If you are looking for the HorrorBuzz team we have all headed off to Universal Studios Hollywood and are waiting just outside the gates for something truly awesome! No, not Halloween Horror Nights, although that is a good guess.  No, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort are inviting guests to experience an exciting new dimension of sorcery at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” with the introduction of the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle,” a powerful, original and breathtaking projection experience. Slytherin alumni to the front of the line, please.

“Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle,” a dynamic, all-new light projection experience, comes to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort

The “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” will illuminate Hogwarts castle and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” nightly from April 13 – 28 at Universal Studios Hollywood then return from May 25 – 27.

Universal Hollywood will be the first to get this new projection show on Hogwart’s Castle because, well, we are a dark arts town. It’s in our DNA. Universal Orlando Resort’s experience will debut later this year with dates to be announced at a later time. This exciting all-new experience in “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will cast a mesmerizing display of light, music and special effects, unleashing the darkest creatures and villains, including the powerful Dark wizard Lord Voldemort.

After so many cheery presentations that offered a balanced look at the wizarding shcool, the new show will be illuminating a darker side of the Wizarding World. This spectacular new light projection experience will bring more intense tones and drama that reflect the Dark creatures and wizards that challenge goodness in the Wizarding World.

The show promises all that we would expect from the scary side of Potter. As darkness falls on Hogwarts castle, Dementors™, Death Eaters and other unspeakable creatures from Aragog and Mountain Trolls to Thestrals will cloak the castle with sinister images from the darker side of magic—even conjuring the visage of Lord Voldemort™ himself, until the Patronus spell—one of the most famous, difficult and powerful defense of the Dark Arts charms in the wizarding world—is cast.

The “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” will be accompanied by an exclusive musical arrangement that will emanate in a surround sound environment. It was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London, based on the original scores composed for the film series created by Academy Award®-winning composer John Williams.

Wands at the ready everyone!


It MIGHT just be time to get that annual pass after all huh? The all-new 2019 Season Pass invites guests to experience the fun throughout the year for $149 when purchased online. Blackout dates and restrictions apply. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details.
At Universal Orlando, guests can take advantage of an unprecedented offer featuring up to six months free on any Universal Orlando Annual Pass if purchased before April 4, 2019. Click here for more details about Annual and Seasonal Pass options.

About the Author

Norman Gidney is a nearly lifelong horror fan. Beginning his love for the scare at the age of 5 by watching John Carpenter's Halloween, he set out on a quest to share his passion for all things spooky with the rest of the world.