All the New Wizarding World Announcements from Back to Hogwarts Day
The first day of September is always exciting for young wizards returning to Hogwarts, and the Wizarding World franchise took the opportunity to make a whole slew of announcements.
Special Guest Bonnie Wright
Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) made a surprise appearance at the Back to Hogwarts celebrations at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, where she helped TikTok personality Kierra Lewis count down to 11:00 a.m., when the Hogwarts Express departs platform nine and three-quarters at King’s Cross station. She answered some questions about her experience filming the series and even gave MuggleNet some advice for first years heading to Hogwarts.
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Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure
The day that students catch the Hogwarts Express was the perfect moment to tease a related experience. The only information divulged thus far is that “a magical train ride awaits,” which will be “boarding in 2025.” The Hogwarts Express Adventure website indicates a partnership with Rail Events Incorporated, which also offers train experiences themed around The Polar Express and Peanuts.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
More details have been revealed about the upcoming Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe, including the fact that Dame Imelda Staunton will be reprising her role as Dolores Umbridge as she stands trial for her crimes. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Macnair, Yaxley, and the Carrows will also be featured in the Ministry of Magic ride.
Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking
James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) were previously announced to be hosting an upcoming Potter-themed baking competition show on Max and Food Network. Now, they are reported to be joined by Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick/Griphook), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood). The show will premiere this autumn.
New Exhibition Locations
There continue to be plenty of opportunities to enjoy live Potter experiences around the globe. Mexico will play host to two different events this fall: Harry Potter: Magic at Play in Mexico City beginning September 26, 2024, and Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration in Monterrey, which is taking place on October 31, a bit earlier in the season than usual by Harry Potter standards.
As we’ve previously reported, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will make its way to Houston, Texas, and Washington, D.C., this autumn. And beginning on October 19, it will also open in Montauban, France.
We already knew Harry Potter: Visions of Magic was coming to Singapore this fall. It’s also now open in Brussels, Belgium. Both are locations that have previously played host to the Forbidden Forest Experience.
Following Harry Potter: The Exhibition‘s openings in São Paulo in August and Boston in September, it will also open in Madrid, Spain, on October 4.
And we last heard that Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature had canceled its visit to Auckland that was scheduled for earlier this year. Now, it is open in Taipei, Taiwan.
Studio Tour Summer Feature
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will host a brand-new, to-be-revealed feature in summer 2025, from May 7 to September 8. A teaser video focuses on the Triwizard Cup, suggesting that a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire film’s release may be on the way. This would be in line with this year’s Return to Azkaban summer feature, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Prisoner of Azkaban film.
The other three usual seasonal features will also be returning in 2025 – Magical Mischief from January 25 to April 28, 2025; Dark Arts from September 12 to November 9, 2025; and Hogwarts in the Snow from November 15, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Quidditch Champions Trailer
Another trailer was released for the Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions game, showing more of the gameplay and featured characters, including Draco Malfoy. The game was released on September 3.
Remastered Lego Harry Potter Collection
The beloved Lego Harry Potter games have been remastered and will be available on October 8 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). It’s all the classic Lego charm, now with enhanced resolution and upgraded quality.
Audiobooks on Yoto
All seven Harry Potter audiobooks, narrated by Jim Dale, are now available on Yoto, a screen-free audio player for kids. They join other children’s classics, including Roald Dahl, the Magic Treehouse series, and The Chronicles of Narnia.
What Wizarding World content are you most excited about?
