New "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" Theme Park Announced for Universal Studios
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There is an exciting turn of events tonight as Universal Studios and the people behind Harry Potter announced that there will in fact be a Hogwarts type theme park at Universal Studios (Islands of Adventure) in Orlando, Florida called "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter." You can now see some gorgeous high res concept art for this new theme park, including an overview of the theme park, Hogsmeade village square and the very cool Hogwarts castle. This announcement confirms the rumors that have persisted for some time; now this is to be fact with the park due to open in early 2010. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling said "“The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed.â€
Hosted by Harry Potter movie production designer Stuart Craig in a special webcast from Dumbledore's Office set at Leavesden Studios in England for various sites including TLC, you can now see video of this announcement on our YouTube channel. Part 1 is here, Part 2 via this link, and now Part 3 (where they answer our questions), here.
Among the details revealed were:
This new theme park will include facets such as a Hogsmeade section, the Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts Castle where you will actually be able to walk inside a replication of the beloved castle.- J.K. Rowling is described as having been "very involved" in the creating and planning of this park since the begining, and is very supportive of this new park.
- Mr. Craig has been actively designing the project starting in January of this year, while Universal has been planning for two years previously.
- There will be many types of rides some "intense", shopping, and more, as well as a brand new state of the art attraction.
- A "British" environment is to be maintained, including the food served, and mannerisms of the staff.
- The park is aimed at fans of both the movies and books, geared for fans of all ages or as they said " 7 to 67"
- Will incorporate elements of all the Harry Potter novels, books one through seven.
- A more expansive and complete look of the total environment of Hogsmeade is likely.
- The public can register for email alerts via this link.
In a press release about this new theme park, many executives reveal their enthusiasm for this project
“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.
jele, fair point about the books making sure that HP never dies. I totally agree. I think I was just very excited (finally) about the park. I was skeptical at first too, but there's nothing I can do about it and I know I won't be able to stay away from it. So, I may as well embrace it. I'm sure Jo thought it through. I would like to get a note about it on her site, though.
beansprout, I truly hope you are around for it. I hope you can go to opening day and you are very healthy so you can enjoy your time there.
Also, on AOL they're saying it opens in 2009. So, is it 2009 or 2010? I'm going with the latter since that's what Leaky said.
I must plainly admit - I just do not care if they do this or not. I will keep loving the books and films, no theme park will get me away from that. If I happen to be nearby once, I'll go there certainly, and I might enjoy the Hogwarts castle. (And I'll hope they'll have Snape running around somewhere ;)
personally I'm very skeptical,
It seems too much commercialism of harry potter. There's already a large group that are just about the movies. I so much prefer that people actually read some novels and use their imagination.
Another concern is also how much will the books be respected. There are rather huge differences between the books and movies and the movies, while fun, are not, imo, particularly respectful of many of the themes and characters in the books.
Then there is the "britishness" of it. An Americanized-britishness thing would be kinda sad. I know they said they will try to respect it, but I'm not holding my breath.
mollywobbles23, about your comment that now HP will never truly die, I would argue that the theme park is rather irrelevant to this. Truly great works of literature have survived for hundreds, and in some cases, thousands upon thousands of years.
I can't believe people are being critical of JK Rowling for yet again sharing her incredible world with us. She is such an unselfish and thoughtful person I'm sure she just wants even more for us fans that she has already given so much to. I believe she wants, for those of us who dream of "being" in Hogwarts, to be able to experience it. I want to thank her for allowing this to happen. She didn't have to, she doesn't need the money, and if she makes more money, good for her. For one, she deserves it and secondly, she is incredibly generous with her fortune. I HOPE I get to go. I'm currently battling cancer and my doctor's prognosis does not put me in Florida or anywhere else in 2010 but I'm darn well going to try and prove my doctor wrong and hopefully walk into Hogwarts in 2010. Harry Potter fans are so lucky, it's going to be magical.
How very sad!!!My respect for you Ms Rowling fell at this announcement! I supose it is all in the name of money ! What a shame!!
I bet they'll do Diagon Alley like the main street in the Magic Kingdom... and Hogsmeade. I am so freaking SOTOKED!!!
Personally, I think this is stupid. Way too much commercializing. I don't care if JKR came up with the idea herself, I think this is ridiculous and way too much. I can deal with movies (I like the movies), but this is just awful. The pictures are gorgeous, yes, and I imagine I'll visit it at some point, but I still think it's going too far. It really takes away a lot of the imagination that was necessary in reading the books.
Ah, man, this is a bit of a money-churner. Too commercial for my liking. Merchandise and movies is one thing ... but a themed-world? And in Florida? What made me fall in love with Harry's world were the BOOKS. I'd argue that it's enough to have a personal, imaginary world to dive into everytime one reads the books. Making some of that world concrete, and in line with someone else's vision, feels like an intrusion.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would bet dollars to doughnuts that all major locations will be included in the park. If they leave out Diagon Alley or The Leaky Cauldron or other places it would be a major mistake and it sounds like they want to be true to all of the books and films.
I'm hoping they have a Gryffindor Common room so I can sit in one of the squashy armchairs by the fireplace.
ww
I agree with you Tara! I've never liked the idea of a theme park, although there is a small part of me that would like to visit it >_< But they had better mean it when they say they're keeping it British! My nightmare would be to walk into this theme park and find they've Americanised Harry Potter, that's about the only thing Britons have to be proud of XD
This is sure to get interesting...indeed. I'd go, for my birthday or something.
Whoa...they finally did it! I would love to go if I ever make it down to Florida.
Wow!! Finally a confirmation on something that's been rumored for such a long time. I'd definatly go down for that.
