Wizarding World of Harry Potter to open at Universal Studios on April 7

Harry Potter fans won’t have to wait much longer for their Hogwarts letter. Universal Studios Hollywood said Tuesday that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open April 7.

The highly anticipated addition to the theme park will feature Hogwarts Castle and the wizard village of Hogsmeade, along with several of the shops and eateries featured in the books and movies.

The land will also include the park’s first outdoor coaster, called Flight of the Hippogriff, and the signature ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which will be similar to one at Universal’s Orlando theme park, but will also be enhanced by 3D technology.

The addition is expected to boost revenue and park attendance.

After the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in 2010 at Islands of Adventure and expanded to Universal Studios Florida in 2014, the park’s parent company reported an increase in merchandise sale and attendance.

Universal Studios Hollywood raised the prices of annual passes in November.

A 2015 annual pass with no blackout dates had cost $139 online, or $159 when purchased at the park. A value pass with blackout dates ran $119.

The new annual pass program with blackout dates will cost California residents $139 for 182 days of access to the theme park, or $199 for 244 days. A pass that can be used 312 days costs $299 and is available to all parkgoers.

Annual pass holders can visit the park on April 7 for the opening day of the new attraction but only if that is the first visit after buying a pass. If annual pass holders visit the park before April 7, the opening date of the attraction is blacked out, according to park officials.

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