The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hollywood

[Aaron]

Found some footage on instagram of the fireworks: 

 

[12th Man]

Fireworks:


Ok, here is a preview and then the full story:   

Ok, so at first it was very calm. No lights on the castle or anything.

Then, a blue light appeared! (ooohh)

Then a white light:

Then finally, fireworks! Lots and lots of fireworks!

There was also some projection mapping on the castle!

Can't wait for all of the fireworks on Tuesday!

 

[eivega]

For those of us who aren't invited to attend the premiere, where do you think is the best place to watch the fireworks and lights from afar?  Going to Citywalk would be too close, right?  Or do we just park at the top of Curious George and watch from there?  Or just hang out further back on Olive somewhere?  I've actually been pleasantly surprised how far away I can see Hogwarts in the Burbank area.  Does anyone know a sweet spot where we could get a good view of the castle and possibly also see the light projections and fireworks?

 

[Jon Fu]

^ Security is not a huge fan of people waiting in their parking lots, so I'd nix that out. I'd be curious if anyone else has any suggestions.

 

[Ryan]

Whatever you do, please don't trespass. A fireworks show isn't worth it.


If you know a public viewing area in the Hollywood Hills or even get a room at the Hilton... viewing towards the park. It's admittedly difficult considering the placement of USH, but it'll be able to be watched at a distance throughout most of the valley.

 

[Glamour_Tram]

So is it a yes or no on the soft open today?

 

[ItsAtrap]

Curious George is where the larger fireworks are being launched from. So no to that spot.


Those are great pic's GoHawks!


Glamour_Tram; WWoHP will be open today.

 

[Alexshow.]

Heres the complete wall mural..

 

[k_peek_2000]

It's a definite improvement.

 

[HereWeGo]

Are they streaming the grand opening anywhere?

 

[chris.g]

Some information for opening day based on the Twittersphere: 


- ALL single day 4/7 tickets bought in advance online grants you early entry to the Wizzarding World at 6:30am. A pre-ceremony is at 6:15am


- Universal states their parking structure will open at 2am on April 7th & they request no one lines up earlier than 2am!


- If you are lining up Universal requests no tents or chairs. Everyone without an early entry ticket must wait 'till 8am entry.

 

[Jon Fu]

Just a heads up in case it hasn't been said: the land will be closed up until the 7th, so please plan accordingly. They've been holding technical rehearsals for over a month, so anyone that's been wanting to go early should have already went given the ample time Universal has provided.

 

[12th Man]

I wonder what the map will look like with Hogsmeade on it...


Do you think it is going to be an entirely redesigned map?

 

[chris.g]

^ That is my hope

 

[Alexshow.]

I have my doubts, but if it does. I'm happy that they changed the maps, but considering Springfield didn't exactly change the map completely; my expectations are low on a redesign of the park map.

 

[eivega]

Sorry, I totally wasn't suggesting trespassing for the premiere.  I just wanted ideas for good public viewpoints to watch the fireworks.  Those photos are fantastic and obviously not taken on Universal property.  I'm guessing a nearby apartment window?  Do any of the hotels in that area have a high floor bar, lounge or restaurant?  I think technically you should be able to see Hogwarts from the Crystal View Lounge at Holiday Inn in Downtown Burbank but that's pretty far to really appreciate it.  Is there a local park that might have a decent view?


And I'm guessing that trying to watch red carpet arrivals is probably not advised either?  Universal is not setting-up for fans to stand-by and watch from behind a barricade?


There's got to be a non-problematic watch to catch a glimpse of this celebration!

 

[k_peek_2000]

Top of the CG parking structure, assuming they'll let the public stay on it that late.

 

[Jonathan]

Top of the CG parking structure, assuming they'll let the public stay on it that late.

The top of Curious George should be closed off to all guests as this is one of the locations where fireworks are being shot off.

 

[eivega]

Or does anyone know who I should bribe by Simpsonizing them to get on the guest list?  That almost seems easier at this point!

 

[HereWeGo]

It still kind of bothers me that they never added rust to all of the panels on the greenhouse. It just looks lazy.


And do we think that they're going to add brickwork above that area later on or just keep it white?