Wizarding World of Harry Potter Archives

230. Eric Baker on Designing Props for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

04.22.2024 by Dan Heaton // Leave a Comment

Eric Baker managed the design of the props and dressings for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

We’ve entered a new world of immersive theme park lands that just keep getting more detailed every time. It’s easy to forget that expansions on this scale basically started with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.… Read more...

Rating the Attractions I Experienced at Universal Studios Hollywood

08.07.2023 by Dan Heaton // Leave a Comment

The exterior of Bowser's Castle at Super Nintendo World, which opened earlier this year. — Photo by Dan Heaton

Back in June, we finally visited Universal Studios Hollywood at the end of our Disneyland trip. I had been there once but it was 38 years ago way back in 1985 when I was nine years old.… Read more...

Ride the Movies!: The Evolution of Universal Orlando

07.13.2015 by Dan Heaton // Leave a Comment

An early brochure from Universal Orlando — An early brochure from Universal Studios Florida in the early ’90s.

When Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, it promised visitors the chance to “Ride the Movies!” and experience the magic up close. While the Hollywood original was centered on a tram ride through sets and attractions, individual structures would separate these experiences.… Read more...