This morning in the Orlando Sentinel Jason Garcia compiled an informative look at the most recent trend to hit the Orlando area theme parks – interactivity. Let’s leave the debate as to whether guests actually desire this over passive entertainment while on their vacation aside… Read More »New Trend Same as the Old Trend
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:
Update: 9/15/09 – Universal Orlando confirms names below, fills in a few blanks. The name of the new land devoted to the wizard kid Harry Potter at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park has been known to be “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” for… Read More »Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, dining, and shop names
The Orlando Sentinel has come out with a long anticipated update on the progress of Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter project. Inspired by the movies, Harry Potter will get a multi-attraction treatment with re-themeing of two existing attractions and a new ‘Robocoaster’ :… Read More »Harry Potter Attraction takes shape at Universal Orlando
The news that was spreading across the internet 10 days ago about LEGOland’s serious look at building in Central Florida has started to pick up steam with coverage by print and TV media. I’m hearing two rumors about the potential new theme park and some… Read More »LEGOland in Florida Rumors Grow
It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to make it out to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. That means my updates on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter have been sorely lacking. However, thanks to Brian Orndorf you will lack for an… Read More »Progress visible at Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter
In a bold move that emulates the successful marketing idea of some car makers by offering a recession special one of Orlando’s major theme parks is offering a great deal… book your vacation of three or more nights at Universal Orlando and they’ll offer you… Read More »Lose your job, get your vacation refunded at Universal