Harry Potter Casts Spell in Orlando

April 6, 2018

Universal Orlando, along with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, opened the doors of its much-anticipated Harry Potter attraction to invited guests Wednesday night as part of an exclusive grand opening celebration with red carpet fanfare. The limited engagement featured appearances by the franchise’s stars, including actor Daniel Radcliffe and author J.K. Rowling.

A massive fireworks display and the “lumos maxima” spell illuminated Hogwarts castle, led by the stars along with Barry Meyer, chairman and chief executive officer of Warner Bros. Entertainment, and Ron Meyer, president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios. Inside, attendees toured the castle, featuring the Sorting Hat and The Fat Lady portrait, which guards the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, ultimately leading to The Forbidden Journey ride. At the base of Hogwarts, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and famed conductor John Williams, performed the film’s score. Other acts featured the frog choir and dancers.

Meanwhile

in the snow-capped Hogsemeade village, guests shopped at Ollivanders for wands, Honeydukes for candy and Zonkers for toys. Guests could also get a glimpse of the unruly Monster Book of Monsters at Flourish and Blotts, as well as purchase school supplies and apparel. At the Three Broomsticks restaurant, attendees sipped on butterbeer and pumpkin juice and munched on toad. Other amusements within the Wizarding World attraction include the Dragon Challenge roller coaster for older riders and a kiddie coaster, called Flight of the Hippogriff.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which was officially opened to the public yesterday, spans 20 acres within Universal Orlando’s Island of Adventure theme park. An estimated $300 million was spent to construct the attraction.

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