Universal Orlando Resort Reveals Highly Anticipated Details About The Wizarding World...
Universal Orlando Resort Reveals Highly Anticipated Details About The
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Opening Set for Spring 2010
ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Orlando Resort, together
with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, today revealed first-ever details about
the incredible scope of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal also
announced that the highly anticipated land will open in spring 2010.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090915/CL76128 )
Inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters - and faithful to
the visual landscapes of the films - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at
Universal's Islands of Adventure will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind
experience complete with multiple attractions, shops and a signature eating
establishment. This completely immersive environment will transcend
generations and bring the wonder and magic of the amazingly detailed Harry
Potter books and films to life.
The expectations of Harry Potter fans are high and Universal Orlando Resort is
collaborating closely with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and
the Warner Bros. Harry Potter brand team to ensure that The Wizarding World of
Harry Potter will be an experience of a lifetime. The Harry Potter films'
production designer, Stuart Craig and art director, Alan Gilmore, in
cooperation with a corps of artisans from Universal Creative are working daily
to construct the most authentic Harry Potter experience possible. Guests will
be able to sip Butterbeer in Three Broomsticks, buy Extendable Ears at Zonko's
and experience a state-of-the-art attraction that brings the stories of Harry
Potter to life in a way never before imagined.
"All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter's world will come to life
here at Universal Orlando Resort," said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO,
Universal Parks and Resorts. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be
unlike any other experience on earth and we can't wait to see the looks on our
guests' faces as they enter this rich environment."
"Harry Potter continues to spark the imaginations of fans of all ages and we
really have seen the anticipation continue to build for The Wizarding World of
Harry Potter," added Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
"We are excited to share with fans a first glimpse into the truly enchanted
world we are bringing to life with all of our partners at Universal Orlando
Resort."
From the front archway of Hogsmeade to the immensity of Hogwarts castle, The
Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature the locations listed below:
-- At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle
signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station
-- 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
-- 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
-- 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
-- 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
-- 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
-- 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
"This Universal Creative and Warner Bros. team shares an incredible passion
and commitment to making this destination an exceptionally immersive
environment that will touch the lives of our guests," said Mark Woodbury,
President, Universal Creative.
"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is yet another way that fans will be able
to experience and enjoy Harry Potter for many years to come," said Diane
Nelson, President of DC Entertainment, who is also responsible for overseeing
the Harry Potter brand team worldwide. "The power of this brand speaks for
itself, as the enthusiasm of our dedicated fans around the world continues to
grow even stronger as we move into the future."
Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park destination that places you and your
family in the heart of pop culture's most incredible and timeless stories -
making you the superstar in a world-class adventure story and allowing you to
discover your own inner hero. Guests experience two exciting theme parks -
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as well as Universal CityWalk, a
30-acre restaurant, shopping and nighttime entertainment complex; and three
magnificently themed on-site hotels - the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock
Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Flagship experiences featured in
the theme parks include "The Simpsons Ride," "Revenge of the Mummy - The
Ride," "The Incredible Hulk Coaster" and "The Amazing Adventures of
Spider-Man." More information is available at www.universalorlando.com.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one
of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by
author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 67 languages with more than 400
million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films,
produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.3 billion at the
box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise
in history.
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and (C)
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights (C) JKR.
(s09)
SOURCE Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort, Public Relations, +1-407-363-8220,
http://media.universalorlando.com/harrypotter; Warner Bros. Consumer Products,
Barry Ziehl, +1-818-954-6804, Barry.Ziehl@warnerbros.com, or Rita Cooper,
+1-818-954-3821, Rita.Cooper@warnerbros.com
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