Getting ready for the next Wizarding World of Harry Potter

July 3, 2014, 10:08 AM · While Harry Potter fans await the official opening of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida next week, theme park fans on the other side of the world will be getting their own Wizarding World of Harry Potter one week after that. [Update: Diagon Alley soft-opened to all guests for the first time at Universal Orlando today.]

The world's third Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens at Universal Studios Japan on July 15. We will be bringing you photos from the grand opening ceremony on the evening of July 14, but we've got a few early photos of the new land, courtesy Stefan Zwanzger.

Hogsmeade, Japan
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located behind Universal Wonderland. The village of Hogsmeade is to the left, and Hogwarts Castle to the right. Photo courtesy Stefan Zwanzger.

Flight of the Hippogriff
The Flight of the Hippogriff track, with Hogwarts Castle in the background. Photo courtesy Stefan Zwanzger.

Osaka's Wizarding World is based on the Hogsmeade layout from the original at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando. The differences? There's no Dragon Challenge roller coaster, and there's only one way in or out of the land, but there's a longer wooded path defining that entrance, creating more of a sense of separation from the rest of the park than found in the Orlando original.

Previously:

Replies (2)

July 3, 2014 at 10:42 AM · Totally random question. But will Harry and the others with speaking parts talk in English during the preshow and ride?
July 3, 2014 at 12:57 PM · Small switch in topic, but Universal Orlando jumped the gun and soft opened Diagon Alley to the public about an hour ago. Everything except Gringotts is open. (info per OU)

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