[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood on April 7, and is sure to be a theme park game changer here on the West Coast.
It comes at the perfect time for Universal, which can reap the benefits from its target demographic well ahead of the opening of its competition in Anaheim with Star Wars Land coming in the next few years.
Set in a meticulous recreation of a snow-covered Hogsmeade with Hogwart’s Castle towering high above, this will be the single most impressive and largest expansion Universal Studios Hollywood perhaps has ever seen.
The land will feature a signature attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an experience that is on par with anything Disney has created in terms of thematic immersion, design, story, and technological innovation. Unlike the version in Orlando, this one will be in 3D, but don’t let that mislead you about the concept of this ride. There’s an element where those 3D glasses will come in handy, but the attraction also incorporates practical sets and a more traditional “dark ride” feel. It’s the combination of these two elements along with unique ride system that makes this a one-of-a-kind and a must-ride.
A smaller kid-friendly coaster, Flight of the Hippogriff, isn’t anything all-too impressive, but will provide some nice vantage points overlooking the new land.
Hogsmeade will be home to a plethora of shops and dining offerings, all thematically in tune with the films. From Butterbeer to wands, if you’re a Potter fan, you will be blown away.
Cast members will be in character as they meander about. If you ask the conductor of the Hogwart’s Express where he’s originally from, he’s not going to tell you Garden Grove. He’ll say he’s born and raised in Hogsmeade. It’s another layer of fun with the storytelling of the land, and adds a “next generation” component to the theme park experience, one Disney will be utilizing with its Star Wars Land.
Having experienced the Wizarding World’s Orlando counterpart, I can tell you, the land, the attractions, the shops are all nothing short of impressive. While I’m a Disneyland season passholder and get to that park once a month or so, Universal Studios Hollywood has been a park I’d visit once maybe every five or ten years, save for a yearly visit to Halloween Horror Nights. With Potter, I may very well find myself at the park once a year. If my habits are any indication, this new land is going to be a humongous success for Universal.
As someone familiar with the land in Orlando, however, it will be interesting to see how the Hollywood version compares in terms of scale. In Orlando, an existing dueling roller coaster located in that area of the park was repurposed and re-themed to Dragon Challenge. This provides a 3rd attraction, good for soaking up guests and easing the lines a bit for Forbidden Journey, and yes, even the shops. Hollywood is only going to have the two rides, and Hippogriff can hardly be considered a must-ride, thus, unlike, say, Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, the Wizarding World is going to have one major ride for the massive crowds. This could make for painfully long lines.
Also, in Orlando with much more space to play with, Hogsmeade truly feels like a place separate and apart from the rest of Islands of Adventure. The scale is so impressive. In Hollywood, without this luxury, the Wizarding World is wedged in between the Simpsons land and the Shrek 4-D attraction.
As Disneyland proves, however, there’s nothing wrong with a compact park packed with thrilling attractions.
Orlando has already opened it’s Wizarding World expansion as well, with Diagon Alley at its Studios park and its signature thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, along with a super fun Hosgmeade Express train ride connecting the two lands.
I suspect, then, for those who have already been to Orlando, Hollywood will feel a tad anti-climactic. For all others though, this will clearly be the theme park event of Summer 2016.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]