Before the next school year begins, Universal is inviting fans back inside Hogwarts.
Universal's Wizarding World has grown far beyond its original attractions. Guests can now race through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, break into Gringotts bank, board the Hogwarts Express, or experience Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Even so, one of the resort's oldest Harry Potter rides continues to draw devoted fans.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey remains a cornerstone of the Wizarding World. The attraction, which debuted in Orlando before expanding to Hollywood, Japan, and Beijing, takes guests soaring through Hogwarts alongside Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, with appearances from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, and Robbie Coltrane.
Universal Brings Back Hogwarts Castle Walk
Now, Universal is offering guests a different way to experience the attraction.
Beginning September 1, Universal Studios Japan will once again open the Hogwarts Castle Walk, giving guests access to the attraction's highly themed queue without boarding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
The walkthrough lets visitors take their time exploring locations inside Hogwarts, including the Herbology greenhouses, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and Albus Dumbledore's office, without the usual pace of the attraction queue.
The Hogwarts Castle Walk will operate through January 17.
While the experience isn't new, it has only appeared periodically at Universal Studios Japan over the past several years. This year's return is tied to the park's annual Back to Hogwarts celebration, which marks 25 years of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Special Harry Potter Event Planned for September
As part of the celebration, Universal Studios Japan will also host a one-night after-hours event inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Attendance will be limited through a lottery. Entries open at 2:00 p.m. on July 1 and close on July 14, with selected guests receiving a digital badge before the event.
The event will run from 8:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Guests chosen through the lottery will have access to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and the Hogwarts Castle Walk during the evening.
Several Wizarding World locations will also remain open, including Honeydukes, Ollivanders, and Filch's Confiscated Goods. Butterbeer, Magic Neep, and merchandise carts will also operate throughout the event.
Universal will also debut new Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans-inspired stickers during the celebration before releasing them to all park guests beginning September 2.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has seen only minor changes since opening, including the introduction and later removal of 3D effects at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan. The returning Castle Walk offers fans a rare opportunity to experience one of the attraction's most detailed environments from a completely different perspective.
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