5-27-2015 - Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World Update

Pictures and Words by Gregg Condon

This past weekend after a lot of "media" stuff over the last few weeks I took a well deserved break to have just a "family" day at Universal Studios Hollywood. The rest of the family had yet to see Springfield and hadn't seen Harry Potter construction in person since Halloween Horror Nights, so we were LONG overdue. 
That said, I did take the Point and Shoot and got some pics, but they won't be "fancy" like the rest of our updates. =)

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The biggest addition since our last update is the new Wizarding World store at the front of the park. While this isn't EVERYTHING that will be offered in Wizarding World, it features a LOT more than we thought it would. 

They've done a great job converting this store from Minions to Harry Potter. 

Hedwig ... =(

Platform 9 3/4

What, the poster on the shirt doesn't move? =)

Hedwig, Fang, Fawkes, Buckbeak, Frog, Rat (Scabbers?)

House Robes, scarves and more. We're waiting to get these when WWHP opens. =)

House Flags

Lots of cool notebooks and journals for each house

Overall the store is great. They also have the wands, but again, we're waiting until we can go into the wand store and have our wands choose us. =)

I was sorted into Gryffindor on Pottermore (yes, I'm that much of a Harry Potter dork) but I loved all of the house hats so I may end up getting them all at some point. 

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Ok, let's go check out what's going on with Wizarding World construction. 

That's new

At this point most of the stuff going on towards the park side is cosmetic. 

Most of the major construction is going on at Forbidden Journey and the other side of Hogsmeade. 

Lots of cranes over here

An overview, looking great. 

A look into where Flying Hippogriff is going. 

A look at the amazing detail

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Just a few things going on around the rest of the park. 

It's time for Universal to ban selfie sticks on their rides. While in this particular section it's not a big deal, you start using them going down drops or on Mummy or Transformers, you've got a problem. 

Hopefully we won't get the metal detectors though. =)

Great thing about having a waterproof camera ... Jurassic Park splash!!! LOL

The Springfield version of The Kitchen Sink. 

Framework going up for the even bigger Potter store (we've heard). 

New signs for Hand Stamp requirements

Out in CityWalk they are of course promoting Jurassic World, which arrives in just a few weeks. 

I'd like one please. =)

Alright, that's enough for this update. 

Just as an FYI, they are currently doing some night tours on the weekends prior to their official opening around July 4th. Not all elements may be working during this soft open period however. 

We'll try and get out there on a weekend night soon to get some pics and video. 

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