Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure

It's Not Open Yet!:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is scheduled to open in early 2010.

Location:

At the Islands of Adventure theme park, part of the Universal Orlando resort in Florida. Universal is touting the new "island" as a "theme park within a theme park." The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will occupy a previously undeveloped area at the park as well as part of the land that currently hosts the Lost Continent (home of the Dueling Dragons coaster).

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Admission Info:

Entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be included in the general admission to Islands of Adventure.

Attractions Planned for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

At its initial announcement of the project, Universal didn't offer many details about the actual rides and attractions planned for the Potter land. This much is known: There will be multiple attractions, including one that the park promises will be "state-of-the-art." Industry rumors indicate that the signature ride will use robotic arms (such as the ones used for the Knight's Tournament Robocoaster at Legoland California) to take passengers on a flying car ride. It's also likely that the Dueling Dragons coaster will be imbued with the Potter theme.

More Potter at Universal Info:

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Preview Photo Gallery

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Overview:

Fans of one of the most beloved series of books and films will be able to visit J.K. Rowling's fanciful lands and characters when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes to Universal Orlando. Universal says that the land won't be based on any one book or film, but rather be an amalgam of the Potter oeuvre. Looming high above the new land will be the iconic Hogwarts castle, where guests will be able to venture inside and around its, um, hallowed grounds.

Other elements of the land will include Hogsmeade village (which, according to preview images released by Universal, will apparently be covered in snow--an interesting challenge for the sun-dappled Florida resort) and the Forbidden Forest. In addition to the attractions, there will be shops and restaurants (I'd imagine guests might be able to tip a pint at The Leaky Cauldron) amid the 20-acre immersive environment.

It's unclear what role J. K. Rowling, who obviously had to give her blessing to the project, will play in the development of the land and attractions. Warner Bros., which owns the film rights, is partnering with Universal in bringing the Potter world to life at Islands of Adventure.