Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has authorized the creation of a Harry Potter theme park in Florida. The park, in Orlando, Florida, is scheduled to open in late 2009. It will be a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment (which has produced the Harry Potter movies) and Universal Orlando Resort.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will actually be a theme park within a theme park, becoming “part of the experience within Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park.”
“Over the years we’ve received thousands of letters from fans around the world wishing they could visit Hogwarts and the wonderful locations described in each of J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories,” said Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. “Working with Universal Orlando Resort, we are confident that we’ll be able to provide Harry Potter fans with an incredible experience that upholds the richness of J.K. Rowling’s books and delivers on the authentic detail portrayed in our films.”
“We will rely on our company’s rich movie heritage and expertise in transforming film concepts into theme park entertainment experiences,” said Ron Meyer, president and COO, Universal Studios. “The Harry Potter stories are among the most compelling of our time. The millions of people who have read the books and seen the movies will now be able to experience the world of Harry Potter in person.”
The plans for Harry’s World include the Hogwarts castle itself, as well as the village of Hogsmeade, and the Forbidden Forest. “The plans I have seen look incredibly exciting and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed,” Rowling said.
Plans include immersive rides and interactive attractions, as well as “experiential shops and restaurants that will enable guests to sample fare from the wizarding world’s best known establishments. Also debuting will be a state-of-the-art attraction that will bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in an exciting way that guests have never before experienced.”
Production Designer Stuart Craig, who has worked on all the Harry Potter films thus far, is leading the creative design for the area to ensure it remains faithful to the look and feel of the films. “Our primary goal is to make sure this experience is an authentic extension of Harry Potter’s world as it is portrayed in the books and films,” said Craig.
“We have a profound sense of responsibility for the Harry Potter franchise at Warner Bros. Bringing the magic of J.K. Rowling’s written word to the motion picture screen was the first step in expanding this amazing and imaginative world. Working with Universal Orlando Resort to bring it to life in a physical environment that you can walk through, relax in and ride on is the natural next step for fans to experience and enjoy,” said Alan Horn, president and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.