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Wizarding World of HARRY POTTER Gets an Opening Date at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood promised the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would open in spring 2016, and they’ve finally announced an exact date. You’ll be able to take a trip to Hogsmeade on the west coast on April 7, 2016. I’m going to go mark that date in my calendar right now because I have been waiting for this day — the day when Harry Potter-land (my unofficial and very fancy term for the area) and all its butterbeer are mere miles from my doorstep. It truly is magical.

To get the word out about the opening date, Universal has released a new television spot to highlight how visiting Wizarding World is bigger than merely strolling into a theme park–it’s an immersive experience. Having been to the Orlando version of Wizarding World, I can say there’s nothing quite like the sense of wonder you experience upon seeing Hogwarts in real life for the first time. It sounds like Universal is paying me, but they’re not. They’ve established they can create a place that transports you into the books and films, and there’s no reason to think they won’t replicate their efforts at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Wizarding World will offer two rides: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. In-universe food and drinks will be for sale throughout the land, and they stick to the theme. You won’t find a bottle of Coke inside Hogsmeade. And oh, the shopping! You’ll be able to visit Ollivanders, the Owl Post, Zonko’s, and more. Start saving your gold now.

Is it too early to get in line? Head to the comments to tell me if/when you’re planning to visit the newest Wizarding World. I plan to move into Three Broomsticks, so we can enjoy a glass of butterbeer together.

Images: Universal Studios

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