Harry Potter Land Is About to Get Even More Magical in 2018

Following the success of Universal’s holiday festivities on both coasts, Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that there will be a second Hogwarts castle projection show coming this year. The exhilarating Christmas display, which wrapped the castle in celebratory cheer, magic curses, and Hogwarts ghosts singing carols will return again in winter, but the famed school for witchcraft and wizardry is doubling down on its delightful nighttime performances for a new, yet-to-be-determined nighttime display.

While no specifics have yet been released, we’re crossing our fingers for a magical evening show involving one holiday in particular: Halloween. Universal Studios Japan debuted an Expecto Patronum Night Show last fall with Lumos spells, castle projections, and dementors floating across Hogwarts and even throughout the sky. The spooky bonanza, which would surely knock any wannabe wizard off their broom, also brought seasonal decorations to Hogsmeade shops and, most excitingly, trick-or-treating for non-muggle candy.

Whether or not Harry Potter Halloween happens in 2018, there’s another addition beyond nighttime entertainment that’s definitely coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the near future. Universal has confirmed they will release details this year about a brand new ride that will open in Hogsmeade village and replace Dragon Challenge, a set of intertwined roller coasters that closed in September.

Universal’s two Orlando-based theme parks also confirmed they’d soon be releasing further information about big changes in the coming years, including new hotels, additions to Universal CityWalk, and much-anticipated details on a likely Nintendo-themed land, which has been kept tightly under wraps. (Answers to this, too, might be found overseas: Universal Studios’ Japan park recently begun work on a Super Nintendo World, which is set to open by 2020.)

Even with news about a shortlist of forthcoming attractions — which includes new rides, shows, and nighttime entertainment — there’s plenty to look forward to in the meantime. Universal Studios Florida will welcome a new ride, Fast & Furious — Supercharged, based on the successful film franchise in spring, as well as Universal’s Aventura Hotel, the resort’s sixth, in summer of 2018.