New "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" Theme Park Announced for Universal Studios
There is an exciting turn of events tonight as Universal Studios and the people behind Harry Potter announced that there will in fact be a Hogwarts type theme park at Universal Studios (Islands of Adventure) in Orlando, Florida called "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter." You can now see some gorgeous high res concept art for this new theme park, including an overview of the theme park, Hogsmeade village square and the very cool Hogwarts castle. This announcement confirms the rumors that have persisted for some time; now this is to be fact with the park due to open in early 2010. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling said "The plans" I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed.
Among the details revealed were:
This new theme park will include facets such as a Hogsmeade section, the Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts Castle where you will actually be able to walk inside a replication of the beloved castle.
J.K. Rowling is described as having been "very involved" in the creating and planning of this park since the begining, and is very supportive of this new park. Mr. Craig has been actively designing the project starting in January of this year, while Universal has been planning for two years previously. There will be many types of rides some "intense", shopping, and more, as well as a brand new state of the art attraction. A "British" environment is to be maintained, including the food served, and mannerisms of the staff. The park is aimed at fans of both the movies and books, geared for fans of all ages or as they said " 7 to 67" Will incorporate elements of all the Harry Potter novels, books one through seven. A more expansive and complete look of the total environment of Hogsmeade is likely. The public can register for email alerts via this link.
In a press release about this new theme park, many executives reveal their enthusiasm for this project. We have a profound sense of responsibility for the Harry Potter franchise at Warner Bros. Bringing the magic of J.K. Rowling's written word to the motion picture screen was the first step in expanding this amazing and imaginative world. Working with Universal Orlando Resort to bring it to life in a physical environment that you can walk through, relax in and ride on is the natural next step for fans to experience and enjoy, said Alan Horn, president and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Check out the link and you can see some pictures.
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#article:9918 (http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#article:9918)
They have talked about this for many years and I'm happy to see it that it's coming together... This is going to be another ST Experience expereince for me. I can't wait...
This could be fun if it's done right but I think they allocated only 20 acres so the park is not going to be huge just another addition to Universal. I'm also kind of surprised that Warner is willing to work with Universal on this.
Kevin
Quote from: Ktrek on May 31, 2007, 09:10:48 AM
This could be fun if it's done right but I think they allocated only 20 acres so the park is not going to be huge just another addition to Universal. I'm also kind of surprised that Warner is willing to work with Universal on this.
Kevin
Well size doesn't matter as long as it is done right.. look at Star Trek the Experience in Las Vages.. that is a small area of the Hilton hotel, but wow what they can do with that limited space.
Here are the video announcement.. it's in three parts.
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Here are some artist renderings of what the park will look like.
They just released a ton of new info about this.. here is a video. Doesn't show much, it's the stars taking about the theme park.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Flythrough (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHSQTYt-omo#ws)
The park will begin at an entryway to Hogsmeade, inside of which will be the Hogwarts Express.
Ollivander's Wand Shop will be recreated, featuring "thousands" of dusty boxes lining the shelves and an interactive experience where guests have a wand choose them. This, said Paul Dario, a producer on the park, said came from Jo talking about being on set the moment Harry had his wand chosen. "It was a very special moment," she told them.
Also: Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods will be inside the Hogwarts Castle, contain Ministry of Magic and magical creatures and merchandise, including Omnioculars and remote control Golden Snitches.
A new ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, will travel through the insides of Hogwarts, sweeping up through the castle and has been written specifically for the park (though it has not been revealed by whom). We will see "many parts" of the castle.
The entry gates that were in the sixth film will be recreated outside the castle structure in the park.
On the sides of the Hogsmeade street will be Honeydukes Sweet Shop, Dervish and Banges, Zonkos Joke Shop. Sweets sold in Honeydukes; Dervish and Banges will have items like Remembralls, SpectreSpecs, etc.
The Three Broomsticks and Hogs Head will feature "authentic" fare as well as butterbeer and pumpkin juice, in a medieval setting.
The Owlery will feature owls resting on rafters, and will provide a calm environment to take a break from the rest of the action. Also "owls" will be sent out using an official postmark only available at the park.
All the shops will offer merchandise that can only be bought at the park.
The current Dueling Dragons ride will now be the Dragon Challenge, where you can choose between a Chinese Fireball and Hungarian Horntail.
Another ride, the Flying Hippogriff (probably a reinvention of the flying unicorn that was at the park) will be framed around Care of Magical Creatures Class. Hagrid will instruct on the proper ride of a hippogriff.
Tom Felton: "It's going to blow some serious minds."
Here are some illstrations.
I so can't wait for this.. Spring of 2010 can't get here soon enough.
More Pixs
Hm, my brother is a pyrotechnics supervisor at Universal Orlando, I should ask him what he knows about this.
Quote from: billybob476 on September 15, 2009, 09:14:41 AM
Hm, my brother is a pyrotechnics supervisor at Universal Orlando, I should ask him what he knows about this.
What!!!! Call him now and get the inside dish... please :)
A very cool tour of the park
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Map (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efIauDksMaI#ws)
Cool! I hope I can buy a Smelting Stick at the end...
Here's the first commercial for it. This will be playing during the super bowl.
http://www.scifitalk.com/video/harry-potter-theme-park-ad (http://www.scifitalk.com/video/harry-potter-theme-park-ad)
Quote from: Geekyfanboy on September 15, 2009, 09:21:07 AM
Quote from: billybob476 on September 15, 2009, 09:14:41 AM
Hm, my brother is a pyrotechnics supervisor at Universal Orlando, I should ask him what he knows about this.
What!!!! Call him now and get the inside dish... please :)
hehe forgot about this. I asked my bro awhile back and of course he said that he liked his job and couldn't say a thing :)
This place looks so cool.. I can't wait to go.
Ellen Experiences 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter'! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQyr_wuBdGM#)
'Not available'.
Is that a region locking issue or has it been withdrawn?
The kids - especially my 9 year old daughter - are pleading to go to this park. I want to go as well, but the 3 of us have to convince the wife. :)
I'd go. :)
Ellen is a very funny lady!
Quote from: Feathers on April 17, 2010, 01:10:45 PM
'Not available'.
Is that a region locking issue or has it been withdrawn?
Must be region locked :(
I can't wait for this.. the more I see of it the more I can't wait to go... doesn't open until June 18th (just a few weeks) but they are having soft openings and there are videos being posted online which make me very more excited.
Here are some of the cast member attending.
Harry Potter cast visit Wizarding World theme park (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh78v4tYc7Q#)
[FULL] HP Cast Visits The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLR11N9iN0g&feature=related#)
Here are "real" people (they host my favorite Harry Potter podcast called Pottercast)
Potter Theme Park Preview Weekend! - PotterCast (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA3Doz8RbHE#)
Harry Potter Park Preview Weekend - PotterCast part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBjY0CNQ9D4#)
That looks completely awesome!
This does look great - gotta book a trip there!
Just waiting for the kids to get a bit older, then I'm there!
The detail looks great. Next step is to build the castle full size,,,ahhhhh maybe one day.
Spoke to my brother again, basically he said for the foreseeable future he'll be living at work getting this park out and rolling.
Guess what guys.............I was at the park on the big opening day.
Ride is totally awesome......but the actual area.....Wow!! Visually stunning and amazing!!
Some people queued for over 7 hours to get into the area and left satisfied. (I waited till later in the day and got in after an hour and a half's queue....the main ride was another hour and a half!! Worth it though!!)
BTW, although the big opening was friday, it was open all week!!!
My niece just started working at Disney World in one of the hotels. Now, I have a reason to head down to FL.
I assume the reason is to visit your niece....and HP is the bonus ;)
Quote from: ori-STUDFARM on June 22, 2010, 08:32:47 AM
Guess what guys.............I was at the park on the big opening day.
Ride is totally awesome......but the actual area.....Wow!! Visually stunning and amazing!!
Some people queued for over 7 hours to get into the area and left satisfied. (I waited till later in the day and got in after an hour and a half's queue....the main ride was another hour and a half!! Worth it though!!)
BTW, although the big opening was friday, it was open all week!!!
I'm so jealous.. I can't wait to go.. planning a trip in late August or early September.
Quote from: ori-STUDFARM on June 22, 2010, 03:28:49 PM
I assume the reason is to visit your niece....and HP is the bonus ;)
Uh - yeah, yeah!! That's it :)
Isn't Star Wars Celebration V during August at the Orlando convention centre?
Might make for another good reason to visit...