As it is the major theme park opening for 2010 we've talked a lot about Universal Studios Singapore recently but this year will see another Universal major opening with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure. Today Universal opened a new interactive Wizarding World of Harry Potter website and when you'll have finish this article i strongly suggest you to have a look at it HERE.
And next Sunday is Superbowl day! On this occasion Universal will reveal the first TV Ad for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opening this spring. Good news for everyone not living in the U.S who will not be able to watch the Superbowl as you will find this exclusive TV Ad right below!
Let's have a look back to what we know thanks to high-res pictures. Recent pictures of the land released on many websites reveal the stunning Hogwarts Castle decor...
...and any Harry Potter fan probably can't wait to walk through the gates of this magical place. Inside the castle guests will make their way through familiar passageways and corridor and visit inconic locations like Dumbledore's office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor common room, the Room of Requirement and more! Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will be 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. Get ready to soar above the castle grounds as you'll join Harry Potter and his friends, coming face to face with an array of magical creatures!
At the entrance of Hogsmeade village covered by snow, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station...
Guests will find The Three Broomsticks restaurant and adjacent Hog's Head pub. They will serve 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
They will also have access to the magical Ollivander's Wand Shop, perfectly recreated.
Inside the shop will be an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard!
Have a look to this short video which will tell you a bit more about what you can expect when you'll visit the magic shop.
This other video explore in details what guests will find at Hogsmeade village.
Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, "Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods" will be full of Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches...
The big E-Ticket ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" will use the Kuka robot arm technology and is still quite secret but i remind you that we already know about the Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle, near Hagrid's Hut.
Another expected coaster will be Dragon Challenge, a dueling coaster with many elements from the Triwizard Tournament. Here is a picture showing the entrance...
...and a close shot on another rendering reveal more about Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff area.
Let's end with this update with a two parts video report from Central florida on Demand shoot last year.
Thanks to leave a comment or discuss this article on D&M english forum on Mice Chat
All pictures: ©2009 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved
Video: copyright Central Florida on demand
2010 is Universal Studios' year!
ReplyDeleteArtworks always look great but you must see the rides "in real" to see if it really good or not...
ReplyDeleteI am so disappointed with the Super Bowl Ad! Compared to Disney's family advertisements with Pirates of the Caribbean and Toy Story, this new Harry Potter teaser is just lame! Could have been way better!...
ReplyDeleteI just want to make one thing clear : isn't the Dragon Challenge a re-theming of the already existing Duelling Dragons ride?
ReplyDeleteMerlin, yes it is the former Dueling Dragons ride, but not only a retheming as they've changed its location (they've moved it) and i'm sure there will be more surprises with it.
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited for this!! :) It'll be interesting to see how well it's pulled off, the concept art looks promising.
ReplyDeleteI think it will be good for Disney and that's because people will think "well, now we have a reason to go another time to Orlando to see the new Harry Potter world and if we are already there we'll do WDW too".
ReplyDeleteIt will bring more people to WDW: people who have been to WDW before and didn't think about coming another time because there wasn't any big change like a new land and people who really love Harry Potter and will go to WDW because "you won't be to Orlando any time soon so why don't go to WDW now while you still here and have the time and opportunity".
It's a win-win situation, rather than a winner-loser.
Hi - first time poster. Absolutely love the site, I visit every day.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to clarify the notion that Dueling Dragons has been moved. I'm sure Universal has some tricks up their sleeves, and they've done a great job creating mystery and confusion around this new/rethemed section, but the idea that one of the most complicated ride structures in the world has been disassembled and reassembled merely for a small relocation is a bit absurd. Surely we would have seem some track work or sign of this immense undertaking? I'm not sure where you heard that, but to me it is highly suspect.