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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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This article is about the theme park land at Universal Parks. For the fictional universe described in the Harry Potter books, see Fictional universe of Harry Potter. For the fantasy media franchise universe, see Wizarding World.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Plain logo
Hogwarts Castle, which houses Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
ThemeHarry Potter (book series, film series and universe)
Attractions
Total2 (Florida)
3 (Japan, Hollywood, Beijing)
Roller coasters3 (Florida)
1 (Japan, Hollywood, Beijing)
Shows4 (Florida)
2 (Japan, Hollywood, Beijing)
Universal Islands of Adventure
StatusOperating
OpenedJune 18, 2010[1]
Universal Studios Florida
StatusOperating
OpenedJuly 8, 2014[2][3][4]
Universal Studios Japan
StatusOperating
OpenedJuly 15, 2014[5][6]
Universal Studios Hollywood
StatusOperating
OpenedApril 7, 2016[7]
Universal Studios Beijing
StatusOperating
OpenedSeptember 20, 2021
Universal Epic Universe
StatusUnder construction
OpensMay 22, 2025

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a chain of themed areas at Universal Destinations & Experiences based on the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the Warner Bros.' film series and original novels by J. K. Rowling. The areas were designed by Universal Creative from an exclusive license with Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Background

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A Harry Potter-themed attraction at either a Disney or Universal park was rumored in 2003.[8][9] However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise had been acquired by Warner Bros., who denied all rumors.[10] Both Disney and Universal entered bidding negotiations with Warner Bros. and Rowling for the theme park rights to Harry Potter.[11] In 2004, Rowling signed a letter-of-intent with Disney, with the company intending to develop a Harry Potter section within an area of Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World.[12][13] In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a "highly credible source" that the Universal Islands of Adventure park's Lost Continent area was going to be re-themed "to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children's franchises".[14] Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation that the new area would involve Harry Potter.[15][16] On May 31, 2007, Universal, in partnership with Warner Bros., officially announced the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be added to Islands of Adventure.[17][18][19][20]

Parks

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Universal Orlando Resort

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Main article: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)

Both theme parks at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida – Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida – have Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed environments. Both parks include Hogwarts Express stations allowing passengers to reach both theme parks aboard the full-scale replica of the train that appears in the film series.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Islands of Adventure on June 18, 2010. It includes a re-creation of Hogsmeade and three rides. The flagship attraction is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which exists within a re-creation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A new roller coaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which replaced the Dragon Challenge, opened on June 13, 2019. Other rides include Flight of the Hippogriff, a family roller coaster, and the Hogwarts Express. Other attractions include Ollivanders Wand Shop, the Triwizard Spirit Rally, and the Frog Choir. Hogsmeade contains many gift shops and restaurants from the book series including Dervish and Banges, Honeydukes, Ollivanders,[21] the Three Broomsticks, and the Hog's Head.

At the Universal Studios Florida theme park, another Wizarding World of Harry Potter land opened on July 8, 2014.[2][3][4] It includes a re-creation of Diagon Alley and connecting alleys, as well as a small section of Muggle London. It includes the rides Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and the Hogwarts Express. Other attractions include Ollivanders Wand Shop, a puppet performance of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, and a live performance by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. The area also contains many shops and restaurants from the book series including The Leaky Cauldron, Ollivanders Wand Shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Borgin and Burkes, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, and Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.

A third land in the Wizarding World, the Ministry of Magic, will open as part of Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025[22] with attractions based on both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series.[23][24][25] A theatrical show Le Cirque Arcanus will be included in 1920s wizarding Paris that will also feature many shops, restaurants, and experiences as well as a location where guests can time travel by Métro-Floo to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic area featuring the ride Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, which will revolve around the trial of Dolores Umbridge.[26][27][28]

Universal Studios Japan

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Main article: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Japan)

At the Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka, Japan, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened on July 15, 2014. It includes the village of Hogsmeade, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, and Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster.[5][6] Two features in the Japanese park not found in Orlando or Hollywood are Hogwarts' Black Lake and live owls.[6]

Universal Studios Hollywood

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Main article: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Hollywood)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Studios Hollywood on April 7, 2016,[29] Replacing The Adventures of Curious George which closed on September 6, 2013. The flagship attraction is the flight-simulating ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, similar to the Orlando one. Visitors once wore Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles throughout the ride for an enhanced ride experience, but the 3D visuals have recently been replaced by 2D.[30][31]

Universal Studios Beijing

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Main article: Universal Studios Beijing § The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade

Attractions

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The table below shows the different attractions across all the parks around the world.[32][33][34][35]

Name Type of Attraction Locations
Flight of the Hippogriff Ride Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Hagrid's Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure Ride Orlando
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Ride Orlando
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Hogwarts Express - Hogsmeade Station Ride Orlando
Hogwarts Express - King's Cross Station Ride Orlando
Dragon Challenge Ride Orlando
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Ride Orlando
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees Show Orlando
Frog Choir Show Orlando, Japan, Beijing
Knight Bus Show Orlando
Ollivanders Experience in Diagon Alley Show Orlando
Ollivanders Experience in Hogsmeade Show Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle Show Orlando (2018-2023), Hollywood
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Show Orlando, Hollywood
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Show Orlando, Hollywood
Dementor Attack Show Japan
The Tales of Beedle the Bard Show Orlando
Triwizard Spirit Rally Show Orlando, Japan
Wand Studies Show Japan
Hogwarts Always Show Orlando
Le Cirque Arcanus Show Orlando
Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour Dining Orlando
Hog's Head Dining Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Leaky Cauldron Dining Orlando
The Fountain of Fair Fortune Dining Orlando
The Hopping Pot Dining Orlando
Three Broomsticks Dining Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Café L'air De la Sirène Dining Orlando
Borgin and Burkes Shops Orlando
Dervish and Banges Shops Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods Shops Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Gringotts Money Exchange Shops Orlando
Honeydukes Shops Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions Shops Orlando
Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley Shops Orlando
Ollivanders Wand Shop in Hogsmeade Shops Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Owl Post & Owlery Shops Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Quality Quidditch Supplies Shops Orlando
Scribbulus Shops Orlando
Shutterbutton's Photography Studio Shops Orlando
Sugarplum's Sweetshop Shops Orlando
Wands by Gregorovitch Shops Orlando
Weasley's Wizard Wheezes Shops Orlando
Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment Shops Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Gladrags Wizardwear Shops Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Zonko's Joke Shop Shops Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing
Hogsmeade Station Shops Beijing
Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques Shops Orlando

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Only at Universal Orlando Resort". Universal Orlando Resort. 2010. Archived from the original on July 2, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
  2. ^ a b Bevil, Dewayne (July 17, 2014). "Universal's Diagon Alley: Answers to your burning questions". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Miller, Lisa (July 9, 2014). "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Opening Is Literally Making People Cry". The Huffington Post. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  4. ^ a b Niles, Robert (July 8, 2014). "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley opens officially at Universal Studios Florida". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  5. ^ a b Bevil, Dewayne (April 18, 2014). "Universal Studios Japan: Wizarding World of Harry Potter to open July 15". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  6. ^ a b c Cripps, Karla (July 16, 2014). "Universal Studios Japan's 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' opens". CNN. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  7. ^ "Exclusive: Hollywood's 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' sets its opening date". USA Today. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  8. ^ Hill, Jim (August 14, 2003). "Why For wouldn't J.K. Rowling let Universal Studios build a Harry Potter stunt show?". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  9. ^ Creative, T.Holland (July 12, 2003). "Harry Potter's Going to Disney World?". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  10. ^ Clarke, Susan Strother (August 8, 2003). "Aol Lawyers Cast Spell On Rumors". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
  11. ^ Devin Leonard; Christopher Palmeri (April 19, 2017). "Disney's Intergalactic Theme Park Quest to Beat Harry Potter". Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  12. ^ Taylor, Drew (July 14, 2017). "The Inside Story of Why Disney Spent Half a Billion Dollars on an Avatar Theme Park". New York. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  13. ^ "How 'Harry Potter' Almost Ended Up at Disney World - And Why the Deal Fell Apart". AllEars.Net. 2020-06-07. Retrieved 2021-09-25.
  14. ^ Levine, Arthur (January 28, 2007). "Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park". About.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  15. ^ Hart, Lance (February 1, 2007). "Harry Potter / Lost Continent Transformation". Screamscape. Archived from the original on February 3, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  16. ^ Hill, Jim (February 5, 2007). "Monday Mouse Watch: You'll believe a car can fly". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  17. ^ "Harry Potter theme park planned". BBC News. May 31, 2007.
  18. ^ Sturcke, James (May 31, 2007). "Harry Potter theme park to open in Florida". The Guardian. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  19. ^ "Harry Potter theme park swoops to Fla". USA Today. May 31, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  20. ^ Albright, Mark (June 1, 2007). "A whole new magic kingdom". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  21. ^ "Universal Orlando". Universal Orlando Resort. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
  22. ^ "Universal Orlando". Universal Orlando Resort. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  23. ^ Goldsmith, Jill (January 30, 2024). "Universal Shares First Details Of Epic Universe Lands: Super Nintendo, How To Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter & More At New Orlando Theme Park". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  24. ^ Nolfi, Joey (January 30, 2024). "Universal Epic Universe sets Harry Potter, Super Nintendo for new theme park lands". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  25. ^ "New Harry Potter themed world announced for Universal Epic Universe". Wizarding World. January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  26. ^ Tapp, Tom (July 31, 2024). "New Details Revealed About The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic At Universal Orlando's Epic Universe". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  27. ^ Chen, Eve (July 31, 2024). "Alohomora. Unlocking Epic Universe's plans for new Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts land". USA Today. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  28. ^ "Universal Epic Universe reveals more details about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic". Wizarding World. July 31, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  29. ^ "Universal Launches 'Harry Potter' Theme Park". CNBC. 7 April 2016.
  30. ^ "Universal Studios Hollywood to open Harry Potter attraction next spring". LA Biz.
  31. ^ "Harry Potter Merchandise". Houseofspells.
  32. ^ "Universal Orlando". Universal Orlando Resort. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
  33. ^ "Universal Studios Hollywood - Los Angeles, California - Official Site". Universal Studios Hollywood. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
  34. ^ "ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン｜USJ". Universal Studios Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-08-03.
  35. ^ "Universal Beijing Resort". www.universalbeijingresort.com. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
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