This spring, Universal Orlando Resort will open the gates to the much-anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The theme park will have more than 20 acres of attractions, shops and restaurants that recreate the fictional world of author J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books and the Warner Brothers-produced Harry Potter films.
Universal Orlando, owned by NBC Universal, is unveiling more details about the project since it was initially announced in May 2007. In 2007, Wizarding World was said to be slated for opening in 2009.
In a webcast on Tuesday, Universal Orlando’s creative team revealed specific details about the individual elements of Wizarding World, which is being built in Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter is being developed in cooperation with J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and Consumer Products.
Stuart Craig, production designer of the Harry Potter films, and Alan Gilmore, the films’ art director, are also working with Universal Orlando on Wizarding World, which includes a recreation of elements of the village of Hogsmeade as well as a reproduction of Hogwarts castle.
There will be three main rides at Wizarding World. Dragon Challenge will be a twin roller coaster based on the Triwizard Tournament. Guests will choose to ride the Hungarian horntail or Chinese fireball dragon. The Flight of the Hippogriff is a family ride that will simulate a Hippogriff flight.
The featured attraction will be Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Hogwarts castle.
"Most of the fans have always wanted to go to Hogwarts," said Paul Daurio, producer of Wizarding World. "They’ll be able to touch, feel, walk, peruse and enjoy what that experience is like. … Along the way, in their visit, they are absolutely taken on a journey through the story in something more than a ride. They’re transported into the film. It’s a completely immersive, thrilling journey."
Daurio stopped short of explaining exactly what that journey would be, but added, "We are pioneering new technology that has never been created before."
Wizarding World will include numerous shops and eateries, including Three Broomsticks and the adjacent Hog’s Head pub, which will feature British fare and drinks from the stories, such as Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.
Other highlights will be Zonko’s, a joke shop that will sell tricks; Honeydukes, which will sell Potter-inspired sweets like "chocolate frogs" and "Bertie Bott’s every-flavour beans"; Dervish and Banges, a shop featuring Quidditch equipment and Triwizard apparel; Ollivanders wand shop, where guests can get customized wands; the Owlery, a gathering place where live owls will be roosting; and the Owl Post, from which guests will be able to sends letters postmarked Hogsmeade.
As for translating the look and feel of the Harry Potter films to a three-dimensional, interactive experience, Gilmore said, "The designs are very similar. The real challenge is to integrate real-world architectural conditions."
Wizarding World will initially reflect elements of the first six Harry Potter books, Gilmore said. He said that the idea is to "try to keep in time with the filmmakers, so Harry Potter six is where we stopped."
The film version of the sixth book, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," was released this summer.
Universal Orlando declined to comment about the financing for Wizarding World of Harry Potter.