The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Hollywood)

Background

Previous Universal ''Harry Potter'' attractions

A Harry Potter themed attraction at a Universal Studios park or a Disney park was rumored in 2003. However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise had been acquired by Warner Bros., which denied all rumors. In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a "highly credible source" that the Universal Islands of Adventure park's Lost Continent area at Universal Orlando Resort was going to be re-themed "to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children's franchises". Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation that the new area would involve Harry Potter. On May 31, 2007, Universal, in partnership with Warner Bros., officially announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be added to Islands of Adventure.

After a -year construction period, the area officially opened to the public on June 18, 2010. This resulted in attendance at the park jumping approximately 50% in its first year of operation. On July 8, 2014, Universal opened an expansion to the Wizarding World at Universal Studios Florida, Diagon Alley, which was placed in the former Amity Island area of the park. This expansion also included the new ride experience: The Hogwarts Express, in which a train travels between the two Universal Florida Parks, from the Hogsmeade area to Kings Cross Station (right outside of the entrance to Diagon Alley). A week later, on July 15, 2014, Universal opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan.

Rumors and official announcement

On December 1, 2011, the Wall Street Journal reported a rumor from "people familiar with the matter" that Universal Studios Hollywood was going to add its version of Islands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The report also detailed the possibility that Universal Parks & Resorts would open additional Harry Potter-themed areas at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Japan as well as a location in Spain. This report was widely relayed by other media sources. On December 6, 2011, Universal Studios Hollywood announced the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Parks & Resorts executives Tom Williams and Ron Meyer were accompanied by Warner Bros. executives, the Governor of California Jerry Brown as well as James and Oliver Phelps who played the Weasley twins in the films. The announcement came with very few details of what would be built, however, it did confirm that the Gibson Amphitheatre would be demolished and a re-creation of Hogwarts and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey would be constructed. The last show at the Gibson Amphitheatre was held on September 6, 2013, prior to its closure and subsequent demolition.

On April 23, 2013, NBCUniversal made the final step by receiving a unanimous vote in approval of the 25-year expansion by the county Board of Supervisors. This $1.6 billion expansion is expected to greatly boost tourism and the local entertainment industry. It will also create 30,000 jobs during the time of construction.

On December 8, 2015, it was announced that the park will open on April 7, 2016. The announcement featured actress Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films. However, the soft opening was on March 31, 2016.

Attractions

Similar to the Wizarding World in Japan, this one never featured the Dragon Challenge coaster like Islands of Adventure once had, but does include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff, along with Ollivander's Wand Shop Show, and the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally.

Wands purchased from Ollivander's Wand Shop can be used to perform "magic" at various indicated locations, using sensors that track the movements of the wands. While performing different "spells" from the Harry Potter universe, fans can produce different reactions, such as unlocking a cabinet, opening a box of candy (Chocolate Frogs), and forcing a ruler to lower itself.

The table below show the different attractions across the area.

Dining and shopping

• The Three Broomsticks and Hog's Head Pub
• Ollivander's Wand Shop
• Owl Post
• Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment
• Gladrags Wizardwear
• Dervish and Banges
• Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods
• Honeydukes
• Zonko's

Notes

References

References

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2. Creative, T.Holland. (12 July 2003). "Harry Potter's Going to Disney World?". Theme Park Insider.
3. Clarke, Susan Strother. (August 8, 2003). "Aol Lawyers Cast Spell On Rumors". Orlando Sentinel.
4. Levine, Arthur. (January 28, 2007). "Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park". About.com.
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10. Albright, Mark. (June 1, 2007). "A whole new magic kingdom". St. Petersburg Times.
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15. Schuker, Lauren A. E.. (December 1, 2011). "Second 'Harry Potter' Park Planned". Wall Street Journal.
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21. Nakashima, Ryan. (December 6, 2011). "Poof! Harry Potter park to appear in Hollywood". USA Today.
22. Villacorte, Christina. (April 23, 2013). "Harry Potter coming to Universal Studios Hollywood". Daily News.
23. "Exclusive: Hollywood's 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' sets its opening date".
24. "Universal Studios Hollywood - Los Angeles, California - Official Site".