As September 1st, 2024 marks another Back to Hogwarts day, the Wizarding World has treated fans to a range of announcements for the upcoming year and beyond. From new experiences to games and TV shows, Potter enthusiasts have much to anticipate.
The highlight of this year’s announcements is the introduction of “A Hogwarts Express Adventure.” Set to launch in Spring 2025, this experience will bring the magic of the iconic train journey to life. Developed by Rail Events, fans will board a real-life moving train, immersing themselves in a family-friendly adventure that captures the journey to Hogwarts. While details remain limited, this promises to be a significant attraction for Harry Potter fans.
The wizarding world is expanding to new mediums with “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,” a competition series hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), coming to the Food Network and Max. For gamers, “Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions” releases on September 3rd, allowing players to become Quidditch stars.
While much of the information about Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe was already known, the announcement provided tantalizing new glimpses of the upcoming expansion. Set to open in 2025, the park teased fans with new videos and images of the wizarding attractions. A behind-the-scenes peek revealed Imelda Staunton recording new scenes as Dolores Umbridge for one of the attractions, adding to the excitement. The expansion will feature areas inspired by 1920s wizarding Paris and the Ministry of Magic, promising immersive experiences for visitors.
In a exciting partnership, Puma has launched a new Harry Potter-themed collaboration with WNBA star Breanna “Stewie” Stewart. The collection, set to release on September 6th, features bewitching new trainer designs that blend the magic of basketball with the wizarding world. This collaboration offers fans a unique way to showcase their love for both sports and Harry Potter.
“Christmas at Hogwarts,” a festive book with illustrations by Ziyi Gao, is set for release. “From the Wizarding Archive,” narrated by Evanna Lynch, is now available as an eBook and audiobook. For younger fans, all seven Harry Potter audiobooks are now on Yoto, a smart speaker platform for children. It’s worth noting that these book-related announcements were already known to fans.
The Wizarding World is also expanding its reach globally with various exhibitions. “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” is heading to Boston and Madrid, while “Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature” has opened in Taipei. “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” is coming to Washington DC, Austin, and Montauban, allowing more fans to explore magical creatures in a forest setting.
You can watch the complete stream below:
