Universal Fan Fest Nights is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood, and the entire theme park will be celebrating several iconic sci-fi, anime, gaming, and fantasy franchises. (Check out details and the full Universal Fan Fest Nights lineup here.) Of course, you really can’t celebrate fantasy without The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — that’s just a fact. During event nights this spring, “Harry Potter” fans will be able to enjoy exclusive menu items, witness the “Hogwarts Always” projection light show, and meet a cast of magical creatures — all brand-new to Universal Studios Hollywood!
If you’re anything like me, the thought of seeing magical creatures in Hogsmeade village is exciting. Some of my favorite “Harry Potter” scenes are about magical creatures, like when Hagrid adopts a baby dragon or when Harry Potter first rides on the back of a Hippogriff. These creatures really enhance the magical world we know and love, and now we’ll be able to meet some ourselves! Fans will get the chance to interact with a Niffler, an Occamy, and a baby dragon. Here’s all you need to know about these limited-time Wizarding World of Harry Potter residents to prepare for Universal Fan Fest Nights!
Niffler
The Niffler is by far the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, but don’t let that fool you! These mischievous little creatures will go to great lengths to get their paws on anything shiny and cause chaos as they do so. They’ll then magically stash all their treasure in a pouch on their bellies, managing to conceal objects twice their size.
In “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Magizoologist Newt Scamander keeps a Niffler named Teddy in his briefcase. Teddy escapes, practically destroying a bank as he runs around snatching coins, diamonds, and sparkly pearls from unsuspecting people. (In Teddy’s defense, I’m sure he didn’t mean to.) So, remember to hide your jewelry, keys, coins, pins, and anything shiny when you meet a Niffler. And don’t let their cute little faces deceive you. Better safe than sorry!
Baby Dragon
Fully grown dragons are extremely dangerous, untamable creatures, which is why the Ministry of Magic has made it illegal to breed, buy, or sell one. But we won’t say anything if you don’t.
In “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” Hagrid briefly owns a Norwegian Ridgeback after receiving a dragon’s egg from a mysterious stranger in Hogsmeade. His baby dragon, named Norbert, is a snappy little thing that sets fire to Hagrid’s beard. Awww!
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during Universal Fan Fest Nights, you’ll run into a dragon dealer who also has a Norwegian Ridgeback in his possession. These fire-breathing creatures possess venomous fangs and a craving for most living things! Snap a photo with him if you dare.
Occamy
No Muggle, witch, or wizard at a Universal Studios theme park has ever encountered an Occamy before — but you can at Universal Fan Fest Nights! This colorful, bird-like creature has the magical ability to shrink and expand its body to fit any given space. In “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Newt Scamander and Auror Tina Goldstein manage to catch an Occamy within a teapot, after it almost destroys an entire room with its giant body.
Here in Hogsmeade village, our Occamy has shrunk enough to rest across its handler’s shoulders. Learn all about the Occamy’s silver eggs and its magical abilities when you meet its handler and be prepared to pose for a picture alongside this fantastic beast!
After meeting all these magical creatures, explore the rest of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during Universal Fan Fest Nights. Purchase a wand at Ollivanders to complete your Harry Potter cosplay. Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to encounter some fully grown dragons! And if you’re craving more time with magical creatures, get on Flight of the Hippogriff to come face-to-face with a real-life Hippogriff. And don’t forget to experience “Hogwarts Always,” the new projection lightshow coming to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
Want to explore everything that Hogsmeade village has to offer? Check out Discover Universal’s guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Which magical creature coming to Universal Fan Fest Nights are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below!
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