Take a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Evanna Lynch

Wands at the ready – official opening day for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is almost upon us.

To get you even more pumped for the official opening on April 7, Evanna Lynch (a.k.a. Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter films) took PEOPLE on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new attraction.

“It’s really like coming home. I feel really safe [here],” the actress – who was just nominated for an IFTA award for her lead role in the upcoming film My Name is Emily – told PEOPLE exclusively while walking through the land.

“Everyone’s always so welcoming and it’s just a real warmth that I get.”

For more exclusive photos of Evanna Lynch and tidbits from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

As she strolled through the Hogwarts castle and picked up candy at Honeydukes, goodies at Zonko’s Joke Shop and wizarding garb at Gladrags Wizardwear, the star reminisced on her time filming the series.

“I just love being in these lands,” she said. “Even on the film sets, we didn’t ever have this. It would’ve been amazing to set the scene.”