When Universal Studios opened the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at its Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida, it was an instant sensation. Ticket sales skyrocketed and Harry Potter fans the world over have been flocking to the location ever since, now with even more fervor given the expansion of the terrific “Diagon Alley.” So it was only a matter of time before the theme park brought the Harry Potter experience to the west coast, and indeed the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is poised to open on April 7th, with some first look photos of the attraction landing online today.
If you’ve been to the Hogsmeade portion of the park in Orlando these photos will look…familiar. But hey, why mix things up when the original formula works so well? Moreover, Florida’s a long flight from California, so for families closer to the west coast, it’s nice that they’ll be able to experience the magic of Harry Potter without having to break the bank.
But that’s not all the Harry Potter news today! If you’re worried about missing the continuing story by not being able to go to London to see the J.K. Rowling-produced stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II, you’re in luck. It was announced on Pottermore today that the script book of the stage play will be published simultaneously in print and digital after the play’s world premiere this summer, and will include the version of the play that was performed during preview performances.
The story of the play picks up 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, immediately after the Epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and follows the story of Harry’s son. This is no ancillary continuation—it’s the official eighth story in the canon, based on a story by Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, with Thorne penning the play, which opens in London on July 30th. So for the Harry Potter faithful, this is a must see/read, and it's reassuring to know we'll be able to get our hands on the story this summer.
But back to the more immediate future, check out some of the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hollywood" images below, via EW.
