PW Oct 09 P13.qxd 10/13/09 9:47 am Page 13
Park News
www.parkworld-online.com
Universal details Potter plans
New land will open next spring
Flight of the Hippogriff
Ahead of its opening next spring, Universal Orlando Resort has revealed more
details about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWHP) at Islands of
Adventure. Inspired by JK Rowling's compelling stories and characters, WWHP will
provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience. The new land has been created
in conjunction with Warner Bros Consumer Products and the expectations of
Harry Potter fans are high.
Guests will be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art multimedia experience, ride the
Hogwarts Express and two custom-themed rollercoasters, and visit realistic shops
and sets reminiscent of the fantasy feature films and children’s books.
At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and a distinctive whistle will
signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station. Located inside
the centrepiece Hogwarts Castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will use
state-of-the-art new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of
Harry Potter to life like never before.
One of the largest attractions will be Dragon Challenge, Islands of Adventure’s
(IOA) former Dueling Dragons twin inverted coaster from B&M. The ride has Fabulously-themed food, drink and retail opportunities will include Filch's
been extensively rethemed with featuring props from the Triwizard Tournament. Emporium of Confiscated Goods, Zonko's joke shop, Honeydukes sweet shop
WWHP’s other coaster will be Flight of the Hippogriff, a Vekoma family coaster and Dervish & Banges, selling Quidditch equipment and more. Hungry Harry
that formerly operated at IOA as the Flying Unicorn, now with a Harry Potter Potter fans can visit the Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog's Head pub, serving
makeover. traditional British food and drink.
At the Owlery, owls roost and await their next delivery. The Owl Post sends "All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter's world will come to life at
letters with a Hogsmeade postmark and official WWHP stamps. Ollivanders wand Universal Orlando Resort," says Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal
shop, meanwhile, is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses Parks and Resorts. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other
the wizard. experience and we can't wait to see the looks on our guests' faces as they enter
this rich environment."
Jolly Roger adds
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. JK Rowling’s books have
been translated into 67 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in
attractions
over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros
Pictures, have grossed more than $5.3 billion at the box office worldwide,
Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Ocean
making Harry Potter the largest-grossing movie franchise in history.
City, Maryland, continues to add new
attractions. This season saw the
introduction of a 33-metre giant Ferris
Six Flags offers baby-
Wheel by Vekoma, a wheel that
previously operated in Wisconsin Dells.
friendly facilities
At the adjacent adjacent Splash
In its continued efforts to attract families, Six Flags New England, Agawam,
Mountain waterpark, a new 45ft-tall
Massachusetts, recently opened a baby care centre. Serving both the main park
and Hurricane Harbor waterpark, it is located near the Rockville Gym. Babies can
enjoy the comforts of home, including nursing rooms, changing tables, family
restrooms, high chairs and more as parents relax, cool off and take care of the
smallest park guest.
family-friendly Raging Raft Ride from
Water World was introduced over the
summer. It uses large four-person
cloverleaf tubes to carry bathers
down a wide undulating straight
slide.
Sister park Jolly Roger At The Pier
was not without new attractions
either. These included a Rockin' Tug,
Bear Fair and Mini Himalaya.
See video of the Raging Raft Ride
by reading Park World Digital at
www.parkworld-online.com
ABOVE: The Vekoma wheel
LEFT: Raging Raft Ride
OCTOBER 2009
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