While we anxiously await the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood in Spring 2016, we now know what to expect thanks to the Universal team! A new interactive website allows us Muggles to take a look at the upcoming attraction. So as I am impatient and want to know all about Hollywood’s version of the Wizarding World, I looked at EVERYTHING on the website, here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect and if it’s worth clicking on (which it definitely is!).
Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood
Once you click on the site, you’re flying with Hedwig through the streets of Hogsmeade and then up to Hogwarts. The famous John Williams score plays throughout your magical journey. The home page is Marauder’s Map style where you can click on the three main locations of the Wizarding World: Hogsmeade, Hogwarts and the Flight of the Hippogriff. A train conductor meets you as you enter the online Hogsmeade. If you leave and come back he has something new to say to you each time. Hogsmeade is at the front of The Wizarding World and has all the shops and restaurants in it. How many shops, you may ask? Let’s walk the streets of Hogsmeade and find out…
– Zonko’s is where you can buy a novelty joke item to trick your friends or grab a tasty U-No-Poo, Shock-O-Choc or other tasty goods!
– Honeydukes, another candy shop where you can pick up some famous Chocolate Frogs, wizard trading cards included! You can find inside Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans (soap story)
– Three Broomsticks with Hog’s Head Pub has the best food and drinks in Hogsmeade! Order up The Great Feast, Fish & Chips, Shepard’s Pie and other English inspired fare. You can also pick up some Butterbeer for the tiny Muggles and in the back is Hog’s Head Pub where Muggle adults can sample the pub’s selection of domestic and imported beers, specialty drinks, wines and more! You can enter and get a 360 view of the inside of Three Broomsticks on the site.
– Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment is where you’ll find all the wizarding ware you’ll need (compass, Magnifying glasses, hourglasses, etc.) Also you’ll find apparel for each Hogwarts house here, so whether you’re Griffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, they’ve got you covered!
– Ollivanders they are the makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC. Pick up your replica wand of your favorite character OR grab an interactive wand that will allow you to cast spells to create magical experiences throughout Hogsmeade! Wave your wand, recite a spell and watch as the magic unfolds! You can enter the shop for a 360 view on the site.
– The Owl Post is where you can gather everything Owl and stationary related. You can enter for a 360 view here as well.
– Gladrags Wizard Wear is next to The Owl Post and here you’ll find all the fashionable wizard wear such as authentic wizard robes, costumes from the films and get a closer looks at Hermoine’s enchanting Yule Ball gown.
– If you make your way to the alley, you can stop at Dervish and Banges. Here you’ll come across more magical items such as Spectrespecs. It also carries all your Quidditch needs just in time for the season.
Beyond the alleys of Hogsmeade lies the Hogwart area. Near Hogwarts is Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods where you can buy all your Harry Potter souvenirs. I’m assuming this is where the ride exits and catches enthusiastic Hogwarts fans. There’s a 360 view you can check out of the store.
Then comes the moment we’ve all been waiting for, Hogwarts! Inside you’ll be able to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. You can watch a video and also enter Hogwarts. The ride allows you to fly with Harry and his friends with 3D-HD technology. Entering Hogwarts on the site was a longer video than the one about the ride. The one about the ride was very short and only show people walking up to the Wizard School and then suddenly you’re flying with Harry and Ron towards Hogwarts. If you choose the video of the school, you see several classrooms, seeing some of your favorite characters and take a special look around Dumbledore’s office.
There is one final place to visit: The Flight of the Hippogriff. You’ll stop by Hagrid’s hut and learn the proper way to approach these majestic creatures. Then you’re off on a family friendly coaster. This is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor coaster! Online you can click a video to see what this adventure would be like.
And there you have it! A comprehensive report on the online site. I was so excited flying around (there’s a Fly Tour option on the right) that I wanted to buy my ticket now! Alas, if you click on the ticket link, they are unavailable at this time (SIGH). I’ve been to the Wizarding World at Islands of Adventures in Orlando, FL and enjoyed it so much, I’m super excited it’s making its way to Hollywood next year. The Great Feast at Three Broomsticks was one of the best meals I’ve ever had at a theme park – so delicious! And I can honestly say if this version of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey down in Florida, it is one of the coolest and craziest rides I’ve ever been on!
What did you guys think of the site? Which Wizarding World attraction are you most excited for? Post in the comments or tweet me @KristinCarole13!
[ess_grid alias="article-side-bar-2"]