EBG’s CEO Brett Reizen with Eric Sheppard & Ali Kirchen Schmidt, of Universal Studios Hollywood, at the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The wonderful world of Harry Potter and Hogwarts castle is finally ready for its Hollywood debut.
Universal Studios Hollywood marked the opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” with legendary, award-winning composer John Williams conducting the L.A. Philharmonic synchronized to a wonderfully choreographed, three-dimensional digital lighting projection on Hogwarts castle.
A dynamic fireworks display followed to signal the much-anticipated arrival of the incredibly immersive attraction.
Joining in the celebration were a handful of stars from the “Harry Potter” film franchise, who walked the red carpet alongside other celebrity attendees like Mindy Kaling, Thandie Newton and Golden Globe-winning actor, Billy Bob Thornton, among others.
Members of our very own Entertainment Benefits Group leadership team were also in attendance Tuesday evening for the grand opening festivities.
Brett Reizen, president and Chief Executive Officer, and Stephanie Baker, Senior Vice President of marketing, enjoyed the festivities with executives Larry Kurzweil, president, Universal Studios Hollywood, Tom Williams, Chairman & CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, and Kevin Tsujihara, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment and more!
More than five years in the making, and inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” has been recreated with impeccable detail as a real-world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The attraction will feature Hogwarts Castle and the wizard village of Hogsmeade, including shops and eateries, like Honeydukes sweet shop, Zonko’s Joke Shop, and both the Three Broomsticks and Hogshead pubs, featured in the hugely popular books and movies.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in Universal Studios Hollywood closely resembles the one at the Universal Orlando Resort. But one big difference is that Hogsmeade village will also include Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster – the family coaster “Flight of the Hippogriff.”
And for the first time in the U.S., “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s” flagship ride, ‘Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,’ will be in “hyper-realistic 3D-HD.” The multidimensional thrill ride features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects.
So now that you’re all excited about the wonderful world of Harry Potter, be sure to click over to TicketsatWork.com for amazing specials on our regular season and 3-day passes to Universal Studios Hollywood.
*Universal announced that tickets were sold out for opening day.
By: Jeff Hyatt
TicketsatWork Blog 