This summer is shaping up to be a very magical time. If you don’t know, Universal Studios is set to open its Harry Potter attraction on June 18th. For the first time, guests can visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and stroll the streets of Hogsmead™, exploring the sights, sounds and magical wonders therein; and experience thrilling rides and attractions that bring the adventures of Harry Potter™ and his friends to life.
Guests will also be given a chance to tour Hogwarts™ castle to see firsthand some of their favorite locations including Professor Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindo™ common room, the Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom and more.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will enable visitors to take flight on a variety of rides and attractions that will provide experiences never before imagined. As visitors venture through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts™ they’ll come upon the signature ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™. For the first time ever visitors will be able to soar above the castle grounds, joining Harry Potter™ and his friends on a thrilling adventure. Riders will come face-to-face with creatures from memorable moments in the films such as the Hungarian Hormtail, a giant Acromantula, Demetors™, and the gigantic Whomping Willow™ as they speed and swerve through iconic locations from Harry Potter’s world. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey uses groundbreaking, state-of-the-art technology to create a truly unique ride experience. The nearby Dragon Challenge™ offers a totally different kind of ride experience. Guests will pass the Goblet of Fire and Triwizard Cup on their way to choose their dragon. Once aboard riders will fly through an intense aerial chase as the dragons twist, loop and nearly collide with each other. Dragon Challenge features two high-speed roller coasters – each offering guests a completely different ride.
For all family members young and old the Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers the Flight of the Hippogriff™. Visitors will follow a path past Hagrid’s hut and will be instructed in the proper way to approach a Hippogriff. Once on board, guests will then have a chance to bow to Buckbeak before the family-friendly coaster spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch, swooping past Hagrid’s hut.
A variety of new and intriguing experiences are in store for first-time visitors to Hogsmeade. Those with a sweet tooth will find a dazzling array of sweets awaiting them in Honeydukes™, including Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans™, Cauldron Cakes, treacle fudge, Chocolate Frogs™, and other snacks. Zonko’s™ Joke Shop offers novelty items, magic tricks, jokes and toys including Sneakoscopes, Extendable Ears, Fanged Flyers and more. At Zonko’s guests can try such ‘magical’ sweets as Fainting Fancies, Fever Fudge, and Nosebleed Nougat. Dervish and Banges™ offers items such as The Monster Book of Monsters, Hogwarts apparel and a wide range of Quidditch™ gear. In the Owl Post not only can you purchase stationery, but also post a letter with a Hogsmeade postmark. Those who wish to purchase a wand should pay a visit to Ollivanders™, Markers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. Here “the wand chooses the wizard” and in a unique interactive experience, a Wandkeeper can help the wand choose you. The Three Broomsticks™ offers hearty fare as well as Butterbeer™, pumpkin juice and other favorites of the wizarding world. Next door the Hog’s Head pub offers a variety of beers and spirits as well as non-alcoholic drinks.
Stay with us this summer at the Seralago Hotel & Suites and visit Harry and his Wizarding World! It’s going to be a magical summer!