DTLA LIFE MAG #26 | MARCH-APRIL 2016 | Page 82

The wait is over. The most anticipated theme-park addition to Universal Studios Hollywood opens on April 7th. More than five years in the making, and inspired by J. K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters and the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood will bring guests the same authenticity and storytelling found at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan and is expected to attract Harry Potter fans and visitors from all over the globe for decades to come. match, narrowly escape a dragon attack and have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow. “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” is an achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology featuring a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. Sporting Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles, guests will venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime. The lucky visitors will be swept into a fully immersive themed land that brings the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and precision. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point. At Universal Studios Hollywood, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will make its U.S. debut as a dynamic 3D-HD adventure designed to further immerse guests in an already captivating storyline. Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff” will debut as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first “Harry Potter is an exhilarating multi-generational outdoor coaster. global phenomenon that has captivated the world’s attention across every one of its mediums, from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate books and movies to exhilarating theme park ad- with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harventures,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Univer- ry Potter’s epicurean world with the opportunity to sal Studios Hollywood. “With its imminent arrival to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple loThe Entertainment Capital of L.A., Universal Studios cations, including: Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Hollywood is thrilled to bring our guests a new, com- Head pub, as well the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ pelling experience of ‘The Wizarding World of Harry carts. A foray through the shops will add to the auPotter’ as we embark on this next chapter in our sto- thenticity of the land with eight retail shops and locaried history.” tions, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding “The momentum behind J.K. Rowling’s wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardworld is as strong as ever and we are incredibly ex- wear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods™. cited to bring Hogwarts to Hollywood,” said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Fans around the world have experienced the magic at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ in Orlando and Osaka and we look forward to continued success with our partners at Universal Studios Hollywood as THE we offer more fans a chance to step into this immerWIZARDING sive environment.” WORLD Like its counterparts, Hogwarts castle will sit at the heart of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” where the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” will take guests on a journey into many memorable scenes alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Traveling by Floo powder, guests will soar high above Hogwarts, partake in a Quidditch OF HARRY POTTER Opening April 7th, 2016 Universal Studios Hollywood www.universalstudioshollywood.com