Universal Studios Hollywood

This entry describes the real-world theme park located in Universal City, California, and specifically its section dedicated to the Harry Potter universe. The information contained herein is about a commercial, licensed attraction and is not part of the canonical story created by J.K. Rowling.

• Type: Film Studio and Theme Park
• Location: Universal City, California, United States
• Owner/Residents: NBCUniversal (Owner). The park's Wizarding World section features representations of numerous characters including Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Albus Dumbledore.
• Key Features: A large-scale, immersive recreation of the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park that is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. On December 6, 2011, it was officially announced that a version of the popular “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” land from Universal Orlando Resort would be built at the Hollywood park. Construction began in 2013, involving the removal of the Gibson Amphitheatre to make space for the new land. The attraction officially opened to the public on April 7, 2016, with actors from the films in attendance, including Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick/Griphook), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), and James and Oliver Phelps (Fred Weasley and George Weasley). The project was overseen by Universal Creative in collaboration with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the original films, led by Stuart Craig, to ensure authenticity.

While not part of the book or film canon, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood plays a significant role in the franchise's real-world presence. It offers fans a tangible and immersive way to experience the magical world, allowing them to walk through familiar locations, purchase replica props and wizarding goods, and taste food and drink from the series like Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice. Its creation signifies the enduring popularity and cultural impact of the Harry Potter series, extending the brand beyond books and films into a physical experience.

The main area of interest for Harry Potter fans is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an immersive land that replicates Hogsmeade village under the shadow of a detailed Hogwarts Castle. It is divided into several key areas: Attractions

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Housed inside the Hogwarts Castle replica, this is the land's signature attraction. It is a dark ride that uses a robotic arm system to take guests on a tour of Hogwarts and its grounds. The queue winds through detailed recreations of the castle's interior, including the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Dumbledore's Office, and the Gryffindor Common Room. Guests encounter characters like Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, and face magical creatures such as an Acromantula, the Whomping Willow, and Dementors.
• Flight of the Hippogriff: A family-friendly roller coaster located adjacent to the castle. The queue takes guests past a replica of Hagrid's Hut. The ride simulates a flight on a Hippogriff over the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid's pumpkin patch.

Shops The village of Hogsmeade features a variety of shops from the wizarding world:

• Ollivanders: A replica of the famous wand shop. It features an interactive experience where a “wandkeeper” helps a wand “choose” a wizard from the audience. The shop sells a wide variety of replica character wands and interactive wands that can be used to perform “magic” at various locations throughout the land.
• Honeydukes: A sweet shop selling iconic treats such as Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, and Fizzing Whizzbees.
• Zonko's Joke Shop: Sells novelty items and jokes, including Extendable Ears and Sneakoscopes. It is attached to Honeydukes.
• Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment: Sells various wizarding supplies like binoculars, compasses, and apparel from the four Hogwarts houses.
• Gladrags Wizardwear: Offers wizarding robes, apparel, and accessories, including a replica of Hermione Granger's Yule Ball gown.
• Dervish and Banges: Sells magical items, Quidditch supplies like the Quaffle and Golden Snitch, and other wizarding wares.
• Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods: The exit gift shop for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, selling a variety of souvenirs.
• Owl Post: A functioning post office where guests can mail letters with a special Hogsmeade postmark. It also sells stationery and owl-related toys.

Dining

• The Three Broomsticks: A rustic tavern that serves as the land's primary restaurant. It offers a menu of British-inspired food mentioned in the books. The attached Hog's Head Pub serves drinks including Butterbeer (frozen, cold, and hot varieties), Pumpkin Juice, and other beverages.

• The layout of The Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood is very similar to the original Hogsmeade section that opened at Universal's Islands of Adventure park in Orlando, Florida, in 2010. However, the Hollywood version features some different shopfronts and a slightly altered street layout to accommodate the park's topography.
• Unlike the Orlando resort, which features both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, the Hollywood park currently only features the Hogsmeade area.
• John Williams, the composer of the scores for the first three Harry Potter films, composed new music for the land's attractions, including a theme for the Hogwarts Express photo opportunity (Pottermore).
• Many of the props seen in the shop windows and attraction queues are authentic props used during the filming of the Harry Potter movies (film).