UPDATED: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood Announces New Summer Experiences!

If you’re planning a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood this summer, the theme park has some magical new experiences planned for you too! Beginning June 24, Universal Studios Hollywood is introducing new magic wand experiences, apparel options, menu options, and the return of its “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” light display!

Universal Studios Hollywood issued a press release today, detailing what park guests will be able to expect! There will be an expansion of the Three Broomsticks’ lunch menu with more traditional British fare, while a “high-end replica” of Severus Snape’s robes and a replica of Hermione Granger’s Yule Ball dress (in both adult and children’s sizes) will be available for purchase at Gladrags Wizardwear. The addition of two new interactive wand magic locations, as well as the addition of Madam Malkin’s Talking Mirror, will also enhance the experience.

At night, guests will be able to take in “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle,” which is returning for a limited time only, starting Sunday, June 24. The light display is accompanied by “a special musical arrangement” composed by John Williams.

You can find the full press release from Universal Studios Hollywood below!

 

UPDATE (June 16):

“The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood June 24–August 19 and for three extra shows from September 1 to 3. It starts at dusk each evening and runs until the park closes, so you have plenty of time to watch the spectacle!

The return of the “Nighttime Lights” show isn’t the only exciting reason to head to Universal Studios Hollywood this summer. Visitors will be able to try out two new interactive wand movements in Hogsmeade Village starting this July – the Fire-Making Spell (Incendio) and the Unlocking Charm (Alohomora).

Press Release

Universal City, CA, May 17, 2018 — From the moment guests enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” at Universal Studios Hollywood, they are transported to Hogsmeade village, which this summer will introduce new wand magic experiences, authentic costume replicas, lunchtime menu items and the popular return of “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.”

v With a gentle flick of the wrist and just the right touch, guests can cast spells throughout “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at dazzling wand magic locations. This summer’s installation of two additional spells ups the tally to 15 thrilling wand magic experiences to practice. The Incendio fire-making spell will conjure flames of varying size based on skill level, and the Alohomora spell will unlock a series of intricate locks that may reveal the fiery breath of a creature hidden behind a secret door.

v Three Broomsticks expands its lunchtime menu with a selection of traditional British fare, including:

o Ploughman’s Lunch, featuring an imported selection of ham, salami, country paté, English cheese, homemade pickles and a warm scotch egg served with bread, cranberry chutney and grain mustard

o Cheese Toastie with Chicken, featuring grilled English Cheddar cheese with chicken, crispy bacon, mustard and sliced tomato topped with a sunny side egg served with a fresh salad or potato wedges

o Sunday Roast Sandwich served on a freshly baked baguette filled with warm prime rib, caramelized onions, English Cheddar, horseradish sauce and homemade garlic pickles served with fresh salad or potato wedges

v Guests can channel their inner wizards at Gladrags Wizardwear with a wide array of apparel inspired by the films. The billowing house robes worn by the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and accompanying house uniforms, including hand-loomed cardigans from Scotland, scarves and ties are available for purchase. New to Gladrags Wizardwear this season is a high-end replica of Professor Severus Snape’s robe, as well as a replica of Hermonione’s [sic] dress worn at the Yule Ball as seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which is now available in adult and children’s sizes.

Other wizard attire includes a replica of the cardigan worn by Neville Longbottom in the Battle of Hogwarts scene in the film series finale. Select attire is available in a variety of sizes from toddler to adult.

v Just like the talking mirror in the Harry Potter films, Madam Malkin's Talking Mirror makes quite a reflective entrance this summer, located in the corridor between Dervish and Banges™ and Gladrags Wizardwear. Speaking with an English accent, the Talking Mirror will entertain guests with a variety of complimentary remarks.

v “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” returns for a limited time only, beginning Saturday, June 23.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” shines brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, and culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky. The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection is accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy® award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that emanates in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle. From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen. The architecturally stunning land also includes the captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter’s world, as well as “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks and Hog's Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer carts. A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with such retail venues as Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear, Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods and the Hogsmeade™ Station.

Additional information on Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood this summer? Are you excited by the new additions? Let us know in the comments below!

Mary W.

I am a Slytherin, a lifelong fan of Harry Potter, and a member of MuggleNet staff since 2014. In my Muggle life, I am passionate about human rights, and I love to travel around the world and meet new people.