Want to build a better theme park attraction? In my book, the number one thing that creative professionals can do to enhance a theme park's ride or show is to add top-quality music to it.
So I'm thrilled to see that Universal has brought an orchestra into the studio to record a fresh soundtrack to its upcoming Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle show, which debuts this weekend at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The video includes several new teasers for the projection show, which debuts to the public on Saturday, April 13, following two nights of a special, after-hours upcharge premiere event on Thursday and Friday. Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle will run in Hollywood's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter April 13 – 28 then again on May 25 – 27. Additional dates, including those at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, will be announced later.
We will be at Universal on Thursday for the premiere, so check back for more coverage and a review following the show.
For tickets and vacation packages to Universal Studios Hollywood, please visit our Universal Studios Hollywood tickets page.
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Music I think is exactly why The Amazing Adventures of Spider man is so much better than the Transformers ride. The lack of a score on Transformers leaves a huge hole in the experience. I get why they did it. I just wonder if the creators understand how much better it could have been.
Disney already has 2019, Universal and the rest are doing their best to enjoy the overflow but really- no contest on what the biggest new draw in the industry will be this year. By the way, Disney just announced their new Epcot Forever night time spectacular debuts October 1 with the final good night kiss from Illuminations confirmed for September 30;)
I don’t think Universal can handle the overflow in the fall considering how packed the resort was last year. Horror Nights opened late every night I went because they couldn’t kick people out of USF fast enough. Hopefully Hagrid and Dark Arts ( which I think will debut mid fall) will push everyone towards Islands.
I made a point to see Illuminations last year since I figured it’d be my last chance and I want to see EF which looks cute with jet skis, kites and fireworks but I’m more excited for a Patronus made up of light up drones
That's an entire good article to be written on the impact of music on an attraction.
One thing I always miss about classic EPCOT is the wonderful music (not just songs but orchestra) for those dark rides of Spaceship Earth, Horizons and Imagination.
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I think Dark Arts will be the sleeper theme park addition this year. Along with Hagrid’s and Stranger Things, they’re not letting Disney have 2019. I’d be all aboard the Disney hype train if Resistance and Runaway Railway had opening dates by now.