Theme Park Report
The Wizarding World’s 2026 Back to Hogwarts showcase on Sept. 1 introduced new Harry Potter experiences and retail developments, including the scheduled opening of Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street in London on Nov. 4, 2026.
According to Attractions Magazine, the Diagon Alley-inspired flagship will be located at The Ribbon, 134-140 Oxford Street. The shop will span more than 21,000 square feet across two floors, making it the United Kingdom’s largest official Harry Potter Shop. Planned features include a Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon above a Gringotts-themed area, a full-size Knight Bus and a Leaky Cauldron-inspired dining experience offering Butterbeer and Butterbeer ice cream.
The store will also sell exclusive merchandise, including a Diagon Alley wand, a Harry Potter Funko Pop and MinaLima artwork.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will add “Hogwarts House Spirit” from Jan. 23 through April 19, 2027. The seasonal feature will highlight Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin across the tour’s sets, costumes and props. Further details and ticket information are expected to be announced later.
At Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, “ICE! featuring Harry Potter” will run from Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. The walk-through experience will be kept at 9 degrees and use 2 million pounds of ice to recreate 10 scenes from the Harry Potter films. Newly revealed artwork shows the Hogwarts Express arriving at Hogsmeade Station, Honeydukes-inspired treats, a Hogwarts Castle playground with two-story ice slides and a Christmas feast in the Great Hall. Other announced scenes include Hedwig, the Forbidden Forest, The Three Broomsticks and a Quidditch Pitch display representing the four Hogwarts houses.
Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi also teased three new themed lands that will be revealed Sept. 7. The announcement did not identify the properties, attractions or opening timelines. Attractions Magazine noted that the indoor theme park previously confirmed development of the Middle East’s first Harry Potter-themed land, though the showcase did not explicitly connect that project to the three teased lands.
Harry Potter Shop New York will receive a new broomstick experience, but details about its format and debut were not announced. The showcase also introduced a redesigned online Sorting Hat quiz, while other announcements included HBO’s “Harry Potter” joining the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, new LEGO sets in development, additional food products and planned Harry Potter games.
