American Wizards and No-Maj's have another reason to celebrate in 2016 because Universal Studios Hollywood finally announced that the grand opening date for "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is set for April 7. The announcement was made by Evanna Lynch, the lovable Ravenclaw, Luna Lovegood, in a Dec. 8 video posted in the Universal Studios Hollywood website.
Along with the Luna Lovegood hosted announcement, the theme park also released a new commercial for its upcoming magical attraction.
"The land will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts Castle, which will serve as its iconic focal point," Universal Studios said in a statement and, based on its announcement video, it seems the company did a good job with replicating Diagon Alley, the town of Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts Castle.
The attractions in "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will make everyone feel as if they were taken to the actual locations in the film via a portkey in the shape of a Universal Studios theme park pass. Visitors can purchase the wand that chose them at Ollivander's, buy a couple of joke items at Zonko's, ride a roller coaster version of Buckbeak the Hippogriff and follow Harry's journey along the halls of Hogwarts and above the castle grounds in an unforgettable 3-D ride.
When you get tired from your amazing adventures, you can kick back a little and enjoy a choir show of Hogwarts students with their huge frogs, though Professor Filius Flitwick may not be in attendance to conduct. If you want something more intense, there's also the Triwizard Spirit Rally where you can watch the students of Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy perform the way they did when they entered The Great Hall in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."
If you get thirsty, you can also stop by The Three Broomsticks or Hog's Head for a pint of Butterbeer or a glass of Firewhiskey for adults.
Make sure to practice apparating before you visit so you don't get splinched!
