Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park breaks ground on first expansion

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park hasn't even seen its Grand Opening, but already we're learning about the first major expansion.

“The Potter theme park is receiving so much attention right now that Universal wants to stay ahead of the curve. They're already working with Warner Brothers and JK Rowling to add three new areas, which will open in Spring 2012. And by 'Spring 2012' I mean 'three days before Summer starts – June 18th, 2012.'”

What are the three new areas? We pressed our source, and here's what he had to say:

“Fans can expect to see some areas that resemble the books exactly. Remember that iconic line 'Not my daughter, you bitch!' in Deathly Hallows? Expect a new ride that lets you become Bellatrix or Mrs. Weasley, and experience what they experienced during that moment. Universal has developed new, state-of-the-art technology that allows for a person to become someone else. In this case, these two characters.”

“Wow! What else can we expect?!” we exclaimed.

“Look forward to a new area where you get to spend a hour as a House Elf. You'll get to wear clothing, cook, and be treated like an Elf does in the books. At the end of the hour, Hermione comes in and saves you. If the park isn't too busy that day, you can tell Hermione you'd like to stay for an additional hour.”

With our jaw on the floor – unable to speak – our source continued:

“Oh, and Universal heard that episode of MuggleCast where Andrew comes up with the idea for Dumbledore's Tower of Terror – based on the Disney Tower of Terror ride. You'll be able to fall from the Astronomy tower just like Dumbledore did. Only instead of dying, you get transported to a limbo area between life and death just like Harry does at the end of Deathly Hallows.”

Construction for the three new areas just started today. We'll pass along any construction photos we receive!