A major Harry Potter celebration is returning this fall.
September marks the annual Back to Hogwarts festivities at Universal, and this year’s event comes with a new reason for fans to visit. Alongside exclusive entertainment and limited-edition merchandise, the resort is reviving an alternate version of one of its most famous attractions.
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The announcement coincides with the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, with special experiences planned throughout the Wizarding World.
For Universal, it’s another chance to spotlight the attraction that introduced millions of guests to Hogwarts years before roller coasters like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or newer additions such as Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry expanded the franchise.
Universal Brings Back Alternate Harry Potter Experience
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has been a fixture of Universal’s parks for more than a decade.
The attraction, which can also be found in Orlando, Hollywood, and Beijing, takes guests on a flying adventure through Hogwarts, featuring appearances from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, and Robbie Coltrane.
Beginning September 1, however, guests at Universal Studios Japan will have another option.
The park is bringing back the Hogwarts Castle Walk, a walkthrough version of the attraction that lets visitors explore Hogwarts Castle without boarding the ride itself.
Instead of moving through the queue at the pace of waiting riders, guests can stop and appreciate areas including the Herbology greenhouses, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and Albus Dumbledore’s office.
The Hogwarts Castle Walk will be available from September 1 through January 17.
Universal Studios Japan has operated the experience before, but only during select periods.
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Exclusive Nighttime Event Also Confirmed
The Castle Walk is just one part of this year’s Back to Hogwarts celebration.
Universal Studios Japan will also host a special nighttime event inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with attendance limited through a lottery system.
Lottery entries open at 2:00 p.m. on July 1 and close on July 14.
Guests selected to attend will receive a digital badge before the event, which runs from 8:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
The evening includes access to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and the Hogwarts Castle Walk.
Honeydukes, Ollivanders, and Filch’s Confiscated Goods will remain open, while Butterbeer, Magic Neep, and merchandise carts will continue serving guests throughout the event.
Universal will also debut Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans-inspired stickers during the celebration before releasing them to all guests beginning September 2.
While Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has seen a handful of updates over the years, including the addition and later removal of 3D effects, the returning Castle Walk gives fans a rare opportunity to experience one of Universal’s most detailed attraction spaces in an entirely different way.
Do you think Universal should add the Castle Walk to other versions of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey?
