Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”
Bringing the Most Anticipated Global Phenomenon to California in an
Authentic Entertainment Experience, Beginning Spring 2016
“Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” Attraction,
Located within Land’s Hogwarts Castle, Makes West Coast
Debut in
Hyper-Realistic 3D-HD with Guests Wearing Quidditch-Inspired Goggles
2, 2015-The countdown to “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM” begins today as
Universal Studios HollywoodSM
announces the Spring 2016 arrival of the
West Coast’s most anticipated entertainment experience and the introduction of
the land’s signature attraction, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” in hyper-realistic
3D-HD.
More
than five years in the making, and inspired by J. K. Rowling’s compelling
stories and characters and the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of
Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood will bring guests the same
authenticity and storytelling found at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal
Studios Japan and is expected to attract Harry Potter fans and visitors from
all over the globe for decades to come.
Visitors
will be swept into a fully immersive themed land that brings the Harry Potter
fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and precision. “The Wizarding
World of Harry Potter” will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction
and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal
point.
“Harry
Potter is an exhilarating multi-generational global phenomenon that has
captivated the world’s attention across every one of its mediums, from books and
movies to exhilarating theme park adventures,” said Larry Kurzweil, President
of Universal Studios Hollywood. “With
its imminent arrival to The Entertainment Capital of L.A., Universal Studios
Hollywood is thrilled to bring our guests a new, compelling experience of ‘The
Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ as we embark on this next chapter in our storied
history.”
“The
momentum behind J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world is as strong as ever and we are
incredibly excited to bring Hogwarts to Hollywood,” said Brad
Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Fans around the world
have experienced the magic at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ in Orlando
and Osaka and we look forward to continued success with our partners at
Universal Studios Hollywood as we offer more fans a chance to step into this immersive
environment.”
Like
its counterparts, Hogwarts castle will sit at the heart of “The Wizarding World
of Harry Potter” where the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the
Forbidden JourneyTM” will take guests on a journey into many memorable
scenes alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Traveling by Floo powder, guests will
soar high above Hogwarts, partake in a Quidditch match, narrowly escape a
dragon attack and have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow.
“Harry
Potter and the Forbidden Journey” is an achievement in pioneering theme park
ride technology featuring a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with
elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. Sporting Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles, guests
will 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.
At
Universal Studios Hollywood, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”
will make its U.S. debut as a dynamic
3D-HD adventure designed to further immerse guests in an already captivating
storyline.
Also
within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff“ will debut as Universal Studios
Hollywood’s first outdoor coaster.
“The
Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests
to revel in Harry Potter’s epicurean world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic
food and beverage at multiple locations, including: Three BroomsticksTM, and Hog’s
Head pub, as well the Magic Neep and ButterbeerTM carts.
A foray
through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail shops
and locations, including HoneydukesTM, OllivandersTM, Owl PostTM, Zonko’sTM Joke
Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear
and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated GoodsTM.
As
excitement builds for the Spring 2016 arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry
Potter,” in-park guests at Universal Studios Hollywood will be able to 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 Universal Studios
Hollywood’s main entry.
