Universal Studios fans are excited about the return of this spectacular nighttime performance in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, teased in a new theme park update.
While not quite as large as the two-park Wizarding World at Universal Studios Florida, the smaller version at Universal Studios Hollywood in Southern California still offers plenty of magic for fans of the Harry Potter series and movies! While Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure offer two separate themed areas within their resort complex, both Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts grounds and Diagon Alley, accessible via the Hogwarts Express, the West Coast version offers just one all-encompassing experience.
Credit: Park Savers
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At Hollywood’s Wizarding World, guests can immerse themselves in a snowy setting straight from the Warner Bros. Discovery films, adapted by controversial conservative author JK Rowling from the children’s series about a wizard boy who goes to magic school. Nonetheless, for nostalgic adults and new younger fans, the setting and its characters still hold great meaning, and no other location offers the opportunity to experience the magic so deeply!
For example, Universal Studios Hollywood debuted the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts performance, which used music, pyrotechnics, projection mapping, and other special effects to transform the school and the night sky that surrounds it. Later, The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle, a more progressive production with edgier themes centered around the story’s central Wizarding War conflict, debuted to great acclaim on both coasts.
Photo credit: Universal Studios
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As detailed in Attractions Magazine:
While the village of Hogsmeade is shrouded in darkness, the facade of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is illuminated by dementors, Death Eaters, Inferi and even the image of Lord Voldemort himself during a projection and special effects show, accompanied by a musical score of the legendary Harry Potter, overtakes composer John Williams.
However, the show went on an extended hiatus four years ago, to the disappointment of guests who particularly enjoyed the scenes with the floating Patronus in the finale. Fortunately, Universal Studios has announced that the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle show will be returning to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a limited time!
Photo credit: USA Today
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As of March 25, 2023, the Dark Arts show will be on from March 25 to April 9, 2023, from May 27 to May 29, 2023 and from June 17 to August 13, 2023 until the park closes already in the Dusk features an exclusive Effects feature from Attractions Magazine below as you prepare to return to Hogwarts for the Dark Arts:
