Universal Studios Orlando held a grand-opening celebration for its new $200 million-plus attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on Wednesday night. The event included a fireworks display over Hogwarts castle set to music from all six Harry Potter films, performed live by legendary composer John Williams (Star Wars, Jaws) and the Orlando Symphony Orchestra.

Among the franchise suits in attendance were the film’s stars Daniel Radcliffe, Tom Felton, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, Mathew Lewis, twins Oliver and James Phelps, Warwick Davis, and Potter creator and author J.K. Rowling.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features attractions, shops, and restaurants themed after the Potter films.

Rides include the Dragon Challenge, a twin high-speed roller coaster set to a Triwizard Tournament backdrop, Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster set to simulate a Hippogriff training flight over Hogwarts Castle, and the state-of-the-art interactive attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located inside Hogwarts castle.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens to the public on June 18.

Check out the gallery:

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Universal Studios Orlando is set to open its latest themed attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on June 18. Star Emma Watson, however, got to visit the park yesterday.

Watson, who plays Hermione Granger, was joined by Potter costars Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Oliver and James Phelps (George and Fred Weasley) and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom).

Take a look:

Said Watson:

A film set has a cut-off point, you know, you’re only using a particular section of it, but this is a completely immersive environment. Being here was actually really moving and emotional for me, because I know that the sets are going to come down, but this will be here forever.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature attractions, shops, and restaurants themed after the Harry Potter films. Rides include the Dragon Challenge, a twin high-speed roller coaster set to a Triwizard Tournament backdrop and Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster set to simulate a Hippogriff training flight over Hogwarts Castle. The castle, itself, plays a role in the state-of-the-art interactive attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Guests of Universal Studios Hollywood will go ape-shit this summer when they come face-to-face with a 3-D King Kong. Created by Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson and his F/X team Weta Digital, the two-and-a-half minute attraction will be part of the theme park’s back lot studio tram tour.

“King Kong 360 3-D, created by Peter Jackson (the attraction’s official name)” was built on a 200-foot-long sound stage with a “tram-mover” system capable of rocking the tram back and forth, up and down. The attraction also features two 180-foot-long by 40-foot-tall screens that wrap around the tram to create an all encompassing 3-D environment.

Universal Studios show producer Valerie Johnson-Redrow promises:

You are really going to be immersed in every part of the show. We are going to bring you to Skull Island. We are going to bring you right in the middle of a knock- down, drag-out fight with a T. rex.

The new King Kong attraction replaces the 30-foot-tall animatronic Kong that was destroyed during the park’s 2008 back lot fire.

To read about the Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios Orlando, click here.

It’s a magical time for middle-aged virgins Harry Potter fans. Universal Studios Orlando is set to open its new attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this spring. Hogwarts Castle (pictured above) is the first official image released by Universal.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature attractions, shops, and restaurants themed after the Harry Potter films. Rides include the Dragon Challenge, a twin high-speed roller coaster set to a Triwizard Tournament backdrop and Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster set to simulate a Hippogriff training flight over Hogwarts Castle. The castle, itself, plays a role in the state-of-the-art interactive attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

From the press release:

The expectations of Harry Potter fans are high and Universal Orlando Resort is collaborating closely with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter brand team to ensure that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an experience of a lifetime.  The Harry Potter films’ production designer, Stuart Craig and art director, Alan Gilmore, in cooperation with a corps of artisans from Universal Creative are working daily to construct the most authentic Harry Potter experience possible.  Guests will be able to sip Butterbeer in Three Broomsticks, buy Extendable Ears at Zonko’s and experience a state-of-the-art attraction that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in a way never before imagined.

“All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter’s world will come to life here at Universal Orlando Resort,” said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts.  “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience on earth and we can’t wait to see the looks on our guests’ faces as they enter this rich environment.”

From the front archway of Hogsmeade to the immensity of Hogwarts castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature the locations listed below:

At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station.

Across the way is Zonko’s, a joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes.

Honeydukes is next door and full of treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.

The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog’s Head pub will serve traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.

Across from the Three Broomsticks is The Owlery, where owls roost and await their next delivery.

The Owl Post sends letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and sells official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard.

Completing Hogsmeade is Dervish and Banges, the magical instruments and equipment shop featuring Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls.

The first attraction, Dragon Challenge, features a twin high-speed roller coaster with many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament.

Next is Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle.

Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling new state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced.

Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods is full of Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches.