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

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).

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:



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.

View Comment (1)