Universal Studios Japan Unveils a “New Magical Experience”!

by · May 20, 2015

Yesterday, we learned that Universal Studios would be making some special announcements regarding their Hollywood version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park. However, we don’t have to wait for some exciting news from another park! Today, Universal Studios Japan made a thrilling announcement concerning their version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park. According to the press release, the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride will be in 3D beginning May 21, exclusively at the Japanese theme park!

Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Katie Leung (Cho Chang) were on hand for the unveiling, along with Universal Studios Japan’s ambassador, SMAP. Fans at the park joined them in casting the Patronus Charm on the castle, which was lit up beautifully with Patronuses, namely a stag, rabbit, weasel, and eagle, as you can see above.

Tom Felton, who had the chance to experience the ride in 3D in a special preview, said in the press release,

It was always a great ride; now it’s even more immersive. I tried to grab the golden [S]nitch several times… coming face to face with the dragon and Dementor was terrifying.

This exclusive addition celebrates the beginning of the second year of the Wizarding World in Japan. Universal executives have been hinting that each version of the Wizarding World theme park will have its own exclusive addition, and it seems that this is the fulfillment of that promise for Japan!

MuggleNet will be at the park this week to experience the event. We’ll have a full review for you soon!

Press Release

May 20th 2015

Universal Studios Japan

Greater Magic in the second year

Evolved into 3D, the first time in the world “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”

Grand opening is May 21st (Thurs)

To celebrate greater magic in the second year at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan, a ceremony for the announcement of “New Magical Experience” and its advance premiere was held today, May 20th (Wed).

The world’s leading attraction “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” has been evolved into 3D and will open tomorrow on May 21st as the first and only in the world.With Harry Potter film talent Tom Felton and Katie Leung, and Universal Studios Japan’s ambassador SMAP, a spell was cast upon the magnificent Hogwarts castle to celebrate the opening of this new experience.

Thunderous cheer was heard from three hundred Harry Potter fans wearing scarves of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at 19:40, when the ceremony started, the members of SMAP, Universal Studios Japan’s ambassadors, appeared on the stage in front of Hogwarts castle, and introduced Harry Potter film talent Tom Felton, who portrayed Harry Potter’s classmate and nemesis Draco Malfoy, and Katie Leung, who portrayed Cho Chang famous for Harry’s first crush, made an appearance with Glenn Gumpel, Chairman and CEO of USJ, Co., when he announced to open “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” in 4K3D, which has been evolved into 3D for the first time. The fans reacted with cheers and surprises.

Along with the fans, they all cast “Expecto Patronum” towards Hogwarts castle. Then the crowd squealed for joy as eagle, rabbit, weasel and stag Patronuses appeared on the walls of Hogwarts, followed by a special display of fireworks.

All the celebrities had experienced “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” prior to the ceremony. Tom commented, “It was always a great ride, now it’s even more immersive. I tried to grab the golden snitch several times. Then Katie said that I tried to grab the snitch but it was unsuccessful. Coming face to face with the dragon and Dementor was terrifying.

SMAP, who participated at the ceremony as Universal Studios Japan’s ambassadors made the following statements. Mr. Inagaki said “ I am not good at ride, but I became addicted to the ride attraction due to this Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” Mr. Kusanagi commented “ It is awesome. I want everybody to experience it.” “Greater Magic in the 2nd Year. I was surprised that Universal Studios Japan made the world best which is beyond the own world best”, said Mr. Katori. “This attraction won’t disappoint the people who experience the ride last year and it is too awesome to remember the previous one “ Mr. Nakai commented. Mr. Kimura said that I was proud of having the world best and 1st entertainment in the world in Japan here.

CEO of USJ Co., Ltd, operating company of Universal Studios Japan, Glenn Gumpel made the following statement. “In 2014, so many guests visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan. I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you. As promised Universal Studios Japan will continue to deliver the “World’s Best” entertainments and will keep taking on new challenges.

Ceremony Attendees:

  • Glenn Gumpel, CEO of USJ Co., Ltd
  • Tom Felton, Actor, Draco Malfoy from the “Harry Potter” movie series
  • Katie Leung, Actress, Cho Chang from the “Harry Potter” movie series
  • SMAP, Universal Studios Japan Ambassadors