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Universal Offers Sneak Peek Into New Harry Potter Attraction

UNIVERSAL CITY (CBSLA.com) — It was a magical night Tuesday for Harry Potter fans.

Universal Studios Hollywood offered a sneak peek with a star-studded premiere that will welcome the rest of the world to its theme park on Thursday.

Online advance tickets for the opening day of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios are sold out, park officials announced Tuesday, marking the first time the park has had to cut off online ticket sales.

Specialty tickets, such as VIP Experience and Front-of-Line passes, are also sold out for Thursday, as well as Friday and Saturday, offering a hint of the crowds the Harry Potter attraction is likely to draw in its opening days.

Although the attraction won't open to the public until Thursday, a host of celebrities and dignitaries got a peek during a preview gathering Tuesday, highlighted by a fireworks display in the skies over Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Oscar-winning composer John Williams conducted a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and a handful of stars from the "Harry Potter" film franchise also were on hand, including Warwick "Professor Flitwick" Davis, Tom "Draco Malfoy" Felton, Evanna "Luna Lovegood" Lynch and James and Oliver Phelps, who portrayed Fred and George Weasley.

Universal Studios executive also were on hand to welcome the attraction, along with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Visit the Universal Studios website for tickets and more information.

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