A theme park inspired by "Harry Potter" book series and their film adaptations will be built at Universal Orlando Resort for a late 2009 opening.
- Jun 2, 2007
AceShowbiz - Turning the dreams to reality, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Universal Orlando Resort have delightfully joined forces to create a theme park based on the best-selling book series by J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros. Pictures, the two companies have announced from Leavesden Studios on the set of Dumbledore's Office.
"Over the years we've received thousands of letters from fans around the world wishing they could visit Hogwarts and the wonderful locations described in each of J.K. Rowling's beloved stories," Warner Bros. Entertainment chairman and CEO Barry Meyer remarked. "Working with Universal Orlando Resort, we are confident that we'll be able to provide Harry Potter fans with an incredible experience that upholds the richness of J.K. Rowling's books and delivers on the authentic detail portrayed in our films."
Envisioned as a "theme park within a theme park", the attraction, titled "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter", will become part of Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort and remain faithful to the visual landscapes of the films so that the visitors can truly experience the magical world of Harry and his friends. Iconic locations set to be built include the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts castle itself.
"We will rely on our company's rich movie heritage and expertise in transforming film concepts into theme park entertainment experiences," Universal Studios president and COO Ron Meyer stated. "The Harry Potter stories are among the most compelling of our time. The millions of people who have read the books and seen the movies will now be able to experience the world of Harry Potter in person."
Further info revealed that the new environment would also feature immersive rides and interactive attractions as well as experiential shops and restaurants where guests would be able to sample fare from the wizarding world's best known establishments. Added to these is a state-of-the-art attraction that will bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in an exciting way that guests have never before experienced.
In making the dreams come true, Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig, who has devotedly taken part in all of the Harry Potter movies to date, has been appointed to lead the creative design for the area to ensure it remains faithful to the look and feel of the films with an expectation to have it opened in late 2009.
"Our primary goal is to make sure this experience is an authentic extension of Harry Potter's world as it is portrayed in the books and films," so said the man. "I am very excited to be working closely with the Universal Orlando team to bring the area to life."
