On May 31, 2007, Universal Studios Orlando announced that they planned to open the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Islands of Adventure.
To many people’s surprise, they were not talking about a new ride or show, but an entire “island” dedicated to the very popular book and movie series by J.K. Rowling.
The series follows teen wizard Harry as he and his friends go through life in a British boarding school of magic while trying to defeat the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. The island will be located between the current “Jurassic Park” and “Lost Content” islands, and is expected to open in spring 2010.
UCF students are already making plans to visit the much-anticipated park.
Although all details of the project have been kept quiet to the public, a number of attractions have been mentioned on Universal Orlando’s Web site. From conceptual renderings viewed in the gallery, it can be concluded that the island will be a replica of Hogwarts Castle, Harry’s school, and Hogsmeade, the village surrounding the castle. Park visitors will be able to walk into stores such as Dervish and Banges and Three Broomsticks.
Some existing rides from the “Lost Content” island have been re-themed to fit the Wizarding World. For example, popular roller coasters the Flying Unicorn and Dueling Dragons have been closed to the public for a few months to become part of the new island.
Local TV station Central Florida News 13 has reported that the iconic statues of two dragons that stood in front of the Dueling Dragons coaster have been taken down.
Fans are speculating that the coaster will now be Quidditch themed after Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe told British Heart Radio, “There is a Quidditch element to one of the rides.”
Radio/television major Britney Siegel, who has viewed the images already, says they are “amazing” and “properly portray the series.”
Biology major Jamie Moran is looking forward to drinking butterbeer, Harry’s favorite drink, in a themed pub.
Some UCF students are anxiously waiting for the new park to open despite the destruction of about half of the popular “Lost Content” area.
Environmental engineering major Jessica Moran said of the change, “It’s sad, but it will make [Islands of Adventure] a lot of money.” She says that while she likes “Lost Content,” Harry Potter is more popular and will thus benefit financially.
“Universal better watch out, because they will be swamped by fans when it opens,” she warned.
Siegel agrees, saying that she might not go the first day, “so I don’t have to wait a million years to get on each ride.”
Some students have also expressed interest in working at the park. While the Wizarding World’s Web site currently states that there are no specific positions available for the new island, it encourages any interested employees to go to www.universalorlandojobs.com where positions are regularly updated. There is also a section for college internships.
While students here at UCF have to wait a little longer for the island to open, they certainly aren’t disappointed with the progress made so far.
As Jamie Moran said, “I’m really excited as a UCF student to be so close to the park… [this means] another weekend trip to make with my friends!”
