Harry Potter theme park coming
 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070531/..._potter_park_3

Universal Orlando Resort is opening a Harry Potter theme park that will let fans visit many of the iconic locations in the books and movies that endeared the boy magician to millions.

"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is set to open at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in late 2009, complete with the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade village.

"The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," said author
J.K. Rowling, who has been working with a creative team to make sure the park resembles the books and films.

More than a dozen artists lead by Stuart Craig, the production designer of the movies, have set up house in the studio where the movies are being filmed to make sure every detail is considered, said Scott Trowbridge of Universal.

"We're really going to the people who know this world best to ensure that level of authenticity," he said.

The park will let visitors view the famed locations in Rowling's magical world, like Dumbledore's office in Hogwarts and the shops in Hogsmeade. Some locations may be in upcoming books, Trowbridge said.

Many tourists outside the theme park said the experience would boost its appeal to a younger audience.

"I'd go to Universal before I would Disney World to go on a Harry Potter ride," said 15-year-old Alex Moran, who was visiting Orlando from Pleasant Hill, Mo.

Brandon Wilson, another 15 year old from Pleasant Hill, said he can't get enough of Harry Potter. He has read every book and watched every movie.

"I hope we get to simulate flying like Harry Potter," Wilson said.

Trowbridge said while there would not be any character lookalikes at the park, fans wanting to see Harry Potter and his magical friends wouldn't leave disappointed.

"This is Harry's world," said Trowbridge. "Most every fan wants to have an encounter with the star of the show."

The Harry Potter book series has been translated into 65 languages with more than 325 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world.

The fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," will be released in theaters July 13 by Warner Bros. The seventh and final book of the series will be released July 21.
http://media.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/

Raph's Girl note: Just what we need... a Harry Potter theme park.... :sleep:

Are you crazy, woman?! This sounds like hotness! I'm comin' for the switching staircases, but staying for the talking paintings.

Uuuugggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....

That is all.

*points and laughs at Stryker* more kiddy goodness for you :P


wait.












you better never make me go there. :( :P

Islands of Adventure/ Universal is probably the most appropriate place to put it.
At least its not its own huge theme park. Could be cool we will have to wait and see. Personally I liked Universal and they have some pretty cool stuff. Go to Marvel Island and ride the Hulk if you get a chance

Uh... I.. Think I'll pass on that one...

o.0 If you ride the Hulk, wouldn't it defeat the purpose?
"Hulk sexy? Hulk no smash?" :lol:

Harry Potter huh? Oh boy...
Will they have an erotic Merry-go-round? How about pony rides?...

>_< You just had to go there...

I need to watch how I type things...:lol:
I guess I should have put roller coaster

Does this really count as news?

Why not?

It's either this, or Paris Hilton, day 1! (And I cant believe Nancy Grace is doing a full episode on this crap.

I like the idea of a Harry Potter theme park.

Eh, the idea sounds cool...but I'm just happy to keep the universe inside the books. Although it sounds like Rowling is ecstatic about it all. I think I'll just wait until everything is open before I criticize is, I guess... :ohwell:

Borrrrrrrrrrringgg.......besides, I'm not a Potter fan anyway.