UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, United States (Reuters) – It was a celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood on Tuesday (April 5), where music filled the air and fireworks lit up of the sky for the unveiling of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”
The opening was marked by legendary composer John Williams leading the the L.A. Philharmonic in front of the theme park’s massive Hogwarts castle, which provided the perfect backdrop for the evenings dramatic 3D light and fireworks show.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” opening to the public on April 7, brings to life the quaint town of Hogsmeade from author J.K. Rowling’s seven-part “Harry Potter” books and subsequent films, and it caps off a five-year revamp across the park.
“It is amazing, it is hard for me not to well up,” said Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy and who was among a handful of “Potter” castmates attending.
“It’s like walking back through my old school grounds. But it is very exciting to see faces of new people there. Kids who haven’t seen it before, it kind of reminds you how lucky you are to grow up there,” added Felton.
From the cobblestone alleyways to the snow-capped roofs, fans of “Harry Potter” will be able to immerse themselves into a new “Wizarding World” attraction at the theme park. It features two rides, one within the castle-like structure of the Hogwarts school and the other an outdoors rollercoaster, alongside intricately detailed shops and restaurants such as Honeydukes sweets, Ollivanders wands and The Three Broomsticks.
Potter alumni James and Oliver Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley told Reuters that the park is far beyond they’re expectations.
“It is a world away from where we first went to the first audition, in a hotel in England,” laughed George. “We auditioned for every part and we thought, ‘Hey they might even make two films out of this, that would be cool.’ So to see this, it is far beyond anything I thought it would be.”
Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, added that “Wizarding World” was built for fans.
“I hope that they get a sense of feeling like they belong here,” said Lynch.
The attraction is part of the expanding Potter universe that includes plans for a new fantasy film drama based on J.K. Rowling’s book, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” and up coming play.
“It’s great the ‘Fantastic Beast’ gives us another glimpse into that world that J.K. Rowling has created,” said Warick Davis, better known as Professor Flitwick, who joked that he’s yet to receive a script for any of the projects, but would certainly be interested if he did.
“Harry Potter,” about an orphaned boy wizard in a magical world hidden within present day England, has sold more than 450 million books globally. Warner Bros.’ eight-part film franchise has grossed more than 7 billion worldwide.
Tickets for Universal Hollywood , which cover all the park’s attractions, range from 90 to 239 dollars for front-of-line passes.
