The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park - updates galore!
For those of us who were hoping to go see the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios this year, well, we’ll just have to wait until 2009:
Speaking of Harry … Even though “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” isn’t expected to open at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure ’til 2009, look to the Universal Orlando Resort to begin playing up the fact that J. K. Rowling’s characters (as well as the characters from “The Simpsons”) will soon be appearing in their Central Florida theme parks. Look for many of Universal’s TV commercials for 2008 to be peppered with brief clips from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” and “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”
Continue reading for more information on what Hogsmeade is going to look like, the different phases of the park itself, and Harry Potter attractions!
Now this sounds pretty good:
You may have noticed that — in the early concept art of the Hogsmeade Village section of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” — that this section of Island of Adventure’s newest “land” is blanketed with snow. Well, there’s a reason for that. You see, Universal is hoping to turn IOA’s “Harry Potter” -themed section into a way to challenge Disney World’s dominance when it comes to Christmas in Central Florida. Picture — if you will — a yearly “Holidays at Hogwarts” promotion at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. With carolers strolling through the streets of Hogsmeade and a traditional English Christmas feast being served nightly in the Great Hall at Hogwarts Castle.
As the story goes, once Phase One of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” opens in 2009 (FYI: That phase of the project will probably only include Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village. Phase Two — featuring the Forbidden Forest and that Weasley-family-flying-car attraction — isn’t expected to come on line ’til sometime in early 2010), this new “land” will then allow Universal to offer yet another after-hours seasonal event, ” Halloween at Hogwarts.” So while Mom & Dad are next door at Universal Studios Florida getting the snot scared out of them at Halloween Horror Nights, their youngsters can be trick-or-treating in a deliberately scare-free environment over at IOA.
I’m seriously psyched about this; I am TOTALLY going to plan a vacation to go see all of this fun stuff! To further whet your appetite, here’s a preview poster the park:
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