The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

On May 31, 2007, Universal Studios made the announcement that they had signed a deal with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. to bring Harry Potter to Islands of Adventure at the Universal Orlando Resort.

At one time it was thought that Disney might licence Harry Potter, the famous character from the J.K. Rowling's books and films but Universal have pulled off a major coup in securing a deal with Warner Bros. The new The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in the Spring of 2010.

Rather than just a Harry Potter themed ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is billed as a theme park within a theme park and will cover a 20 acre site inside Universal's Islands of Adventure. Universal are building it by re-theming part of the existing Lost Continent and utilising adjoining unused land (previously an employee car park).

Total costs are put at between $230 million to $265 million (including the new Simpsons ride) and work started in 2007.

The new development is due to open in the Spring of 2010 (summer 2010 latest) and will certainly help Universal claw back some of their lost visitor numbers of late.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions

Universal are promising "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".

Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter and visit the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest and parts of Hogwarts Castle and grounds.

The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter will also include what are described as "experiential shops and restaurants" which will allow guests to purchase all manner of Harry Potter merchandise and sample food based on the J.K. Rowling's books and films.

New Rides

Two of the original roller coasters from the Lost Continent have been re-engineered to fit into the new environment. "Dragon Challenge" (formerly Duelling Dragons) features a twin high-speed roller coaster themed around the Triwizard Tournament.

Next door is the "Flight of the Hippogriff" (formerly the Flying Unicorn) which is a family coaster where you can experience a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle.

The iconic new structure is of course Hogwarts Castle. Inside is a brand new attraction called "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey". but Universal are not giving away any real details as to the type of ride at this time, only to say that "it will be 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".

Harry Potter Merchandising

No theme park would be complete without merchandising and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is no exception with a whole host of shops!

These include "Zonko's" joke shop where you can buy Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes. Next door is "Honeydukes" selling treats including Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans.

At "Ollivanders" wand shop you can enjoy an amazing interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard.

"Dervish and Banges" sell magical instruments and sports equipment including Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls.

Finally there is "Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods" which is full of Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars and remote control Golden Snitches.

Restaurants and other attractions

At "The Three Broomsticks" and adjoining "Hog's Head" pub you will be able to sample traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.

Also in Hogsmeade village is a calm resting area called "The Owlery" where you can see owls roosting awaiting their next delivery. You can also get a letter stamped with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and buy official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter Books and Films

Harry Potter books have sold over 325 million copies in over 200 territories around the world and the films have grossed a staggering $3.5 billion at the box office.

Harry Potter is a hit with both young and old and Universal will be hoping that the Harry Potter character will win over fans of a famous mouse not that far away.

The official Universal Harry Potter website can be found here.