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The Street
The Street
Sarah Jean Callahan

Disney Theme Park Rival Universal Brings Back Popular Attraction

Whether you are a fan of Comcast’s (CMCSA) Universal Studios and or a Harry Potter fan aka Potterhead, Universal Studios Hollywood is bringing excitement to new heights, and depending on what kind of fan you are, it could be better than the news of the dairy free Butterbeer that was announced earlier this month in the Wizarding World. 

Harry Potter fans get the reputation of being a little over the top, but those who love the stories and films think nothing about showing up to the Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter dressed in full cloaks, capes or robes to live out their dream in the theme park. According to employees of the Wizarding World, it is not uncommon for guests to cry from being overwhelmed when entering the park.

DON'T MISS: Universal's Disney-Killer Theme Park Has Big Harry Potter News 

When Universal Studios Hollywood adds anything to the Wizarding World, you have to believe that it is meant to completely enhance the experience. The park is so by the book that the Harry Potter land doesn’t even sell Coca-Cola, per creator and author J.K. Rowlings' request. Her intention is to keep the theme park as magical and to the book as possible. Luckily, guests can bring a Coke into the Wizarding World, they just can't buy one inside it.

Universal

Harry Potter Attraction Set to Return

Universal Studios Hollywood is returning a fan favorite that's raising the level of excitement in the park to new heights, the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Show. The show lights up the night sky against the Wizarding World’s castle and uses drones and light projections to create an eight-minute-long show that encompasses the original music of the Harry Potter films all recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. While the show was previously eight minutes long, the returning show may be different with different effects and or music. 

The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Show previously pulled out all the stops when creating all things that are evil descending upon the castle against the Wizarding World Castle, but even as the darkness takes over, Professor Dumbledore reminds the crowd, that "happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times,” according to the Theme Park Insider. The returning show might take on a different turn of events for this year's nightly performances. 

The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood will light up the night sky multiple times a night starting from when the sun goes down and ending when the park closes. Harry Potter fans can catch a glimpse of the Dark Arts show the following nights: March 25 through April 9, May 27 through 29 and all summer from June 17 until Aug. 13.

Planning to See the Show

There is no special admission to be able to view the show, but getting a good spot to watch it might be a harder to come by. While theme park guests can view the night show from multiple places across the park, some believe the best place to watch the show is from the bridge toward Jurassic Park or out front of the Frog Choir stage in Hogsmeade, according to Touring Plans. It is unclear if the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios Orlando is returning, however.

Since the show lights up the night multiple times each night, guests have more than one chance to catch the show, especially if the first time around they don't get the best view. There really isn't a bad place to watch it, there are just 'better' places to watch it. So, while the crowds begin to form before the sun sets, you can continue to check out the rest of the park. 

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