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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Grand Opening

Scenes from the Opening of the Harry Potter Theme Park at Universal Orlando

By , About.com Guide

In the days leading up to the June 18, 2010 grand opening of the Harry Potter theme park attractions at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, the stars of the film series came to Florida to launch the highly-anticipated land. While she maintained a low profile at the event, author J.K. Rowling also visited the theme park version of the fanciful--and wildly popular--tales she created. I was there to capture the celebrities (who genuinely seemed to adore the wizarding world that had previously existed only on movie sets) and the grand opening hoopla.

Since it opened, the land has proven enormously popular. So popular, in fact that an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is underway.

Images 1-12 of 13

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The official opening of the Harry Potter theme park, the boy wizard himself, actor Daniel Radcliffe.Harry on The Wizarding WorldMicheal Gambon, the actor who portrays Albus Dumbledore in the latter Harry Potter movies.Dumbledore is not too Keen on Roller CoastersRupert Grint, who stars as Ron Weasley in the Potter films.Ron Hates SpidersTom Felton, who portrays baddie Draco Malfoy.It's not Easy Being the Villian
Professor Flitwick actor Warwick Davis.The Professor SpeaksJames Phelps and Oliver Phelps, who portray the mischievous Weasley twins.The Weasley SiblingsHarry Potter author J.K. RowlingJ.K. Rowling on the CarpetA spectacular nighttime event to open Hogwarts Castle.Hogwarts Lights Up
The official opening of The Wizarding World of Harry PotterAll Aboard for HogsmeadeDaniel Radcliffe welcomes the massive opening day crowds to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.Harry Opens the ParkThe first official guests at The Wizarding World of Harry PotterLucky KidsJames and Oliver Phelps, who play the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter films.The Weasley Twins Strike Out
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