Universal Studios Preparing To Cancel ‘Harry Potter,’ Theme Park Update Given

Universal Studios has shared an update warning that it may have to make a huge change to its Harry Potter operations.

Over 10 years on from the opening of the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter, all but one of Universal’s theme park resorts across the globe boasts its own version of the magical land inspired by JK Rowling’s series.

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The majority of these parks feature the exact same features. Like the original iteration of the land at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure, the focus is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—inside which guests can ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey—and the recreation of a snowy Hogsmeade Village. Each land also features the family roller coaster Flight of the Hippogriff.

That’s the case for Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Beijing, and Universal Studios Japan. At Universal Orlando Resort, however, guests can also enjoy a bonus roller coaster—Hagrid’s Magical Motorbikes Adventures—plus the Hogwarts Express, which connects the land to its first expansion in Universal Studios Florida.

This expansion added Diagon Alley to The Wizarding World, complete with a new indoor roller coaster, Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts.

Soon, Universal Orlando Resort will add a third section to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter of Harry Potter.

Its newest park, Epic Universe, will be home to the Ministry of Magic, where a new attraction named Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry will take guests on an adventure alongside Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), and a new house elf named Higgledy as they try to stop Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) from escaping her trial.

But Florida doesn’t get all the wizarding fun. Further afield, Universal Studios Japan has added plenty of unique features to its version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, such as Magical Creatures Encounter – where guests could interact with Hippogriffs, baby dragons, and Pygmy Puffs – and Hogwarts Castle Walk, where you can explore the ins and outs of the castle without boarding Forbidden Journey.

Universal Studios Japan’s Harry Potter Event Faces Cancellation

Later this week, the park is also scheduled to host a unique event for diehard Harry Potter fans. The “Back to Hogwarts” event—held as part of the 10-year anniversary celebration of Universal Studios Japan’s version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—will take place this Sunday, September 1 (AKA the date that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and other Hogwarts students return to school in the series).

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Fittingly, the event is limited to just 934 guests. This number is specific for a reason; it’s inspired by Platform 9 and 3/4, the magical King’s Cross platform from which students catch the Hogwarts Express.

While the event was gearing up to be an exciting event for Potterheads, Universal Studios Japan confirmed today that it may actually be canceled. With Typhoon 10 rapidly approaching Japan, the park issued a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) addressing how operations may change over the next few days.

“To ensure the safety of our guests and crew, operating hours on August 31st (Sat) -9 /2nd (Mon) may change without notice,” it wrote. “Due to the above, the Back to Hogwarts ™ special event on Sunday, September 1st may be cancelled. Further updates will be posted on the official website.”

【台風10号接近による8/31-9/2のパーク運営について】

ゲストの皆さま及びクルーの安全確保のため、8/31(土)-9/2(月)の運営時間は予告なく内容を変更する場合があります。

上記に伴い、9/1(日)のバック・トゥ・ホグワーツ™・スペシャル・イベントは中止する可能性があります。…

— ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン公式 (@USJ_Official) August 28, 2024

As with all severe weather, the conditions in Japan are subject to change right now. Pegged as the strongest typhoon of the year, Typhoon 10 – AKA Typhoon Shanshan – made landfall on the island of Kyushu at around 8 a.m. this morning. With the storm proving exceptionally slow-moving, the risk of damage has increased significantly.

Like Universal Studios Japan, LEGOLAND Japan also offered an operations update earlier this week when it confirmed that it may need to close for multiple days due to the storm. Located further north, Tokyo Disney Resort is yet to offer an update.

Stay tuned for more updates on Typhoon Shanshan and how it impacts Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo Disney Resort, and other theme parks across Japan.