- "The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed."
- — J. K. Rowling
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was announced to be an upcoming section of the park in the preexisting Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. On May 30th, 2007, Warner Bros. and Universal held a joint press conference revealing plans for the Harry Potter-themed area in Universal Studios.[1]
The park is set to include attractions, restaurants, and shops inside Hogwarts Castle, the Forbidden Forest, and Hogsmeade Village. Among the planned rides and attractions include a scale Hogwarts Castle that serves as the queue for 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey', the Dueling Dragons roller coaster re-themed to the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, Hagrid's Hut with a Flying Hippogriff ride, and 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey'. The park will replace a portion of the Lost Continent region of Islands of Adventure. A press conference was held on September 15th, 2009 featuring Tom Felton. At the press conference, Universal Studios revealed the official names of the three main park rides.[2]
Basic Facts
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened on June 18, 2010.[3]
- The Wizarding World Theme Park is to cost between $235 - $265 million.
- You can roam the halls of Hogwarts, visiting locations such as the Gryffindor common room and the Headmaster's office. Additionally, the village of Hogsmeade includes shops like Zonko's Joke Shop, The Three Broomsticks and Ollivander's.
- Foods and drinks that appeared in the books and films (like Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice) will be served in the park.[4]
- Over 600 items have been created to be sold in the Wizarding World based on products from the Harry Potter series. [5]
- Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Michael Gambon, James Phelps, and Oliver Phelps attended the grand opening. J.K. Rowling, Matthew Lewis, Emma Watson, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, and Robbie Coltrane went to the park before its opening.
Attractions
- Dragon Challenge - Twin inverted roller coasters.
- Flight of the Hippogriff - A family roller coaster.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - An indoor dark ride.
- Hogsmeade Station - A recreation of the iconic locomotive.
- Ollivander's Wand Shop - Interactive show where the wand chooses you.
Entertainment
- Triwizard Performance - Students from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute have a performance similar to the one seen in the film version of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Hosted by a Hogwarts Prefect.
- Hogwarts Choir - Students from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry perform songs from the Harry Potter films with large frogs croaking out the bass line. Music is done in the style of Toxic Audio.
Restaurants
Shops
- Dervish and Banges - Sells Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls.
- Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods - Sells Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches.
- Honeydukes - Candy shop.
- The Owl Post - Send letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark.
- Zonko's Joke Shop - A joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes.
Storefronts
Window displays throughout Hogsmeade featuring stores and items from the Harry Potter Series.
- Dogweed and Deathcap
- Dominic Maestro's
- Gladrags Wizardwear
- J. Pippin's Potions
- McHavelock's Wizarding Headgear
- Potage's Cauldron Shop
- Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop
- Spintwitches
- The Magic Neep
- Tomes and Scrolls
- Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment
Notes and references
- ↑ Mugglenet.com's various reports on the Theme Park
- ↑ Wizarding World Theme Park to open Spring 2010, rides confirmed
- ↑ Rupert-Grint.us: Exclusive: Rupert Grint To Attend Harry Potter Theme Park Opening!
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film) DVD 2nd-Disc Special Feature: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Sneak Peak
- ↑ Butterbeer, wands make Wizarding World of Harry Potter a potential sales bonanza for Universal
Links
- Official Website
- Media Website
- Orlando United-Islands of Adventure
- Screamscape-Islands of Adventure
- Harry Potter Theme Park Info