Posted on Mon, Apr 26, 2010 @ 07:10 AM
Harry Potter New Website of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter from Universal Orlando
The following article & photos courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine...
Universal’s official Wizarding World of Harry Potter website has a new feature. From the main page, if you click on Hogsmeade, you’ll be taken to an eye-level view just inside the entrance. From here when you move the mouse pointer left, right, up or down, your view will change, letting you virtually look around.
You can click to move to one of three spots in Hogsmeade. While it won’t let you enter any buildings, you can click to read more information about the surrounding shops, restaurants and rides.
This isn’t like a typical virtual tour, in that it wasn’t created with actual pictures. It’s a walk-through of the computer rendering. But it allows you to see some views we haven’t seen before, such as the snowman in the screen-shot above and the view looking back at the entrance from inside and the entrance to Dragon Challenge.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is set for a grand opening on June 18, but it’s expected to have soft openings before that date. For more new details on the Wizarding World, be sure to watch our exclusive interview with Art Director Alan Gilmore.
Still haven't got Tickets or a Vacation Package to Universal Orlando yet? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all the best Universal Studios Orlando vacation Packages & don't miss your chance to be part of the action when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens on June 18th...
Posted on Sat, Apr 10, 2010 @ 06:41 AM
The Forbidden Journey at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios Orlando
Mark Woodbury, the president of Universal creative give you a tour of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
You'll see the Portrait Gallery with the first ever look at Hogwart's four founders - Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw. Then you'll see Dumbledore's office, then head into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Still haven't got tickets or a Vacation Package to Universal Studios in Orlando for the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on June 18th?
Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Universal Orlando needs!
Posted on Wed, Apr 07, 2010 @ 06:35 AM
Take a Look at a couple of stuff at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Following courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
An authentic replica from the Harry Potter films, guests will pass by Hagrid's Hut on their way to the Flight of the Hippogriff family-friendly roller coaster. Just before they board, Hagrid instructs guests on how to properly approach and fly on a Hippogriff. Hagrid's Hut will be seen as part of a feature about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice this Sunday, April 4.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show aired a video today from within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure. It offers the best look yet into the new land. You'll see inside many of the stores, inside Hogwarts and a bit of the Flight of the Hippogriff ride.
Still haven't got your Universal Studios Orlando Tickets or a Vacation Package to visit Harry Potter and The Wizarding World opening June 18th?
Thene Check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Universal Orlando needs!!!!
Posted on Thu, Apr 01, 2010 @ 06:57 AM
What to expect in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando
One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort - is set for a public grand opening on June 18.
Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.
And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects - and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter's world.
The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts Castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.
The Adventure
Imagine...
- Meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person
- Soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry
- Being swept into a Quidditch match
- Feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor
- Exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle
- Living adventures you've only been able to imagine - until now.
The Story
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry's life. As you venture through Hogwarts Castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
"Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they've only read in the books or seen in the films," said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The Location
The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates of Hogwarts. Within the towering Hogwarts Castle, you explore a truly magical place. You journey through iconic locations taken from the films and take in the extraordinary detail of each scene. They include:
- Dumbledore's office: Here, you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts
- Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione
- Gryffindor common room: You meet three additional characters who prepare you for your journey
- Room of Requirement: Here, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey
- Other locations: In addition, guests will pass through the Dungeon passageway and hallways of Hogwarts where they will have the chance to see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films, including several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four founders of Hogwarts. Guests will even get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat.
The Innovation
This is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It's a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking - specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.
"We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. "What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience."
The attraction's newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series-and the future of theme park entertainment.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts
- Storyline: As you venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
- First-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking
- Award-winning composer John Williams oversaw the creation of the attraction's score
- The queue includes the following Harry Potter book and film elements: Headmaster Dumbledore's office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised
- Duration of ride: The full attraction experience, including the queue, takes about an hour
- Number of scenes in the attraction: 12
- Characters (featuring Harry Potter film talent): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy
- You may also catch a glimpse of Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom
So, as you can see there is going to be alot to do and see when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens on June 18th....
If you haven't yet purchased your Universal Studios Tickets or your Universal Vacation Package yet, then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Universal Orlando needs!
Posted on Thu, Mar 25, 2010 @ 03:49 PM
After an anxious wait
Universal Studios finally announced today that the grand opening date of
Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will be June 18th, 2010.
It's been a long journey to create one of the most anticipated attractions of a theme park in decades, the mega-project with a cost of approximately $ 200 million will be ready to welcome thousands of Harry Potter fans this summer, for now on the construction is in full swing, everything must be ready for the soft opening scheduled for May 28
According to the press release
Universal's Islands of Adventure created some new technology for
The Forbidden Journey Ride. The ride itself will consist of “live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking,
Universal Orlando officials would not be more specific about that effect, the new filming process or the robotic ride technology, They refer to the seats as an "enchanted bench," although two test seats with over-shoulder harnesses are in position outside the castle.the attraction will start with meeting
Harry, Ron, and Hermione who convince riders to skip class and go on an adventure with them involving Floo powder travels,
dragon attacks,
Quidditch matches, and the
Whomping Willow.
The details of the ride remains secretive, even its duration, although Mark Woodbury President of Universal Creative expects the entire experience to take about an hour, from entering the winged-boar gates outside to exiting through the gift shop.
Everything seems it will be an unforgettable experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Posted on Sun, Mar 21, 2010 @ 10:13 AM
Watch The New Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Trailer
Now you can watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows trailer online. It has just been released and fans around the globe are dying to see what the movie has in store. Fans of the books will be comforted that the final tale is split into two films as they often omit much-loved chapters and side stories.
The trailer is a teaser trailer so expect the official watch Harry Potter 7 trailer within the next few weeks. The release date is set at November 2010 for Part 1 and July 2011 for part 2, although this could be altered.
The trailer features Daniel Radcliffe and all the other returning characters and sets up the film with a host of shadowy shots and narration about the tasks Harry will face to defeat his nemesis and bring the story to a close.
And don't forget that Universal Studios Orlando is also gearing up for what is going to be one heck of a ride when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set to open sometime in May at Universal's Islands of Adventure...
Still haven't got tickets or your Universal Vacation Package yet? Then check out our website for all your Universal needs at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Fri, Mar 19, 2010 @ 07:16 AM
Your Class Could Win a Trip to Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando
Teachers: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will soon open at Universal Studios Orlando Resort, and if you meet the qualifications, you and your students could be there for the grand opening!
By answering the question "Why is my class extraordinary?" in a short video, you and your class could be part of a group on a three-day, two-night trip to the opening celebration festivities of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. To enter, print and fill out the application form, as well as the minor release form on the next page, read the Official Rules and application guidelines, create your video and mail it all in to:
The Today Show's "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort" Contest c/o The Today Show
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112.
See official rules here.
And if your not the class winner, then you & your family can still be part of the action at Universal Studios Orlando to see Harry Potter & The Wizarding World....
Check out all the Orlando Vacation Packages to Universal Studios Orlando at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Fri, Feb 19, 2010 @ 06:31 PM
Book your Harry Potter Vac
ation Package now for Universal Studios Orlando
Harry Potter should be accepting guests to his new theme-park home by the end of May.
Universal Orlando has starting selling Vacation Packages for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios...The deals are good for travel beginning May 28.
But May 28 is not being considered the grand-opening date for the $200-million-plus expansion of the Islands of Adventure theme park, Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said.
"It's to help people plan their vacations," he said Thursday. "It's a day in which we know we'll be able to deliver everything we're offering them as far as vacation packages."
The resort expects Wizarding World to be in operation before that, but is sticking with its "to be revealed in spring 2010″ mantra. There could be soft-opening dates or previews, as is common with many new attractions.
"Obviously it's our goal to open the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as soon as it's ready," Schroder said.
Until Thursday's announcement, Potter fans were forced to play a guessing game on booking reservations.
Rhonda Poelma's 11-year-old daughter Savanna, a Harry Potter fan, convinced her to take a leap of faith on Wizarding World. After talking with a Universal representative on the phone, the Denver mother of two made reservations for early June.
And she lucked out.
"I was just taking a stab in the dark. I went with late spring, post-Memorial Day weekend," Poelma said. "We really wanted to get it in this season while it was still new."
Poelma visited Orlando seven years ago and went to Walt Disney World. This will be her family's first time at Universal, which they will follow with a cruise to the Bahamas.
Setting an opening time frame is an important step, said Ray Braun, a senior vice president at Economics Practice at AECOM, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm that does economic research for the theme-park industry.
"You build your marketing campaign around your big new attractions every year, so you have to build your marketing campaign. It has to be on the front of your brochure, and you have to deliver on that," he said.
"In this case, this is so big, this is like opening a whole new park," Braun said. "This is going to have an inpact on all of Universal's neighbors as well, in terms of the parks. There's going to be an uplift, and I'm sure all of the other parks want to have some knowledge about when that uplift is going to hit too."
At local AAA offices, Wizarding World posters distributed by Universal have created buzz - and questions. Now there's at least a bit more information to go on.
"Once they see the poster, they get all excited and ask about when it is opening," said Vanessa Jones, AAA senior motor club manager of metro Orlando.
"It's people of all ages - old and young," she said. "We're expecting it to be a good attraction for Central Florida and, of course, for Universal."
Wizarding World, which will be included in regular admission to Islands of Adventure, will feature rides, eateries, stores, merchandise and atmosphere based on J.K. Rowling's books and movies about a boy wizard. Universal's version of Hogwarts Castle will house a dark ride, still wrapped in mystery, called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Hogsmeade Village will feature shops, including Ollivanders, where theme-park guests will be able to buy wands. Two current roller coasters at Islands will be rethemed to be Potteresque.
Universal's media release emphasizes that the "May 28 travel date was set to help consumers with vacation planning and does not represent the opening date for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal has announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in Spring 2010. Specific opening information will come as soon as it is available."
Still haven't booked your Harry Potter Vacation Package for Universal Studios yet?
Check out our website for all the latest deals on Universal Studios Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Don't wait...they will go fast...
Posted on Fri, Feb 05, 2010 @ 08:48 AM
Orlando Getting Ready for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
ORLANDO -- Universal Orlando Resort has suddenly rolled out a number of high profile ads for the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Could it be a sign that the new attraction will be opening sooner rather than later this spring? Universal would not say.
With a brand new Super Bowl ad, a newly updated Web site and a special interactive map splashed across newspapers nationwide, three major advertisements featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in just over the last week have generated lots of interest in the new "theme park within a theme park."
"I know that when Islands of Adventure opened up, everybody was excited about that, but I think this just tops the scale," said Mark Davis, who runs Orlando Discount Tickets USA, a theme park ticket Web site.
Click here to watch Video
Davis said during the last few weeks, 95 percent of his callers and visitors have asked about when Harry's new home is opening.
"When is it opening? We want to be there! Can we buy the package for that time?" the callers ask.
While Universal Orlando will get most of the attention, other tourist businesses have also begun getting ready.
Brian Wong, a local hotel manager, said he has been putting the finishing touches on upgrades for his hotel, and trying to draw in crowds brought in by all of the attention Universal's newest attraction is getting.
"It's newsworthy," Wong said. "It keeps Orlando on the map, and generates interest for years to come."
The crowds and the tourist dollars sure to come are just waiting.
Universal has only revealed that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open this spring. Experts, however, said that many visitors will stay at home until an exact opening date is set, a day our troubled tourism industry said they can't wait for.
"The excitement of something that people have anticipated and really wanted to see is going to be a huge boost," Wong said.
Still wanting tickets or a Vacation Package to Universal Studios Orlando?
Check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Universal Studios & Harry Potter needs...