Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal Orlando Resorts to Feature JK Rowlings’ Beloved Wizard
Feb 24, 2009 William Silvester
Rumours have been circulating since 2005 about a Harry Potter theme park. Originally, Jo Rowling was negotiating with Disney to build the park but this was eventually terminated when Disney wanted too much control.
Harry Potter at Universal
It was not until May 31, 2007 that the rumours were put to rest when Stuart Craig, Universal Orlando Resort production designer and director, announced that a Harry Potter theme park would be built in Orlando, Florida and open in 2010 just before the release of the movie version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The latest report concerning the Warner Brothers/Universal licensing agreement confirms that the park will open sometime between December 15, 2009 and June 30, 2010.
Three Broomsticks on site
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWHP) is being constructed between the Lost Continent and Jurassic Park in the Islands of Adventure theme park. According to the Orlando Sentinel (July 14, 2008) a number of attractions have already been, or soon will be, closed down to make way for WWHP. The Enchanted Oak Restaurant, the kiddie oriented Flying Unicorn Roller Coaster, The Dragon’s Keep Store and the Alchemy Bar are all being refurbished with a Harry Potter theme. The building housing the Enchanted Oak Restaurant will be renamed The Three Broomsticks as decided upon by popular demand in a poll held at the official website. When asked if a seven story steel girder construction will probably become a replica of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry Universal spokeman Tom Schroder refused comment saying, “It’s too soon to talk about specifics.”
Building Hogwarts School
The figure of $265 million was quoted as the cost for WWHP in the International Business Times based on the Securities and Exchange Commission filing in June 2007. Construction has begun with the prepping of the site. Brush from the previously undeveloped portion of the park is being cleared and truckloads of fill transferred to what is probably the Hogwarts School site. In January 2009 the foundation and footings began with completion of the enormous project slated for the end of the year or early Spring 2010.
Hogsmeade
In addition to Hogwarts and the Three Broomsticks Restaurant, the Hogwart’s Express train, the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid's Hut and the wizard town of Hogsmeade are being constructed. An as yet undisclosed state of the art attraction “that will bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life..” is also in the works. Outside the site is a Ministry of Magic sign that reads: "Magic at Work Your Patience is Requested".
An artist’s conception of Hogsmeade shows the town covered in a dusting of snow reminiscent of how it appeared in the movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it can be seen at the official WWHP website along with designs of Hogwarts, Three Broomsticks and an overview of the WWHP.
Bookmark this site and check back frequently for progress updates on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter meanwhile learn about Collecting Harry Potter.
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
Sources
Orlando Sentinel
International Business Times
Jim Hill Media
WWHP - Flight over Hogwarts
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