Since Hollywood is already known for grand mansions and lavish estates, it’s only fitting that a dramatic structure rises from the grounds of Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles. Hogwarts Castle, the spectacular centerpiece of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is an eye-popping extravaganza that truly captures the spirit of our favorite boy wizard.
Walk the recreated streets of Hogsmeade to pick up your own wizard’s wand at Ollivanders. The shop was recreated to match the store where Harry and his friends purchased their wands in the movies. The shop does regular wand-pairing shows where a wandkeeper pairs an audience member with a wand and tries out various spells. There are several different types of wands available for purchase, which start at about $50.
After wand shopping, snack on peppermint toads and chocolate frogs at Honeydukes sweet shop. Then pass through the gates of Hogwarts Castle to step into the world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, complete with Dumbledore’s office and the soaring Gryffindor Common Room.
When it’s time to board Hogwarts Castle’s signature attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you’ll likely be as impressed as the stars of the Harry Potter movies who have also ridden it. “It’s so immersive,” reports actor James Phelps, who played Fred, one of the red-haired Weasley twins. “When you’re in it, you can’t see anyone else riding the ride as well. It’s just you.”
The indoor, “dark” ride soars above the virtual castle grounds and lets you join Harry Potter and his friends as they come face-to-face with an array of magical creatures. The ride utilizes robotically controlled vehicles, projections on screens, and scary moments to keep visitors guessing at every turn. The ride won the Golden Ticket Award for Best Dark Ride five years in a row, and in 2017 was named Best Thrill Ride by Parenting OC magazine.
Outside the castle walls, you can sit down for a great pub-style meal at Three Broomsticks. Like all things in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the details are impeccable. The tavern features cast-iron chandeliers and weathered wood beams, and the British-themed menu includes fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. For a family-style meal, order the “Great Feast”—a platter for four that comes with chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, fresh vegetables, and roast potatoes. If you’re thirsty for butterbeer or real beer, head to Hog’s Head Pub in the back of Three Broomsticks.
How to Visit Hogwarts Castle and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogwarts Castle is, if course, just one fabulous part of a day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Ticket prices vary by day and season, with the best prices available online. Other popular attracts include the World Famous Studio Tour, Transformers: The Ride 3D, The Simpsons Ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and Jurassic World – The Ride.
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