After announcing in June that its Harry Potter-themed land would begin charming guests sometime next spring, Universal Studios Hollywood has finally nailed down an official opening date.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open to the public on April 7, 2016.
Photograph: Courtesy Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., JKR, Universal Studios
You've probably seen the land's centerpiece, Hogwarts Castle, rising in the distance just south of the 101. Those peaks and turrets will host "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey," a 3-D thrill ride that pits would-be-wizards against dragons, dementors and some stiff quidditch competition. If its predecessor in Orlando is any indication, this intensely immersive experience could easily become the undisputed must-visit ride in Southern California—at least until Disney has more to say about its Star Wars land.
"Flight of the Hippogriff," a mild family roller coaster, will be the only other ride in the land, but we imagine guests will find plenty to do in the shops and restaurants in Hogsmeade. You'll find familiar favorites underneath those crooked chimneys, including wand store Ollivanders, candy boutique Honeydukes, Zonko's Joke Shop and the Three Broomsticks—home of that sweet, sweet Butterbeer—among others.
The tickets currently on sale for Universal Studios are only valid until next February at the latest. That coupled with the fact that you can sign up for 2016 ticketing updates, we're going to guess that Universal will have more to say about any changes to admission prices at a later date.
