Wizarding world comes to the west coast

Rebekah Spector

HPWorldScreenshot from wizardingworldhollywood.com

 

West coast “Potterheads” are finally going to experience the magical world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Hollywood.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the latest addition to the theme park and will open on April 7.

“My overall impression of the park was just that it was magical and amazing and I felt like I was at home,” said junior Jacob Zelonky, former Daniel Pearl Magnet High School student.

The attractions open five years after the Wizarding World of Harry Potter debuted at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando.

The new theme park will feature rides such as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” which takes thrill-seekers on a 3D journey through the grounds of Hogwarts with Harry Potter and “Flight of the Hippogriff,” a family-friendly coaster that features Hagrid’s grounds.

“I had butterbeer which they sell around the park and it’s stellar,” Zelonky said.

After enjoying a butterbeer from the Butterbeer Cart, where you can purchase the iconic drink that Harry and his friends enjoyed in the books, watch a wand choose its wizard at Ollivander’s where you can buy your own wand, a replica of character’s wand or collectable sets of wands.

Support your preferred school at the “Triwizard Spirit Rally” and then go listen to the “Frog Choir,” which features vocals from both Hogwarts students and their frogs.

Get delicious treats like Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans and exploding bonbons from Honeydukes. Purchase your much needed Hogwarts robes and Quidditch equipment from Dervish and Banges after you buy your novelty joke items from Zonko’s Joke Shop.

“It (the park) absolutely lived up to my expectations but I have to say I’m excited for them to add the additional rides and shops that they have in Orlando,” said Zelonky.

Ticket pricing depends on day and season. By ordering tickets online, theme park goers can save up to $20, which could be helpful if you’re planning on buying some of Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment.

“I’ll go again as soon as I can and hopefully I’ll get a season pass,” said Zelonky.