The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opening Hollywood Location in 2016
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding: The Universal Studios attraction will open an outpost in Hollywood beginning in spring 2016.
The Los Angeles location follows the attraction's booming success in Orlando, where it features two distinct locales from the "Harry Potter" universe: Hogsmeade, and Diagon Alley. A Hogsmeade attraction is also located at Universal Studios in Japan.
So far, the Los Angeles Wizarding World of Harry Potter will only open a Hogsmeade branch, though its success could warrant further expansion of the brand. According to Variety, the new Hollywood outpost will feature the Three Broomsticks inn and the Hog's Head pub, and fan favorite beverage butterbeer will be available for purchase.
Flight simulator Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will be the main attraction, featuring what Variety calls "hyper-realistic 3D," setting itself apart from the Orlando ride. An outdoor rollercoaster, Flight of the Hippogriff, is also planned, the first such attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood.
"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be a game changer in the Los Angeles market," said park president Larry Kurzweil in a statement. "We expect its arrival to set record high attendance and will have a lasting impact on L.A. and California tourism for years to come."
Consider our flights to L.A. already booked. 2016 can't come soon enough.
[via: Variety]
Photo credit: Getty Images