New Dark Arts castle projection show coming soon to Wizarding World of Harry Potter

in Harry Potter, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood

dark arts at hogwarts castle

Credit: Universal

“Harry Potter” fans, you should probably book your tickets back to Hogwarts soon. Universal just announced an all-new castle show coming to the theme parks on both coasts, and this one is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.

This year, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort will invite guests to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a spectacular, spellbinding projection show taking place on the centerpiece of Hogsmeade: Hogwarts Castle. Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle is a hauntingly powerful and breathtakingly beautiful new projection experience that will illuminate Hogwarts Castle on select nights for a limited time. The projections showcase a darker, more sinister side of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, bringing to life the mystical qualities of Dementors, Death Eaters, Mountain Trolls, and other creatures of dark magic we have come to know from the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling that the Wizarding World is based on. This is the most haunting show we have ever seen at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but fans of the books and films know that these sinister elements play a pivotal role in the “Harry Potter” story, so we are excited to see them finally brought to life at the Universal theme parks.

Here’s what Universal has to say about the new show coming later this year:

Guests will be asked to summon their inner strength and bravery in the face of the all-consuming Dark Arts as some of the awe-inspiring moments and creatures inspired by the films come to life within the majestic light display.

As darkness falls on Hogwarts castle, Dementors™, Death Eaters and other unspeakable creatures from Aragog and Mountain Trolls to Thestrals will cloak the castle with sinister images from the darker side of magic—even conjuring the visage of Lord Voldemort™ himself, until the Patronus spell—one of the most famous, difficult and powerful defense of the Dark Arts charms in the wizarding world—is cast.

A castle on a cloudy night
Credit: Universal

Much like the other nighttime projection shows at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle will be accompanied by a special musical arrangement that will only add to the immersive environment of the park. The music for this new show was arranged by William Ross and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, so guests will truly feel transported to the world of “Harry Potter” when they see this show.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle will take place at Universal Studios Hollywood every night from April 13 – 28 and May 25 – 27. The new show will premiere at Universal Orlando Resort later this year, though the theme park has yet to announce official dates. Until they do, you can sign up here to be notified when they announce.

If you’re interested in purchasing tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood just in time to see the new Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle nighttime projection show, visit the official website here. 

What do you think of the new Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle show coming to Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort this year? Let us know in the comments and share this story with the “Harry Potter” fans in your life!

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