The Southern California Railway Museum in Perris opened "Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure," an immersive, hourlong train production that has sold nearly 11,000 advance tickets. R.I.S.E. Perris Pride is urging a boycott, arguing ticket and merchandise sales ultimately benefit J.K. Rowling, whose comments about transgender people have sparked controversy. Warner Bros. Discovery and the attraction's operators say the experience is meant to celebrate the franchise and welcome all guests; the Perris run continues through Sept. 27.
Perris 'Hogwarts Express' Draws Nearly 11,000 Visitors — LGBTQ Group Calls For Boycott Over J.K. Rowling
The Southern California Railway Museum in Perris has opened "Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure," an interactive theatrical train ride that organizers describe as the first of its kind in the United States. The production has drawn substantial interest — nearly 11,000 advance tickets had been sold as of July 23 — but it has also prompted a local boycott effort led by an LGBTQ+ advocacy group.
The boycott effort comes as Rowling remains one of the most controversial figures in entertainment because of her public statements about transgender issues. Harry Potter Train Adventure
Why Activists Are Urging a Boycott
Ashley Williamson, lead director of R.I.S.E. Perris Pride, is urging people to avoid buying tickets or associated merchandise because she says revenue ultimately benefits author J.K. Rowling. Williamson, who is nonbinary and identifies under the transgender umbrella, told the Los Angeles Times that Rowling's public comments about transgender people and financial support for organizations opposing certain transgender rights have caused harm.
Kathleen Wallis, vice president of global themed entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery,saidthat the company is focused on creating new experiences for the franchise's longtime audience. Wai Lee Michael Ho/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
"What's really terrifying is that influence. It's already being felt in the United States," Williamson said. "There's a trans genocide happening. It's very serious."
Williamson added that openly LGBTQ residents in Perris — including children and families — have faced harassment, slurs and vandalism, and that urging people to avoid Harry Potter products is one local action the group feels it can take in response.
"We're really proud to welcome all guests to a great experience," Ireland added. News Licensing / MEGA
Franchise Response And Attraction Operators
Warner Bros. Discovery, which licenses the Harry Potter franchise, and Rail Events Inc., the Colorado-based operator of the attraction, emphasize that the experience is intended to celebrate the stories and welcome all guests. Kathleen Wallis, Vice President of Global Themed Entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery, said the company seeks to create new experiences for longtime fans.
The production culminates with passengers joining together to cast the protective spell "Expecto Patronum" during a confrontation with a dementor. Harry Potter Train Adventure
Jarrette Ireland, Vice President and General Manager of Rail Events Inc., said the attraction is open to visitors of all backgrounds: "We're really proud to welcome all guests to a great experience."
What The Attraction Includes
The hourlong production transforms the Perris site into a version of Platform 9¾. Guests board a moving train and participate in an immersive performance alongside actors representing Hogwarts houses — Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. The show features live performances, audience interaction, singalongs, spellcasting and encounters with magical creatures such as hippogriffs, chocolate frogs and dementors.
Train cars are outfitted with video screens, special lighting and window coverings bearing the Hogwarts Express logo to create the illusion of traveling through the Wizarding World. The story emphasizes cooperation across house lines and culminates with passengers joining to cast "Expecto Patronum" during a confrontation with a dementor. After the ride, visitors can enter a Hogsmeade-inspired area offering themed food, drinks and merchandise.
Practical Details
Tickets are priced at roughly $72 to $93 per person. The Perris engagement runs through Sept. 27, and organizers say they plan additional North American stops later this year with longer-term expansion to the United Kingdom.
Context
J.K. Rowling remains a polarizing figure: critics say some of her public statements and financial support have amplified anti-trans viewpoints, while Rowling has rejected the label "anti-trans" and says she supports women's sex-based rights. The Perris boycott frames a local consumer choice within that broader cultural debate.
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