Harry Potter Theme Park Coming to Orlando

For years now children and adults alike have only wondered, wished, and imagined what it would be like to be a part of the magical world of Harry Potter. Wonder no more. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Universal Orlando Resort set 2009 for the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter within Universal's Islands of Adventure. The official announcement was made Thursday, May 31^st on Today by chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, Tom Williams.

Being dubbed as a "theme park within a theme park", this will be the first fully immersive themed environment based on J.K. Rowling's best selling books. In fact, Rowling has been collaborating on the effort since its inception and will be there through the entire process. "The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," Rowling recently stated in a press release. The plan is to present visitors with the sights, sounds, touch, feel, and the smells associated with the well known story/movies.

"(Visitors will) be able to really immerse themselves in this authentic world," says Williams. To insure the park remains true to the movies, Academy Award production designer Stuart Craig (who has worked on the Potter films) is leading the creative design for the park. His goal is to make the theme park "an authentic extension of Harry Potter's world."

Shops, restaurants, and of course rides will all be found in the Wizarding World, all based on the (previously) fictional world of Harry Potter. Visitors will have the option of exploring Hogwarts castle, strolling around Hogsmeade, or even locating the many secrets within the Forbidden Forest.

The announcement of the plans for the new theme park comes in the midst of the current Potter craze. The fifth movie ""The Order of the Phoenix," as well as the seventh (and final) book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," are both scheduled for mid July releases. To date, the Harry Potter books have sold more than 325 million copies and have been translated into over 60 languages. Even though Rowling has completed the series, with film deals for the final two movies and now plans for the park set, she shouldn't need to worry about a day job anytime soon.

Being a resident of Orlando, Florida and having a seven year old son, I am sure I will have a review or two for you come 2009.

http://www.cinematical.com/2007/04/14/universal-studios-florida-building-harry-potter-theme-park-so/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18950473/