Harry Potter Amusement Park attraction wikipedia pages

Harry Potter in amusement parks

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This article details the appearance of Harry Potter theming in amusement parks. In the late 1990s, Universal Parks and Resorts began discussing the possibility of purchasing the license for Harry Potter to create and theme amusement park rides. As Time Warner owns the license, a small walkthrough attraction was constructed at Warner Bros. Movie World called the Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience in 2001. This attraction was removed two years later. In 2010, Universal's Islands of Adventure park opened the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Similar attractions are destined for Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan.

Contents
  [hide] 1 History 1.1 Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience at Warner Bros. Movie World
1.2 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure
1.3 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at other parks
2 Locations
3 Attractions
4 See also
5 Notes
6 References
History[edit]



 Inside Ollivander's Wand Shop Experience at Islands of Adventure
The concept of a Harry Potter themed attraction at a Universal Studios park was reportedly first discussed within the company in the late 1990s or early 2000s.[1] However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise were owned by Time Warner at the time.[2]
Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience at Warner Bros. Movie World[edit]
In 2001, Time Warner used this license to construct and operate the Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience at Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast, Australia. The attraction was a small indoor walkthrough featuring many re-creations of locations in the first two movies. After two years of operation this attraction was removed.[3][4]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure[edit]
In January 2007, About.com reported a rumour from a "highly credible source" that the Islands of Adventure park's Lost Continent area was going to be re-themed "to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children's franchises".[5] Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation that the new area would involve Harry Potter, and that it was being developed under the name "Project Strong Arm" in reference to the KUKA robotic arm technology it would utilise.[6][7] Nikki Finke reported her own confirmation of the Potter park plans in April,[8] followed shortly by a story in The Scotsman;[9] both reports were widely relayed by other media sources.[10][11][12] On May 31, 2007, Universal (in partnership with Warner Bros.) officially announced the 20-acre (8.1 ha) addition re-creating Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade, with a planned opening in 2009.[13][14][15][16]

Themed billboards were located around the Wizarding World during the two year construction period.

 Themed billboards were located around the Wizarding World during the two year construction period.
Construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter began seven months after the official announcement, in January 2008. By July, the Flying Unicorn and Enchanted Oak Tavern were closed. The Flying Unicorn then began an almost two year refurbishment which transformed it into the Flight of the Hippogriff. The Enchanted Oak Tavern was later demolished. A bridge was built to connect The Lost Continent with Jurassic Park allowing guests to avoid the construction zone that was to be the Wizarding World. Construction progressed with the Hogwarts castle slowly taking shape. By September 2008, the Dueling Dragons entrance was moved to Jurassic Park to make room for construction of Hogsmeade. One month later, the old entrance was demolished. By September 2009, the top shell of Hogwarts castle was completed. On September 15, an announcement was made as to what exactly was going to be included in the Wizarding World. In early 2010, Universal increased the marketing of the area which included newspaper advertisements, billboards and television commercials. The Dueling Dragons were closed for some maintenance before being transformed into the Dragon Challenge.[17] Construction was complete by June 1, 2010 when the area began soft openings.[18]

The opening celebrations

 The opening celebrations.
A soft opening weekend was held for the media and reserved guests, starting on May 28, 2010. The park had two opening ceremonies that took place on June 16 and June 18, 2010. The first opening was reserved for the cast and crew of the Harry Potter films, J.K. Rowling (author of the novels), Universal Orlando Resort officials, as well as representatives from the media. The ceremony concluded with a fireworks display and a performance by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, led by John Williams (composer of the music for the first three films). On June 18, the second ceremony occurred which officially opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the public. Universal Orlando representative Bill Davis introduced the area to the audience which included actors from the films including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright and James and Oliver Phelps. The NBC Today show[19] and The Weather Channel broadcast segments live from the park.[20][21][22]
On December 6, 2011, Universal Parks & Resorts announced an expansion plan for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The expansion has been described as "significant" by officials. Few other details have been released.[23][24]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at other parks[edit]
On December 1, 2011, the Wall Street Journal reported a rumour from "people familiar with the matter" that Universal Studios Hollywood was going to add their version of Islands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.[25] The report also detailed the possibility that Universal Parks & Resorts would open additional Harry Potter-themed areas at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Japan as well as a location in Spain.[25] This report was widely relayed by other media sources.[26][27][28] On December 6, 2011, Universal officially announced plans to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood. A replica of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hogwarts will be constructed.[23][29][30] On May 5, 2012, the Los Angeles Times reported that Universal Studios Japan would also be receiving a The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by 2014. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was also confirmed as one of the attractions.[31]
Locations[edit]



 Replica of the Hogwarts Express at Islands of Adventure
Park
Area
Opening date
Closing date
Previous attraction
Replaced by

Islands of Adventure The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2010 N/A Dueling Dragons, Flying Unicorn N/A
Universal Studios Hollywood The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2014–2016[nb 1][30][32] N/A Gibson Amphitheatre[30] N/A
Universal Studios Japan The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2014[nb 1][31] N/A N/A N/A
Warner Bros. Movie World Standalone attraction 2001 2003 Young Einstein Gravity Homestead The Official Matrix Exhibit

Attractions[edit]



 The entrance to Dragon Challenge at Islands of Adventure


 A vehicle ascending the lift hill on Flight of the Hippogriff at Islands of Adventure. An animatronic Hippogriff can be seen in the background, to the left side of the lift hill.
Below is a list of all of the attractions at Harry Potter themed areas around the world. The dates shown in the columns refer to the opening and closing dates for the ride under that name. It does not mean that the ride was closed and/or removed.

Attraction
Type
IOA
USH
USJ
WBMW

Dragon Challenge Dual-tracked roller coaster 2010–   
Flight of the Hippogriff Junior roller coaster 2010–   
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Dark ride 2010– 2014–[nb 1] 2014–[nb 1] 
Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience Walkthrough attraction    2001–2003
Ollivander's Wand Shop Experience Interactive attraction 2010–   

See also[edit]
Harry Potter – Attractions
Notes[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b c d Expected opening date
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ Hill, Jim (2003-08-15). "Why For?". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
2.Jump up ^ Clarke, Susan Strother (2003-08-08). "Aol Lawyers Cast Spell On Rumors". Orlando Sentinel.
3.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Database Entry. Parkz. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
4.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 2001-11-05. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
5.Jump up ^ Levine, Arthur (2007-01-28). "Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park". About.com. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
6.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter / Lost Continent Transformation". Screamscape.com. 2007-02-01. Archived from the original on 2007-02-03. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
7.Jump up ^ Hill, Jim (2007-02-05). "Monday Mouse Watch: You'll believe a car can fly". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
8.Jump up ^ Finke, Nikki (2007-04-13). "EXCLUSIVE: First Ever Harry Potter Theme Park Planned At Universal Studios Florida". Deadline Hollywood Daily. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
9.Jump up ^ Gray, Fiona (2007-04-22). "And now for Harry Potter and the wizard theme park...". The Scotsman. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
10.Jump up ^ Van Gelder, Lawrence (2007-04-25). "Arts, Briefly". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
11.Jump up ^ "Will Harry Potter Become Part Of Universal Orlando?". UltimateRollercoaster.com. 2007-04-25. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
12.Jump up ^ "For Universal, Simpsons Is The New Future". St. Petersburg Times. 2007-04-25. Retrieved 2010-05-19.[dead link]
13.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter theme park planned". BBC News. 2007-05-31.
14.Jump up ^ Sturcke, James (2007-05-31). "Harry Potter theme park to open in Florida". The Guardian. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
15.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter theme park swoops to Fla.". USA Today. 2007-05-31. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
16.Jump up ^ Albright, Mark (2007-07-01). "A whole new magic kingdom". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
17.Jump up ^ "Wizarding World of Harry Potter timeline". Timeline. Fox 5 San Diego. 2010-06-18. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
18.Jump up ^ "Wizarding World of Harry Potter Soft Open Report RoundUp". The Leaky Cauldron. 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
19.Jump up ^ "Today Show Video Player". Video. MSNBC. 2010-06-18. Retrieved 2010-08-13.
20.Jump up ^ "Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opens to Public Today; HP Cast Open Archway to the Crowd". Article. Leaky Cauldron. 2010-06-18. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
21.Jump up ^ "Grand Opening Of The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Orlando Resort Set For June 18". Universal Orlando. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
22.Jump up ^ "NOW OPEN! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort". Universal Orlando. 2010-06-18. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
23.^ Jump up to: a b Bevil, Dewayne (6 December 2011). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter to expand at Universal Orlando". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
24.Jump up ^ "Significant Expansion Also Planned for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort". Press Release. Universal Orlando Resort. 6 December 2011. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
25.^ Jump up to: a b Schuker, Lauren A. E. (December 1, 2011). "Second 'Harry Potter' Park Planned". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
26.Jump up ^ Associated Press (December 2, 2011). "Harry Potter attraction on way to Universal Studios Hollywood after successful Orlando debut". Washington Post. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
27.Jump up ^ Serjeant, Jill (December 1, 2011). "Harry Potter theme parks set to expand: report". Reuters. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
28.Jump up ^ Fritz, Ben (November 30, 2011). "Harry Potter attraction coming to Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
29.Jump up ^ MacDonald, Brady (December 6, 2011). "It's official: Harry Potter land to debut at Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
30.^ Jump up to: a b c Nakashima, Ryan (December 6, 2011). "Poof! Harry Potter park to appear in Hollywood". Associated Press. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
31.^ Jump up to: a b Fritz, Ben (May 9, 2012). "Harry Potter heads to Universal Studios Japan". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
32.Jump up ^ Fritz, Ben (December 6, 2011). "Harry Potter attraction won't arrive in L.A. until at least 2016". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 7, 2011.

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Dragon Challenge

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Dragon Challenge
DragonChallengeEntrance.JPG
Entrance to Dragon Challenge
Previously known as Dueling Dragons (1999 - 2010)
Islands of Adventure

Park section
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Coordinates
28°28′25″N 81°28′24″WCoordinates: 28°28′25″N 81°28′24″W
Status
Operating
Soft opening date
March 18, 2010 (post-refurbuishment)
Opening date
May 28, 1999
 June 18, 2010 (post-refurbishment)
General Statistics

Type
Steel – Inverted – Dueling
Manufacturer
Bolliger & Mabillard
Designer
Werner Stengel
Model
Inverted Coaster
Lift/launch system
Chain lift hill
 
Chinese Fireball Hungarian Horntail 
Height
125 ft (38.1 m) 125 ft (38.1 m) 
Drop
115 ft (35.1 m) 95 ft (29.0 m) 
Length
3,200 ft (975.4 m) 3,200 ft (975.4 m) 
Speed
60 mph (96.6 km/h) 55 mph (88.5 km/h) 
Inversions
5 5 
Duration
2:25 2:25 
Height restriction
54 in (137 cm)
Trains
Several trains with 8 cars. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.
 Universal Express available

Dragon Challenge at RCDB
Pictures of Dragon Challenge at RCDB
Dragon Challenge is a pair of intertwined inverted roller coasters in the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area of Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure. The ride is themed to two chasing dragons, one side being Chinese Fireball and the other Hungarian Horntail. It features a layout in which the two trains share adjacent lift hills but then traverse two unique courses. The ride was designed by Bolliger & Mabillard of Switzerland. The Chinese Fireball dragon reaches a top speed of 60 mph, and the Hungarian Horntail dragon reaches a top speed of 55 mph. Both versions feature five inversions. The total ride time is about two minutes and 25 seconds.
When Islands of Adventure opened on May 28, 1999, the ride was called Dueling Dragons and was located in The Lost Continent area with the two sides named Fire and Ice. During much of the ride's history, the trains were normally dispatched simultaneously, providing three near-miss encounters along the courses but after two injuries related to loose objects hitting people, the roller coasters no longer duel. After a renovation period, the attraction soft-opened as Dragon Challenge on March 18, 2010, and officially opened with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area on June 18, 2010.

Contents
  [hide] 1 History 1.1 Dueling Dragons (1999 - 2010)
1.2 Dragon Challenge (2010 - present)
2 Ride experience 2.1 Queue
2.2 Track layout 2.2.1 Chinese Fireball
2.2.2 Hungarian Horntail
2.3 Track
2.4 Trains
3 Reception
4 Notes
5 See also
6 References
7 External links
History[edit]



 Entrance of the former Dueling Dragons coasters at Islands of Adventure
Dueling Dragons (1999 - 2010)[edit]
Dueling Dragons was one of Islands of Adventure's original attractions, opening with the theme park on May 28, 1999, in the park's The Lost Continent area. At the time, it was the only fully inverted dueling roller coaster in the world. The ride was themed to two dueling dragons, with one track named Ice and the other named Fire.[1]
During construction, Superior Rigging & Erection was responsible for erecting the supports and track of the two roller coasters.[2]



 Head-to-head on the former Dueling Dragons


 The ride's distinctive interlocking corkscrews.
Dragon Challenge (2010 - present)[edit]
In May 2007, Universal announced plans to construct The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a new section devoted to the popular Harry Potter book and film series.[3][4][5] Dueling Dragons, as well as the adjacent Flying Unicorn roller coaster, were shown to be included in the new section.[6] Universal later announced that the attraction would be renamed Dragon Challenge upon the re-opening of the attraction and that the two roller coasters would be renamed as Hungarian Horntail and Chinese Fireball.[7][8]
On March 1, 2010, Dueling Dragons closed in order to refurbish the attraction to incorporate the Harry Potter theme though construction on the queue had begun in the third quarter of 2009.[9][10] Two weeks later, the roller coasters soft opened to the public with the ride now themed with Harry Potter.[11] On June 18, 2010, along with the entire The Wizarding World of Harry Potter section, the newly refurbished Dragon Challenge officially opened to the public.[8]
During the summer of 2011, there were two accidents (one serious) caused by what is believed to be loose objects hitting riders while riding the roller coaster. The most serious accident was when a man got struck with an object and had to get his eye removed due to the amount of damage. On the same day that the man got hit, Universal Studios announced that the coasters would not duel until an investigation was completed. For two months the coasters were dispatched separately and in mid-October 2011, Universal made the decision to remove the dueling aspect of the ride permanently without any explanation to what caused the injuries.[12][13] No injuries have been reported since.
Ride experience[edit]
Queue[edit]
When first entering the queue, guests are taken past a number of banners for the Triwizard Tournament showing support for the four contestants. After passing the Weasleys' crashed flying Ford Anglia, they enter the Champions' Tent. From there guests pass a large pedestal with the Triwizard Cup glowing at the top, and several dark "tunnels" which lead to both coaster's stations. Just before entering the station guests must choose which coaster they want to ride: Chinese Fireball to the left or Hungarian Horntail to the right. Once in the station, on the ceiling, there is a projection of the dragons.[14]
The queue before the Harry Potter refurbishment was set as a ruined castle where the Fire and Ice dragons lived. The queue passed through dungeons and included human skeletons, torches, and cobwebs. Just like the present queue, to ride Fire, guests would go left while riders wanting to ride Ice would go right at the intersection point.[15]
Track layout[edit]



 Ride layout
Chinese Fireball[edit]
Upon departing from the station, the train makes a slight left turn leading into the transfer track section before beginning to climb the 125-foot (38 m) lift hill. Once at the top and after going through a pre-drop, the train makes a sharp 115-foot (35 m) left-hand drop back to the ground. Then, the train goes back up, through an Immelmann followed by a slight downward right turn before entering an air-time hill (this was the first of three near-miss points with the Hungarian Horntail train when the roller coasters duelled). Next, the train drops back down turning left slightly leading into a second Immelmann. After a downward right helix and a short section of straight track, the train goes through the second former near-miss point with the other train, a vertical loop. After the loop and another section of straight track, the train makes a right turn leading into the third and final former near-miss element which is a corkscrew. Then, the train makes a left turn followed by a small drop leading into another section of straight track before entering the final element in the coaster layout, another corkscrew. The train then make a left turn into the final brake run. Following a left turn, the train returns to the station where the riders unload and the next riders load.[1][16]
Hungarian Horntail[edit]
Upon departing from the station, the train makes a slight right turn leading into the transfer track section before beginning to climb the 125-foot (38 m) lift hill. Once at the top and after going through a pre-drop, the train makes a sharp 95-foot (29 m) right-hand drop back to the ground. Then, the train goes through a 270 degree right overbanked turn before entering a Zero-gravity roll which was the first of three former near-miss points with the Chinese Fireball train. Then, the train makes a slight right turn heading straight into a wall before entering a Cobra roll. After a straight section of track, the train enters the second former near-miss point with the other train, a vertical loop. The train then makes a right turn into the final former near-miss point, a corkscrew. Next, the train makes a right turn followed by a left turn leading into the final brake run. Following a right turn, the train returns to the station where the riders unload and the next riders load.[1][17]
Track[edit]
The steel track is approximately 3,200 feet (980 m) in length and the height of the lift is approximately 125 feet (38 m) for both roller coasters. The first drop for Chinese Fireball is 115 feet (35 m) while Hungarian Horntail 95 feet (29 m). Chinese Fireball's track is red and Hungarian Horntail's is blue. Both coaster's supports are white.[1][18]
Trains[edit]
Dragon Challenge operates with several steel and fibreglass trains. Each train has eight cars with four seats for a total of 32 riders per train. All the Hungarian Horntail trains resemble a blue ice dragon while all the Chinese Fireball trains resemble a red fire dragon.[19][20]
Also, when the coaster duelled, in order to make the trains meet at each of the three near-miss points along the layout, at the station, once the trains were loaded they would be weighed to adjust the dispatch times.[21] For example, if Chinese Fireball weighed more than Hungarian Horntail, Fireball would be dispatched after Horntail.
Reception[edit]
Dragon Challenge has generally been well received, with most riders preferencing the Chinese Fireball track.
In the annual Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards for the Top Steel Roller Coasters, Dragon Challenge has ranked in the top 50 every year since 2000. It peaked at position 11 in 2002.[22]

Golden Ticket Awards: Top Steel Roller Coasters

Year
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Ranking
N/A
13[23]

12[24]

11[22]

14[25]

16[26]

15[27]

18[28]

23[29]

14[30]

17[31]

31[32]

28[33]

35[34]

In Mitch Hawker's worldwide Best Roller Coaster Poll, the two tracks are ranked separately. In every year that the steel roller coaster poll has been held, Chinese Fireball has ranked higher than the Hungarian Horntail. In 1999, the Chinese Fireball and Hungarian Horntail peaked at positions 9 and 18, respectively.[35]

Mitch Hawker's Best Roller Coaster Poll: Best Steel-Tracked Roller Coaster[35]

Year
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Chinese Fireball
9
 [nb 1]
10

11

18

15

19

17

19

31

32

40
 [nb 1]
52

Hungarian Horntail
18
 [nb 1]
25

26

29

30

26

23

26

37

40

46
 [nb 1]
60

These poll results are supported by a review by Jeremy Thompson of Roller Coaster Philosophy. Thompson ranks the Chinese Fireball a B- and the Hungarian Horntail a C+; only The Incredible Hulk and Jurassic Park River Adventure are ranked higher. Thompson also made comparisons between the ride in its generic-themed state versus the Harry Potter theme added in 2010 stating the "roller coaster has also lost a certain poetic quality that made the original so pleasurable". The loss of the dueling function also contributed to the lower ranking.[36]
Notes[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b c d No Steel Roller Coaster Poll was held in 2000 or 2011.
See also[edit]
Incidents at Universal parks
References[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b c d Marden, Duane. "Dragon Challenge  (Universal Studios Islands of Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
2.Jump up ^ "Services". Superior Rigging & Erection Company. Retrieved March 24, 2013.
3.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter theme park planned". BBC News. May 31, 2007. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
4.Jump up ^ Sturcke, James (May 31, 2007). "Harry Potter theme park to open in Florida". The Guardian. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
5.Jump up ^ Powers, Scott (May 31, 2007). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter coming to Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
6.Jump up ^ Sciretta, Peter (September 15, 2009). "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Details, Concept Art, Videos Revealed". Slash Film. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
7.Jump up ^ Dewayne Bevil (September 15, 2009). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in spring 2010 at Universal Orlando". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 16, 2009. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
8.^ Jump up to: a b Bevil, Dewayne (June 18, 2010). "Fans stream into Harry Potter theme park for grand opening". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on December 29, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
9.Jump up ^ Sim, Nick (October 14, 2009). "Dueling Dragons queue changes, but no closure date yet". Theme Park Tourist. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
10.Jump up ^ Sim, Nick (March 1, 2010). "Dueling Dragons closes at Islands of Adventure to undergo Dragon Challenge transformation". Theme Park Tourist. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
11.Jump up ^ Sim, Nick (March 15, 2010). "Dueling Dragons set to reopen on March 18 at Universal's Islands of Adventure". Theme Park Tourist. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
12.Jump up ^ "Universal Announces Changes To Coaster". wesh.com. August 17, 2011. Archived from the original on December 28, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
13.Jump up ^ "Universal Orlando's twin dragon coasters will never 'duel' again". Orlando Sentinel. October 19, 2011. Archived from the original on December 28, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
14.Jump up ^ "Dragon Challenge roller coaster queue at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter". InisdeTheMagic (YouTube). May 29, 2010. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
15.Jump up ^ "Dueling Dragon,Ice,Fire,Preshow,and Que-line". THEMEPARKGEEK63 (YouTube). December 30, 2007. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
16.Jump up ^ "Dragon Challenge: Chinese Fireball Front Seat on-ride HD POV Universal Studios Islands of Adventure". wwwCOASTERFORCEcom (YouTube). November 15, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
17.Jump up ^ "Dragon Challenge: Hungarian Horntail Front Seat on-ride HD POV Universal Islands of Adventure". wwwCOASTERFORCEcom (YouTube). November 15, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
18.Jump up ^ Marden, Duane. "Dragon Challenge Layout Photo  (Universal Studios Islands of Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
19.Jump up ^ Marden, Duane. "Dragon Challenge Chinese Fireball Car Photo  (Universal Studios Islands of Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
20.Jump up ^ Marden, Duane. "Dragon Challenge Hungarian Horntain Car Photo  (Universal Studios Islands of Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
21.Jump up ^ Jason Garcia (October 19, 2011). "Universal Orlando's twin dragon coasters will never 'duel' again". Orlando Sentinel (Tribune Newspapers). Retrieved October 21, 2011.
22.^ Jump up to: a b "Golden Ticket Awards — Top 25 Steel/Wooden Roller Coasters – 2002". Coastergrotto.com. Retrieved December 20, 2008.
23.Jump up ^ "Golden Ticket Awards — Top 25 Steel/Wooden Roller Coasters – 2000". Coastergrotto.com. Retrieved December 20, 2008.
24.Jump up ^ "Golden Ticket Awards — Top 25 Steel/Wooden Roller Coasters – 2001". Coastergrotto.com. Retrieved December 20, 2008.
25.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2003" (PDF). Amusement Today. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
26.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2004" (PDF). Amusement Today. Archived from the original on April 3, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
27.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2005" (PDF). Amusement Today. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
28.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2006" (PDF). Amusement Today. Archived from the original on October 16, 2006. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
29.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2007" (PDF). Amusement Today. Archived from the original on May 30, 2008. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
30.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2008" (PDF). Amusement Today. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
31.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2009" (PDF). Amusement Today. Archived from the original on September 20, 2010. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
32.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2010" (PDF). Amusement Today. Archived from the original on March 25, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
33.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2011" (PDF). Amusement Today. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
34.Jump up ^ "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2012" (PDF). Amusement Today. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
35.^ Jump up to: a b Hawker, Mitch. "Best Steel Roller Coaster Poll 12 year results table". Best Roller Coaster Poll. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
36.Jump up ^ Thompson, Jeremy (March 1, 2012). "Universal's Islands of Adventure". Roller Coaster Philosophy. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
External links[edit]
Dragon Challenge at Universal Orlando Resort
 Media related to Dragon Challenge at Wikimedia Commons

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Flight of the Hippogriff

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Flight of the Hippogriff
Flight of the Hippogriff - train front.jpg
One of the newly rethemed trains.

Previously known as Flying Unicorn
Islands of Adventure

Park section
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Coordinates
28.472454°N 81.473803°WCoordinates: 28.472454°N 81.473803°W
Status
Operating
Opening date
June 29, 2000 (As Flying Unicorn)
 June 18, 2010 (As Flight of the Hippogriff)[1][2]
Closing date
July 7, 2008 (As Flying Unicorn)[2]
General statistics

Type
Steel – Junior
Manufacturer
Vekoma
Model
Junior Coaster (335m)[2]
Height
42 ft (13 m)
Length
1,099 ft (335 m)
Speed
28.5 mph (45.9 km/h)
Inversions
0
Duration
1:06
Height restriction
91 cm (3 ft 0 in)
Trains
2 trains with 8 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 16 riders per train.
Ride Host
Rubeus Hagrid
Previous attraction
The Flying Unicorn (2000 - 2008)
 Universal Express available

Flight of the Hippogriff at RCDB
Pictures of Flight of the Hippogriff at RCDB
Flight of the Hippogriff, previously known as Flying Unicorn,[2][3] is a roller coaster at the Islands of Adventure theme park, in Orlando, Florida, United States. The ride is located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter section of the park and is a mild alternative to the land's more extreme rides including Dragon Challenge and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It was one of the first attractions to open with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on its grand opening on June 18, 2010.[4]

Contents
  [hide] 1 History 1.1 Flying Unicorn era
1.2 Flight of the Hippogriff transformation
2 Attraction summary 2.1 Queue
2.2 Ride
3 References
4 External links
History[edit]
Flying Unicorn era[edit]



 The former Flying Unicorn roller coaster at Islands of Adventure
Flying Unicorn was one of the first rides to be added to Islands of Adventure after its grand opening, debuting on June 29, 2000[2] in the park's Lost Continent area.[5] The ride took place in an enchanted forest, like something from a fairy tale. Various signs along the queue tell the story of a wizard who found a baby unicorn's horn, which it shed (once every thousand years). He then used the horn to create this ride. The magic from the unicorn's horn is used so that it can fly. Guests rode in carts designed to look like mechanical unicorns, and travel over a track, to the top of the lift, then dropped through various dips and turns before being deposited at the start of the track.[6]
Flight of the Hippogriff transformation[edit]



 A vehicle ascending the lift hill on Flight of the Hippogriff. An animatronic Hippogriff can be seen in the background, to the left side of the lift hill.
Following the announcement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter section in May 2007, both Flying Unicorn and fellow previous incarnation Dueling Dragons were shown to be in the new area, but it had not be confirmed whether they were to be closed and re-themed as of that time.[7]
After almost 10 years of operation, Flying Unicorn was closed on July 7, 2008 to allow construction to proceed on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.[8] The attraction was closed off to the public and listed as Standing But Not Operating (SBNO).[2]
On September 15, 2009, Universal officially revealed the attractions which were to open in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter section, confirming that Flying Unicorn would be refurbished and re-themed into Flight of the Hippogriff.[9]
The attraction soft opened on June 1, 2010 under the new name of Flight of the Hippogriff. It officially opened with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on June 18, 2010.[4]
Attraction summary[edit]



 Entrance to the attraction.


 Track layout
Queue[edit]
The roller coaster's new backstory is that Hagrid is teaching young wizards how to fly a Hippogriff by using fake replicas of the creature. The queue line weaves through Hogwarts Grounds, past Hagrid's Hut and the Forest, and leads into an open canopy where Care of Magical Creatures Class is taught, and riders board the vehicle.[10][11]
Ride[edit]
The roller coaster takes passengers on a test flight of the Hippogriff over the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid's Hut. Riders are instructed to bow to the Hippogriff before the ride progresses up the lift hill.[10] The cars then travel over a track, to the top of the lift, where riders have a full aerial view of The Wizarding World,[3] and then dropped through various dips and turns around Hogwarts Grounds before being deposited at the start of the track, where Hagrid thanks riders, who then disembark.[10]
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ Universal Orlando. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Universal Orlando. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
2.^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Roller Coaster Database. "Flight of the Hippogriff (Universal Studios Islands of Adventure)". Database entry. RCDB. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
3.^ Jump up to: a b Bevil, Dewayne (June 10, 2010). "What's up with Wizarding World?". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
4.^ Jump up to: a b Universal Orlando. "NOW OPEN! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort". Universal Orlando. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
5.Jump up ^ Orlando Florida. "The Flying Unicorn - Universal's Islands of Adventure". Orlando Florida. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
6.Jump up ^ Attractions Magazine. "The Flying Unicorn POV ridethrough (Before it was Flight of the Hippogriff)". Video. YouTube. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
7.Jump up ^ "Fly the Ford Anglia at New Harry Potter Theme Park?". Leaky Cauldron. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
8.Jump up ^ Universal Orlando. "Special attractions for children". Universal Orlando. Archived from the original on 2008-07-16. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
9.Jump up ^ Universal Orlando. "Universal Orlando Resort Reveals Highly Anticipated Details about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Universal Orlando. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
10.^ Jump up to: a b c Inside the Magic. "Flight of the Hippogriff ride POV with Hippogriff animatronic at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Video. YouTube. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
11.Jump up ^ olduniversallover. "Flight of the Hippogriff - Queue [HD]". Video. YouTube. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
External links[edit]
Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Orlando Resort

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Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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This is a good article. Click here for more information.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Looking up at the replica of Hogwarts Castle which encloses the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.
Within Hogwarts Castle lies Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.


[hide]Islands of Adventure

Area
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Status
Operating
Opening date
June 18, 2010[1]


[hide]Universal Studios Japan

Area
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Status
Under construction
Opening date
2014


[hide]Universal Studios Hollywood

Area
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Status
Announced

General statistics

Attraction type
Dark ride
Designer
Universal Creative
Theme
Harry Potter universe
Vehicle type
Enchanted benches (Robotic arm)
Vehicles
47[2]
Riders per vehicle
4
Rows
1
Riders per row
4
Duration
5 minutes
Height restriction
48 in (122 cm)
Track system
Busbar
Manufacturer
Dynamic Structures, KUKA
Ride Hosts
Harry Potter
Ron Weasley
Hermione Granger
 Single rider line available

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the signature amusement ride of the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida. The ride takes guests through scenes and environments in and around Hogwarts Castle from the Harry Potter series of books and films. Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative, described the ride as an in-depth look at the world of Harry Potter, which utilizes never before seen technology which transforms "the theme park experience as you know it".[3] The original attraction at Islands of Adventure opened with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter section on June 18, 2010.[4] A duplicate ride is currently under construction at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka which is scheduled to open in 2014.[5] An installation has also been announced for Universal Studios Hollywood.[6]

Contents
  [hide] 1 Summary 1.1 Queue area
1.2 Station
1.3 Ride
1.4 Restrictions
2 Production 2.1 History
2.2 Ride mechanics
2.3 Design
2.4 Cast
3 Reception
4 See also
5 References
6 External links
Summary[edit]
This summary describes the attraction at Islands of Adventure. The attractions currently under construction may have significant differences.
The entrance to the ride consists of a path which proceeds between two gates before heading to Hogwarts Castle.

 Entrance to the ride at Islands of Adventure
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey uses KUKA robocoaster technology, which allows the seats to pivot while being held above the track by a robotic arm. However, the ride is not a roller coaster but a scenic dark ride. The experience includes a flight around Hogwarts castle, an encounter with the Whomping Willow and a horde of Dementors, and a Quidditch match. The ride drops, spins around, twists and turns, but does not turn upside down, though passengers sometimes lie flat on their backs. Over-the-shoulder bars are used to secure guests in their seats, and a single parabolic metal bar is used as a hand grip. At the conclusion of the ride, guests exit into "Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods" gift shop.[3][7] As of August 2012, Universal Express Pass is not available for this attraction,[8] but a single rider queue is available.
Queue area[edit]

One of the scenes in the queue area is that of the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. It replicates the classroom as seen in the films.

 The Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom forms a portion of the queue at Islands of Adventure
To enter the ride, guests walk through the gates of Hogwarts and begin their journey in the dungeons where they see items featured in the movies and books. Passengers enter through the castle doors, go to the lockers, queue outside in the green house and then enter the back castle doors. Objects recognizable from the series include the Mirror of Erised, the Hogwarts House Jewels, and talking portraits. As guests proceed throughout the hallways, they encounter replicas of the rooms of Hogwarts castle, including the Headmaster's office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and the Gryffindor common room. In the Headmaster's office, Professor Dumbledore extends a warm welcome to all Muggles, informing them that Professor Binns is hosting a lecture on the history of the school. In the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Harry, Ron, and Hermione appear from under the Invisibility Cloak, urging guests to meet them in the Room of Requirement in order to sneak everyone down to a Quidditch match. Ron tries to perform a magic trick which goes wrong, and one of several special effects, such as falling snow, is triggered. Before continuing on, visitors receive a safety reminder from the Sorting Hat and several paintings in the next two rooms.[9]
Station[edit]

The station of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey allows up to four guests to board an "enchanted bench" which is their ride vehicle for the duration of the attraction.

 Four guests board an "enchanted bench" for the ride.
Next, riders board an enchanted bench inside the Room of Requirement, which lifts off the ground and through the Floo Network for a journey with Harry. The ride combines real sets and animatronics with segments that use wrap-around projection screens.[9][10]
Ride[edit]

A scene from the film that accompanies the ride which features Harry Potter as portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe riding a broomstick.

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) in a scene from the ride-film of the attraction.
The ride begins with a dousing of Floo Powder from Hermione Granger, who asks the guests to say, "Observatory" in order to transport them to their desired location, and the enchanted bench flies off through the Floo Network to the Astronomy Tower. The guests leave the Astronomy Tower through its fireplace and enter the Observatory, where they look out through the open arches to the hills and lake outside Hogwarts' boundary. As the guests fly out of one of the Observatory's arches, the ride smoothly switches to a wrap-around projection screen and they follow Harry Potter and Ron Weasley around Hogwarts' buildings and towers to a Quidditch match. As Harry and Ron travel under a bridge, Hagrid yields the riders and asks them if they have seen a dragon. As Harry redirects the riders' attentions back to their journey, Hagrid's pet Hungarian Horntail dragon begins to chase the riders. The bench flies out of the projection screen and into a set of the uneven bridge that crosses the valley behind Hogwarts and, after falling out of a hole in the floor of the bridge, they encounter an animatronic dragon, which breathes false fire at them.[10]
The riders descend into a set of the Forbidden Forest where they encounter a figure of Aragog a large, sentient spider who spits water at them. As Hermione tries to help the riders away from Aragog and towards the castle, encountering many spiders on the way, they encounter an animatronic Whomping Willow which swipes at them, knocking them into the Quidditch pitch. The ride returns to a projection screen as the riders become caught up in Harry's and Ron's game of Quidditch. As Slytherin scores into Gryffindor's goal, Dementors arrive at the Quidditch pitch and Harry attempts to lead the riders away through the structure of the pitch and back to the school, but their bench falls into the long-abandoned Chamber of Secrets through a hole. The riders return to a real set as the Dementors appear from the pipelines and chase them. The skeleton of the long-deceased Basilisk lies on the floor of the Chamber, and expels Lord Voldemort's Dark Mark into the air as the benches are drawn into the mouth of Salazar Slytherin's statue.[10]
Many Dementors emerge from the darkness while one descends and attempts to suck out the rider's souls. This effect is achieved by projecting the rider's faces onto a cloud of fog in front of the Dementor, blasting cold air towards the riders, and using a heartbeat-like sound played through the sub-woofers built into the benches. After shaking the riders out of the trance, Harry causes the Dementors to flee with a protective Patronus charm.[10] After the final Dementor, and while Harry uses his Patronus, the riders enter the final video dome segment, where the cliffs outside the Chamber of Secrets cave in. They fly over the Black Lake, back into Hogwarts and through the Main Hall and Grand Staircase, where they are cheered on by a series of on-screen characters from the movies who appear three-dimensional. Professor Dumbledore sends everyone back through the Floo Network to the Room of Requirement, where they exit their bench.[10]
Restrictions[edit]

Test seats, which replicate those present on the ride vehicles, exist at the entrance of the queue to ensure potential riders will be comfortable when seated.

 Test seats exist at the entrance of the queue at Islands of Adventure.
While everyone may walk through the queue, all riders must be at least 48 inches (120 cm) tall. The ride has no maximum weight limit, and riders can test whether the attraction accommodates their size using test seats at the queue entrance and again at the end of the queue, which are equipped with red, yellow, and green lights that indicate whether the rider can be accommodated. Persons requiring modified seating on other rides may have difficulty closing the ride's over-the-shoulder harness.[11] If passengers are unable to secure the harness, they are not permitted to ride the attraction.[12] In an attempt to alleviate this problem, Universal has modified the restraint system on some of the seats to accommodate larger guests. These modifications will not affect the size of the seat nor create a dangerous situation for smaller guests. Guests who receive a yellow light on the test seats may sit in modified seating.[11][13][14]
According to the Universal Orlando Resort Rider's Guide, both legs must protrude from under the restraint and form a lap. In practice, above-knee amputees will not be permitted to ride unless their residual natural limb reaches the edge of the seat (or at least includes a knee), even if the lock-bar appears to successfully engage the limb. Lower-limb prosthetics will not offset this requirement since they must be removed prior to boarding the ride. These particular restrictions are not clearly posted at the ride or on the website, which lists the height requirement only. The lower limb prosthetic removal requirement can be found at the "Accessibility Information" page under "Guests with Prosthetic Limbs."[15] The residual limb length requirement is not listed there but will be enforced at the ride prior to boarding.
Production[edit]
History[edit]
In January 2007, rumors arose about the possibility of a Harry Potter themed island at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park.[16] This was followed by further rumors that part of the project was codenamed "Strong Arm" in reference to the KUKA robotic arm technology it would utilize.[17][18] On May 31, 2007, Universal, in partnership with Warner Bros., officially announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be coming to Islands of Adventure.[19][20][21] Preparation of the site for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter began in late October 2007, and the construction of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey began in February 2008.[22] Construction ended in the first half of 2010. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey began operating on June 1, 2010,[23] and officially opened to the public on June 18, 2010.[1][24]
On December 6, 2011, Universal Parks & Resorts announced that it would open The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, and that one of the attractions would be Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.[25][26] On May 5, 2012, the Los Angeles Times reported that Universal Studios Japan would also be receiving a The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by 2014. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was also confirmed as one of the attractions.[5]
Ride mechanics[edit]

Robocoasters feature KUKA robotic arms, the same technology used on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Unlike the stationary robotic arms used in Robocoasters, the technology is used in conjunction with busbar track technology to provide a differing experience.

KUKA robotic arms, similar to those used on Robocoasters (pictured), are used on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in conjunction with busbar track technology.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is manufactured by Dynamic Structures, a Canadian company responsible for several attractions at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.[27][28] Dynamic Structures used KUKA robotic arm technology previously used on stationary amusement rides.[2][29] Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey differs from the previous attractions because it uses multiple robotic arms mounted on a Busbar track.[2][30][31][32][33] The ride's seats are mounted on robotic arms which are in turn mounted on a track. This allows the arms to travel through the attraction while performing their movements in synchronization with the ride's show elements (animated props, projection surfaces, etc.).[30][31][32][33] This concept first appeared in the 2004 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Trade Show.[28] The disadvantage of this intricate machinery is that if the ride breaks down, some guests are stranded in uncomfortable positions, such as being tilted backwards in dark enclosed spaces.[34]
Design[edit]
The attraction was designed by Universal Creative in association with Warner Bros. Recreation Group. Thierry Coup, who worked on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Shrek 4-D and Revenge of the Mummy, was the Creative Director for the ride.[35][36]
Cast[edit]
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey features many of the main characters of the film series including:[37]
Harry Potter as portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe
Ron Weasley as portrayed by Rupert Grint
Hermione Granger as portrayed by Emma Watson
Albus Dumbledore as portrayed by Michael Gambon
Rubeus Hagrid as portrayed by Robbie Coltrane
Draco Malfoy as portrayed by Tom Felton
Ginny Weasley as portrayed by Bonnie Wright
Fred Weasley as portrayed by James Phelps
George Weasley as portrayed by Oliver Phelps
Professor Flitwick as portrayed by Warwick Davis
Neville Longbottom as portrayed by Matthew Lewis
Peter Pettigrew as portrayed by Timothy Spall
Lord Voldemort as portrayed by Ralph Fiennes
Alastor Moody as portrayed by Brendan Gleeson
Reception[edit]
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has been widely praised for its innovation and theming. Arthur Levine of About.com stated that he felt he "had been taken to a truly magical place. For a few glorious moments, the Floo Network, flying benches, and willows that whomp seemed not just possible, but actual." He gave the ride a rating of 5 stars out of 5, and wrote that the ride was the best of its kind.[38] Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider commended Universal Creative for its attention to detail on the ride. Niles wrote that the company had set its expectations almost impossibly high, and that the ride is "the most advanced and engaging attraction in theme park industry history".[36] Ricky Brigante of Inside the Magic described the ride as a "jaw-dropping journey that no one should miss", but criticized the lack of continuity with the story.[39][40]
In Amusement Today's annual Golden Ticket Awards, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey debuted as the best new ride of 2010.[41] This was followed by winning the Best Dark Ride category for the three years from 2011.[42][43][44]

Golden Ticket Awards: Best Dark Ride

Year
2010
2011
2012
2013

Ranking
4[41] 1[42] 1[43] 1[44]
See also[edit]
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Transformers: The Ride
References[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Only at Universal Orlando Resort". Universal Orlando Resort. 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
2.^ Jump up to: a b c Hart, Lance (April 4, 2010). "Islands of Adventure". Screamscape. Archived from the original on April 5, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
3.^ Jump up to: a b Scull, Eric (2010). "The Wizarding World 'Forbidden Journey' ... ride preview". Muggle Net. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
4.Jump up ^ "Islands of Adventure: Live the adventure of a lifetime". Universal Orlando Resort. 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
5.^ Jump up to: a b Fritz, Ben (May 9, 2012). "Harry Potter heads to Universal Studios Japan". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
6.Jump up ^ "Hogwarts Coming to Hollywood". Press Release. Universal Studios Hollywood. December 6, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
7.Jump up ^ "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Media". Universal Orlando Resort. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
8.Jump up ^ "UNIVERSAL EXPRESS PLUS PASS". 2010. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
9.^ Jump up to: a b Inside the Magic (May 29, 2010). "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey queue at the Wizarding World in Universal Orlando". Video. YouTube. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
10.^ Jump up to: a b c d e Nefer, Barbara (June 18, 2010). "Blow by blow account of Forbidden Journey ride at Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Examiner. Missing or empty |url= (help); |accessdate= requires |url= (help)
11.^ Jump up to: a b "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride seats modified to fit larger guests". Orlando Attractions Magazine. September 11, 2010. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
12.Jump up ^ The Harry Potter Automatic News Aggregator (June 19, 2010). "Follow-up: 'Forbidden' fatties at 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter'". The Harry Potter Automatic News Aggregator. Archived from the original on July 6, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
13.Jump up ^ Hart, Lance (July 22, 2010). "Islands of Adventure". Screamscape. Archived from the original on July 31, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
14.Jump up ^ Garcia, Jason (September 13, 2010). "Harry Potter ride tweaked for larger guests". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
15.Jump up ^ http://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Accessibility-Information.aspx?Intsrch=Prosthetics#Limbs
16.Jump up ^ Levine, Arthur (January 28, 2007). "Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park". About.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
17.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter / Lost Continent Transformation". Screamscape. February 1, 2007. Archived from the original on February 3, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
18.Jump up ^ Hill, Jim (February 5, 2007). "Monday Mouse Watch: You'll believe a car can fly". Jim Hill Media. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
19.Jump up ^ Sturcke, James (May 31, 2007). "Harry Potter theme park to open in Florida". The Guardian.
20.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter theme park swoops to Fla.". USA Today. May 31, 2007.
21.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter theme park planned". BBC News. May 31, 2007.
22.Jump up ^ The Leaky Cauldron. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park". The Leaky Cauldron. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
23.Jump up ^ The Leaky Cauldron (June 1, 2010). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter Soft Open Report RoundUp". The Leaky Cauldron. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
24.Jump up ^ Sangalang, Jennifer (June 18, 2010). "'Harry Potter' movie stars help christen Wizarding World". USA Today. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
25.Jump up ^ MacDonald, Brady (December 6, 2011). "It's official: Harry Potter land to debut at Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
26.Jump up ^ Nakashima, Ryan (December 6, 2011). "Poof! Harry Potter park to appear in Hollywood". Associated Press. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
27.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Islands of Adventure)". Parkz. Retrieved July 8, 2012.
28.^ Jump up to: a b "IAAPA 2004 Innovations - RoboCoaster on track". Coasters and More. 2004. Retrieved July 8, 2012.
29.Jump up ^ "History". Robocoaster. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
30.^ Jump up to: a b Harry Potter World Orlando (March 22, 2010). ""Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" Attraction Details". Harry Potter World Orlando. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
31.^ Jump up to: a b "Kuka Entertainment – Robocoaster". Kuka Entertainment. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
32.^ Jump up to: a b "Kuka Industrial Robots – Robocoaster". Kuka Industrial Robots. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
33.^ Jump up to: a b "Large & Theme Park Solutions". Robocoaster. March 22, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
34.Jump up ^ Jacobson, Susan (July 23, 2010). "Guests stuck on Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter ride". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
35.Jump up ^ Goh, Robin (October 5, 2011). "Getting to know: Thierry Coup". Resorts World Sentosa. Retrieved July 8, 2012.
36.^ Jump up to: a b Niles, Robert (June 17, 2010). "Theme park magic in Orlando has a new home: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved July 8, 2012.
37.Jump up ^ "Grand Opening Of The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Orlando Resort Set For June 18". News Article. Universal Orlando Resort. March 25, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
38.Jump up ^ Levine, Arthur. "The Forbidden Journey of Harry Potter Ride". About.com. Retrieved July 8, 2012.
39.Jump up ^ Brigante, Ricky (June 2, 2010). "Spoiler-Free Review: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World". Inside the Magic. Retrieved July 8, 2012.
40.Jump up ^ Brigante, Ricky (June 4, 2010). "Spoiler-FILLED Review: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World". Inside the Magic. Retrieved July 8, 2012.
41.^ Jump up to: a b "Park and ride winners". Amusement Today 14 (6.2): 4,5. September 2010.
42.^ Jump up to: a b "Park and ride winners". Amusement Today 15 (6.2): 4,5. September 2011.
43.^ Jump up to: a b "Park and ride winners". Amusement Today 16 (6.2): 4,5. September 2012.
44.^ Jump up to: a b "Park and ride winners". Amusement Today 17 (6.2): 4,5. September 2013.
External links[edit]
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at the Islands of Adventure website

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Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience

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Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience
HarryPotterMovieMagicLogo.jpg

[hide]Warner Bros. Movie World

Coordinates
27°54′27″S 153°18′37.7″ECoordinates: 27°54′27″S 153°18′37.7″E
Status
Closed
Opening date
26 December 2001[1]
Closing date
2003
Replaced
Young Einstein Gravity Homestead
Replaced by
The Official Matrix Exhibit

General statistics

Attraction type
Walkthrough
The Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience at Warner Bros. Movie World was a walk-through attraction which featured several recreations of sets from the Harry Potter movies. The original attraction opened on 26 December 2001, themed to the first movie while a second version opened one year later to coincide with the second movie. The Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience closed in 2003 and was replaced by The Official Matrix Exhibit.[2][3]

Contents
  [hide] 1 History
2 Summary
3 See also
4 References
5 External links
History[edit]
The attraction launched within a month of the Australasian Premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone at Warner Bros. Movie World. In order to fully publicise their new attraction Movie World opened a Harry Potter Gift Shop on Main Street and had young staff members dressed as generic Hogwarts students walking around the park. These characters remained in Main Street until the closure of the exhibit in 2003.
The attraction was modified in mid-2002 to suit the second film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. A few scenes slightly changed to suit the second instalment including the addition of a replica of Mr. Weasley's Flying Car.[2]
Summary[edit]
Guests would queue at Platform 9 3/4 right alongside a recreation of the Hogwarts Express. The walk-through began by admitting small groups of guests into a small room with brick walls surrounding. Thanks to the magical expertise of the group's guide, the wall would magically slide away to reveal Diagon Alley. A similar scene appears in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Guests were guided along Diagon Alley, with a quick stop at Ollivanders Wand Shop and into Harry's dormitory. Guests were then able to discover the art of sending an owl with a real life owl display.[3]
See also[edit]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ Emmons, Natasha (10 December 2001). "Movie Magic At Gold Coast". Amusement Business 113 (49): 13.
2.^ Jump up to: a b Harry Potter (Warner Bros. Movie World). Retrieved on 4.05.10 from Parkz Database.
3.^ Jump up to: a b Warner Bros. Movie World: Rides & Attractions: Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience. Retrieved on 4.05.10 from Warner Bros. Movie World Web Archive.
External links[edit]
Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience Photos at Parkz.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Wizarding World of Harry Potter logo.png
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Castle.jpg
Hogwarts Castle, which houses Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.


[hide]Islands of Adventure

Status
Operating
Cost
GBP £134 million[1]
 US$ $200 million[2]
Soft opening date
June 1, 2010[3]
Opening date
June 18, 2010[4]


[hide]Universal Studios Florida

Status
Under construction
Opening date
2014
Replaced
Jaws

General statistics

Attraction type
Themed zone
Designer
Universal Creative
Theme
Harry Potter
Size
20 acres (8.1 ha) (phase 1)[5]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area spanning two theme parks in the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida, USA.
The first phase was officially announced for Islands of Adventure on May 31, 2007,[6][7] and after a two-and-a-half-year construction period, the area officially opened to the public on June 18, 2010.[2][8] The area's flagship attraction is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey which exists within a re-creation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It takes riders on a journey through Harry Potter's wizarding world.[9] Other attractions include Dragon Challenge, a pair of inverted roller coasters, and Flight of the Hippogriff, a family roller coaster. The area also features a re-creation of Hogsmeade containing many gift shops and restaurants from the series of Harry Potter books including Dervish and Banges, Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Zonko's Joke Shop, The Three Broomsticks and The Hog's Head.
The second phase was initially announced on December 6, 2011, as a significant expansion of the existing Wizarding World of Harry Potter. On May 8, 2013, it was officially announced that a substantial portion of phase two would be constructed in the adjacent Universal Studios Florida theme park with a replica of the Hogwarts Express taking guests between the two lands. This area's flagship attraction will be a roller coaster themed around the Gringotts Wizarding Bank. The remaining attractions will be themed around London and Diagon Alley. The second phase is expected to open in 2014.

Contents
  [hide] 1 Background 1.1 Previous attraction attempts
1.2 Rumors and official announcement
1.3 Phase 1: Islands of Adventure
1.4 Phase 2: Universal Studios Florida
2 Rides
3 Dining, shopping and other attractions 3.1 Hogsmeade
3.2 Diagon Alley
4 Reception
5 See also
6 References
7 External links
Background[edit]
Previous attraction attempts[edit]
The concept of a Harry Potter themed attraction at a Universal Studios park was reportedly first discussed within the company in the late 1990s or early 2000s.[10] However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise were owned by Time Warner at the time.[11] In 2001, Time Warner used this license to construct and operate the Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience at Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast, Australia. The attraction was a small indoor walkthrough featuring many re-creations of locations in the first two movies. After two years of operation this attraction was removed.[12][13]
Rumors and official announcement[edit]
In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a "highly credible source" that the Islands of Adventure park's Lost Continent area was going to be re-themed "to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children's franchises".[14] Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation that the new area would involve Harry Potter, and that it was being developed under the name "Project Strong Arm" in reference to the KUKA robotic arm technology it would utilise.[15][16] Nikki Finke reported her own confirmation of the Potter park plans in April,[17] followed shortly by a story in The Scotsman;[18] both reports were widely relayed by other media sources.[19][20][21] On May 31, 2007, Universal (in partnership with Warner Bros.) officially announced the 20-acre (8.1 ha) addition re-creating Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade, with a planned opening in 2009.[5][6][7][22]

Themed billboards were located around the Wizarding World during the two-year construction period.

 Themed billboards were located around the Wizarding World during the two-year construction period.
Phase 1: Islands of Adventure[edit]
Construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter began seven months after the official announcement, in January 2008. By July, the Flying Unicorn and Enchanted Oak Tavern were closed. The Flying Unicorn then began an almost two-year refurbishment which transformed it into the Flight of the Hippogriff. The Enchanted Oak Tavern was later demolished. A bridge was built to connect The Lost Continent with Jurassic Park allowing guests to avoid the construction zone that was to be the Wizarding World. Construction progressed with the Hogwarts castle slowly taking shape. By September 2008, the Dueling Dragons entrance was moved to Jurassic Park to make room for construction of Hogsmeade. One month later, the old entrance was demolished. By September 2009, the top shell of Hogwarts castle was completed. On September 15, an announcement was made as to what exactly was going to be included in the Wizarding World. In early 2010, Universal increased the marketing of the area which included newspaper advertisements, billboards and television commercials. The Dueling Dragons were closed for some maintenance before being transformed into the Dragon Challenge.[23] Construction was complete by June 1, 2010 when the area began soft openings.[3]

The opening celebrations

 The opening celebrations.
A soft opening weekend was held for the media and reserved guests, starting on May 28, 2010. The park had two opening ceremonies that took place on June 16 and on June 18, 2010. The first opening was reserved for the cast and crew of the Harry Potter films, J.K. Rowling (author of the novels), Universal Orlando Resort officials, as well as representatives from the media. The ceremony, which was produced by Universal Orlando Events Production in conjunction with Thinkwell Group,[24] concluded with a fireworks display and a performance by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, led by John Williams (composer of the music for the first three films). On June 18, the second ceremony occurred which officially opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the public. Universal Orlando representative Bill Davis introduced the area to the audience along with actors from the films including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Tom Felton, Bonnie Wright, Warwick Davis, Matthew Lewis and James and Oliver Phelps. The NBC Today show[25] and The Weather Channel broadcast segments live from the park.[26][27][28]
Phase 2: Universal Studios Florida[edit]
The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter saw attendance at Islands of Adventure rise by as much as 36% in 2010. According to Jason Garcia of the Orlando Sentinel, this saw resort executives pondering "when to expand Wizarding World and how to keep business balanced between Islands and Universal Studios Florida".[29] In April 2011, Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times speculated that an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter would see attractions such as Diagon Alley and a Gringotts-themed dark ride replace Islands of Adventure's Lost Continent themed area.[30]
On December 6, 2011, Universal Parks & Resorts announced that they would be expanding The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The expansion was described as "significant" by officials; however, no further details were released at the time.[31][32] The announcement came just four days after Universal Studios Florida announced that they would be closing their Jaws ride on January 2, 2012.[33] On January 25, 2012, the Los Angeles Times stated that Universal Studios Florida's Jaws ride would be the site of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion. The aforementioned attractions would be complemented by a replica of the Hogwarts Express to transit guests between the two parks.[34]
Demolition of the Jaws ride and the surrounding Amity area began almost immediately after its closure.[35][36] After the site was levelled, work began on land reclamation as well as the construction of a series of buildings including a large show building.[37][38][39]
Further details about the expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter were announced on May 8, 2013. Officials confirmed that the expansion would predominantly be set in the adjacent Universal Studios Florida theme park and would feature attractions themed after Diagon Alley and London. The rumored Hogwarts Express connection between the two parks was also confirmed. Phase two of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expected to open in 2014.[40][41][42][43]
Rides[edit]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter currently has three rides, all based in Islands of Adventure. An additional two rides will open with phase two in 2014.

Entrance of Dragon Challenge

 Entrance of Dragon Challenge
Dragon Challenge is a roller coaster which features two distinct tracks built to overlap and intertwine with each other. The ride was formerly in operation since the park's 1999 opening under the name Dueling Dragons. The physical coaster is exactly the same, with some new decor.[44] The attraction was renamed in homage to the first task of the Triwizard Tournament where Harry and the other contestants are to each duel with a dragon, depicted in chapter 20 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.[45] The two sides of the coaster have been renamed "Hungarian Horntail" and "Chinese Fireball",[44] after two of the dragon breeds which appear in the book. It is the only chasing inverted roller coaster in the world. The queue for this ride features many Harry Potter relics, including the Goblet of Fire and the Triwizard Cup. In addition, the hike to the ride features the flying car featured in the second film, as well as Hagrid's hut.



Hogwarts Castle exterior of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a new attraction inside the replica of Hogwarts Castle, simulating a tour of the castle and its surrounding grounds. Visitors initially walk through the castle, interacting with various characters and props from the Potter series,[46] including a speech from Dumbledore, and directions from Harry, Hermione and Ron, before boarding a "magical bench" (controlled with a KUKA robotic arm system[47]). Throughout the ride, guests are taken around the outside of the castle, using a combination of simulated flight as well as encountering realistic animatronic versions of the Whomping Willow, a horde of dementors, giant spiders, the Hungarian Horntail Dragon, and a Quidditch match.[48]

Entrance of Flight of the Hippogriff

 Entrance of Flight of the Hippogriff
Flight of the Hippogriff is a steel roller coaster designed for families, located adjacent from "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey". The ride opened in 2000 as the Flying Unicorn.[49] Similar to the Dragon Challenge, this ride was re-themed prior to the opening of the Wizarding World. The roller coaster's back-story is that Hogwarts' Care of Magical Creatures professor Hagrid is teaching young wizards to fly on a Hippogriff (as Harry does in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) by using a wicker replica of the creature. A re-creation of Hagrid's Hut is passed on the way for a lesson from Hagrid himself on how to properly approach a hippogriff.[50][51]
Two rides are known to be under construction for phase two of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A roller coaster themed to the Gringotts Wizarding Bank will be located in Universal Studios Florida while a working recreation of the Hogwarts Express will connect the two theme parks.[40][52]
Dining, shopping and other attractions[edit]
Other than the main rides, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also home to gift shops, restaurants and other tourist attractions. Several of these are re-creations of locations in the Harry Potter books while others have been created specifically for the park. A recreation of Hogsmeade exists in Islands of Adventure with a recreation of Diagon Alley currently under construction at Universal Studios Florida.

Inside Ollivanders wand shop

 Inside Ollivanders wand shop
In the book series, Ollivanders wand shop is located in Diagon Alley, not Hogsmeade; however, installations of the shop are present in both areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Hogsmeade attraction re-created the shop as Ollivanders, portraying it as a branch of the original where Harry purchases his wand in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (known in the United States as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone). Unlike other shops in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visitors are admitted in groups of 20 to experience the premise from the Potter series, that "the wand chooses the wizard". Similar to the first film, the wand keeper and a selected guest test a variety of wands until the right one is found. Effects include flowers drying out, or a thunder storm erupting inside the shop. After experiencing the attraction, souvenir wands can be purchased.[53]
Hogsmeade[edit]

A re-creation of the Hogwarts Express

 A re-creation of the Hogwarts Express locomotive greets guests when entering Hogsmeade.
A re-creation of the Hogwarts Express lies at the entry to Hogsmeade. The re-creation features "billowing steam and an iconic whistle" and is accompanied by the conductor of the train. In the Potter series the Hogwarts Express is the train used to transport students from London to Hogwarts. The Owl Post is a working post office (where postcards and letters will be delivered with an authentic Hogsmeade postmark) that also sells stationery, writing implements, stamps, and owl-related gifts.
The Three Broomsticks, based on the inn and pub from the Potter series, offers a variety of food and beverage items from the Harry Potter universe including butterbeer, pumpkin juice, strawberry-peanut butter ice cream (as seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), chocolate cauldron cakes in addition to a menu composed of traditional British fare (Shepherd's pie, fish and chips, etc.). The pub features many hidden references to the book, namely house elves and ghosts that roam the rafters.[54][55] Butterbeer, which can be purchased with a souvenir mug, is offered as a non-alcoholic beverage and comes in both regular and frozen forms, found at the beginning of Hogsmeade fresh off the tap from the butterbeer cart. Similarly, The Hog's Head is based on the pub from the Potter series owned by Aberforth Dumbledore.[54][55] Honeydukes is a sweet shop, based on Honeydukes Sweetshop in the Potter series. The shop sells many items from the Harry Potter universe including Chocolate Frogs, Acid Pops, exploding bonbons, Cauldron Cakes, treacle fudge, Fizzing Whizzbees, Pepper Imps, and Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans.[56]

The exterior of Honeydukes Sweetshop

 The exterior of Honeydukes Sweetshop
Various Harry Potter merchandise items can be purchased from three different gift shops in Hogsmeade. Dervish and Banges is a store selling magical items, as well as Quidditch supplies, Hogwarts clothing, and other merchandise. The store is based on Dervish and Banges in the Potter series.[57] Zonko's is a toy and joke store, based on Zonko's Joke Shop in the Potter series.[58] The third shop is Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods. It is a general gift shop (named for Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch) offering Hogwarts souvenirs (such as clothing and stationery), replicas of props from the Potter films, and other toys and souvenirs. The shop is at the exit to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and is where guests can obtain photos of their ride experience.[59]
Diagon Alley[edit]
The Diagon Alley expansion is currently under construction at Universal Studios Florida and is confirmed to feature a restaurant and several "signature shops".[42] Reports indicate that these will include The Leaky Cauldron, Ollivanders Wand Shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Borgin and Burkes, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment and Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.[52]
Reception[edit]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was well received by Harry Potter fans and general guests alike. Matt Blum of Wired stated "every detail is finely crafted to enhance the experience".[60] An Orlando Sentinel article stated "muggles will love their Harry Potter adventure" but identifies the need for the park to offer Universal Express Passes due to large crowds. It also stated Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a truly one-of-a-kind experience that cannot easily be described.[61] Lisa Minot, from The Sun, stated "after a sneak peek, I can say it is the most faithful recreation of JK Rowling's books and movies ever seen. Fans will be in heaven."[62] Leigh Caldwell from Traveling Mamas noted that although The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is ideal for the whole family, it's not designed for anyone under 3 years old. She went on to consolidate others' comments about the area: "there is no doubt that fans of the Harry Potter books and movies are going to enjoy the heck out of a visit to the Wizarding World".[63] John Frost from the Disney Blog congratulated Universal about all aspects of the area from rides to shops, and from the entertainment to the food.[64][65] Boris Johnson, Mayor of London criticised the fact that the park was chosen to be in Orlando, rather than in London, stating that it was "utterly mad" to leave it to the Americans “to make money from a great British invention.”[66]
See also[edit]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Hollywood), upcoming land with a similar theme at Universal Studios Hollywood opening in 2014–2016.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter, studio tour showing how the films were made, with costumes, sets (including Diagon Alley) and props from the films.
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ Fryer, Jane (April 25, 2010). "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park preview". Daily Mail. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
2.^ Jump up to: a b Garcia, Jason. "Big day is here: Universal hopes Harry Potter's magic will last". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
3.^ Jump up to: a b "Wizarding World of Harry Potter Soft Open Report RoundUp". The Leaky Cauldron. June 1, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
4.Jump up ^ "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Only at Universal Orlando Resort". Universal Orlando Resort. 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
5.^ Jump up to: a b "Harry Potter theme park planned". BBC News. May 31, 2007.
6.^ Jump up to: a b Sturcke, James (May 31, 2007). "Harry Potter theme park to open in Florida". The Guardian. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
7.^ Jump up to: a b "Harry Potter theme park swoops to Fla.". USA Today. May 31, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
8.Jump up ^ "Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park opens". Australia Times. June 19, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
9.Jump up ^ Reed, Travis (June 11, 2010). "Sneak peek: Harry Potter park in Orlando.". Yahoo News. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
10.Jump up ^ Hill, Jim (August 15, 2003). "Why For?". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
11.Jump up ^ Clarke, Susan Strother (August 8, 2003). "Aol Lawyers Cast Spell on Rumors". Orlando Sentinel.
12.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Database Entry. Parkz. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
13.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on November 5, 2001. Retrieved September 14, 2010.
14.Jump up ^ Levine, Arthur (January 28, 2007). "Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park". About.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
15.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter / Lost Continent Transformation". Screamscape.com. February 1, 2007. Archived from the original on February 3, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
16.Jump up ^ Hill, Jim (February 5, 2007). "Monday Mouse Watch: You'll believe a car can fly". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
17.Jump up ^ Finke, Nikki (April 13, 2007). "EXCLUSIVE: First Ever Harry Potter Theme Park Planned At Universal Studios Florida". Deadline Hollywood Daily. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
18.Jump up ^ Gray, Fiona (April 22, 2007). "And now for Harry Potter and the wizard theme park...". The Scotsman. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
19.Jump up ^ Van Gelder, Lawrence (April 25, 2007). "Arts, Briefly". The New York Times. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
20.Jump up ^ "Will Harry Potter Become Part of Universal Orlando?". UltimateRollercoaster.com. April 25, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
21.Jump up ^ "For Universal, Simpsons Is The New Future". St. Petersburg Times. April 25, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.[dead link]
22.Jump up ^ Albright, Mark (July 1, 2007). "A whole new magic kingdom". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
23.Jump up ^ "Wizarding World of Harry Potter timeline". Timeline. Fox 5 San Diego. June 18, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
24.Jump up ^ http://thinkwellgroup.com/projects/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-grand-opening-event/
25.Jump up ^ "Today Show Video Player". Video. MSNBC. June 18, 2010. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
26.Jump up ^ "Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opens to Public Today; HP Cast Open Archway to the Crowd". Article. Leaky Cauldron. June 18, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
27.Jump up ^ "Grand Opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort Set For June 18". Universal Orlando. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
28.Jump up ^ "NOW OPEN! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort". Universal Orlando. June 18, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
29.Jump up ^ Garcia, Jason (December 16, 2010). "Universal Orlando ponders how to take full advantage of Wizarding World's popularity". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
30.Jump up ^ MacDonald, Brady (April 6, 2011). "Universal Studios wonders how and when to expand Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
31.Jump up ^ Bevil, Dewayne (December 6, 2011). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter to expand at Universal Orlando". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
32.Jump up ^ "Significant Expansion Also Planned for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort". Press Release. Universal Orlando Resort. December 6, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
33.Jump up ^ Garcia, Jason; Bevil, Dewayne (December 2, 2011). "Universal Studios to close Jaws to make way for new attraction". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
34.Jump up ^ MacDonald, Brady (January 25, 2012). "Universal Orlando adding new nighttime water show this spring". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
35.Jump up ^ Garcia, Jason (August 12, 2012). "Universal works to fill gaps ahead of debut of 2nd phase of Wizarding World". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
36.Jump up ^ Bevil, Dewayne (November 2, 2012). "Universal Studios Orlando set to open Transformers ride next summer". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
37.Jump up ^ Gworek, Don (July 1, 2012). "Soundstage 44 now fully demolished at Universal Studios Florida". Orlando Attractions Magazine. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
38.Jump up ^ Armenia, Anthony (December 8, 2012). "Photo Update: Transformers and rumored Grignotts Bank coaster buildings being enclosed at Universal Studios". Orlando Attractions Magazine. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
39.Jump up ^ Armenia, Anthony (March 13, 2013). "Aerial view of the Jaws and Wizarding World areas at Universal". Orlando Attractions Magazine. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
40.^ Jump up to: a b Goldman, Eric (May 8, 2013). "Details on Expansion of Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando Confirmed, Including Diagon Alley as Second Location". IGN. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
41.Jump up ^ Bevil, Dewayne (May 8, 2013). "Universal Orlando: Harry Potter expansion to open spring and or summer of 2014 at Universal Studios". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
42.^ Jump up to: a b Bevil, Dewayne (May 9, 2013). "10 burning questions about Universal's Harry Potter expansion". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
43.Jump up ^ "Universal Orlando announces new Harry Potter expansion with Diagon Alley, London". The Washington Post. Associated Press. May 8, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
44.^ Jump up to: a b Marden, Duane. "Dragon Challenge  (Universal Studios Islands of Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
45.Jump up ^ "Theme Park Rides". Muggle Net. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
46.Jump up ^ Inside the Magic (May 29, 2010). "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey queue at the Wizarding World in Universal Orlando". Video. YouTube. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
47.Jump up ^ Sangalang, Jennifer (June 18, 2010). "'Harry Potter' movie stars help christen Wizarding World". USA Today. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
48.Jump up ^ bp1191 (June 15, 2010). "Harry Potter Forbidden Journey POV". Video. YouTube. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
49.Jump up ^ Marden, Duane. "Flight of the Hippogriff  (Universal Studios Islands of Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
50.Jump up ^ olduniversallover (June 15, 2010). "Flight of the Hippogriff – Queue [HD]". Video. YouTube. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
51.Jump up ^ Inside the Magic (May 28, 2010). "Flight of the Hippogriff ride POV with Hippogriff animatronic at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Video. YouTube. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
52.^ Jump up to: a b MacDonald, Brady (May 9, 2013). "What may come to Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2.0 at Universal Orlando". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
53.Jump up ^ "Ollivanders shop at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure". Universal Orlando. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
54.^ Jump up to: a b "Three Broomsticks restaurant at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure". Universal Orlando. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
55.^ Jump up to: a b "The Tasty-pasty World of Harry Potter". Muggle Net. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
56.Jump up ^ "Honeydukes shop at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure". Universal Orlando. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
57.Jump up ^ "Dervish and Banges shop at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure". Universal Orlando. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
58.Jump up ^ "Zonko's Joke Shop at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure". Universal Orlando. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
59.Jump up ^ "Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods shop at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure". Universal Orlando. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
60.Jump up ^ Blum, Matt (August 12, 2010). "Review: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Will Stupefy Fans". Wired. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
61.Jump up ^ "Muggles will love their Harry Potter adventure". Orlando Sentinel. August 9, 2010. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
62.Jump up ^ Minot, Lisa (May 21, 2010). "First review of U.S. Potter park". The Sun. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
63.Jump up ^ Caldwell, Leigh. "Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not for the little ones (and that's just fine)". Travelling Mamas. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
64.Jump up ^ Frost, John (May 18, 2010). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter preview for Pow Wow Attendees – Part 1". The Disney Blog. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
65.Jump up ^ Frost, John (May 18, 2010). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter preview for Pow Wow Attendees – Part 2". The Disney Blog. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
66.Jump up ^ Mulholland, Hélène (June 7, 2010). "Boris Johnson urges Harry Potter fans to lobby JK Rowling for London theme park". The Guardian. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
External links[edit]
 Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Official website
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Hollywood)

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Wizarding World of Harry Potter logo.png

[hide]Universal Studios Hollywood

Coordinates
34°08′17.50″N 118°21′11.64″WCoordinates: 34°08′17.50″N 118°21′11.64″W
Status
Announced
Replaced
Gibson Amphitheatre The Adventures of Curious George [1]

General statistics

Attraction type
Themed area
Designer
Universal Creative
Theme
Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area to be built at Universal Parks & Resorts' Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in Universal City, California, USA. It was announced on December 6, 2011.[2]

Contents
  [hide] 1 Background 1.1 Previous attraction attempts
1.2 Rumors and official announcement
2 See also
3 References
4 External links
Background[edit]
Previous attraction attempts[edit]
The concept of a Harry Potter–themed attraction at a Universal Studios park was reportedly first discussed within the company in the late 1990s or early 2000s.[3] However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise had been acquired by Warner Bros. at the time.[4] In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a "highly credible source" that the Islands of Adventure park's Lost Continent area was going to be re-themed "to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children's franchises".[5] Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation that the new area would involve Harry Potter, and that it was being developed under the name "Project Strong Arm" in reference to the KUKA robotic arm technology it would utilise.[6][7] On May 31, 2007, Universal (in partnership with Warner Bros.) officially announced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be added to Islands of Adventure.[8][9][10][11] After a two-and-a-half year construction period, the area officially opened to the public on June 18, 2010.[12][13] This resulted in attendance at the park jumping approximately 50% in its first year of operation.[14]



 A replica of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be built at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Islands of Adventure's replica is pictured.
Rumors and official announcement[edit]
On December 1, 2011, the Wall Street Journal reported a rumor from "people familiar with the matter" that Universal Studios Hollywood was going to add their version of Islands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.[15] The report also detailed the possibility that Universal Parks & Resorts would open additional Harry Potter-themed areas at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Japan as well as a location in Spain.[15] This report was widely relayed by other media sources.[16][17][18] On December 6, 2011, Universal Studios Hollywood announced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.[2] Universal Parks & Resorts executives Tom Williams and Ron Meyer were accompanied by Warner Bros. executives, the Governor of California Jerry Brown as well as James and Oliver Phelps who played the Weasley twins in the films.[19] The announcement came with very few details of what would be built, however, it did confirm that the Gibson Amphitheatre would be demolished and a re-creation of Hogwarts and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey would be constructed.[1][20] The last show at the Gibson Amphitheatre was held on September 6, 2013 prior to its closure and subsequent demolition.
On April 23, 2013, NBCUniversal made the final step by receiving a unanimous vote in approval of the 25-year expansion by the county Board of Supervisors. This $1.6 billion expansion is expected to greatly boost tourism and the local entertainment industry. It will also create 30,000 jobs during the time of construction. [21]


See also[edit]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Islands of Adventure)
References[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b Nakashima, Ryan (December 6, 2011). "Poof! Harry Potter park to appear in Hollywood". USA Today. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
2.^ Jump up to: a b "Hogwarts Coming to Hollywood". Press Release. Universal Studios Hollywood. December 6, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
3.Jump up ^ Hill, Jim (August 15, 2003). "Why For?". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
4.Jump up ^ Clarke, Susan Strother (August 8, 2003). "Aol Lawyers Cast Spell On Rumors". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
5.Jump up ^ Levine, Arthur (January 28, 2007). "Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park". About.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
6.Jump up ^ Hart, Lance (February 1, 2007). "Harry Potter / Lost Continent Transformation". Screamscape. Archived from the original on February 3, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
7.Jump up ^ Hill, Jim (February 5, 2007). "Monday Mouse Watch: You'll believe a car can fly". JimHillMedia.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
8.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter theme park planned". BBC News. May 31, 2007.
9.Jump up ^ Sturcke, James (May 31, 2007). "Harry Potter theme park to open in Florida". The Guardian. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
10.Jump up ^ "Harry Potter theme park swoops to Fla.". USA Today. May 31, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
11.Jump up ^ Albright, Mark (July 1, 2007). "A whole new magic kingdom". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
12.Jump up ^ Garcia, Jason. "Big day is here: Universal hopes Harry Potter's magic will last". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
13.Jump up ^ "Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park opens". Australia Times. June 19, 2010. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
14.Jump up ^ Associated Press (7 December 2011). "Potter Park to Appear in Hollywood". ABC News. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
15.^ Jump up to: a b Schuker, Lauren A. E. (December 1, 2011). "Second 'Harry Potter' Park Planned". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
16.Jump up ^ Associated Press (December 2, 2011). "Harry Potter attraction on way to Universal Studios Hollywood after successful Orlando debut". Washington Post. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
17.Jump up ^ Serjeant, Jill (December 1, 2011). "Harry Potter theme parks set to expand: report". Reuters. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
18.Jump up ^ Fritz, Ben (November 30, 2011). "Harry Potter attraction coming to Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
19.Jump up ^ Bevil, Dewayne (December 6, 2011). "Wizarding World of Harry Potter to expand at Universal Orlando". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
20.Jump up ^ MacDonald, Brady (December 6, 2011). "It's official: Harry Potter land to debut at Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
21.Jump up ^ Villacorte, Christina (April 23, 2013). "Harry Potter coming to Universal Studios Hollywood". Daily News. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
External links[edit]
Official website

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The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling






















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Categories: Amusement rides by name
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Parks & Resorts attractions by name
Harry Potter in amusement parks
Proposed amusement rides


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This page was last modified on 8 September 2013 at 10:03.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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