*On May 31, 2007, Universal announced that it had secured the rights from Warner Bros. and from British author J. K. Rowling to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Orlando Resort's Islands of Adventure. The end of 2007, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter began construction and is expected to open in late 2009 or early 2010. When I went to Islands of Adventure on June 6, 2008, Hogwarts Castle was under construction next to the Flying Unicorn, still in its original theme. There are two rides that will be themed to Harry Potter: Dueling Dragons and the Flying Unicorn. They were still at their original theme when I went there on June 6, 2008. The new island will replace a portion of the Lost Continent, a portion of Jurassic Park, some parts of the former Studio Tour and what is currently backstage and supporting areas, and employee parking. It won't affect any attractions except for the Flying Unicorn and Dueling Dragons. The Flying Unicorn closed July 9, 2008 for construction, but Dueling Dragons remains open. The Enchanted Oak Restaurant closes as well in July 9, 2008 to also be rethemed. A wall was put in front of Dueling Dragons that day and blocked the Flying Unicorn, Enchanted Oak Restaurant, and the Dragon's Keep store. Dragon’s Keep merchandise has now been shrunk down to work from a merchandise cart by the lockers and is mostly only selling the smaller items.
Here is a map of the new future island:
Here's an "owl's-eye" view of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Here is the wall that blocked the Flying Unicorn, Enchanted Oak Restaurant, and Dragon's Keep.
If you have any news about this, please post it either on GMail or on my blog.
1 comment:
Thanks for hunting that down. I've been wondering what they were going to do. On the face of it, I'm a bit disappointed. I wonder what they mean about "Project Strongarm" though. I hope it's a new attraction that has some substance to it.
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