Harry Potter World Opens in Universal Studios, Hollywood

After five years of anticipation, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter finally opened in Universal Studios, Hollywood, throwing the castle doors wide open April 7. The new park is part of Universal’s 25-year Evolution Plan that will invest $1.6 billion into expansions and upgrades.

After the success of the Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley parks in Orlando, fans of J.K. Rowling’s fantasy series are eager to see what Universal Studios Hollywood has in store. Universal prides itself on faithfully recreating the landscapes from the films, placing muggles right in the world of Harry Potter with attractions like the Three Broomsticks, Olivander’s Wand Shop and, of course, the iconic Hogwarts Castle, which houses “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” a technological masterpiece of 3D design and roller coaster engineering.

Ardent fans will recognize many sites in the park, from Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans at Honeydukes to authentic Hogwarts robes at Gladrags Wizardwear. Some of the shops are cheeky references that don’t exist in the book like Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, but overall the entire park comes together in a mesmerizing journey through the beloved series of novels.