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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood Opens; Tour With Tom Felton [VIDEO]

Cody Simpson And Greyson Chance Visit Universal Orlando Resort

(Photo : Universal Orlando | Getty Images) ORLANDO, FL - MAY 03: In this handout photo provided by Universal Orlando Resort, thirteen-year-old singer and pianist Greyson Chance, who's cover performance of Lady Gaga's 'Paparazzi' at his sixth grade music festival caught the eye of millions, stopped to have enjoy a frozen Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter while visiting Universal Orlando Resort on May 2, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. Hosted by Universal Orlando, Chance and his family and friends also made a trip to Ollivanders wand shop and toured Hogwarts castle at Universal Orlando while in town for a concert performance.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opened to the public on Thursday at Universal Studios in Hollywood.

The new theme park was inspired from J.K. Rowling's book and blockbuster franchise film. Fans could tour around and visit some of the attractions such as Zonko's Joke Shop, Hogsmeade, Ollivanders wand shop, Honeydukes, and more.

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"It's as close as you ever could be to a film in a theme park," said supervising director Alan Gilmore. "Turning film sets into real buildings is really quite an amazing journey."

The combination of high-technology and inspiration from the film's world gave the new six-acres theme park's village and castle a realistic feel for the visitors.

Meanwhile, tourists are welcome to try The Wizarding World of Harry Potter rides like Universal Hollywood first outdoor roller coaster called Flight of the Hippogriff, Forbidden Journey and 3D HD Harry Potter.

The supervising director revealed that the magical attraction don't use electricity. "It's all gas lighting, oil lighting. Any machines are mechanical, they're not modern electronics," Gilmore said.

"You'll see motors; you'll see chains; you'll see the kind of older style of engineering," he added.

On the other hand, the British actor Tom Felton, known for his character as Draco Malfoy in the movie, made an appearance during the official opening on Thursday. During the event, his presence delighted the fans in the venue.

The 28-year-old actor said that he felt nostalgic visiting the world that he used to see on his eight years of filming the movie.

"It is really cool to have a place like this to come back to," said Felton, according to USA Today. "Every time I get homesick, I can come here and re-live a bit of my childhood," he added.

During his tour in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme-park in Hollywood, he shared his experience and memories at the time that he was still filming the "Harry Potter" movies. 


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