Theme | Harry Potter (book series, film series and universe) |
---|---|
Universal Islands of Adventure | |
Status | Operating |
Opened | June 18, 2010[1] |
Replaced | Merlinwood (The Lost Continent) |
Universal Studios Florida | |
Status | Operating |
Opened | July 8, 2014[2][3][4] |
Replaced | Jaws (Amity Island) |
Universal Epic Universe | |
Status | Under construction |
Opens | Summer 2025 |
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area spanning three theme parks—Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and the upcoming Universal Epic Universe—at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. The area is themed to the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the film series and novels by J. K. Rowling, in partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment under an exclusive license agreement. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was well received and significantly boosted attendance at the resort.
The first phase of planning was officially announced for Islands of Adventure on May 31, 2007,[5][6] and after a two-and-a-half-year construction period, the area opened to the public on June 18, 2010.[7][8] Among the area's flagship rides is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a dark ride that takes riders on a journey in and around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.[9] The area is a re-creation of Hogsmeade and also features Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a multiple-launch steel roller coaster, and Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster. There are gift shops and restaurants from the novels including Dervish and Banges, Honeydukes, Ollivanders, the Three Broomsticks, and more.
The second phase was a significant expansion, and a substantial portion of construction occurred in the adjacent Universal Studios Florida theme park. The expanded area opened as Diagon Alley on July 8, 2014, themed to the London-based area from the book and film series.[2][3][4] Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, an indoor steel coaster that utilizes motion-based 3D effects, highlights the expansion along with the Hogwarts Express train ride, which transports guests between the two lands. Both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley host a number of live events, interactive shows, as well as themed food and beverage items including the well-known Butterbeer-flavored offerings to provide an immersive experience for guests.
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