Whether magical insights suggest your parchment sent via an owl poking its beak against clear windows is about to be snatched by meaty hands, or for the more Muggle-like folk accompanied by someone wearing a cloak taken straight out of a sci-fi tale, that inviting Hogwarts-stamped emblem has forever been seen as a 200-points award given by Professor Dumbledore!
Just as on the other side sits a Slytherin-like conundrum, spotting a hefty deduction draining all wand-wielding hope whereupon reaching 11, that moment followed by running really hard into a brick platform 9 ¾ wall evanesco-ed from existence. Well, the latter is what we fell into, until there was a popping up of uniquely designed theme parks showcasing the school of witchcraft in all of its other-worldly colors, Harry Potter New York being one of them.
In a three-company partnership, WarnerMedia, Wevr and Keylight, and VR industry leaders Dreamscape Immersive have created two immersive experiences, “Chaos at Hogwarts” and “Wizards Take Flight,” that’ll be launching at Harry Potter New York flagship store on July 15, 2021. As per WarnerMedia, they’re described as:
- Starting with your arrival at King’s Cross for preboarding, “Chaos at Hogwarts” guests take a magical journey to Hogwarts Castle and become part of the adventure. Up to 6 guests can explore the stage in a social free roam adventure surrounded by various haptics and special effects, all synchronized with the story experience. Guests will have a virtual avatar and will be able to see their fellow adventurers. Guests will wear a VR headset, backpack, hand and foot trackers, and wield a physical wand.
- “Wizards Take Flight” prepares guests for a flight adventure as they fly on brooms with the thrills of a magical wand battle against Death Eaters over the skies of London and free-fly around the enchanting grounds of Hogwarts Castle. Up to 6 guests are seated on their own physical broom, a first for fans of the Wizarding World, with their own station of haptics and special effects, all synchronized with the story experience. Guests will have a virtual avatar and will be able to see their fellow adventurers. Guests will wear a VR headset, hand trackers, and wield a physical wand.
While Bertie Botts’ Every Flavour beans may seem like an appropriate currency, “Chaos at Hogwarts” and “Wizards Take Flight” virtual reality experiences are each $34.00 per guest. So what exactly are the requirements to be enrolled in? The promising young wizard must be at least 48 inches tall and 10+ years old. However, those who fall under 13 should go with an adult who has a paid ticket. Whether your outing spans from July 15 to August 15, booking ahead is also recommended with VR reservations including access to Harry Potter New York.
To be one of the first admitted, you can buy tickets over on the Harry Potter Store’s website as well as reading up on any fine-print bits.