Harry Potter Park at Universal Studios Hollywood Opens to Public

by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Thu April 7, 2016

On Thursday, April 7, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" portion of the park at Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened to the public.

For the Universal Studios brand, this is the third Harry Potter-themed attraction, as Universal Orlando Resort opened the popular Harry Potter's Hogsmeade in 2010 and Diagon Alley in 2014.

While "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will have several features that can be found at the other facilities, it will also be adorned with unique features such as a snowcapped village, a stationary Hogwarts Express and an Owlery.

In addition, the new portion of the Universal Studios Hollywood park will also feature the Three Broomsticks restaurant and Hog's Head pub, each of which will offer guests the chance to drink a cup of the famous Harry Potter Butterbeer.

For the guests looking to do a little shopping, Honeydukes, Ollivander's Wand Shop and other themed stores will help transport visitors into the books and movies that have created so many Harry Potter fanatics.

As for the rides, guest will find at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" in Hollywood, many will be similar to the ones found at the Orlando park, including the Hippogriff roller coaster and the Forbidden Journey ride, which will be in 3D for its West Coast location.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti released a statement about the Harry Potter park opening:

"In Los Angeles, tourism is surging. We've set records each of the last five years and we're just getting started. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' at Universal Studios Hollywood is monumental in expanding our city's global reach. It sends a message to visitors from across the world that L.A. is a place you and your family have to experience. I'm proud to see this game-changing world-class attraction open. Universal Studios Hollywood's epic transformation will create new jobs, stimulate hospitality revenues and make our economy stronger."