‘Dark Arts' Sneak Peek to Enchant Wizarding World

Be one of the first people to see the dramatic new projection show, at Universal Studios Hollywood.

A TALENTED WIZARD... rocks many impressive abilities, but perhaps chief among them is the knack for seeing events before they actually happen. It can help a wizard plan those all-important next steps, whether that's creating a potion or rallying the whole school to help out. And while we Muggles don't necessarily boast that particular skill, we can, on occasion, enjoy an anticipated happening before, well, it officially and actually happens. Such will be the cool case when the special premiere event for "Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle," the brand-new projection show headed for a limited-time run at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood (and, yes, in Orlando, too), shimmers into view in April. The official run is on from April 13 through 28, and again from May 25-27, but there's a route to savoring its spell before it truly is cast. How? By buying a ticket to the...

PREMIERE EVENT, which will sell out as surely as a griffin has wings. There are two nights to choose from, April 11 and 12, and your ticket means you'll have after-hours access to Hogsmeade, as well as, yes, the chance to enjoy the show on the steep and spectacular side of Hogwarts Castle. A host of monsters, including Death Eaters, will appear in the "intense" expression of the Potterverse, and there shall be thrumming, thrilling music to match. Call it "... mesmerizing pageantry of light, music and special effects," one that will "... unleash the darkest creatures and villains from the Wizarding World, including the powerful Dark wizard Lord Voldemort." Best start finding your bravery now, dear wizards of the modern world.

WHAT ENCHANTING SPELL... must you speak to summon this intriguing experience? Here's where to start: The ticket page. Again, tickets will fly faster than an owl in a howling storm, so point your broomstick in this direction now. A $199 ticket gains you access to Universal Studios Hollywood starting at 4 p.m. and "exclusive event access" from 6 to 11 o'clock. The $249 day/night combo ticket has the same exclusive access in the evening, but you can arrive at the park when it opens.

Universal Studios and NBC-owned TV stations operate under the same parent company NBCUniversal.

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