The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter promotional image

"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 is a themed land in Universal's Islands of Adventure, part of the Universal Orlando Resort. The park includes attractions, restaurants, and shops themed around a recreation of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village.

The official map for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Gambon, Radcliffe and the Phelps twins lead the first group into the park

A bottle of Pumpkin Juice sold in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hogwarts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Storefronts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Background

• On May 30th, 2007, The plans for the Harry Potter-themed area were announced during a joint press conference with Warner Bros. and Universal.

• During a press conference on September 15th, 2009, featuring Tom Felton, Universal revealed the official names of the three main park rides.

• On March 25th, 2010, Universal announced the date for the World's grand opening. The park replaced a portion of the Lost Continent region of Islands of Adventure.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened on June 18, 2010.
• 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.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been estimated to cost at least $265 million.
• Foods and drinks that appeared in the books and films (like Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice) are served in the park.
• Over 600 items have been created to be sold in the Wizarding World based on products from the Harry Potter series.

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.
• Ollivander's Wand Shop - Interactive show where the wand chooses you.

Restaurants

• Hog's Head
• Three Broomsticks Inn

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.

Other Items of Interest

• At the entrance of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter there is a recreation of Hogsmeade Station featuring the Hogwarts Express and the Conductor who welcomes guests to Hogsmeade
• 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. called the "Triwizard Spirit Rally" on the grounds of Hogwarts. It is hosted by a Hogwarts Prefect.
• Students from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Frog Choir perform songs from the Harry Potter films with large frogs croaking out the bass line. Music is done in the style of Toxic Audio.
• There is a Gringotts themed Automated Teller Machine.
• The voice of Moaning Myrtle can be heard speaking to guests in the Hogsmeade Public Conveniences.

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

Links

• Official Website
• Media Website
• Orlando United-Islands of Adventure
• Screamscape-Islands of Adventure
• Harry Potter Theme Park Info