Universal Orlando Resort, and Warner Bros. today revealed first-ever details about the incredible scope of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal also announced that beginning spring 2010, its theme park will be open for all dedicated Potterphiles to make a vacation pilgrimage.
Among the tantalizing tidbits revealed, the resort gave a list of featured locations, as well as a virtual fly through of the park (see video below).
Galavanting Travel News & Reviews Video: preview of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park & interviews with Harry Potter movie cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.
Hogwarts Castle. (Photo: Universal)
And after entering the front archway of Hogsmeade to the immensity of Hogwarts castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter travelers will find a magical assortment of attractions.
At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station.
Hogsmeade. (Photo: Universal)
Across the way is Zonko’s, a joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes. Honeydukes is next door and full of treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.
Honeydukes. (Photo: Universal)
The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog’s Head pub will feature traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice. Across from the Three Broomsticks is The Owlery, where owls roost and await their next delivery.
Three Broomsticks. (Photo: Universal)
The Owl Post sends letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and sells official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard. Completing Hogsmeade is Dervish and Banges, the magical instruments and equipment shop featuring Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls.
Ollivanders Wand Shop. (Photo: Universal)
The first attraction, Dragon Challenge, features a twin high-speed roller coaster with many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament.
Next is Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle.
Flight of the Hippogriff. (Photo: Universal)
Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is 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.
Hogwarts Castle. (Photo: Universal)
Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods is full of Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches.
There’s no doubt many memories will be made in the new park, and it looks as though there’s enough magic to go around — luckily they’re able to reveal it, even to us Muggles.
Cross-posted at GoGalavanting.com
(HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.)