Credit: UniversalUniversal is officially introducing an alternate version of its most iconic Harry Potter attraction in September.
In the years since Universal first incorporated Harry Potter into its theme parks, it has dramatically expanded the Wizarding World. Guests can soar through the grounds of Hogwarts on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, escape Gringotts’ underground vaults, battle dark magic inside Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, or ride the Hogwarts Express between parks as part of the story itself.
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Each attraction offers something different. Hagrid’s mixes launches, backward track, and a free-fall section through the Forbidden Forest. Escape From Gringotts blends roller coaster thrills with massive projection screens, while Battle at the Ministry places guests inside the British Ministry of Magic for one of Universal’s most ambitious dark ride experiences yet.
But for many fans, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey remains the definitive Wizarding World experience. The groundbreaking dark ride ā found at Universal theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood, Beijing, and Japan ā takes guests flying through Hogwarts, past Dementors, dragons, and the Whomping Willow, while also starring OG franchise leads such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, and Robbie Coltrane.
The ride has received a few tweaks over the years ā namely, the addition and removal of its 3D in Hollywood and Japan. The latter is now also an alternative way to experience the attraction.
Universal Confirms Wizarding World of Harry Potter Changes
Universal Studios Japan is offering a different way to experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in September.
Guests who want to experience the ride’s famously detailed queue ā which takes you through areas of Hogwarts such as the Herbology greenhouses, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and Albus Dumbledore’s office ā can enjoy the Castle Walk. This provides the luxury of time to explore its details, without the pressure of keeping the line moving to board the attraction.
The Hogwarts Castle Walk will be open from September 1 through January 17.
This isn’t the first time Universal Studios Japan has offered the Hogwarts Castle Walk. The experience has operated intermittently at the Osaka theme park in recent years.
This time around, the park is bringing it back for its Back to Hogwarts event, which marks 25 years ofĀ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
It will also host a special one-night event in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Attendance will be limited to guests chosen through a lottery, with successful applicants receiving a special digital badge ahead of the event.
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The event will run from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lottery entries open at 2:00 p.m. on July 1 and close on July 14. Guests selected for the event will have access to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and the Hogwarts Castle Walk. Honeydukes, Filch’s Confiscated Goods, and Ollivanders will welcome shoppers, with Butterbeer, Magic Neep, and merchandise carts operating throughout the evening.
Universal will also release new Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans-inspired stickers at the event, before making them available to all guests starting September 2.
What’s your favorite version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
