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‘Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle’ show returns to Islands of Adventure this fall

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Halloween Horror Nights rages on at Universal Studios, something dark and ominous also is brewing next door at Islands of Adventure.

“Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” returns Sept. 18, running nightly in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade from dusk until the park closes.

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The experience uses state-of-the-art technology, including projection mapping, special effects and lighting to bring iconic moments and unspeakable creatures from the Harry Potter films to life, Universal said.

“As darkness falls in Hogsmeade, the all-consuming Dark Arts will be unleashed as ominous green light and fog flood the village. Death Eaters — devoted followers of Lord Voldemort — will appear and lurk amongst guests with complete disregard of wizarding laws,” Universal said in a news release.

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Guests also will come face-to-face with dementors, Aragog the giant spider, mountain trolls, thestrals and more as Hogwarts is cloaked in an awe-inspiring display of light, music and special effects.

The dark wizard Lord Voldemort also will make an appearance.

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Guests also will see a Patronus spell cast, which is one of the most famous, difficult and powerful defenses against the Dark Arts.

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.