Wizarding World of Harry Potter to open at Universal Studios Japan

Universal recently announced they will be bringing the magic of Harry Potter to Japan by building their own version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan. Scheduled to open in 2014, the Harry Potter themed area will be similar to the original in Orlando including the Hogwarts Castle and multiple themed attractions.

The announcement was made by Glenn Gumpel, President and CEO, Universal Studios Japan; and James and Oliver Phelps, who played the roles of Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter film series as well as many others. The governor of Osaka, Ichiro Matsui, was the guest of honor at the announcement, which also hosted more than 100 excited fans dressed in Harry Potter attire who screamed with delight when the announcement was made.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan will be similar to original here at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and will include Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same high level of talent and resources, including the creative leadership of Stuart Craig, production designer for the entire Harry Potter film series.

“I was delighted to experience and enjoy the attention to detail, creativity and superb craft that went into the first Wizarding World in Orlando. I am equally delighted that the same level of expertise and enjoyment will translate to the new park in Japan,” said J.K. Rowling.

The theme park will open it’s version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter a few years ahead of the recently-announced version for Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios Japan will begin construction immediately and will complete in two years’ time.

It was recently confirmed that the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando would be getting a significant expansion, though details have not been released. Stay tuned for more information on the Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood versions as well as the expansion to the one here in Orlando.

MouseFanTravel

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6 Comments

  1. Second last paragraph spelling error “Japan will begin* construction immediately…” Just thought I’d help 🙂

  2. They shold just change the name to the wizerding world of harry poter theam parks. Ples do not replace Jaws with WWOHP PART 2

  3. Only TWO years!? Wow, that’s an incredibly ambitious timeline for the opening of an entire themed land.