Take a Tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hollywood

An exclusive video of an inside look at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood was just released by Pottermore. Alan Gilmore, Supervising Art Director for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Art Director for the Harry Potter films, gives fans a private tour around the park. Included is also a look at some familiar Yule Ball gowns at Gladrags Wizardwear in Hogsmeade and a visit to the meticulously detailed Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom at Hogwarts, complete with actual props from the movie sets. Gilmore also shows us a few of the 11 interactive window displays around the park that are activated by interactive wands!

Prior to the opening of the California location, Gilmore met with Inside Universal to discuss some of the unique aspects of the Hollywood setting and the differences between the other Universal Theme Park venues in Florida and Japan. Gilmore pointed out that each park has its own characteristics specific to its location and that it was a challenge to remain true to the world J.K. Rowling created while at the same time emphasizing their particular surroundings.

“In the case of Hollywood, lighting played an integral role in shaping the creation of Hogsmeade. ‘We learned very quickly that the light was going to help us in a really good way,’ Gilmore said. Taking advantage of the position of the sun, Gilmore and Universal Creative positioned props and scenery in a manner that produced striking shadows and a sense of sharpness in texture that permeates throughout the land. Hollywood’s natural lighting also allowed Universal’s creative team to enhance the land’s patina and colors – an effect Gilmore calls equalizing. The effect is certainly tangible, as guests who have been to all three lands will attest. Gone are the subtle hints of shadow, and in their place, deep lines produced by warm and luscious Californian lighting cast over the entire land. And of course, come sunset, nothing can beat a photograph of Hogsmeade with a California sunset as your backdrop.”

Click here to read the March 2016 Inside Universal article in its entirety.

Click on the video to take your behind the scenes tour of Wizarding World Hollywood with Alan Gilmore:

As reported by Leaky earlier this month, fans have been flocking to The Wizarding World Hollywood in droves. On January 1st, 2017 over 44,000 guests attended the attraction and they were forced to close their gates for the first time in history. We would love to hear about your experiences (and your spells) if you get the chance to visit!