The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is seeing a special debut. While the themed popcorn bucket was introduced to theme parks around the early 2010s, it wasn’t until recently that the popularity of these collectible containers really popped off.
The intersection between themed entertainment and Harry Potter has always been an alluring one; almost since the series’ inception, fans have been desperate to experience the magical world of Harry Potter for themselves. From kids waiting for their letters from Hogwarts to broomstick classes being held at Alnwick Castle – one of the original filming locations for the Harry Potter Films – fans have long wished to recreate the experience of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
But the premier place to live out your magical dreams has long-since been Universal Orlando Resort, with its original property in Universal Islands of Adventure having opened in 2010. Meeting Harry, Ron, and Hermione, sipping on Butterbeer, or casting magic spells in the streets of Hogsmeade, guests could do it all.
Now, almost fifteen years later, that experience is being commemorated with the franchise’s first collectible popcorn bucket.
A relatively new staple of the theme park experience, Universal Studios locations across the world have debuted popcorn buckets for a variety of different properties, including recent fan-favorites like the Toothless bucket with light-up effects and moving wings, or the 60th Anniversary Studios Tour Tram bucket. Chances are, if you’ve been to any Universal Studios park in the last five years, you’ve probably seen a novelty popcorn bucket. Theme Park Shark has even covered some of the new themed popcorn buckets that will be sold at Epic Universe when the new park opens May 22nd. But among the dozens of buckets that have been premiered over the years, the theme park giant has never had one dedicated to what many argue is their biggest franchise – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
While currently only available at Universal Beijing Resort, this first-of-its-kind collectible has yet to land at either of the North American Parks, and plans to make its first debut at Universal’s Fan Fest Nights in Universal Studios Hollywood later this month, with availability in Universal Orlando Resort next month.
Modeled after the Time-Turner – a magical artifact featured in the Harry Potter franchise that lets savvy witches and wizards time travel using Ministry-regulated magic – this popcorn bucket represents one of the most famed objects in the Harry Potter series, beloved by countless fans despite its limited use within the Harry Potter mythos, featured only twice within the entirety of the franchise.
The Time-Turner, which Hermione Granger used to take extra classes at Hogwarts and then later used to save Sirius Black from persecution at the hands of the Ministry of Magic, became a beloved symbol of the Harry Potter franchise for its elegant design and mystical powers, giving fans something that their imaginations could run away with. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of time travel in their magical fantasy adventures?
Be sure to keep an eye out for this new addition to the Harry Potter collectible merchandise that Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood offer. Or, if you just can’t wait to get your hands on a Time-Turner, check out the collectible jewelry pieces that are already sold in park, like the Time-Turner keychain, the collectible Time-Turner necklace, or the Time-Turner ornament.
Check back soon, as Theme Park Shark will continue to report on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as other theme park news from Disney, Universal, and theme parks from all across the world!
