The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Hollywood)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Studios Hollywood
Coordinates 34°08′17.50″N 118°21′11.64″W / 34.1381944°N 118.3532333°W / 34.1381944; -118.3532333Coordinates: 34°08′17.50″N 118°21′11.64″W / 34.1381944°N 118.3532333°W / 34.1381944; -118.3532333
Status Operating
Soft opening date February 12, 2016
Opening date April 7, 2016[1]
Replaced Gibson Amphitheatre[2] and The Adventures of Curious George
General statistics
Attraction type Themed area
Designer Universal Creative
Theme Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park near Los Angeles, California. The area is themed to the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the film series and novels by J.K. Rowling. The attraction—the second Harry Potter-themed area to exist at a Universal resort—was designed by Universal Creative from an exclusive license with Warner Bros. Entertainment.

After the successful debut of a similarly-themed area at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Parks & Resorts announced the construction of a second Wizarding World of Harry Potter on December 6, 2011. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially began operation on April 7, 2016.

Background

Previous Universal Harry Potter attractions

A Harry Potter themed attraction at a Universal Studios park or a Disney park was rumored in 2003.[3][4] However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise had been acquired by Warner Bros., which denied all rumors.[5] In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a "highly credible source" that the 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".[6] Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation that the new area would involve Harry Potter.[7][8] 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.[9][10][11][12]

After a two-and-a-half year construction period, the area officially opened to the public on June 18, 2010.[13][14] This resulted in attendance at the park jumping approximately 50% in its first year of operation.[15] 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 at Universal Studios Japan.[16]

Construction of Hogwarts Castle, where Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios Hollywood is now housed (March 2015)

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 their version of Islands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.[17] 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.[17] This report was widely relayed by other media sources.[18][19][20] On December 6, 2011, Universal Studios Hollywood announced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.[21] 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.[22] 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.[2][23] 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.[24]

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.[1]

Attractions

Similar to the Wizarding World in Japan, this one does not feature the Dragon Challenge coaster from Islands of Adventure, but does include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff, along with Olivander's Wand Shop Show, and the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally.

Dining and shopping

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Exclusive: Hollywood's 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' sets its opening date". USA Today. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
  2. 1 2 Nakashima, Ryan (December 6, 2011). "Poof! Harry Potter park to appear in Hollywood". USA Today. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  3. ↑ Hill, Jim (14 August 2003). "Why For wouldn't J.K. Rowling let Universal Studios build a Harry Potter stunt show?". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  4. ↑ Creative, T.Holland (12 July 2003). "Harry Potter's Going to Disney World?". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  5. ↑ Clarke, Susan Strother (August 8, 2003). "Aol Lawyers Cast Spell On Rumors". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
  6. ↑ Levine, Arthur (January 28, 2007). "Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park". About.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  7. ↑ Hart, Lance (February 1, 2007). "Harry Potter / Lost Continent Transformation". Screamscape. Archived from the original on February 3, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  8. ↑ Hill, Jim (February 5, 2007). "Monday Mouse Watch: You'll believe a car can fly". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Harry Potter theme park planned". BBC News. May 31, 2007.
  10. ↑ Sturcke, James (May 31, 2007). "Harry Potter theme park to open in Florida". The Guardian. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Harry Potter theme park swoops to Fla.". USA Today. May 31, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  12. ↑ Albright, Mark (June 1, 2007). "A whole new magic kingdom". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  13. ↑ Garcia, Jason. "Big day is here: Universal hopes Harry Potter's magic will last". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  14. ↑ "Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park opens". Australia Times. June 19, 2010. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
  15. ↑ Nakashima, Ryan (6 December 2011). "Poof! Harry Potter park to appear in Hollywood". USA Today. Los Angeles. Associated Press. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  16. ↑ Cripps, Karla (16 July 2014). "Universal Studios Japan's 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' opens". CNN. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  17. 1 2 Schuker, Lauren A. E. (December 1, 2011). "Second 'Harry Potter' Park Planned". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
  18. ↑ Associated Press (December 2, 2011). "Harry Potter attraction on way to Universal Studios Hollywood after successful Orlando debut". Washington Post. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
  19. ↑ Serjeant, Jill (December 1, 2011). "Harry Potter theme parks set to expand: report". Reuters. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
  20. ↑ Fritz, Ben (November 30, 2011). "Harry Potter attraction coming to Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Hogwarts Coming to Hollywood". Press Release. Universal Studios Hollywood. December 6, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  22. ↑ Bevil, Dewayne (December 6, 2011). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter to expand at Universal Orlando". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  23. ↑ MacDonald, Brady (December 6, 2011). "It's official: Harry Potter land to debut at Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  24. ↑ Villacorte, Christina (April 23, 2013). "Harry Potter coming to Universal Studios Hollywood". Daily News. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
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