'The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter' Is Coming To Universal Studios Hollywood In Spring 2016

Harry Potter will be Apparating to Hollywood. Universal Studios Hollywood has officially announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be coming to the park in Spring 2016, after opening previously at both Universal Orlando resorts and Universal Studios Japan. Get all the details on the Wizarding World Hollywood debut after the jump. 

The first Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Orlando Resort's Islands of Adventure in 2010. Plans for a Hollywood location were revealed soon after, in 2011. However, this is the first time we're getting confirmation on when the new attraction will open.

The Wizarding World in Hollywood sounds similar in most respects to the Wizarding World in Orlando. It'll feature Harry Potter-themed dining establishments like the Three Broomsticks and the Hog's Head, serving Harry Potter-themed refreshments like Butterbeer. There will also be several shopping spots including Honeydukes, Ollivanders, and Zonko's Joke Shop.

The centerpiece of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be the Hogwarts Castle, inside which will be the "signature ride" Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Although a similar ride exists at Universal Orlando, the Hollywood one will differ in that it'll be in hyper-realistic 3D. Other highlights include Flight of the Hippogriff, which will be the park's first outdoor roller coaster.

Universal Studios Hollywood offered a sneak peek at its upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter on Facebook, in the form of some concept art. Flip through 'em below. The official press release follows.

HOGWARTS IS COMING TO HOLLYWOOD!Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" Bringing the Most Anticipated Global Phenomenon to California in an Authentic Entertainment Experience, Beginning Spring 2016"Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" Attraction, Located within Land's Hogwarts Castle, Makes West Coast Debut in Hyper-Realistic 3D-HD with Guests Wearing Quidditch-Inspired GogglesHollywood, CA, June 2, 2015 – The countdown to "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" begins today as Universal Studios Hollywood announces the Spring 2016 arrival of the West Coast's most anticipated entertainment experience and the introduction of the land's signature attraction, "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" in hyper-realistic 3D-HD.More than five years in the making, and inspired by J. K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters and the Warner Bros. films, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Studios Hollywood will bring guests the same authenticity and storytelling found at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan and is expected to attract Harry Potter fans and visitors from all over the globe for decades to come.Visitors will be swept into a fully immersive themed land that brings the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and precision. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point."Harry Potter is an exhilarating multi-generational global phenomenon that has captivated the world's attention across every one of its mediums, from books and movies to exhilarating theme park adventures," said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. "With its imminent arrival to The Entertainment Capital of L.A., Universal Studios Hollywood is thrilled to bring our guests a new, compelling experience of 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' as we embark on this next chapter in our storied history.""The momentum behind J.K. Rowling's wizarding world is as strong as ever and we are incredibly excited to bring Hogwarts to Hollywood," said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "Fans around the world have experienced the magic at 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' in Orlando and Osaka and we look forward to continued success with our partners at Universal Studios Hollywood as we offer more fans a chance to step into this immersive environment."Like its counterparts, Hogwarts castle will sit at the heart of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" where the land's signature ride, "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™" will take guests on a journey into many memorable scenes alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Traveling by Floo powder, guests will soar high above Hogwarts, partake in a Quidditch match, narrowly escape a dragon attack and have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow."Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" is an achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology featuring a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. Sporting Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles, guests will venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.At Universal Studios Hollywood, "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" will make its U.S. debut as a dynamic 3D-HD adventure designed to further immerse guests in an already captivating storyline.Also within "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," the enchanting family coaster, "Flight of the Hippogriff" will debut as Universal Studios Hollywood's first outdoor coaster."The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter's epicurean world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including: Three Broomsticks™ and Hog's Head pub, as well the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.A foray through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail shops and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko's™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods™.As excitement builds for the Spring 2016 arrival of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," in-park guests at Universal Studios Hollywood are able to experience and purchase authentic merchandise, including wands, robes and other collectibles from "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," available within the Features Presentation shop, located just inside Universal Studios Hollywood's main entry.