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 around the world.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is set to debut 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 her work.
The park will let visitors view the famed locations in Row ling’s magical world, such as Dumbledore’s office at Hogwarts and the shops in Hogsmeade. Some locations may be drawn from the final book in the popular series, Scott Trowbridge of Universal said.
Many tourists outside the theme park said the experience would boost its appeal to a younger audience.
Brandon Wilson, a 15-year-old from Pleasant Hill, Mo., 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,” he said.
The fifth film in the series, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” will be in theaters July 11. The seventh and final book will come out July 21.
