Whether you’re a Muggle, a member of the Order of the Phoenix or even a Death Eater, you’ve got to be thrilled that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding and will open in July at Universal Studios in Japan. Last Friday, Hogwarts Castle was lit for guests at a press event and construction of the park’s otherworldly expansion is nearly complete. So get your house robes on, grab your wand and let’s take a look at what’s coming to the Osaka park and how it will differ from the Orlando iteration of Potter World.
Hogwarts Castle
Inside the iconic School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you’ll see Dumbledore’s office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and the sorting hat on a walking tour that sounds much like the Orlando installation. The will also have the 4D Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride which is highly popular but left me queasy and searching for chocolate like a Dementor attack survivor…
Flight of the Hippogriff
They’ve also replicated the moderate thrill coaster that centers around the hippogriff Buckbeak and Hagrid’s hut. This is a fun little coaster that gives a couple of thrills, but is mostly enjoyable because of the giant faux creature on his nest and the unparalleled views of Hogwarts Castle from the ride’s higher tracks.
Hogsmeade Village
In the village, you can drink at the Three Broomsticks, dine at the Hog’s Head and sample a frothy (and quite tasty) non-alcoholic Butterbeer. It’s a nice manifestation of the literary beverage, but one has to wonder when they’re going to make a version with some spirits in it for the adult witches and wizards visiting Hogsmeade. I envision something with Butterschnapps and Bailey’s Irish Cream…
Honeydukes, Zonko’s and More
Shops in the village are much the same – expect little differentiation from the Orlando version. Of course there’s a Honeydukes to catch a Chocolate Frog or sample a Cauldron Cake. There’s also Zonko’s Joke Shop, Dervish and Banges for robes for potion’s class or Quidditch and Ollivander’s wand shop so you can get the perfect instrument to work your spells.
Orlando Harry Potter vs Osaka Harry Potter
Here’s the lowdown. For now, at least, Harry Potter World at Universal Studios in Japan pales in comparison. First and foremost is the lack of a Dragon Challenge coaster which is an excellent ride with dual experiences that’s repeat worthy. Plus, at the same time this expansion is opening in Osaka, Orlando is getting its own Diagon Alley expansion including Knockturn Alley, an operational Hogwarts Express train you can ride park-to-park and the new Harry Potter Gringott’s dark ride.
In short, if you’re a die-hard fan of Rowling’s imagined universe, Orlando is the place to experience it most fully. But for those living closer to Japan than Central Florida, some Harry Potter is better than no Harry Potter at all. We can only hope that this is just the first phase of this new realm at Universal Osaka and that they will expand to replicate the masterful park-within-a-park that the Wizarding World has evolved into at Universal Studios Orlando.
Image source: RocketNews24.com, LATimes.com, JapanDailyPress.com
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