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Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and other Harry Potter film stars help open Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter

in Events, Movies, Theme Parks

Posted on by Ricky Brigante 1 Comment
Harry Potter film stars stand onstage at Universal Orlando, microphones in hand, some smiling as they face the excited crowd.

An impressive lineup of Harry Potter film stars turned out tonight for a private opening ceremony for Universal Orlando’s new Wizarding World of Harry Potter addition to their Islands of Adventure theme park.

In attendance were actors Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasely), Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasely), and James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley).

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort kicked off its grand opening celebration tonight with help from Harry Potter film stars Tom Felton, Michael Gambon, Bonnie Wright, Oliver Phelps, Daniel Radcliffe, Matthew Lewis, Warwick Davis, Rupert Grint and James Phelps. Hundreds of people gathered in front of Hogwarts castle for a spectacular display of fireworks choreographed to a special performance of music from the Harry Potter films conducted live by renowned composer John Williams. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will officially grand open to the public this Friday, June 18.

Radcliffe led the crowd of media and special guests in lighting up Hogwarts Castle via a “lumos” spell, culminating in a fireworks display high above. (Looks like Disney no longer has the only Orlando theme park with fireworks bursting behind it!)

The special event was not open to the public, but was broadcast live online for the world to view. We bring it to you once again here in this encore video:

Hogwarts Universal Orlando

In addition, Academy Award-winning composer/conductor John Williams conducted his songs from the Harry Potter film series during the event and actor Warwick Davis led the Hogwarts Frog Choir.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will hold its public grand opening at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18, after which muggles everywhere will be finally able to drink Butterbeer, shop in Hogsmeade Village, and take a few wild rides around the new Islands of Adventure theme park area. But if you want to be there for the opening, arrive early, as Universal Orlando is expecting a huge crowd, opening its parking garage at 5:30 a.m.

If you can’t make it to Orlando any time soon, you can virtually visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter online via our videos, photos, articles ,and reviews.

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