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.Poll: Or vote and let us know your level of anticipation: I'm very excited and will visit soon after it opens. | I'm excited and will visit at some point. | I'm neutral and may or may not visit. | I could care less.
More The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Info
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Universal promises the new attraction, which will take place inside the iconic Hogwarts castle, will be "state-of-the-art" and "absolutely mind blowing." That's a lot of hype and shameless self-puffery.
Industry rumors speculate that Forbidden Journey will take passengers on some sort of a simulated flying ride, either in a flying car or aboard a flying broomstick for a game of Quidditch. Universal hinted at the flying premise by showing an airborne Harry Potter during a media presentation.
Rumors also suggest that the signature ride will incorporate robotic arms (such as the ones used for the Knight's Tournament Robocoaster at Legoland California).
Islands of Adventure's existing dual-track, inverted, racing coaster, Dueling Dragons, will be retrofitted into the J.K. Rowling oeuvre with the addition of new themeing and elements such as Potter's Triwizard Tournament. It's a great coaster (actually two coasters) that features what appear to be a number of near misses as the two trains come barreling at one another.
Another holdover from the park's Lost Continent island, the Flying Unicorn family coaster will get a Potter makeover as it soars above the grounds of Hogwarts castle.
Dining
- Three Broomsticks
Looking suspiciously like the Enchanted Oak Tavern that occupied the spot before Potter-mania ensued at Islands of Adventure, the restaurant will feature British fare. - Hog's Head
Adjoining Three Broomsticks will be this British pub that will offer Butterbeer and pumpkin juice (to wash down a Green Eggs and Ham sandwich--available in the park's Seuss Landing--perhaps?).
- Honeydukes
And for dessert, you could head to Honeydukes for gastronomical curiosities such as Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs.
Shopping
- Ollivanders
A wand shop that was featured in the Potter books and films. Billed as an interactive experience where "the wand chooses the wizard," I'm not sure whether this will be an attraction, a shop, or some hybrid. My guess is that it will be the latter. - Zonko's
A joke shop with Potter oddities like Sneakoscopes.
An instrument and equipment emporium that will offer Quidditch equipment and Remembralls as part of its wares.
This store will offer Ministry of Magic goods, such as Omnioculars and remote-controlled Golden Snitches.
Other Wizarding World of Harry Potter Features
- Hogsmeade station
At the head of Hogsmeade village, the train station will welcome the arrival of the Hogwarts Express. - The Owlery
A place to rest and contemplate the owls roosting in the rafters.
- The Owl Post
An actual, working U.S. post office from which guests will be able to send letters and cards postmarked from Hogsmeade.
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 world. Looming high above the Wizarding World 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.
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 Potter to life at Islands of Adventure. The highly anticipated land looks to be richly detailed and true to Rowling's vision.
