Universal Studios Japan’s popular “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” area will feature a new magical experience, “Magical Creatures Encounter” for a limited period starting Friday, March 17th, 2023. Interact with some of the magical creatures that bring life and emotion to the wizarding world in person for a Super Emotional, Super Exciting experience only possible at Universal Studios Japan.
The magical world, which has brought magic into the lives of so many fans both in and outside of Japan since its opening in 2014, will once again thrill its guests. Four magical creatures, including the proud magical creature, the Hippogriff, which Harry met in his first Care of Magical Creatures class in the third installment of the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” the “Niffler,” who loves shiny treasures and escaped from Newt Scamander’s suitcase in the Fantastic Beasts series, along with an adorable “Pygmy Puff” and smoke-breathing “Baby Dragon” will physically appear before your very eyes. Feel the creatures’ vibrant breath, look into their eyes full of emotion, and watch as the hair on their bodies move in the wind, listen to their voices, and actually touch them in an emotional and exciting experience.
Twenty-five years since its debut, the Harry Potter series remains a timeless masterpiece with films, a stage play, and games across entertainment genres continuing to move fans around the world. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the area based on the popular series, brings fans the excitement they felt when first introduced to the stories and the thrill of being immersed in the world of magic by stepping into Hogsmeade village recreated with amazing quality, and now, through the introduction of this new magical experience.
Hippogriff Magical Lesson
The majestic, yet strange and giant magical creature known as the “Hippogriff,” like the one Harry met in the Forbidden Forest, appears before you!
Learn how to approach the proud creature alongside Hogwarts students in a thrilling new show!
A “Hippogriff,” with the head of an eagle, and the body of a horse, just like the one Harry met in his first Care of Magical Creatures class, appears before you with outstretched wings. Learn how to approach and interact with the proud creature without offending it, alongside students from all four of the houses at Hogwarts in “Hippogriff Magical Lesson,” a thrilling, new show. Feel like a student of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and interact with the giant Hippogriff in this exciting magical experience.
Beloved magical creatures have appeared all over the vibrant town of Hogsmeade where wizards reside. A “Niffler,” who loves shiny treasures, rummages through a cart of mail in front of the Owl Post. A creature trader secretly carries a newly hatched “Baby Dragon” in the plaza in front of Hogsmeade Station. The sounds of a “Pygmy Puff” can be heard in front of Zonko’s Joke Shop. These magical creatures may be small and cute but they are still magical creatures, so take the utmost care when interacting with them while taking pictures to create everlasting memories.
Here are the details on where these special creatures will be making appearances:
- Niffler: in front of Owl Post
Baby Dragon: Hogsmeade Station Plaza
Pygmy Puff: Next to Zonko’s Joke Shop – 8 to 10 times per day
This new limited-time event kicks off at Universal Studios Japan on Friday March 17th, 2023.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @iamcg83