'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' Gets Opening Date at Universal Studios

Officials at Universal Studios Hollywood announced the much-anticipated “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” attraction will open on Thursday, April 7, 2016.

Construction has been under way for months on the attraction, based on the book and film series.

“More than five years in the making ... “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is being masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real-word interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood,” Universal Studios said in a statement.

Universal Studios has already introduced a website that takes fans on a virtual tour of the attraction, including a trip through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with stops at Professor Dumbledore’s office, the Portrait Gallery and the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.

The virtual tour also showcases the streets of Hogsmeade village, including shops such as Honeydukes, Owl Post, Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.

“Harry Potter” film stars Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint provide commentary along the way.

The virtual tour also features a look at two of the attraction’s rides -- the 3-D “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff.”

The virtual tour is available online at www.universalstudioshollywood.com/wizardingworld.

Fans who just can’t enough and want updates on the project’s progress can register online to get the latest news at www.universalstudioshollywood.com/harrypotter/signup.

City News Service; Photo: ©2015 Universal Studios