected over a reproduction of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and WizardryMario Anzuoni/ ReutersA general view of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" attraction during a special preview openingMario Anzuoni/ Reuters
The park, which has already seen its press preview and grand premiere, will open to the public on 7 April. Visitors will be able to experience life as a witch or wizard – from purchasing their very own wand at Ollivanders, enjoying a Butterbeer in Hogsmeade village to eating lunch at the Three Broomsticks. The park features two rides, an outdoor rollercoaster that passes by shops such as Honeydukes sweets and the others within the castle.
Guests take a ride on a rollercoaster outside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during a soft opening and media tour of The Wizarding World of Harry PotterKevork Djansezian/ ReutersGuests walk through Hogsmeade Village during a soft opening and media tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parkKevork Djansezian/ ReutersGuests take a ride on a rollercoaster outside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, during a soft opening and media tour of The Wizarding World of Harry PotterKevork Djansezian/ ReutersMagic wands are seen inside OllivandersKevork Djansezian/ ReutersGuests take a ride inside of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,during a soft opening and media tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at the Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, CaliforniaKevork Djansezian/ ReutersA general view of The Wizarding World of Harry PotterMario Anzuoni/ ReutersComposer John Williams directs the Los Angeles Philharmonic during a special preview opening of The Wizarding World of Harry PotterMario Anzuoni/ ReutersA spotlight shines down on a reproduction of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at the opening of the new Hollywood theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry PotterMario Anzuoni/ Reuters
Actor Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy, spoke to Reuters after arriving at the premiere, describing the event as "amazing".
"It is hard for me not to well up. It is like walking back through my old school grounds. But it is very exciting to see faces of new people there. Kids who haven't seen it before, it kind of reminds you how lucky you are to grow up there." He added.
Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films arrives for a special preview opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios HollywoodMario Anzuoni/ ReutersKey rings are on display for purchase outside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and WizardryKevork Djansezian/ ReutersGuests eat lunch inside the Three Broomsticks, an aged rustic tavern, in Hogsmeade VillageKevork Djansezian/ ReutersGuests wait by a reproduction of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, during a special preview opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios HollywoodMario Anzuoni/ ReutersA general view of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction during a special preview opening at Universal Studios HollywoodMario Anzuoni/ ReutersA general view of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and WizardryMario Anzuoni/ Reuters
The premiere saw various Potter alumni attend, including James and Oliver Phelps who play Fred and George Weasley, Warwick Davis, better known as Professor Flitwick. Evanna Lynch who played the role of Luna Lovegood expressed how important the park will be to Potter fans "I hope that they get a sense of feeling like they belong here. I feel like this park here, the feeling is very inclusive".
The attraction is part of the expanding Potter universe that includes plans for a new fantasy film drama based on JK Rowling's book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the upcoming play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Guests shop inside Dervish and Banges general storeKevork Djansezian/ ReutersEvanna Lynch, who plays Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films arrives for a special preview opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios HollywoodMario Anzuoni/ ReutersGuests try out Butterbeer served from a large barrel shaped Butterbeer cart in Hogsmeade VillageKevork Djansezian/ ReutersDirector Steven Spielberg poses as he arrives for a special preview opening of The Wizarding World of Harry PotterMario Anzuoni/ ReutersAlan Gilmore, supervising art director, stands in front of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and WizardryKevork Djansezian/ ReutersGuests walk through Hogsmeade Village during a soft opening and media tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parkKevork Djansezian/ ReutersGuests walk through Hogsmeade Village during a soft opening and media tour of The Wizarding World of Harry PotterKevork Djansezian/ ReutersA girl poses with a magic wand during a soft opening and media tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parkKevork Djansezian/ ReutersFireworks explode over a reproduction of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, during a special preview opening of The Wizarding World of Harry PotterMario Anzuoni/ Reuters
