Whimsic Alley Unveils New Wizard-Themed Attraction

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Mar 18, 2010, 09:09 ET

LOS ANGELES, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Wizards and muggles alike are expected to descend on L.A.'s latest themed attraction this Saturday, March 20. The Grand Opening of Whimsic Alley will likely draw fans of both the Harry Potter and Twilight sagas. Festivities include a concert by The Remus Lupins, a wizard-magician, refreshments, costumed characters, and more.

When the Santa Monica Whimsic Alley first opened its doors six years ago, it attracted Harry Potter fans from around the world. The themed environment resembled a shopping district straight out of Dickens or a Potter film. Patrons often came dressed in witch or wizard garb.

The new L.A. location is four times larger. A team of Hollywood set designers built the two-tiered wizards' marketplace. Shops feature wizard apparel, books and quills, magic wands, and designer witch hats. There are curio and candy shops and shops featuring Harry Potter and Twilight branded merchandise.

Yet, thinking of Whimsic Alley as just a store is like calling The Magic Castle just a restaurant. There is far more to see and experience at Whimsic Alley than its variety of wizard-themed shops. Visitors report that, upon entering its doors, they feel they have been transported into Harry Potter's world.

Guests have often inquired about hosting parties at Whimsic Alley. But the Santa Monica location was too small to accommodate those requests. Now, with a room large enough for 100-150 guests, Whimsic Alley can host not only birthday parties, but weddings, bar mitzvahs, meetings and banquets.

The Great Hall is castle-themed, with floating candles, flame-bearing gargoyles, and secret doors and passages. It is ideal for Harry Potter fans, but equally suitable for fans of Lord of the Rings, Magic the Gathering, Twilight, King Arthur, The Labyrinth, Shakespeare, Henry VIII, and countless other castle-themed events.

Situated along a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard known as the Miracle Mile, which includes the L.A. County Museum of Art, the La Brea Tar Pits, the Petersen Automotive Museum and other museums and galleries, Whimsic Alley may just be the icing on the cake. The other attractions may be more tourist-worthy, but few can boast, as Whimsic Alley can, that many tourists plan their vacations specifically around that attraction.

Families from Russia, Thailand, Italy, Japan, and Australia have reported planning their visits to Whimsic Alley before ever leaving home. Unbelievably, some have flown in from Seattle, Chicago, and even Rio just to visit Whimsic Alley.

Guests familiar with the original Whimsic Alley have likened this new one to Disneyland - minus the cover charge.

Besides party rentals, Whimsic Alley plans to host its own events, such as high teas (including tea leaf readings), costume balls, wizard-rock concerts, and possibly even a wizard-themed summer camp.

The Grand Opening will be Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thereafter, hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whimsic Alley is located at 5464 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles or online at http://www.whimsicalley.com.