Universal Studios Hollywood has revealed today that they have upgraded Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to 4K-HD technology. The ride, which also exists in the Orlando theme park, takes riders on an adventure around Hogwarts and it’s grounds with Harry, Ron and Hermione. It is unknown if the Orlando version will also receive an upgrade. A press release about the update may be read below:
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood Elevates “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” to 4K-HD with State-of-the-Art Imagery Projecting at Twice the Frame Rate for an Even More Immersive Experience
Universal City, CA, March 23, 2017 – The spectacularly captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride at Universal Studios Hollywood’s “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” takes a technological bow with the introduction of enhanced 4K-HD ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second and designed to offer guests an even more immersive glimpse into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.
This progressive enhancement replaces the earlier 3D film component of the ride to create a seamless integration between the ride’s elaborate sets and its spellbinding media. The attraction’s storyline remains the same.
Originally projected at 60 frames-per-second, the new ride media now displays at twice the frame rate offering superior clarity and remarkably sharper images than previously shown, with imagery that is stunningly ultra-realistic.
Hailed by press across the globe as a tour-de-force, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” has enjoyed a vast array of critical acclaim, such as:
“The combination of the stunningly detailed queue and the state-of-the-art ride make Forbidden Journey the best dark ride in the world.”
“All roads lead to Hogwarts castle, home to possibly the most immersive, amazing and utterly convincing dark-ride and queue ever invented. The detail at every turn is exquisite.”
An achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” is a multidimensional thrill ride located within Hogwarts castle. It features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects designed to take guests on a once-in-a lifetime whirlwind adventure.
Spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees upon an elevated ride track, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ushers guests on a journey alongside Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley as they venture through some of the most memorable scenes from the movie, including a Quidditch match where they narrowly escape a dragon attack, as well as close encounters with Dementors and the Whomping Willow.
A spectacular attraction unto itself, the iconic and picturesque Hogwarts castle sits at the heart of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” providing access to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hogwarts castle is a breathtaking reproduction from the movie, housing narrow stone passageways and chambers that invites guests to walk in the famous footsteps of the film’s heroic character where they will encounter many familiar places along the way, including the Mirror of Erised, Professor Sprout’s Herbology class and a selection of baby Mandrakes, Dumbledore’s office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Hall of Talking Portraits, the Fat Lady portrait at the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room and the Sorting Hat.
The 2017 Celebration of Harry Potter may be over, but we still have some tidbits to share over the next few days! We’ve just posted a bunch of photos from the weekend over on our Facebook page, so head over and check them out!
The Universal Orlando blog has unveiled the exclusive souvenirs fans can purchase at this weekend’s Celebration of Harry Potter. Visit the Harry Potter Expo in Soundstages 33 and 21 from Jan. 27-29 to see all of the new souvenirs and exhibitors for this year’s event.
You can still purchase park to park tickets for the event, but all packages are now sold out. Get your tickets now and join us at the fourth annual A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort! If you can’t make it we’ll be reporting from the event all weekend!
This year, we’re excited to introduce a commemorative A Celebration of Harry Potter 2017 wand. This exclusive design is specific to this year’s event and will only be available, in limited quantities, for pre-order at the expo – it will definitely be a MUST-SEE since this will be the only time this new wand will be available.
Also debuting at this year’s event will be a new Chocolate Frog Card featuring five-time consecutive Witch Weekly’s Most-Charming-Smile Award winner, Gilderoy Lockhart. A MUST-HAVE for Chocolate Frog Card collectors, the boxes will have a specific sticker indicating which contain the new card for two weeks. After those two weeks, they’ll become random like the other cards. You’ll be able to find the new Chocolate Frog Cards in the expo and both Sugarplum’s and Honeydukes.
For the more artistically-minded, make sure you check out the new art and displays from the graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the creative design for this year’s event, new charms from the Lumos collection and more.
Another cast member has been announced for the 2017 Celebration of Harry Potter! Tom Felton will be attending for the first time this year.
He will join Jason Isaacs, Warwick Davis and Matthew Lewis. The weekend includes:
Q&A sessions with an array of film talent, featuring A Celebration of Harry Potter newcomers Jason Isaacs and Warwick Davis along with returning talent Matthew Lewis.
A new Harry Potter trivia challenge and a Fan Art Walk where you can let your creativity flow onto a chalk art gallery.
An expanded Harry Potter Expo that has more than doubled in size, making room for more interactive displays and immersive exhibits created especially for this event. Expo participants will include:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Pottermore
Audible
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Google Daydream VR Experience – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
MinaLima
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Scholastic
New panels and demonstrations giving you an inside look at how the magic behind J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World is brought to life. CLICK HERE for the full schedule of events.
Get your tickets now and join us at the fourth annual A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort! If you can’t make it we’ll be reporting from the event all weekend!
Universal has revealed the third and final Harry Potter cast member attending the 2017 Celebration of Harry Potter. Jason Isaacs will be joining Matthew Lewis and Warwick Davis during various events throughout the weekend. The annual celebration features magical experiences for every Muggle, No-Maj, wizard and witch alike including:
Q&A sessions with an array of film talent, featuring A Celebration of Harry Potter newcomers Jason Isaacs and Warwick Davis along with returning talent Matthew Lewis.
A new Harry Potter trivia challenge and a Fan Art Walk where you can let your creativity flow onto a chalk art gallery.
An expanded Harry Potter Expo that has more than doubled in size, making room for more interactive displays and immersive exhibits created especially for this event. Expo participants will include:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Pottermore
Audible
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Google Daydream VR Experience – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
MinaLima
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Scholastic
New panels and demonstrations giving you an inside look at how the magic behind J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World is brought to life. CLICK HERE for the full schedule of events.
Get your tickets now and join us at the fourth annual A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort! If you can’t make it we’ll be reporting from the event all weekend!
Universal Orlando Resort has released the schedule for the upcoming Celebration of Harry Potter. The 4th annual Celebration begins next Friday, January 27th and some packages are still available. Currently the only actors set to attend are Matthew Lewis and Warwick Davis. Alan Gilmore, MinaLima, Mary GrandPre, Nick Dudman and Paul Harris will also be in attendance to talk about their experiences with Potter.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017
Harry Potter™ Expo – 9am – 5pm | Soundstage 33 and 21
Movie in the Park – 10am – 12:30pm | Music Plaza Stage
Movie in the Park – 1:30pm – 4pm | Music Plaza Stage
Opening Night Event – 7:15pm – 8:15pm | Music Plaza Stage
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017
Harry Potter™ Expo – 9am – 3:30pm | Soundstage 33 and 21
Kids’ Dance Like a Beauxbatons, Battle Like a Durmstrang – 10am – 10:30am | Music Plaza Stage
WB Studio Tour London – Discover the secrets behind Creature Effects with Nick Dudman & Warwick Davis – 10am – 10:30am | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheater
Harry Potter™ Trivia – 11am -11:30am | Music Plaza Stage
Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris (Kids) – 11:30am – 12pm | Music Plaza Stage
MinaLima: Graphic Design for the Harry Potter™ Films with MinaLima – 11:30am – 12pm | Music Plaza Stage
Harry Potter™ Trivia – 1:30pm – 2pm | Music Plaza Stage
Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris (All Levels) – 2pm – 2:30pm | Music Plaza Stage
Stories From The Exhibition: Taking the Audio-Tour Experience to the World – 3pm – 3:30pm | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheater
Harry Potter™ Film Talent Q&A – 4pm – 4:45pm | Music Plaza Stage
An Interview with Mary GrandPré – 4:15pm – 4:45pm | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheater
House Rally Meet-Up (Costume Contest) – 5:30pm – 6pm | Music Plaza Stage
Evening Tribute – 6:45pm – 7:45pm | Music Plaza Stage
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017
Harry Potter™ Expo – 9am – 5pm | Soundstage 33 and 21
Kids’ Dance Like a Beauxbatons, Battle Like a Durmstrang – 10am – 10:30am | Music Plaza Stage
MinaLima: Graphic Design for the Harry Potter™ Films with MinaLima – 10am – 10:30am | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheater
Harry Potter™ Trivia – 11am -11:30am | Music Plaza Stage
Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris (Kids) – 11:30am – 12pm | Music Plaza Stage
Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris (All Levels) – 2pm – 2:30pm | Music Plaza Stage
Stories From The Exhibition: Taking the Audio-Tour Experience to the World – 2:30pm – 3pm | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheater
Harry Potter™ Trivia – 3pm – 3:30pm | Music Plaza Stage
WB Studio Tour London – Discover the secrets behind Creature Effects with Nick Dudman & Warwick Davis – 4pm – 4:30pm | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheater
Harry Potter™ Film Talent Q&A – 5:30pm – 6:15pm | Music Plaza Stage
HARRY POTTER EXPO: Soundstage 21
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter™
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Pottermore
Soundstage 33
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter™
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