Harry Potter theme park rumors continue
An interesting article has been published by The Scotsman, which quotes several sources believing that a Harry Potter theme park in Universal Studios, Orlando is indeed in the works:

Peter Alexander, a former vice president of Universal Studios and founder of a theme park design consultancy, said: "People keep screeching that it's an entirely separate park, but according to Steve Spielberg, who we talked to about it, he says it's going to be a 'land' within the confines of the existing Islands of Adventure theme park. If it's a 'land' it will cost at the very least $500m."

The article goes on to say that Universal and JK Rowling "are agreed on the principle of the mini-park, but are still hammering out the details of a settlement." Once plans are finalized, The Scotsman says the park could be built within 18 months.

We'll keep you updated as more details emerge, but keep in mind that nothing has been confirmed yet.
Posted by Andrew on Apr 21st | 120 Comments
Visitor Comments
Posted by Romilda Apr 21st 2007

Sweeet. I'd go to it. 1st?


Posted by GypsyRedFox Apr 21st 2007

Wow! This would be a lot of fun to go to, but what kind of rides could they do? 1st?


Posted by Sarahluna Apr 21st 2007

It'd be awesome. And so close to first.


Posted by Ginnylostharrytome Apr 21st 2007

weeeeeeeeeeee i am so going! if it comes through that is...which it will lol


Posted by christianaeg Apr 21st 2007

lol it would be so cool...


Posted by MUHAHAHA Apr 21st 2007

themed park..........Top 10?


Posted by gaminggirl Apr 21st 2007

that sunds cool top 5?


Posted by AnyaMarcos Apr 21st 2007

I thought that JKR had shot this one down already?


Posted by LauraJWhite Apr 21st 2007

What?!? :-D I live right by I.O.A. That would be AWESOME! I hope it's true. Laura


Posted by MissJanet Apr 21st 2007

As much as I love HP (and believe me, it's a lot), I think that a theme park is way too much. After a while it'll be so overdone, it'll lose some of the magic.


Posted by janegallagher Apr 21st 2007

holy crap, i would so go


Posted by Iamrecognized Apr 21st 2007

Sounds cool. I would go unless it turned out to be really cheesy.


Posted by mugglemagic1125 Apr 21st 2007

janet, are you kidding?? a harry potter theme park sound so awesome!!!!


Posted by harrys_metamorphmagus Apr 21st 2007

Yes!!! I'm only 3 hours away from orlando, hope it's amazing!!! top 15?


Posted by MissJanet Apr 21st 2007

Haha, I guess I'll have to hold my tongue until it's actually built. Who knows, I could be completely wrong!


Posted by young4life93 Apr 21st 2007

omg, a harry potter mini theme park would be so awesome!! i cant wait if it's true!


Posted by kaj9201 Apr 21st 2007

YAY! THAT WOULD BE SOOOOO COOL!


Posted by kaze_ Apr 21st 2007

J.K. doesn't seem like the type who'd approve of something like that... So, yeah, I don't think a theme park will ever happen. And honestly, I don't think they'd do a good job, anyway. They'd most likely have a bunch of adult employees who know nothing of HP, dress up as wizards and pretend like they know what they're doing.


Posted by Snape_is_Innocent Apr 21st 2007

This would totally rock! I would be there in a instant. I think what would be really cool is if they had it that you walked into hogsmeade where there are all the shops and you can try a butterbeer and then take hogwards train to the castle and explore. Maybe even have the four tables where you can eat a meal and talk to "hogwart students and teachers" Just a thought!


Posted by Rictemsempra Apr 21st 2007

that would be awesome... but didn't Jo sqaush the last rumor about a themepark??? but still... i would so go to it if they did end up building it!!!


Posted by psIEnjoyAcidPops Apr 21st 2007

even though i HATE rides and get mad motion sickness, i would totes go on any or all of the Harry Potter rides if this actually happens, but i agree with kaze_less Jo doesnt seem like the type of person who would approve of that.


Posted by bagheera67810 Apr 21st 2007

I trust that Jo has enough integrity for her creations to approve of this venture. If she does lower her standards by approving a Harry Potter theme park, then be sure to look forward to Harry Potter on Ice coming to an arena near you.


Posted by mugglemagic1125 Apr 21st 2007

oh yeah... it would kind of be annoying if all the employees knew nothing about hp. ergh. that would kill the mood.


Posted by thats_nifty Apr 21st 2007

Sweeet. I wanna go on a virtual ride on the Thestrals!


Posted by Hermy_T Apr 21st 2007

That would be funn for people who are in love with HP haha


Posted by H_Money_P Apr 21st 2007

why didn't i get a shout out for letting them know about this!!!?


Posted by HarryPotterFreakers Apr 21st 2007

I would definantely go!!! That would be sweet! They could have like a quidditch ride, and a buch of other sweet things. I REALLY hope that these rumors are true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!


Posted by TiffLane28 Apr 21st 2007

i live across the street from universal and IOA and get in for free! that would be sooo awesome. i could walk and go eat at the leaky cauldron for dinner!


Posted by dglaney Apr 21st 2007

Interesting concept, but I don't completely support the idea. There is no way that Universal could form a theme "land" of Harry Potter and fufill my images of what the wizarding world is, and no matter how hard I tried to seperate the books from the films and theme lands, I (and I'm sure numerous other fans) would find myself angry and frustrated at the creators for not fufilling my demands. I'm sure this doesn't make a lick of sense, but creating a Harry Potter land would destroy the intellegince of being a Potter fan. You know how when you discuss Harry Potter with someone, and they're like, "OH yeah, I loooove those movies", and then you stand there and nod, and walk away slowly? Well imagine that, only about a generation from now, "Oh yeah, that theme park was so corny, but the movies were pretty good". I'm not saying I wouldn't attend the park (because I would) and that I don't think the movies are good and see them (because I do, and for the most part enjoy them) I just think this is going a little extreme. However, I'm sure my opinion counts for nothing whatsoever, and a Harry Potter theme land will hopefully never happen.


Posted by Quantummilkshake Apr 21st 2007

OMG I hope they build Hogwarts! :-)


Posted by theaterjunkie91 Apr 21st 2007

that'd be effin awesome. :D


Posted by HollyN Apr 21st 2007

This sounds pretty cool! I would probably go. But like kaze_25 side..it'll be kinda stupid if they have a bunch of adults running around acting like they know about HP and really don't care at all. I would just hope that if Jo actually okays this that she'll make sure none of the magic is taken away from the books. I would be so disappointed if I went and it was just like any othe old, basic, theme park. You know what I mean?


Posted by tomriddle936 Apr 21st 2007

It sounds like fun. I just hope it isn't one of those many Harry Potter festivals and such which are made to amuse little kids - I hope it's more serious than that. If it isn't, then it's a waste of time.


Posted by the_other_hermynginny Apr 21st 2007

That would be sweet! I totally agree though. The people would have to be "screened" so that we know that they know their stuff ( HP wise) . I also think it shouldn't focus on the rides... it should be more interactive style. Like they could build a imaginary wizard world with all our favorite places like Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, The Burrow, Hagrid's Hut... Or if you really wanted to go in depth you could make like the Chamber of Secrets or something equally cool! Anyway... it's a thought- but it would be cool!


Posted by jozefd1 Apr 21st 2007

if it's going to be in universal studios thay should also do it universal studios california what do you guys think


Posted by tonks_394 Apr 21st 2007

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOO!!!!! Please do not be true! Lets not make our beloved book any more commercial than it alrady is!!!


Posted by Quantummilkshake Apr 21st 2007

Well first and foremost Florida (Just because I live closer haha). but yeah! I'd be mad if I lived near Cali and they only made one in Florida... Just like I was mad when the Knight Bus didn't come to the southeast. ATLANTA you idiots.... (I'm still not over it. lol)


Posted by Aharit Apr 21st 2007

This would be amazing...just like everyone else has said...I'd totally go there, for, like, a year. >.>; Could you imagine if they had, like, virtual wizard duels? Like, you versus someone else? That would be AMAZING.


Posted by yellowhippo Apr 21st 2007

I'm not sure how much stock you should put in the story about a Harry Potter Theme Park, because I read the article and it said that the book comes out 10 days after the movie. If they can't even get common knowledge straight, I'm a little skeptical on the big news.


Posted by browncoat Apr 21st 2007

dglaney, you say you don't really support the idea and hope it doesn't happen, yet you would go to the HP theme park. :P


Posted by Hp4booklover Apr 21st 2007

WOW this woudl be the coolest thin in the world and i woudl be there all the time. i think this is a great idea


Posted by deathcabforcutie Apr 21st 2007

that would be amazing! i live like 2 hours away from orlando, so i would definatly go all the time!


Posted by PotterLove06 Apr 21st 2007

OMG i am like soooooo terrfied of roller coasters and rides... but i guess i can tolerate a Harry Potter ride...actully no..actually..i'll just wait see what happens!


Posted by Fuzzykitten99 Apr 21st 2007

If this were to happen, I believe that the folks in charge of building the sets and designing costumes in the movies should be contracted to help build this park. They already know what to do and how it should look (the movies may not be exactly what many people imagine, but come on, they're pretty darn close as a whole), and the whole setting and mood. THEN... those who are hired as wizards and such, should be required to not only read all 7 books, but be quizzed on the fundamentals of the books, plots, subplots, and certain details. Yes, it may be a bit to go through just for a job, but those in charge of this venture (if it is more than a rumor) really do need to take into account, the closeness in which most of us fans hold these books to heart. Anything that even remotely reeks of 'cheez', will destroy the experience. I, for one, would love to visit the 'wizarding world' via a themepark, if it is pulled off as real, and detailed as possible. I think it would be kind of fun to have my favorite series literally come to life, even if the actual magic isn't real. Oh, and one other thing... if Steven Spielberg touches this, it will be totally destroyed. He is a good director, but he is obsessed with good visual effects and sacrifices true detail and plot. He should be kept far away from any kind of project like this.


Posted by Devonwood Apr 21st 2007

That's so amazing! I love IOA, and live in Orlando, so a Harry Potter theme park would be the coolest thing ever. Here's hoping they put in a Quidditch ride like the Flying Dumbos. XD


Posted by britishbelle Apr 21st 2007

1-I can't believe JKR would approve something as demeaning as making her books into rides. It's one thing to do that if you are a struggling writer, but its something else when you are on her level. The whole thing sounds ridiculous to be in the hands of Universal. 2-That being said, it could ultimately be done if it is done correctly. There has to remain a sense of magic. More lands than rides probably. I can't think rollarcoaster and Harry Potter. That sounds too stupid. Giant audioanimatronics of Voldemort jumping out as you go down a drop? Give me a break... 3-If it does happen, I will HATE to see it fall into the hands of Universal Studios. Disney has way more "magic" to make that work. Plus I refuse to go to Island of Adventures and the normal studios is so boring I haven't been in about 10 years. I've heard loads of rumours that Disney is going to be doing something with HP and they are building a new park soon, so I'm not sure. I have stock and so I got a paper with the plans for the 5th Orlando park. If HP does have to fall somewhere I hope it's in there. DIsney could do way more justice to the books, plus they have been playing Hedwigs Theme in MGM for a few years now and the workers are all confused because Disney is only allowed to use the music of movies that they hold the rights no (Disney Studios, MGM Studios, and ABC)...WB is not part of Disney, so the fact that the music has been there for a few years now makes me think something is in the works... I'm not far from Orlando though so if it happens I'll be there, but I'd be very VERY wary of it all... Those are just my thoughts on the matter...


Posted by PotterLove06 Apr 21st 2007

omg my fear of roller coasters has abandoned me. i just had like the best idea..there should be like a hippogriff ride or like a thng where you go through the floo network or flying the weasley's car! or even bettter PLAY QUIDDITCH!! AWESOME!! ok im getting carried away..


Posted by dangerousMuse Apr 21st 2007

OMG! HOW AMAZING WOULD THAT BE!! EKKKK I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IF IT ACTUALLY HAPPENS


Posted by vanishingact Apr 21st 2007

Harry... Potter... THEME PARK?!?!?! WTF? It's great and all... but in a way I feel like it's kinda...too much. Harry Potter's a big thing... but I feel like it's perverting the world of Harry Potter. Haven't they made enough money already? Besides, the movies already destroyed the series (in the sense that people will watch the movies instead of read the series), and I'd rather not see it become so...cheap. Ugh.


Posted by britishbelle Apr 21st 2007

BTW-here is a link with the concept art for the new Disney prak and rides... http://corpor ate.disney.go.com/investo rs/annual_reports/2006/in t/dint.html In case anyone is interested...here's hoping if anything it falls into the hands of Disney






Translate


MuggleNet is an unofficial Harry Potter fan site. Please email us if you have any questions or concerns. MuggleNet's original layouts were designed and created by Navy. All subsequent layouts by Dylan Spartz.

© 1999-2008 MuggleNet.com. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | COPPA Policy | Feedback | Credits
Random Addresses

1,298 muggles currently online


Poll
Who should win the case?

Updates
Today's Updates
· Updated weekly Caption Contest [May 11]
Recent Updates
· Added 21 book reviews to The Book Trolley [May 4]
· Updated weekly Caption Contest [May 4]
Mail

Quotes
Mark my words, the first words out of those poor petrified people's mouths will be 'It was Hagrid.' Frankly, I'm astounded Professor McGonagall thinks all these security measures are necessary.

Gilderoy Lockhart
Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16, Page 287

See Another Quote
Big News
(3/16) - MuggleCast #137: Tripping Over Curtains: The Jim Dale Story
(3/12) - Deathly Hallows split confirmed; David Yates to direct
(12/31) - Happy New Year!
(12/25) - MuggleNet presents the 2007 Year in Review
(12/13) - Amazon.com Revealed as Beedle the Bard Buyer (UPDATED)
(12/10) - Preview of 'JK Rowling... A Year in the Life'
Release Dates
Half-Blood Prince:
November 21, 2008
The Exhibition:
Spring 2009
Wizarding World:
Late 2009 - Early 2010
Deathly Hallows, Pt 1:
November 19, 2010
Deathly Hallows, Pt 2:
May 2011

Advertisement

More from BlogHer Advertise here BlogHer Privacy Policy



MuggleNet » Fan Site Award Winner