With the long-awaited opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood now less than a year away, SnitchSeeker visited the theme park to check out some of the great attractions offered there. After all, while we're all huge fans of Potter here at SnitchSeeker and can't wait to descend upon the wizarding world next year, we know that it can't hurt to offer incentives for our friends and family members to want to visit the theme park with us.
Universal Studios Hollywood consists of an upper lot where you can find shows like Shrek 4-D, Waterworld and the Special Effects stage, as well as The Simpsons Ride; a lower lot, full of rollercoasters and thrill rides; and a back lot, where the world famous tram tour takes guests through actual movie sets. We kept this visit mainly to the upper lot, where the brand new Springfield expansion is located.
Across from The Simpsons Ride and right next to the Hogsmeade construction, Springfield features larger-than-life sized characters from
The Simpsons roaming about and taking photos with guests. We spotted Marge and Lisa hanging outside the Kwik-E-Mart, and SideShow Bob lurking just around the corner. Springfield also offers guests the opportunity to stop in for a drink in Moe's Tavern or Duff Brewery. We loved the fabulous Flaming Moe! Visitors can also have a bite to eat at the actual Krusty Burger or Lard Lad doughnut shop. Note: Doughnut flavors do change up occasionally - Cap'n Crunch and Froot Loops selections were on the menu during our visit.
You can check out loads of Springfield pics on our
Instagram.
We really enjoyed the Animal Actors stage show, where trainers show the audience how they teach tricks to various kinds of animals for the movie industry. The show features animals used in actual films, including an eagle owl named Olympus, who played Draco Malfoy's owl in the Harry Potter films.
Just inside the park entrance/exit on the south side of the street is the Feature Presentation shop, where visitors can find Harry Potter merchandise for all four Houses. We found some cool items, like House patches and giant House crests, which you can view
here in our gallery, and we picked up a nifty Howler kit that allows you to record your own message.
In a of couple weeks, Universal Studios Hollywood will be adding a new ride to their world famous tram tour: Fast & Furious Supercharged. We'll be there to capture all the action for you.
More photos and videos can be found on
SnitchSeeker's Instagram page:
Universal Studios Hollywood Springfield review, new Harry Potter merch & more 
