Source: Universal Studio Press Release:
GRAND OPENING OF THE
WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT SET
FOR JUNE 18
Universal Orlando Also Unveils Details
for the Highly Anticipated New Attraction:
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
ORLANDO, Fla. (April 2010) – 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.
Today, 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.
HARRY POTTER AND THE FORBIDDEN
JOURNEY
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
For the latest news about The Wizarding
World of Harry Potter, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation – but there
is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate
destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed
on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the
only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained –
you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created.
You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the
streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help
Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. You can be courageous, be
outrageous – and be extraordinary.