Universal Studios Hollywood

Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts Castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade, and sample fare from some of the wizarding world’s best-known establishments. Plus, experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you into a world of magical thrills and enjoyment.

This park opened on April 7, 2016, at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California.

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General Information


Attractions

  • Flight of the Hippogriff - This family-friendly coaster simulates a hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts Castle.
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - Located in Hogwarts Castle, this ride is a thrilling, new, state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters, and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced.

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Entertainment

  • Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle - This nighttime experience casts a mesmerizing display of light, music, and special effects, unleashing the darkest creatures and villains, including the powerful Dark wizard Lord Voldemort. It brings more intense tones and drama that reflect the Dark creatures and wizards that challenge goodness in the wizarding world.
  • Frog Choir - Listen to the student choir accompanied by their frogs.
  • The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle - This is the wintertime equivalent to the Hogwarts light projection show.
  • The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle - Guests can see a dazzling light projection against the backdrop of Hogwarts with music from the Harry Potter films.
  • Ollivanders Wand Shop - In this shop, the wandkeeper will select one guest to get the full experience of testing and choosing a wand.
  • Triwizard Spirit Rally - Cheer on the colorful procession of students from the legendary wizarding schools of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang.
  • Wand Magic - An interactive wand will offer guests the chance to cast spells at hidden magical points found via the magic map they receive with purchase.

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Shops

  • Dervish and Banges
  • Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods
  • Gladrags Wizardwear
  • Hogsmeade Station
  • Honeydukes
  • Ollivanders
  • Owl Post
  • Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment
  • Zonko's Joke Shop

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Dining

  • Butterbeer Street Carts - These magical carts are sure to satisfy your craving with your choice of original or frozen butterbeer.
  • The Hog's Head - If you need a quick refresher, the Hog's Head is the place to go. Located in the back of the Three Broomsticks, this pub offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including the exclusive Hog's Head Brew.
  • The Magic Neep Cart - Stop by the Magic Neep Cart for a quick pick-me-up after a long day of spell-casting! Here you'll find a variety of drinks such as gillywater, pumpkin juice, and canned beers, as well as an assortment of snacks from fresh fruits to pretzels.
  • The Three Broomsticks - Start your day with a hearty breakfast, or come by later for a classic British meal such as Fish and Chips, Shepherd's Pie, or Beef Pasties. Don't forget to finish your meal with a Butterbeer Potted Cream for dessert.

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Butterbeer Available

  • Cold (vegan available)
  • Frozen (vegan available)
  • Fudge
  • Hot
  • Ice cream
  • Potted cream

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Announcements

December 8, 2015
It has been announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, April 7, 2016.

From the press release:

In making the exciting announcement, Universal Studios Hollywood illuminated the land’s Hogwarts Castle to signal the arrival of today’s momentous news.

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” will transport guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen.

Upon entering the land through the archway, Hogsmeade will bustle to life with the same vitality of a quaint local village: merchants hard at work, a train conductor welcoming new arrivals and a pub packed to the gills with hungry patrons, but with the added element of enthusiastic guests intent on experiencing them all, including the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” and the family outdoor coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™.”

An achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will make its U.S. debut at Universal Studios Hollywood in hyper-realistic 3D-HD designed to further immerse guests in an already engaging storyline.  The multidimensional thrill ride features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects.  In this updated adaptation of the ride, guests will sport Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles as they venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.

Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™” will open as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter’s world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage 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 will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods™.


April 8, 2014
It's been officially announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will open sometime in 2016.

From the press release:

2016 will be a magical year for Universal Studios Hollywood as the theme park's epic transformation becomes fully realized with the highly-anticipated arrival of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter."

Inspired by the magical world created by J.K. Rowling and brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Studios Hollywood will be a fully immersive land designed for the entire family that brings the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and authenticity. Similar to the dynamic Universal Orlando Resort themed land that opened in 2010, the Hollywood experience will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts Castle that will serve as the iconic focal point of the impressively themed environment. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is a collaboration between J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts.


April 24, 2013
It's been long in coming, but the announcement from NBC Universal confirming construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood has finally arrived!

Here's the main quote from Ron Meyer, president and COO of Universal Studios, currently buzzing around the net.

After nearly a decade of work on the Evolution Plan, today's vote sets the stage for our next 100 years in Los Angeles.

100 years is a long time, but after the success the Harry Potter franchise has had in Universal Studios Orlando, we're surprised this announcement didn't come sooner! The "Evolution Plan" cited here by Mr. Meyer reportedly represents a staggering $1.6 billion investment in tourism and production. You don't need a baker to tell you -that's a lot a dough!

InsidetheMagic is reporting that the new Wizarding World (which will begin construction this summer) will bring with it new and upgraded television production facilities, as well as office space and infrastructure at the Universal Studios lot, which will comprise a $500 million investment in the Los Angeles economy and the creation of more than 2,000 construction jobs. Additionally, the inclusion of the Hogwarts-sized castle will mean bringing an end to some older sections of the park, including the Curious George section.


December 6, 2011
Universal has officially announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open a second location, this one at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.

From the press release:

Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts Castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention. It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions. Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time.

"The announcement of our partnership with Universal to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood and expand what already exists in Orlando is probably the best holiday gift we could give to the legions of Harry Potter fans worldwide," said Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. "Everyone involved with these projects is committed to continuing the enchantment of J.K. Rowling's masterful books as they were brought to life on screen in our eight films and dedicated to extending the magic of the experience for generations of fans to come."

"This is an incredible moment for Universal Studios and the millions of guests who visit our theme parks," said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios. "The Harry Potter stories are some of the most powerful of our time and we are honored to expand our Orlando experience and bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever changing family tourism in Los Angeles."

"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an entirely new level of themed entertainment that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in incredible ways," said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. "We are thrilled to be able to share this experience with our guests in Hollywood. And we are thrilled to take what has been created in Orlando to even greater levels."

Reports

WWoHP Food Testing in Hollywood – What to Expect – February 24, 2016

A report on the food that is offered at the Three Broomsticks within Universal Studios Hollywood.

MuggleNet represented by Elizabeth Vasquez

You can read the report here.


The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood Sneak Peek! – February 11, 2016

A report with the first official look inside Universal Studios Hollywood's new area.

MuggleNet represented by Sierra Davenport

You can read the report here.

Media


Contents

Photos

Food Taste Testing – February 24, 2016

Sneak Peek Preview – February 11, 2016

Announcement Ceremony – December 6, 2011

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Videos

Red Carpet Grand Opening – April 7, 2016

 

John Williams' Pre-Opening Performance – April 5, 2016

 

MuggleNet's Red Carpet Periscope Interviews – April 5, 2016

 

TV Commercial – December 8, 2015

 

Opening Date Announcement – December 8, 2015

 

Official Announcement Ceremony – December 6, 2011

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Accolades

Awards Won

Theme Park Insider Awards 2018

Best Quick-Service Restaurant
The Three Broomsticks

Theme Park Insider Awards 2017

Best Quick-Service Restaurant
The Three Broomsticks

Theme Park Insider Awards 2016

Best Quick-Service Restaurant
The Three Broomsticks