When I was a kid, there were two great loves of my life: 1) the “Harry Potter” films, and 2) any and all animals. So, unsurprisingly, magical creatures have long tugged at my heartstrings. I always dreamt of sneaking out of my dorm (in Ravenclaw Tower) at night, slinking across the Hogwarts grounds and exploring what creatures awaited me in the Forbidden Forest. And to be clear, in my dreams, the magical creatures all love me.
And now, for the first time ever at Universal Studios Hollywood, I can make that childhood dream come to life. That’s right: for the first time ever, guests can venture into the Forbidden Forest in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Fan Fest Nights.
Fans of the wizarding world (myself included) have long craved a Forbidden Forest experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, and I’m thrilled that the time is finally (almost) here. So, wands ready! It’s time to dive into Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff, only at Universal Fan Fest Nights.
The Case of the Lost Hippogriff
This experience takes place in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, just adjacent to Hogwarts castle. Guests will journey into the Forbidden Forest, complete with dense trees, mossy boulders — and yes, an abundance of magical creatures. Curiosities hide behind every corner of the Forbidden Forest; even without a magical creature in sight, every inch feels completely alive.
“This experience is really an exciting one for us,” says Stephen Siercks, senior director, entertainment production and executive producer of Universal Fan Fest Nights.
And it’ll be exciting for you, too. In Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff, guests will be guided through the forest in groups, with a Hogwarts professor at the lead. You’ll begin by winding your way through the forest under the premise that you’re meeting a professor for a nighttime lesson. But when you find them, everything changes.
The professor discovers something alarming: A Hippogriff is lost. With your fearless professor, face magical creatures, challenging spells, and tests of courage to help aid the lost Hippogriff. If you’re familiar with the Forbidden Forest, you know what kinds of creatures might lie in its dense thickets under the moonlight: eight-legged creepy-crawlies, magical plants who seem to have minds of their own, and so much more. Some are friendly and some are… less-than-friendly. Without giving too much of the fun away, I’ll tell you this: You’ve never seen these creatures in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood before.
This marks an all-new immersive walkthrough experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, exclusive to Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Want to know everything about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood? Check out Discover Universal’s complete guide here.
Wands at the Ready!
With so many unexpected twists and turns in Forbidden Forest, you’re going to need to use some magic. Luckily, you’ve got a Hogwarts professor by your side to cast spells as you make your way through the moonlit woods. Your magical abilities and spells are what propel you along this journey, from brave encounters to magical creatures, and clues to aid in finding the lost Hippogriff.
And you know what’s great about wands? You can use your own, too.
That’s Stephen’s top tip for guests venturing into the Forbidden Forest at Universal Fan Fest Nights: Bring your wand, wear your Hogwarts house robes, and have fun. The immersive experience is designed for guests to actively interact with — so don’t be timid! Your professor is going to need all the help they can get to find this lost Hippogriff.
“You’re not just along for the journey” in the Forbidden Forest, says Stephen. “You’re part of the journey.”
PRO TIP: Don’t have a wand yet? No problem. Swing by Ollivanders, Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 BC, to find a wand of your very own. You may even meet the wand keeper and witness a wand choose a wizard — maybe it’ll even be you. Check out the full Ollivanders attraction guide here.
Having a wand is by no means a requirement to experience the Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff, though it allows for additional interactive moments throughout the experience. Don’t have a wand? Your professor and fellow guests will have you covered.
Want to get totally decked out in wizarding gear for Fan Fest Nights? Take a look through our merch guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to plan your Hogsmeade village shopping excursion. Then let us know what magical creature you’re most excited to see in the comments below.
No Comments