Ahead of its debut next spring, Universal Orlando Resort has revealed more details about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.
Inspired by JK Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWHP) will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience. The new land has been created in conjunction with Warner Bros Consumer Products and the expectations of Harry Potter fans are high.
Guests will be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art multimedia experience, ride the Hogwarts Express and two custom-themed rollercoasters, and visit realistic shops and sets reminiscent of the fantasy feature films and children’s books.
At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and a distinctive whistle will signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station. Located inside the centrepiece Hogwarts Castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will use state-of-the-art new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life like never before.
One of the largest attractions will be Dragon Challenge, Islands of Adventure’s former Dueling Dragons double inverted coaster from B&M. The ride has been extensively rethemed with featuring props from the Triwizard Tournament. WWHP’s other coaster will be Flight of the Hippogriff, a Vekoma family coaster that formerly operated at IOA as the Flying Unicorn, now with a Harry Potter makeover.
At the Owlery, owls roost and await their next delivery. The Owl Post sends letters with a Hogsmeade postmark and official WWHP stamps. Ollivanders wand shop, meanwhile, is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard.
Fabulously-themed food, drink and retail opportunities will include Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, Zonko’s joke shop, Honeydukes sweet shop and Dervish & Banges, selling Quidditch equipment and more. Hungry Harry Potter fans can visit the Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog’s Head pub, serving traditional British food and drink.
“All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter’s world will come to life at Universal Orlando Resort,” says Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience and we can’t wait to see the looks on our guests’ faces as they enter this rich environment.”
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. JK Rowling’s books have 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.
Pictured below: Flight of the Hippogriff
