6 Reasons You Must Visit The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Hollywood

4. New Experiences For Every Muggle

Hogsmeade Village Wizarding World Harry Potter Universal Hollywood
David Sprague/Universal Studios Hollywood

Although there is a striking resemblance between Hogsmede in Hollywood and its east coast older sibling, there are some exciting new experiences to have.

Universal creatives were keen to create different versions of the Wizarding World, as if the Harry Potter fans amongst us really need an excuse to visit the new park!

There is a new street to explore behind the owlery and new shops for you to peruse. In Orlando's original Hogsmede there is no Gladrags, a store which in the books is a chain clothing store. In the books, Harry and his friends purchase novelty socks for Dobby the house-elf, and you too can pick up some new attire there. Why not grab yourself a robe or even one of Mr Weasley's knitted jumpers?

Olivander's Wand Shop has also had its own expansion. Now in Hollywood, Olivander's has its own building and with extra capacity, hopefully this will mean there is a shorter queue to witness the small show where a wand chooses its wizard.

harry potter hogwarts universal california
Yang Lei/Xinhua Press/Corbis

At the premiere of the new land last Tuesday, WhatCulture.com were among a select number of invited guests to witness a projection and firework display. This amazing spectacular, set agains the backdrop of John William's famous score was certainly the highlight of the evening, showcasing Hogwarts in all its glory.

When asked if the use of projection on the castle was to become a feature of the park, Coup did not dismiss the question and added "we may do something more permanent in the future". So perhaps a new nightly show will soon be coming to Universal Studios Hollywood?

Advertisement
Contributor

Jen has been a writer and video editor at WhatCulture for over 10 years. She has a BA Hons in History from Newcastle University and in a past life worked at Beamish Open Air Museum and was a corporate trainer (BTC Award in Education and Training). Jen joined WhatCulture to discuss all things Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World, as well as her love of all things movies. She has worked closely with Universal and Disney, giving WhatCulture readers breaking news and exclusives. Her knowledge of Disney parks has lead her to be published by The Sun. If you've ever completed a Disney movies or Friends quiz on WhatCulture it was probably written by Jen. Jen's love of all things Universal's Halloween Horror Nights brought her to WhatCulture's Horror Channel as a video editor. Her video edits can be found across WhatCulture's Film & TV and Horror channels, along with WhatCulture's Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts.