Just about one year ago, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was set to enjoy its debut amidst a grand opening gala filled with celebrities, fireworks, and a live orchestra that accompanied a stunning light show that heralded the new land. John Williams conducted a live orchestra that played accompaniment to an eye-popping display that left all in attendance in utter amazement. Nearly everyone there that night wished they could see the show every time they visited Hogwarts.

It took a year, but a permanent version of that magical nighttime show has arrived and it is PURE MAGIC. The 5 minute long visual feast uses Hogwarts Castle as the focal point of a show narrated by the sorting hat, featuring the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. In translating the opening night eye-candy to state-0f-the-art theme park entertainment, Senior Director of Entertainment Production, Stephen Siercks expanded the scope of the show to include nearly all of Hogsmead.  We had the chance to speak to Siercks moments before the show and we got a bit more detail from him on what it took to bring the production to life.

USH Stephen Siercks Discusses The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle

Soon enough the night began to fall and the lights rose on the foreboding structure towering in the distance. The magical strains of John Williams lyrical score from the Harry Potter films filled the air. Speakers throughout the land saturated the air with directional, crystal clear music and sound. Lights in the surrounding trees twinkled in danced to the music and projections. Pillars of light bolted from behind Hogwarts, punctuating dramatic moments.

 

We invite you to see the 360° 3D video below and become fully immersed in the magic. If you have a Google Cardboard headset or similar VR viewer follow check it out with those. If you don’t, just move your mouse around to look ALL around!

USH - Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show 4k 360 3D

This version of the show is a remarkable bit of magic in a park that needs substantial nighttime entertainment. How does it compare to what the press saw a year ago? It’s better. No, there are no low-level fireworks, no live orchestra. But the scope of the presentation has been expanded considerably with equally impressive tricks and surprises. The only complaint we have is that it is simply too short. It is phenomenal, it even plays twice a night, yet it seems as if it could stand maybe one or two more magic moments. Certainly not a deal breaker, but if there were just a bit more to it this would be an unqualified home run.

Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle officially begins running nightly on June 23rd. If you don’t feel like braving the crowds on opening night, Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook will host a Facebook Live event to stream the all-new “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” experience at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” on Friday, June 23 at 8:30pm PST.

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios Hollywood is home to one of the biggest, baddest Halloween events on the planet. Halloween Horror Nights enjoyed yet another major announcement yesterday with the arrival of American Horror Story: Roanoke. Yes we also posted another Halloween Horror Nights Tracker article today too.