RSS
 
  July 04, 2009 
 
Collider’s RSS Feed – VERY IMPORTANT
A new Collider is launching...
Review: TERMINATOR SALVATION
Matt can't find the humanity in this war against the machines
You'll Get Your First Look at James Cameron's AVATAR in Front of TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN
But I have my doubts...
Clips from Accidentally on Purpose, NCIS LA, The Good Wife, and Three Rivers
Take an early look at CBS’ fall shows
CBS Announces 2009-2010 Primetime Schedule
The network add four series and moves The Mentalist to Thursdays
The first reviews of Quentin Tarantino's INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
Apparently it's 'too talky'; have these critics seen a Tarantino movie before?
Three Clips from INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS - UPDATED with a 4th Clip
Jew Rats, Interrogating Nazis, and Chatting with a Wounded Diane Kruger
Sam Worthington Interview TERMINATOR SALVATION
He talks about everything – from making Terminator to James Cameron’s Avatar
Christian Bale Interview TERMINATOR SALVATION
He talks about making Terminator, Public Enemies, and how he’s training for his next film
Steven Soderbergh Interview – THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE
He talks about making Girlfriend Experience and a little bit on Moneyball
Dan Aykroyd Says GHOSTBUSTERS 3 Could Start Filming This Winter
Starting up a 'new generation' of ghostbusters
New Trailer: 9
An awesome-looking animated film that isn't from Pixar
First Look At ABC's FLASH FORWARD and V
Two of the network's upcoming sci-fi drama series
NBC Announces 2009-2010 Primetime Schedule
And Chuck is back…but not until February
ABC UNVEILS 2009-10 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
V is back
TWILIGHT NEW MOON Teaser Movie Poster
Bella, Edward and Jacob…
 
ARCHIVE - ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
HARRY POTTER to get a Theme Park?
5/31/2007
Posted by
Frosty
     

Have you ever wanted to visit Hogwarts Castle? Or what about walking the streets of Hogsmeade Village? If you’re one of those people who love "Harry Potter" and have been enchanted by the movies and the books, you should know that Universal and Warner Bros. are teaming up to make you extremely happy.

 

In 2009 they’ll be opening up a "Harry Potter" theme park inside the already build Universal Orlando Resort. According to Universal “the new environment will become part of the experience within Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort.”

 

"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," said Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. "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."

 

"We will rely on our company's rich movie heritage and expertise in transforming film concepts into theme park entertainment experiences," said Ron Meyer, president and COO, Universal Studios. "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."

 

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" will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the magical world of Harry and his friends. The fully immersive, themed land will enable guests to visit some of the most iconic locations found in the books and the films including the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts castle itself.

 

"The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," said J.K. Rowling.

 

"We have a profound sense of responsibility for the Harry Potter franchise at Warner Bros. Bringing the magic of J.K. Rowling's written word to the motion picture screen was the first step in expanding this amazing and imaginative world. Working with Universal Orlando Resort to bring it to life in a physical environment that you can walk through, relax in and ride on is the natural next step for fans to experience and enjoy," said Alan Horn, president and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

 

Expected to open in late 2009, the new environment will feature immersive rides and interactive attractions, as well as experiential shops and restaurants that will enable guests to sample fare from the wizarding world's best known establishments. Also debuting will be 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.

 

"We are going to devote more time, more money, more expertise and more executive talent from throughout our entire organization and creative team - as well as from Warner Bros., our partners - to ensure that this entire environment is second-to-none," said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts.

 

Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products, added: "In Universal, we found the right partner whose unparalleled commitment will ensure that this is a world class destination. Their track record of success and the consistently high level of entertainment at all of their parks gave us the confidence to know that they will meet -- or exceed -- the extremely high expectations we all have for this project."

 

The Academy Award-winning production designer Stuart Craig, who has worked to bring the world of Harry Potter to life in all of the feature films to date, leads the creative design for the area to ensure it remains faithful to the look and feel of the films.

 

"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," said Craig. "I am very excited to be working closely with the Universal Orlando team to bring the area to life."

 

Parts of this article have incorporated the press release.

 

 

Click on any image for a high resolution version

 

 
Hogsmeade Village. Fans of Harry Potter will have a chance to experience the magical village of Hogsmeade when "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" opens at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park.

 

 

 

Hogwarts Castle. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will be anchored by the most recognizable landmark in Harry Potter's world: Hogwarts castle.

 

 



 
     
More Collider Entertainment Stories >>>
Collider’s RSS Feed – VERY IMPORTANT

Review: TERMINATOR SALVATION

You'll Get Your First Look at James Cameron's AVATAR in Front of TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN

Clips from Accidentally on Purpose, NCIS LA, The Good Wife, and Three Rivers

CBS Announces 2009-2010 Primetime Schedule

The first reviews of Quentin Tarantino's INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

Three Clips from INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS - UPDATED with a 4th Clip

Sam Worthington Interview TERMINATOR SALVATION

Christian Bale Interview TERMINATOR SALVATION

Steven Soderbergh Interview – THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE

Dan Aykroyd Says GHOSTBUSTERS 3 Could Start Filming This Winter

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE Uncaged Edition Xbox 360 Review