Alright, so that was a little cheesy I know -- but that's exactly what comes to mind when I think of a Harry Potter theme park, and that's exactly what the goal was behind opening the park in 2010 at Universal Studios.
For a little history lesson on the development of the park, the idea has been discussed since the late 1990's. At this time, all rights to Harry Potter were owned by Time Warner. In 2001, Time Warner opened an attraction at Warner Bros. Movie World in Gold Coast, Australia. This attraction, titled the "Harry Potter Movie Experience", featured an indoor walk-through incorporating elements from the first two movies. It closed, however, after two years of operation.
The announcement was made in May 2007 that an addition to the Universal Studios park would open in 2009; a 20-acre addition that would recreate Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest, and Hogsmeade. Construction began January 2008, and the park was finally open to the public in 2010.
There are three ride attractions; Dragon Challenge, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Dragon Challenge is a roller coaster that takes you through elements of the Triwizard Tournament; each "dragon" is a different ride with different scenes. Flight of the Hippogriff is a more family-oriented roller coaster that shows you around Hagrid's Hut, as well as the Hogwarts grounds. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you through Hogwarts castle, allowing each guest to walk through classrooms and locations described in the books, as well as shown in the films.
Other attractions include a replica of Hogsmeade Village with stores featured in the series; Zonko's Joke Shop, The Three Broomsticks, Ollivander's, Owl Post, Honeydukes, and other favorites.
Is it just me, or does that sound completely awesome?! (For more information, along with visual aids, go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter website.)
Personally, I have not been there. Since I learned of its opening, I have desperately wanted to. Though I have not, a good friend of mine named Whitney has. She absolutely loved her trip, and said that walking into Hogwarts was "just like walking into the movies". Only some of us can be so lucky...
So here I pose a question: Have you or anyone you know been to the park? What are some good qualities about it? Bad? Any personal experiences you or someone you know would like to share, feel free to comment! I will update with any information you are willing to give me. Whitney will be sending pictures sometime this week, which will be posted in a couple of days.
Coming next time: I will continue to analyze the "merchandising" of Harry Potter by discussing other types that have been successful over the years. Any merchandising you personally prefer? Any you find absurd? Let me know!
As you are aware, I was suppose to go to the WWOHP for my honeymoon. But my husband decided to buy me a new car instead. Practical yes, memorable no! I was so excited to go 'live' in the world of harry potter. Hell I probably would have hid somewhere in Hogwarts so they couldn't have kicked me out after closing. I am hoping next summer to head there with my three favorite marauders, and possibly any other who are interested...say a twin of mine. *hint hint* But I would love to see someones personal pictures, you must tell Whitney to get those to you as soon as possible!
ReplyDeleteI am super excited about your next post, because I of all people have way way way to much harry potter merchandise and for some reason I want more. I adore all aspects of Harry Potter's world, say support for the houses, quidditch and locations. I do however not like shirts and merchandise just orientated towards the character of Harry Potter himself. Yes he was important, yes he defeated the dark lord. Is he the only wizard out there? NO! The wizarding world is the amazing part and I will everytime buy anything Slytherin orientated, or anything that would make me feel like a witch and that I belong in that world! :)
George
I thought that the park was awesome! The castle would have to be the best part. It felt as if you were really in the halls of hogwarts. It had moving pictures, the dark arts classroom, the dinning hall with floating candles and tons more! There would be hallograms of the cast that would lead you though the castle and talk to you. I thought that the Forest part was lame and seemed like it was for kids. I loooovvvved the butterbeer!!! It tasted like butterscotch/rootbeer. The food looked gross and was way to high. Hogsmeade was fun because of the little shops. You could even send a postcard from hogwarts (for a price). But you could try on robes, get a wand and a pet. The joke store/candy store was way to small tho. I did eat a chocolate frog :). I am new to the wrold of harry potter (reading book 3) but I have seen all the movies and I loved the park. My bf hasnt seen or read anything of harry potter, but he also enjoyed the park. I just felt bad for the people who worked there, because they were dressed in clothes that looked like elves.
ReplyDeleteWhitney are you crazy!!!!! The people who are working there wanted to be there trust me! lol I am sure they will wear whatever management tells them to as long as they can spend their spare time in Hogwarts! I know I would probably run naked for them if they let me work there! lol
ReplyDeleteChanda aka George
haha you didnt see them. they were dresses as weird elves and NOT wizards. No one was other than people who were visting. One of the cashers looked like she wanted to rip her costume off a be naked than wear it lol
ReplyDeleteHaha oh Whitney. I'm sure you just caught them at a bad time :P who on earth WOULDN'T want to work at the Magical World of Harry Potter?! I couldn't imagine a job better ;) maybe I'll go apply after I graduate. Hah.
ReplyDelete