On April 7, 2016, hundreds of fans lined up to see Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter here at Universal Studios Hollywood. The story of Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, had already been part of many people’s lives for almost 20 years, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood was about to change how fans could experience the wizarding world, transforming a story they loved into a place they could finally step into.
Stephen Siercks, senior director of entertainment production for Universal Studios Hollywood, recounts the opening night of the land: “For many of us, being able to produce the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter here at Universal Studios Hollywood was truly a career highlight, and something that I will forever cherish.”
Now, 10 years since it opened — and 25 years since the release of the first “Harry Potter” film! — let’s turn our Time-Turner and look back at the memories that have been created in this past decade.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Across Universal Destinations
The first location of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter first opened at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando in 2010. Fans of the “Harry Potter” films were eager to have their own opportunities to walk the familiar corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and sip Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks. With Harry Potter fans all around the world, Universal wanted to be able to bring this experience to as many guests as possible. It was next brought to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka in 2014 and — soon to follow after — right here at Universal Studios Hollywood.
For a look-back at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort read the Discover Universal deep dive article here.
One feature unique to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the Hollywood theme park was the introduction of nighttime shows at Hogwarts castle — that is, being able to project onto exact spots of Hogwarts castle. These shows have now become fan favorites at Universal theme parks all over the world, showing how much of a collaborative effort really takes place between each Universal location.
“Just the oohs and the aws and the cheering from the crowd made all the work worth it,” Stephen recalls about the first Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle show. “To see that guest response just put so much energy into ‘What else can we do?’”
The attention to detail in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has continued to bring the world to life. As you walk through the queue of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you come across the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. While many of the sets and props that adorn this classroom are replicas, the desks where Harry Potter and his classmates sat are genuine props from the films. You can also spot a dress worn by Cho Chang at the Yule Ball in a window display along the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade.
To make sure you don’t miss out on any small detail in the wizarding world, check out our guide to Details Harry Potter Fans will Appreciate in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The Wizarding Wonder Continues
The wizarding world is extensive and richly layered, and it’s amazing to see how it continues to evolve more than a decade later. “Each thing we’ve done within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has allowed us to explore and ideate what we could do next,” says Stephen. “It’s been very complementary to one another but also allowed us to really continue to raise the bar.”
From the launch of the Death Eaters encounter in Hogsmeade in the past to the upcoming Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Fan Fest Nights, there has always been a focus on surprising and delighting fans with iconic experiences directly from the wizarding world. This ensures that guests and fans can always return to relive their favorite moments while being able to keep their eyes forward for new experiences within the wizarding world.
Unforgettable Moments in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The “Harry Potter” films first arrived on the silver screen in 2001. Now, with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood and other Universal destinations, fans who grew up with the films now have a place to share the magic with family and friends. “It spans the generations,” Suzanne Dixon, senior manager in entertainment production at Universal Studios Hollywood, says. “Seeing the kids come in their robes and wands — I think that is really where you see the magic in the land.”
At any time during the day in Hogsmeade village you can find a young child with their wand in hand attempting to make a spell come to life, and their parents by their side to help and experience the magic alongside them. The magic of the moments comes from both the imagination behind it and the memories you can share with those you love most.
It’s hard to understate the impact The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has had on Universal Studios Hollywood as a whole. “The level of care and design — it just took us to a whole other standard,” says Stacey Quinealty, creative director of audio and video design at Universal Studios Hollywood. It made their team think, “If we think bigger, we can achieve bigger.”
Here’s to many more years of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Have you been able to experience the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Let us know your favorite part of the land in the comments below!
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