Universal’s Islands of Adventure recently released details on its highly anticipated Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter island opening next year. Some of the finer details have been released however the park didn’t care to release the name, ride type, or any other details of the parks main attraction called “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” Infact, the park failed to acknowledge all together. However, that aside, lets take a look at what they did release.
The Flying Unicorn will be re-themed into a new Flying Hipogriff roller coaster where families can join in and have their own fun in this new area.
The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter will throw you into the world of the Harry Potter. Inspired by the books from J.K. Rowling, and the blockbuster movies, this new ‘land’ will consists of several shops, rides and scenery that all deal with the books. Most all the attractions, have a name and some other inner meaning that have a connection wtih the enchanting stories. Whymiscal concepts met with masterful technical design are sure to make this concept a hit.
Three Broomsticks will be a delicious british pub with exciting foods like Butterbeer and pumpkin juice. Delicious!
An exciting announcement is about the opening date of the land. Previously thought to open around Summer of next year, the designers excited enthusiasts by announcing that the area will instead open a season early. Check out the full image gallery here.
While I do like the fact that they are revealing details, it almost seems a bit to obvious that they are doing this to just run off some of the hype from the D23 Expo. Did it work? For me, no. I am honestly not excited about the Dragon Challenge, nor Flying Hipogriff as they are just the same attractions. While the shops do look fantastic, I can’t say I have a greater appreciation for them because I have not read the books.
What really turned me off was the lack of any details on the major attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (what a moutful). I was really hoping to get atleast some concept art about the attraction but little was revealed. So what was all announced? Some shops.
I am not doubting my opininon on the area as it looks fantastic but I was expecting the announcment itself to be much more. Do you agree? Leave your comments and park thoughts.