One of the Universal theme park (Islands of Adventures) in Orlando Florida will have a Harry Potter section added to it in the spring 2010. The 20 acre section of the park named Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature a realistic view of the Hogsmeade village complete with the Hogwarts express , castle and other attractions .
So being curious and also excited to see the new theme park for myself ( hopefully it will be open by March ) I went straight to the Univeral park web site that was set up for the new section. There I found a neat type of navigation and went right to the F&Q section and map part of the site to get a feel of what is in store for guest. It is a mouth watering tease I can assure you that. And have visited Universal on many occasions I can tell you that they do not make to many mistakes on their attractions. The first look video is also a nice idea of what is instore for you (check at the bottom of the post to get the link for the Universal/Harry Potter site) Here is the results that I found from them and other sources.
- When will the park open?
Spring 2010.
- Where will it be located?
Islands of Adventure in Orlando Florida
- How big will it be?
According to some sites 20 acres. The official sites clains it will be comparable to the other islands in the park.
- What will be the key elements of the park ?
Guest will be able to visit their favorite laces from the books, complete with shops , attractions and restaurants. Including Hogsmeade station , Hogwarts Express , the Owlery , the Owl post , Ollivanders , Dervish and bangs m Zonko’s , Honeydusks.
- What rides and attractions will there be ?
The rides I have seen being floated are these three.
Dragon Challenge – based on the Triwizard Tournament. Hippogriff – a coaster based on Rowlings’ magical creature with the head, wings and front legs of a giant eagle and body, hind legs and tail of a horse. Forbidden Journey – billed as a never before seen ride that will take place int he Hogwarts castle.
- How true to J.K. Rowlings’ seven-books will the park be ?
Mark Woodbury, head of Universal Creative, said Wizarding World scenery, attractions and souvenirs were faithful to British author J.K. Rowlings’ seven-book Harry Potter series.
Woodbury said visitors would be able to sample butter beer and pumpkin juice at the Three Broomsticks Restaurant, relax in the Owlery and be fitted for a magical wand in Ollivander’s Wand Shop, all of which are familiar to Potter fans.
Source: Reuters and the official Harry Potter/Universal site;