Pottermore.com WizardingWorld.com has launched Wizarding World Gold, a premium, annual membership to the Harry Potter franchise with a variety of perks.
The benefits include “a postcard-sized print of J.K. Rowling’s sketch of Hogwarts,” a personalized journal called Keys and Curios, exclusives, and discounts. Wizarding World Gold will run fans $79 per year and has begun accepting pre-orders in the United States and United Kingdom.
Designed by Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts graphic artists MinaLima, the Keys and Curios journal “will arrive personalised with your name, Hogwarts house and more,” according to WizardingWorld.com. “And Keys and Curios knows more about you than just your house – flip through its pages to find personalised surprises and, as the title may suggest, discover Enchanted Keys that you can scan with your Wizarding World app to unlock hidden secrets.”
Wizarding World Gold will also provide you with all seven Harry Potter books in eBook format (readable through the Wizarding World app), a new video series called Wizarding World Originals, collectible pins, special events taking place in the Muggle world, discounts, priority booking to “the most popular Wizarding World events and locations,” limited edition collectibles, and a whole lot more.
The membership will surely expand with additional features over time, and reminds this writer of Disney’s D23 membership.
While it’s an impressive lineup of offerings, Wizarding World Gold may concern fans who’ve always respected J.K. Rowling and the brand for keeping the Harry Potter franchise accessible to everyone. Wizarding World Gold runs the risk of shutting off less privileged fans who want to experience everything Harry Potter.
While none of the features in Wizarding World Gold are absolute necessities, things like priority access to tickets will make it harder for Gold-less fans to access places like The Cursed Child and the Studio Tour.
Wizarding World Gold also describes the journal and Hogwarts postcard as “welcome gifts,” implying that you won’t be receiving a physical gift every year. Your membership will let you snag free pins at certain locations in the U.S. and U.K., but you have to get there first.
I’m cautiously optimistic about Wizarding World Gold because it’s harnessing the powers of an ever-growing franchise. I’ve just become a member and will share thoughts on MuggleCast as Wizarding World Gold rolls along.