After more than two years of construction, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opened to the public on Friday at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park. In anticipation of the final unveiling, the park hosted an invite-only grand opening party on Wednesday night with many stars of the film in attendance.
Lead actors Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint arrived via a replica of the films’ flying car, while seven of the cast’s supporting actors, including Tom Felton (a.k.a. Draco Malfoy) rolled up in front of the Hogwarts Castle replica in the triple-decker Knight Bus from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
The celebration included staple entertainment elements from the films, including the Frog Choir under the direction of actor Warwick Davis, who plays Professor Flitwick, instructor in the art of magical charms and conductor of the choir in the Harry Potter films. Universal also staged a Triwizard Spirit Rally with a reenactment of the welcome dances performed by the schools competing against Hogwarts as they arrive at the castle for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Late in the evening, guests gathered in front the replica of Hogwarts Castle, home to the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride, for a special presentation. Radcliffe took the stage and led guests in flicking the wands they received at Ollivander's shop and saying “Lumos!” to illuminate the castle, upon which Universal projected images from the films as a fireworks display took place overhead, choreographed to music from the films by composer John Williams.
The festivities continued during the next two days, with cast members and key players in the creation of the park, including author J.K. Rowling, holding press conferences on Thursday and Radcliffe and twins James and Oliver Phelps carousing with guests on Friday.
