While plans were announced back in 2011 to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood, there has been little physical movement on the project since. However, that will change soon, as NBCUniversal officially announced construction will begin this summer on the L.A. version of the mega-popular Wizarding World themed land, following a unanimous vote from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approving the project.
No specifics have been revealed on what will be included in the Wizarding World’s L.A. version, though it’s presumed to be strongly based on the initial portion of the Orlando version, with its Hogsmeade village theme, and will no doubt include the centerpiece Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. The Orlando Wizarding World is currently getting its own huge expansion, which is said to be focused on Diagon Alley.
The Wizarding World is part of a larger, 25-year “Evolution Plan” at Universal Studios Hollywood that will also include “new and upgraded television production facilities, office space and infrastructure on the Universal Studios lot.”
“After nearly a decade of work on the Evolution Plan, today’s vote sets the stage for our next 100 years in Los Angeles,” said Ron Meyer, president and COO of Universal Studios. “We are thankful for the support and leadership we have received from both the County and City of Los Angeles and are ready to get started investing in these important tourism and production projects in the next few months.”
IGN Visits the Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Harry Potter fans, myself included, of course will simply want to know when they can go to the L.A. Wizarding World of Harry Potter. That has not been announced yet, but don’t hold your breath, as it’s not believed to be ready until at least 2016.
The other big question pondered since the L.A. Wizarding World was announced is where it would go, since the Hollywood Universal theme park is much more cramped on space than Orlando’s. Universal have now confirmed longstanding rumors that the Gibson Amphitheater concert venue will be closing at Universal for the Wizarding World to be built in its place. The Curious George attraction will also be closing to make room for the Wizarding World.
The press release notes, “These projects represent a nearly $500 million investment in the Los Angeles economy and the creation of more than 2,000 construction jobs alone.”
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts. Another version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is under construction in Japan currently.
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