Next year, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure is set to open The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s taking over a portion of the Lost Continent section of the park as well as a plot of land that was previously unused. It will include locations from the books and films including Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forrest, and Hogwarts Castle. It is being described as a “$200 million-plus theme park within a theme park.”
Details on the new land within Islands of Adventure have been scarce and contractors working on the project have been required to sign confidentiality agreements. The Orlando Sentinel has uncovered some new information about the section’s signature attraction.
Several people familiar with the project, including one person directly involved, said the ride will be what’s known as a “robocoaster” — a ride system in which guests sit in seats suspended from a robotic arm that can swivel and swoop in multiple directions while it advances along a track.
Plans show the track snaking through more than a dozen scenes, though what those scenes will be remains a mystery. The attraction, according to the people familiar with it, will also feature an elaborate pre-show queue with special effects such as floating candles and snow falling indoors. – Orlando Sentinel
The Orlando Sentinel also shared that their inside source thinks that the Flying Unicorn and Dueling Dragons roller coasters may be re-themed to fit into the Wizarding World.
I’m not that familiar with the books but I’ve seen movies 3 through 5 and I enjoyed them. I would think that a dark ride-like experience would lend itself well to the series. The actors recently mentioned that they had been doing some work for the new section so they may have been shooting scenes for this ride. It looks like Universal is putting a lot into this huge, expensive project. I’m sure it will be impressive as I was reminded just how great the theming is at the Universal parks on my recent visit.
What’s Your Take?
Are you excited about the new Harry Potter land within Islands of Adventure? What do you think about the rumored dark ride-robocoaster? Leave a comment below.