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Universal Orlando to reveal more Harry Potter details on Blu-ray/DVD release

By Robert Niles
Published: December 7, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Universal Orlando next Tuesday will reveal (officially, at least) more details about its Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions, which open in Islands of Adventure next spring. The reveal will happen in the bonus extras on certain editions of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD and Blu-ray discs, which drop tomorrow, Dec. 8.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey concept art

From Universal's press release:

The Blu-ray combo pack and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD includes a special 11-minute video that reveals more about the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter than has been announced to-date. The sneak peek featurette includes interviews shot on location with stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and more – with each sharing new details and their excitement about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Also included are clips of the film series producers David Heyman and David Barron and the art directors working closely with the Universal Orlando Resort Creative team to create the magical experience that is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Never-before-seen footage includes:
  • Glimpses into the ride experiences of Flight of the Hippogriff, Dragon Challenge and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • A first-look at some of the delectable foods and drinks, including Cauldron Cakes, treacle fudge and Butterbeer
  • Universal Orlando Creative team members meeting with J.K. Rowling and the filmmakers

The buildings are topped out now, and work continues on interiors and ride programming, I am told from inside (and very unofficial) sources. The consensus seems to be for a May opening, rather than earlier in the spring, with grad night participants in April being allowed to at least walk through the area, if not ride rides on soft openings.

Readers' Opinions

From Brian Emery on December 7, 2009 at 2:15 PM
I have been watching and reading all of the new Island stuff and I do not see many new attractions…. Fire and Ice are just being re-themed, Unicorn coaster re-themed… A few new buildings, a lot of shopping and food along with a museum or something…

Please correct me if I am wrong but I was hoping for more attractions…Not just some food shops…. Maybe I missed something?

From Anthony Murphy on December 7, 2009 at 4:30 PM
I just got the DVC Newsletter. It talks about the new Fantasyland.

It looks like it will be Harry Potter vs Fantasyland.

Anyway, I hope the Harry Potter Attraction will be good because I want to see a really good dark ride, something, in my opinion, we have not seen for a long while.

From 74.228.47.215 on December 7, 2009 at 6:19 PM
sweet seniors of 2010 can visit first!I can not wait for the first hand experiance for this awsome addition to one of my favorite theme parks!its great to be a senior for this grad night. 2010 WOOOOOOOT!
From 24.208.233.142 on December 7, 2009 at 7:03 PM
I heard it will be open before the end of April. Universal is having some sort of event the last weekend of april and it said the Park will be open for that.
From Robert Niles on December 7, 2009 at 7:28 PM
That's the grad night event.

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