Harry Potter Themed Land Coming To Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

[worrell4077]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 1:45pm

From Comingsoon.net...

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to create the world's first fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros. Envisioned as a "theme park within a theme park" and titled "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" (see photos below!), the new environment will become part of the experience within Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort.

"Over the years we've received thousands of letters from fans around the world wishing they could visit Hogwarts and the wonderful locations described in each of J.K. Rowling's beloved stories," said Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. "Working with Universal Orlando Resort, we are confident that we'll be able to provide Harry Potter fans with an incredible experience that upholds the richness of J.K. Rowling's books and delivers on the authentic detail portrayed in our films."

"We will rely on our company's rich movie heritage and expertise in transforming film concepts into theme park entertainment experiences," said Ron Meyer, president and COO, Universal Studios. "The Harry Potter stories are among the most compelling of our time. The millions of people who have read the books and seen the movies will now be able to experience the world of Harry Potter in person."

Inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters - and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films - "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the magical world of Harry and his friends. The fully immersive, themed land will enable guests to visit some of the most iconic locations found in the books and the films including the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts castle itself.

"The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," said J.K. Rowling.

"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.

Expected to open in late 2009, the new environment will feature immersive rides and interactive attractions, as well as experiential shops and restaurants that will enable guests to sample fare from the wizarding world's best known establishments. Also debuting will be a state-of-the-art attraction that will bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in an exciting way that guests have never before experienced.

"We are going to devote more time, more money, more expertise and more executive talent from throughout our entire organization and creative team - as well as from Warner Bros., our partners - to ensure that this entire environment is second-to-none," said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts.

Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products, added: "In Universal, we found the right partner whose unparalleled commitment will ensure that this is a world class destination. Their track record of success and the consistently high level of entertainment at all of their parks gave us the confidence to know that they will meet -- or exceed -- the extremely high expectations we all have for this project."

The Academy Award-winning production designer Stuart Craig, who has worked to bring the world of Harry Potter to life in all of the feature films to date, leads the creative design for the area to ensure it remains faithful to the look and feel of the films.

"Our primary goal is to make sure this experience is an authentic extension of Harry Potter's world as it is portrayed in the books and films," said Craig. "I am very excited to be working closely with the Universal Orlando team to bring the area to life."

If you want to see the photos from the article click here...
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=20731

This should be interesting to see.

[Wildcard]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 1:50pm

I heard Universal was using the technology they used with the dancing cars from the Fast and Furious attraction for the Harry Potter Ford Anglia ride. That would be an interesting attraction. I'm sure there would also be a ride where people get on modified broomsticks. What other attractions can you imagine being placed in this park?

[worrell4077]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 1:53pm

"What other attractions can you imagine being placed in this park?"

Well, maybe there could be an attraction where you take a tour of Hogwarts, but it's a simulator and you go through corridors that guests or muggles aren't allowed in, and you run across Fluffy, the three headed dog. I don't know I'm just thinking.

It should be really interesting and also to point out, Universal is replacing Back To The Future the ride with The Simpsons at both parks.

[harris007]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 1:58pm

woooooooooooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooo can't wait

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 2:11pm

Squee!

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 2:20pm

I hate them for closing BTTF. They said it wasn't "relatable" anymore. And Jaws is??? Screw the Simpsons.

The Harry Potter island should be really cool. Since they're just redoing the fantasy/wizard type island to make it, they should update the Dueling Dragons coaster. The new attractions should give the whole area a much-needed facelift - it's like they didn't really know what they were doing so they just made it generally fantastical.
Updated On: 5/31/07 at 02:20 PM

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 2:21pm

I have to say Universal puts Disney to shame. Their Suess park is stunning.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 2:22pm

[worrell4077]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 3:29pm

"Since they're just redoing the fantasy/wizard type island to make it"

Actually I was reading on Screamscape.com that the Harry Potter island is a completely new island, it's not a re-do of Lost Continent.

From Screamscape:

"I’ve got a few more facts about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter confirmed in the Orlando Sentinel article. This will actually be a true 7th Island added to IOA and not a complete replacement for Lost Continent. This new 7th Island will take up 20 acres and while it will reuse sections of Lost Continent it will also use backstage property currently used for “employee parking and park support.” It will feature a few “reconstructed and rethemed attractions” as well as all new ones. Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade village and Forbidden Forest will be created as backdrops to the area’s attractions, shops and restaurants. Before we go any further, take a look at an aerial image of the current Lost Content area of the park where I’ve labeled a few of the existing attractions. Fans of the Mythos restaurant can relax because it will remain as part of the smaller Lost Continent island. While no one at Universal was willing to mention what will happen to each specific attraction already in place, it is fairly certain right now that Dueling Dragons and Flying Unicorn will be altered, tweaked and rethemed to fit the new Harry Potter universe. Taking a good long look over the artwork released so far and I’m still dying to know just how they’re going to do it because there isn’t much I recognize from Lost Continent left in the new World of Harry Potter, other than what looks like a bit of Dueling Dragons castle with a new red and white tent looking structure attached to the front. Construction is expected to begin by the end of summer."

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 3:32pm

I know it's only concept art, but SQUEE!!

[avab802]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 3:41pm

This has been rumored for a long time, I can't believe it's finally happening. I have no doubt Universal will do it justice. As mejust said, their Suess section is amazing. I will always have a soft spot for DisneyWorld, but Universal out does them in some areas and equals them in many.

I was also very impressed with the Spiderman ride at Islands of Adventure. I can see that type of technology being used in the Harry Potter section for a Ford Anglia ride or a simulated broomstick flight. Maybe even putting the riders in the middle of a Quiddich game. That would be cool.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 3:54pm

I guess this makes more sense but I was hoping that the Daniel Radcliff theme park would be "Equus-land." You could ride a Blinded horse on a thrill-packed adventure ride, or BE Dr. Dysart as he psychoanalzyes Alan Strang. Oh well. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if you can Take A Bath with Harry Potter at the new theme park.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 4:09pm

Oh, that sounds great!! I'm excited.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 5:11pm

I just hope it doesn't become a buch of motion simulators. I'm so sick of being shaken around while watching a movie. Ugh!

[Mamamia Sammy2]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 5:17pm

Hubba Hubba!!

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 5:19pm

A fanfic sub-village might be fun, too.
as long as it doesn't "violate" the TOS

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 5:27pm

Spiderman Ride is awesome. They will surely have the train and some kind of Quiddicth thing.

My sister takes my niece to this theme place that has magic wands and you slay dragons and such. I imagine a lot of cool stuff like that.

Universal is amazing though, I have no doubt it will be incredible. Check out the Suess stuff or the Jurassic Park thing. Disney did an incredible job with Animal Kingdom, but their parks and rides are dated it is really starting to show. I think this is a brilliant idea. I just wonder how hot it is going to be for those employees wearing scarves and jacket all day. We should lobby Universal so they make that park as GREEN as possible. They can plant a REAL forest and put solar panels everywhere.

[caitiesus1522]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 5:27pm

Wait...so I am going to have to leave Diney World on a trip to Orlando? Wow...

I am excited about this one though!

[worrell4077]

Posted: 5/31/07 at 8:45pm

I agree with everyone else on the fact that Universal does tend to out do Disney world with alot of their scenery and attractions. I love Seuss Landing and Marvel Superhero Island. I know that the Harry Potter island is going to be fantastic. When I walk around in their NY section, I almost think I'm actually in NY especially with all the pigeons, it's just bad that nothing in their NY section makes sense to be there. I mean, Mummy, Twister, Blues Brothers. The only things that ever fit in NY were Ghostbusters and Kong.

I remember a couple of years ago reading something about Universal wanting to use the technology that they are using for the one Harry Potter ride for a potential Van Helsing ride, but of course that died with the movie's bad reviews.

[RENTingFAME]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 2:03am

I hope this is really amazing... I think it will be. If JK has confidence, I have confidence. There's lots of potentail for great rides... I'm waiting for the most kick-ass roller coaster of all time... being the seeker on a quidditch team maybe?

A maze like the Triwizard Tournament's would be really cool... Oh man... I am such a dork and so excited. Hah.