Harry Potter Theme Park Introduces Online Virtual Tour

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction won’t open at Universal Studios Hollywood until spring, but people who just can’t wait that long can get their fix online.

Theme park officials Tuesday introduced a website that takes aspiring wizards and Muggles alike on a virtual tour of the attraction, including a trip through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with stops at Professor Dumbledore’s office, the Portrait Gallery and the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.

The virtual tour also showcases the streets of Hogsmeade village, including shops such as Honeydukes, Owl Post, Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.

“Harry Potter” film stars Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint provide commentary along the way.

The tour also features a look at two of the attraction’s rides -- the 3- D “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff.”

The virtual tour is available online at www.universalstudioshollywood.com/wizardingworld.

Fans who just can’t enough and want updates on the project’s progress can register online to get the latest news at www.universalstudioshollywood.com/harrypotter/signup.