The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Get ready Harry Potter fans to immerse yourself in the world you've seen in movies or imagined from the books. The novels by author J.K. Rowling about the young wizard is about to take a realistic form at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort. Scheduled to open in late 2009 or early 2010, the new addition to the park will occupy a portion of the Lost Continent area and an undeveloped area of the park and be comparable in size to the other Islands of Adventure (approximately 30 acres). Such favorite locations from the books and movies as Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts Castle, which will be the anchor of the park, will be included. The whole experience will include new attractions, shops and restaurants, all yet to be announced. Below are artist renderings of the new park experience. Click on any photo for a close-up view. Click back on your browser to return to this blog.

Now this park has the Hopeful Traveler thinking, could a park for "The Lord of the Rings" be next. My hope: the wonderful world of "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" come to life.