Pack your bags, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to Hollywood!
YOU GUYS, the West Coast is about to get a lot more magical. In the spring of 2016, Harry Potter is moving in!
Earlier today, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that it is adding a beautiful new addition to its park: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. That means, instead of hopping on a plane and flying to Florida for a Hogsmeade visit, you’ve just gotta jump on the 101. Then, tah-dah! Mischief managed.
“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 of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in a press release about the magical addition, “Fans around the world have experienced the magic at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ in Orlando 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.”
So what will you find inside? Just like its sister park in the sunshine state, this Wizarding World will have a “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” but it will be slightly different. The one in Orlando is actually kind of a suspend coaster/3D show, while the Hollywood version will be a “hyper-realistic 3D” attraction. I’m going to assume that means less moving parts, and probably no ride track, but still the same Harry Potter adventure.
Also included will be Universal Studio Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff,” where you can jump on Buckbeak’s back and fly away. You can then dine at the Three Broomsticks, and grab a bite to eat at the Hog’s Head pub. But most importantly: BUTTERBEER. Real, foamy, butterscotch-y Butterbeer. Probably the most delicious drink every invented by wizard/man.
Construction is already underway on the new park, and it’s scheduled to open next year. Start saving your Galleons and Sickles, because this just jumped to the top of your summer 2016 vacation to-do list.
