Credit: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest ExperienceAn upcoming Harry Potter attraction has faced controversy long before opening day, and a newly uncovered detail only adds fuel to the fire.
Harry Potter attractions have become major anchors for theme parks worldwide over the last 15 years. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter transformed Universal Orlando Resort with rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hagridās Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Universal has since expanded the franchise globally, with Wizarding World lands operating in Hollywood, Japan, and Beijing. Outside the parks, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London ā The Making of Harry Potter continues attracting fans with original sets, props, and recreations of Hogwarts locations from the films.
For guests who can’t reach these locations, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience was designed to bring the franchise closer to home through nighttime woodland trails, illuminated creatures, wand interactions, and recreations inspired by the Forbidden Forest seen in the films.
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However, its latest location is facing major issues.
Harry Potter – A Forbidden Forest Experience Experiences Major Obstacles
Harry Potter ā A Forbidden Forest Experience is set to open at Jorgensen Park in Kalamunda, but local opposition is fierce.
Staff say they have faced abuse and been filmed by members of the public, while temporary fencing around part of the Crown reserve has reportedly been damaged and covered with bags of dog waste (via 7News).
Residents raised concerns in April that the event could negatively impact native wildlife and disrupt protected woodland areas. Opposition has also been fueled by the ongoing controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling, whose political views and public comments on the transgender community ā which she previously compared to Death Eaters ā have sparked years of backlash online.
Now, only adding to the controversy around the experience, the City of Kalamunda is reportedly investigating reports of asbestos found in fill soil used on paths at the public park.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, documents released under Freedom of Information laws also show organizers pushed back against development application requirements. In an email to Lands Minister John Carey and Tourism Minister Reece Whitby, Fever executive Phil Mallet warned the event was “at major risk of not proceeding” because of “arguably excessive” red tape.
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This isn’t the first time Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience has caused controversy in Australia.
When it was announced that the experience would head to Melbourneās Mornington Peninsula in 2024, it sparked major backlash over plans to stage the attraction inside The Briars wildlife sanctuary. Environmental groups, residents, and even some Harry Potter fans warned that the nighttime light and sound installations could disrupt native species, including threatened powerful owls.
More than 20,000 people signed petitions opposing the original location, eventually forcing organizers to relocate the event to a nearby dog park area instead of the sanctuary itself. Internal council documents later revealed concerns over āirreversible damageā to conservation efforts and possible breaches of wildlife protections.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience has attracted more than 2 million visitors worldwide, with previous runs staged in locations including Texas, Singapore, Chicago, and Vancouver.
Have you ever attended Harry Potter – A Forbidden Forest Experience?
