Well this was inevitable. But still, very, very cool.
Enjoy the choir, then you’ll want to skip to about 26 minutes in to avoid the corporate speeches.
The brand new ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ is about to open its gates at Universal Hollywood – and it looks like it will delight both fans of J.K. Rowling’s books and the beautifully-realized films, and anyone who is a kid at heart or just whimsically brain damaged. WWHP brings to life the twee little town of Hogsmeade and the legendary Harvard of occult schools, Hogwarts, made world-famous in the seven Harry Potter books and subsequent billions-generating films.
The cobbled streets of Hogsmeade.
The interactive experience doesn’t miss a beat – the Sorting Hat will point you in the right life direction faster than your high school counselor and you can tell your friends about being visited by spooky Moaning Myrtle in some of the WCs. Yes, there are some rides, but the thrill of shopping for and getting to try a broomstick? That’s for what the people clamor. You can find out what Hogwarts House you’re in before you go if you take this ultimate Hogwarts House quiz! See if you match the Hat!
No sign of Radcliffe or Watson, but the actors who play Draco Malfoy and Luna Lovegood were happy to say yes to undoubtably first-class travel over to sunny Los Angeles for the big night, and were mobbed by fans (VIP and their offspring, one imagines) on the day before the park opens to the filthy general public.
That’s us! We want to go!
This man not to be found at the real Platform
Til then, this Londoner will go watch the tourists 20 people deep at the real Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross. Take that, Florida.
A one-day general park admission for age 10 and older costs $115 but is less if purchased in advance online. 3-9 year olds pay $99, or their divorced dad does. Baby wizards get in free.
More info: universalstudioshollywood.com
Related: Fantastic Beasts
A former ABC National, Dallas and Atlanta radio personality, Martina O'Boyle is now making movies and covering culture in London, Dublin, and as far in Europe as the cheapie flights will take her, for Pop Culture Beast.