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Harry Potter Theme Park Headed to Fla.
By JIM ELLIS, Associated Press Writer

3 hours ago

ORLANDO, Fla. - Universal Orlando Resort is opening a Harry Potter theme park that will let fans visit many of the iconic locations in the books and movies that endeared the boy magician to millions.

"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is set to open at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in late 2009, complete with the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade village.

"The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," said author J.K. Rowling, who has been working with a creative team to make sure the park resembles the books and films.

More than a dozen artists lead by Stuart Craig, the production designer of the movies, have set up house in the studio where the movies are being filmed to make sure every detail is considered, said Scott Trowbridge of Universal.

"We're really going to the people who know this world best to ensure that level of authenticity," he said.

The park will let visitors view the famed locations in Rowling's magical world, like Dumbledore's office in Hogwarts and the shops in Hogsmeade. Some locations may be in upcoming books, Trowbridge said.

Many tourists outside the theme park said the experience would boost its appeal to a younger audience.

"I'd go to Universal before I would Disney World to go on a Harry Potter ride," said 15-year-old Alex Moran, who was visiting Orlando from Pleasant Hill, Mo.

Brandon Wilson, another 15 year old from Pleasant Hill, said he can't get enough of Harry Potter. He has read every book and watched every movie.

"I hope we get to simulate flying like Harry Potter," Wilson said.

Trowbridge said while there would not be any character lookalikes at the park, fans wanting to see Harry Potter and his magical friends wouldn't leave disappointed.

"This is Harry's world," said Trowbridge. "Most every fan wants to have an encounter with the star of the show."

The Harry Potter book series has been translated into 65 languages with more than 325 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world.

The fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," will be released in theaters July 13 by Warner Bros. The seventh and final book of the series will be released July 21.

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Associated Press Writer Lindsey Toler in London contributed to this report.








AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I'm working there the summer after I graduate and that is FOR FREAKING SURE!



~Mel

I wanna go! I wanna go! I hope you can simulate flying too. Too bad it won't be open for a couple years. :(

I knoooowww. I seriously just sent them a ride idea I have had for about two or three years now. It's a Chamber of Secrets ride. Ki knows what I'm talking about cause I got the idea when I was with her. :)



~Mel

If I get accepted into Florida or University of Miami, I am so there...

Haha, I know, really. I personally think that Florida is too rainy and bug-infested, but if they have a Harry Potter park that I could work at or just visit...psht, who cares about the rain anymore?!


~Mel

I've never been to Florida., bt I've heard it's really swampy in most places...but a Harry Potter theme park would make it worth it to visit a couple times.

Big Deal! Most Brits won't ever see it. It should have been in the land of Harry Potter - the good old United Kingdom. Tourism would have soared.

From the pictures I've seen Im not that keen on it...

That is true, but I think I'll probably get to go...maybe. It is a long trip.

That soundslike it might be fun, but I doubt I'll ever go.

Actually, Disney and Universal have this sort of thing where they give UK travellers a big discount on tickets and stuff. I am completely serious when I say that, when I went to Disney three years ago, there were more Brits than Americans or Mexicans.



~Mel

Lol, Mel Are we still working there in 3 yearss?

When I was in 4th grade,
me and all my friends planned out and designed a harry potter theme park.
we seriously were gonna do it.
It would be better than this one =].