Universal Opens Virtual Harry Potter World

The entertainment experience, inspired by J.K. Rowling's stories and characters as they were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, will open at the theme park in spring 2016. 

Guests can digitally travel through Hogsmeade village, virtually sampling the area's shops, establishments and attractions through a parchment map. Among the planned specialty retail shops are Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Owl Post, Zonko's Joke Shop, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods, along with eateries such as Three Broomsticks and Hog's Head pub.

The virtual journey also takes guests through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where visitors will become acquainted with iconic locations such as Professor Dumbledore's office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and

Finally, guests can explore the multi-dimensional ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which will make its U.S. debut and be Universal Studios Hollywood's first outdoor rollercoaster.

The entire tour is supplemented by commentary from the cast of the films including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

Merchandise including wands, robes and other collectibles from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are available at the Features Presentation shop at Universal Studios Hollywood, as the countdown to the opening continues.