Universal Orlando has expanded the offerings on their preview website for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter land set to open its first stage this spring. It includes a new interactive map along with descriptions of all the rides and attractions. There’s also a first-person… Read More »Wizarding World of Harry Potter website expands
Universal Orlando has sent along a photo showing the finished exterior of Hogwarts Castle in the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter land set to open this spring. Although still very much a work in progress, the magnificence of Hogwarts castle is beginning to take… Read More »Photo of Finished Hogwarts Castle Exterior
Universal Orlando has opened up its search for employees to work in the soon to open “Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. A quick trip over to http://www.universalorlandojobs.com/ shows they’re hiring for food, merchandising, and attractions operations in the new land.
While the WWoHP is scheduled to open this spring. It will really just be phase one, with the two rethemed coasters and some shops and food locations opening. The big new attraction won’t be opening until a bit later.
(Via the OBJ.)
Follow below the jump for the attractions operations description:
Central Florida’s second largest theme park resort is preparing to welcome the Magic. No, not Disney Magic… Wizard Magic. Universal Studios hopes the Wizard known as Harry Potter will conjure up some better attendance figures when his legion of fans arrive in Orlando for the… Read More »Universal Orlando revamps Pricing Structure Ahead of Harry Potter
Just watched the DVD of “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” and the special preview of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The movie was great, the preview was a bit disappointing. Let’s just say that if you’ve been paying attention at all, you… Read More »Wizarding World of Harry Potter Update
The Orlando Sentinel reports on the very small fine that OSHA has levied on Universal Orlando after an employee was injured on the Dueling Dragons attraction. The original fine of $5000, which is but a slap on the wrist, was cut down even further when… Read More »Universal Studios fined for Dueling Dragons accident
Reports are growing that The Blackstone Group has put the final touches on its acquisition of Busch Entertainment Company (BEC), the division of AB-Bev that owns SeaWorld and Busch Gardens theme parks. The Blackstone Group already owns about half of the Universal Orlando resort and… Read More »SeaWorld and Universal Studios to be owned by Same Company?
Today’s the big day for Harry Potter fans who are looking forward to actually visiting Hogwarts School of Magic or walking through the village of Hogsmeade. Universal Orlando is rolling out more details of what you can expect in a special video conference. Unfortunately it’s invite only.
As it turns out, the attraction names I had back in July were correct. The main attraction that will feature robocoaster technology and will inhabit the interior of Hogwarts will be called “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” Universal claims it will be unlike anything ever ridden before and will feature popular scenes from the books and movies. It also sounds like Forbidden Journey will have a very detailed queue that winds through some of the castle’s well known rooms.
Two existing attractions will be renamed. The kid friendly Flying Unicorn will become “”Flight of the Hippogriff” and Dueling Dragons will become “Dragon Challenge”. I hope they work hard to keep all the great details of the Dueling Dragons queue. It’s one of the best outside Disney. Dragon Challenge is based on the Tri-wizarding Tournament, which features dragons, so that makes sense. Flight of the Hippogriff will feature a ‘Care of Magical Creatures Class.’
There will be three dining locations: Three Broomsticks, Magic Neep, and Butterbeer. Stores and retail locations include: Zonko’s, Owl Post, Ollivanders, Honeydukes, and Dervish and Banges. A new shop, located inside Hogwarts, will be called “Fitch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.” There you can buy remote-controlled golden snitches among other fun items.
The Owlery and Owl Post will be working Post Office where visitors can get a Hogsmeade postage cancellation. Won’t all your friends at home be jealous?
Right now the ‘Grand Opening’ for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is planed for Spring 2010, which meets their June 2010 contractual date, but probably won’t include all the attractions.
Update: Here’s a video fly-through of the new land. I’ve added some annotations to help make connections
Update: Follow below the jump for the full press release: