The Universal Orlando Resort is teaming up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to deliver The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal's Island Adventure. The Rowling-inspired microcosm will feature attractions, shops, and dining based off the immensely popular book and film series. In addition, Universal Orlando is consulting Stuart Craig and Alan Gilmore, the films' production designer and art director respectively, to make the experience as authentic for fans as possible. More on the new attraction--including photos, a complete list of locations, and a virtual tour--after the jump.
I must admit, the list is impressive. And the virtual tour is even more impressive. How they have the funding and space to do all that they have planned is beyond me. My biggest concern is that the project ends up being more campy than awesome, as these things can tend to go. I want to visit Hogwarts, but not if it means buying a $50 Sorting Hat and taking an obligatory picture with a man in a plush Hippogriff costume. But it does look good. The attraction is set to open in Spring 2010. Watch the video and take a look at all the images below.
Here's the list of attractions from the press release we were sent.
From the front archway of Hogsmeade to the immensity of Hogwarts castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature the locations listed below:
At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station
Across the way is Zonko's, a joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes
Honeydukes is next door and full of treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans
The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog's Head pub will feature traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice
Across from the Three Broomsticks is The Owlery, where owls roost and await their next delivery
The Owl Post sends letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and sells official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard
Completing Hogsmeade is Dervish and Banges, the magical instruments and equipment shop featuring Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls
The first attraction, Dragon Challenge, features a twin high-speed roller coaster with many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament
Next is Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle
Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling new state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced
Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods is full of Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is scheduled to open spring 2010.