CALIFORNIA

Sneak peek: Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood

Scott Craven

The Republic | azcentral.com

Though the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood does not officially debut until April 7, some visitors were lucky enough to enter during a soft opening.

Harry Potter is ready for his Hollywood closeup, and The Arizona Republic had a sneak peek at this year’s most anticipated new theme-park attraction.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens April 7 at Universal Studios Hollywood. The land features a re-creation of Hogsmeade, a medieval village popular with spell-casters, as well as the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Fans of the seven-book (and eight-movie) series may wander among shops and restaurants taken directly from author J.K. Rowling’s imagination. You’ll be able to buy a wand, sip a butter beer, take home your own Sorting Hat and much more.

This is the Universal's third version of the park. Other Wizarding Worlds are in Orlando, Fla. and Osaka, Japan.

The centerpiece of the new land is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in which riders follow the wizard as he flies his broom in and around Hogwarts, encountering a dragon, spiders and a dangerous willow tree.

Check back soon for a detailed look at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as a guide to its attractions.