Harry Potter Comes to Life at Universal Orlando
On May 31, Universal Studios announced that they would be developing a Harry Potter attraction/land that would act as a "theme park within a theme park." Titled "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," the park will contain rides, attractions, shopping and restaurants.
News Update: August 13, 2007
Opening Window Widened - Dec. 15, 2009 to June 30, 2010
Well, let me begin by saying: UGH. Universal Orlando has now widened the window in which the official opening will occur. Originally, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was to open in late 2009. Then it was late 2009 to early 2010. Now, it could be as late as June 30, 2010 according to the Orlando Sentinel.
As someone who has been in Orlando, Florida on June 30, let me say: oh God no. You can fry bacon on the Florida pavement in late June. While the HP area will no doubt be open during both hot and cold times of the year, I was hoping for a winter opening. While it *rarely* snows in Orlando, it would be nice to experience Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and the like for the first time with a nice cool, London-esque breeze. I've been to Orlando during a cold December and an even colder late October. It's lovely. You bundle up and you don't have to be constantly watered down. This was how I was hoping the opening would be. And while it still might be, it's looking like there's a good chance it won't be as well.
I guess I'm going to have to look up my HP spells and find one for changing the weather.
As someone who has been in Orlando, Florida on June 30, let me say: oh God no. You can fry bacon on the Florida pavement in late June. While the HP area will no doubt be open during both hot and cold times of the year, I was hoping for a winter opening. While it *rarely* snows in Orlando, it would be nice to experience Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and the like for the first time with a nice cool, London-esque breeze. I've been to Orlando during a cold December and an even colder late October. It's lovely. You bundle up and you don't have to be constantly watered down. This was how I was hoping the opening would be. And while it still might be, it's looking like there's a good chance it won't be as well.
I guess I'm going to have to look up my HP spells and find one for changing the weather.
Harry Potter @ Universal Links!
Here's just a few links that give a bit more information about the upcoming attraction.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Universal Orlando Resort
- Universal Orlando's official site gives visitors a taste of what they can expect in late 2009.
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter Blog
- News, rumors and more information about Universal's upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park addition.
- The Orlando Sentinel
- The Orlando Sentinel's article on the Harry Potter theme park coming to Orlando's Universal Studios.
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter - New Theme Park at Universal Studios, Orlando: The Cinematic Adventures of a Blonde Heroine
- My own blog entry about the upcoming Harry Potter theme park.
- Local Companies Want to Build Hogwarts
- Here's an interesting news tidbit that came through my Google alerts. This Newsday article discusses local companies who are vying for the opportunity to help construct Harry Potter's home. One company mentioned was instrumental in bringing Walt Disney World's "Expedition Everest" to life.
- What Will the Potter Restaurants Serve?
- This interesting news article from Newsday discusses what we could see at the new Potter area in Islands of Adventure. Butterbeer is an obvious choice, but Rowling will get the last say.
Universal's Official Video Press Release for Harry Potter
"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" Announced via webcast
HARRY POTTER TO CAST SPELL ON UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT Harry Potter "Theme Park within a Theme Park" Scheduled to Debut in 2009 -- Fans to be Immersed in the Adventures of the World's Most Popular Wizard ORLANDO, Fla (May 31, 2007) - 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," the new environment will become part of the experience within Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort.
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Harry Potter @ Amazon
Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
Amazon Price: $46.97 (as of 12/29/2009) 
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)
Amazon Price: $9.35 (as of 12/29/2009)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
Amazon Price: $9.47 (as of 12/29/2009)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: 10th Anniversary Edition (Harry Potter)
Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 12/29/2009)
Wizards and goblins and ghouls! Oh my!
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Orlando Travel Packages from Orbitz!
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Love Harry Potter? Theme parks? Universal? Then leave me a note!
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- writteninstars writteninstars Sep 4, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
- I am saving my money as I type!
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- blondeheroine blondeheroine Aug 26, 2007 @ 9:05 pm
- I've heard from someone that heard from someone that heard from someone (LOL) that Dueling Dragons would be incorporated into the HP theme. Since it's just a rumor though, I haven't included it. They are being so hush hush about the whole thing! It's driving me mad! :D
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- sunshinestyles sunshinestyles Aug 26, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
- Can't wait for it to open, hope they keep the Dueling Dragons ride, though!
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- magnate magnate Jul 18, 2007 @ 10:21 am
- This sounds cool.
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- The_Health_Lady The_Health_Lady Jun 16, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
- I didn't know that they were planning a Harry Potter
attraction. Great 5 star lens
by blondeheroine
Kel has a love of the 80s, Muppets, Disney and other assorted madness. You can usually find her flitting between the 80s and present day in her Delori... (more)
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