The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Attraction in West Hollywood

We visited Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time on 12/3/2024. The ONLY reason we came to this theme park was for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!! We came dressed in Harry Potter T-shirts and my son even wore a Gryffindor hat and scarf. But though the set design was amazing and made us never want to leave, there were lots of things that just did not meet our expectations and there was not enough to do. We will list the pros and cons here. #1 - You need to buy a wand to do the magic and they are no longer doing birthday wands people have listed online, the wands they are selling are rather ugly or character wands which we did not want. I cannot tell you how much we disliked those wands and lack of variety and simplicity. So, we resented paying $65 for a wand that was not even in a style that we wanted, just to do the park's magic spells. Then multiple spell locations did not work, the number of spell locations were so few and rather lame (stopping sound or turning on a light), so my son gave up wanting to find all the locations after spending $65. Frankly, USH should put spell locations across the entire park and in every themed world to make the price of these wands worth it AND they need to ensure the spell locations are maintained and work appropriately with clean windows. They should also have beautiful wands for each birthday month that were actually worthy of buying - neither dark nor light in character but plain, simple, woody. #2 - I thought you could enter all the shops and feel like you were actually at Hogsmead, but most of the shops were just window displays and a false door. How can you show the joke shop and then not have it actually be there, selling joke type things that kids would love? There are lots of silly trinkets in the world you could have sold there. Truthfully, how fun would it have been if you could enter all the shops and see animatronic plants or magic creatures or tea pots pouring by themselves, dishes cleaning themselves, just a bit of magic everywhere... and have magic spells you could cast throughout and make these scenes run only when you cast your spells. LEGOland has a number of places you can engage with that are not ride based but walk throughs and I think USH could make Hogsmead more like that to appeal to the massive Harry Potter fan base. OR maybe put in a child friendly ride that does go through the shops like this but similar to like Disney's Peter Pan ride which has been such a favorite for so long. #3 - We mailed postcards from the owl post to our cousins to encourage them to read the Harry Potter books! They did not have any postage other than a regular American Flag though and I wish they had postage more appropriate to the theme. The assortment of post cards was a little odd, but they did stamp at the top of each postcard "owl post" for you. I suggest you bring your own postage so you can pick the stamps. #4 - Moaning Myrtle is in the bathrooms lol! #5 - Hogwart's Castle is gorgeous and the night's light show on the castle is beautiful! #6 - The Three Broomsticks is very large and can seat a lot of people. #7 - Butterbeer is delicious though we split it because its too sweet. #8 - Jelly belly gluten free chocolate frogs were NOT sold at Honeydukes so we had to buy them online in advance and bring our own to the park. #9 - We were underwhelmed by the selection in the shops and frankly you find better things online. Stuffed toy wise, only Hufflepuff's badger was being sold, no Gryffindor lions or Ravenclaw eagles which was odd. We ended up buying souvenirs online when we got home because we wanted LEGO books on Harry Potter and did not see them at USH. Overall, we love Harry Potter and its the only reason we came to visit this theme park. We just wanted more than what was offered and felt a bit cheated given the huge possibility here. More Harry Potter please -...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is an extraordinary destination that impeccably captures the essence of J.K. Rowling's beloved wizarding universe. From the moment you step through the archways into Hogsmeade, the attention to detail is absolutely magical. The cobblestone streets, snow-capped rooftops, and iconic landmarks like Hogwarts Castle create an immersive experience that transports visitors into the heart of the enchanting world of wizards. The rides are nothing short of spectacular, with 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' offering a thrilling journey through the halls of Hogwarts. The excitement, combined with the cutting-edge technology, makes it an unforgettable adventure for fans and newcomers alike. The Flight of the Hippogriff and the interactive wand experiences further add to the magic. The shops, such as Ollivanders, Honeydukes, and Zonko's, are a delight to explore, offering a wide array of wizarding merchandise and treats. Indulging in a cup of Butterbeer is a must-do, and the Three Broomsticks provides a cozy spot to savor magical meals. One of the highlights is the impressive Hogwarts Castle, a visual masterpiece that becomes even more enchanting when illuminated at night. The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show is a breathtaking display of lights, music, and projections that is not to be missed. The dedication of the staff to creating an authentic experience is commendable. From the costumed characters strolling through the streets to the helpful team members, everyone contributes to the immersive atmosphere. In summary, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not just an amusement park area; it's a true celebration of magic and wonder. The meticulous craftsmanship, engaging attractions, and overall ambiance make it a must-visit for fans of the series and anyone seeking a truly enchanting theme park experience. Universal Studios has truly brought the magic to life, and I can't wait to return for another...

I visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood last weekend and it was a magical experience. The park is divided into two areas: Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle. Hogsmeade is a charming village with shops, restaurants, and attractions inspired by the Harry Potter books and movies. You can buy a wand at Ollivanders, sip a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, or ride a hippogriff at the Flight of the Hippogriff. Hogwarts Castle is the centerpiece of the park, where you can explore the iconic locations such as the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office, and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. The highlight of the castle is the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, which takes you on a thrilling adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The ride uses state-of-the-art technology to create a realistic and immersive experience. You can also watch a spectacular show of lights and music at the castle every night.

The park is full of details and surprises that make you feel like you are part of the wizarding world. The staff are friendly and helpful, and they dress and act like the characters from the books and movies. You can also interact with some of the characters, such as the conductor of the Hogwarts Express, the shrunken head on the Knight Bus, or the goblin at Gringotts Bank. The park also offers various events and activities throughout the year, such as the Dark Arts Festival, the Celebration of Harry Potter, and the Christmas at Hogwarts.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit for any fan of the Harry Potter franchise. It is a place where you can relive your favorite moments, discover new secrets, and create unforgettable memories. It is a place where magic...