Amusement Parks fans.

[Lord_Stewie]

hey,

I want to show this in the main page but not sure where I could post it other than here.

So Amusement Parks fans, sure there is Cedar Point Ohio, Magic Kingdom Florida, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and now Universal Studios got a new thing going on.

Starting next year the new Harry Potter park will open in Universal Studios Florida.

Here is more about the theme:

Universal Orlando Resort (the folks who beckoned us with “Ride The Movies” and delivered with the Jaws, King-Kong and Back To The Future rides) will soon be expanding their Islands of Adventure park with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, set to open in the spring of 2010.

Polish your hand-widdled wands while reading the following press release, or feel free to skip to the videos in which the young stars of the Harry Potter movies chat about the park and a map (they missed the boat on little footsteps that say “You!”) with a virtual tour. The scholars and gentlemen over at Coming Soon provided us with the following press release:

From the front archway of Hogsmeade to the immensity of Hogwarts castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature the locations listed below:

At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station.
Across the way is Zonko’s, a joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes.
Honeydukes is next door and full of treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.

The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog’s Head pub will feature traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.
Across from the Three Broomsticks is The Owlery, where owls roost and await their next delivery.

The Owl Post sends letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and sells official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard.

Completing Hogsmeade is Dervish and Banges, the magical instruments and equipment shop featuring. Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls.

The first attraction, Dragon Challenge, features a twin high-speed roller coaster with many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament.
Next is Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle.
Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling new state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced.

Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods is full of Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches.
Said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment, who is also responsible for overseeing the Harry Potter brand team worldwide:

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is yet another way that fans will be able to experience and enjoy Harry Potter for many years to come,” said . “The power of this brand speaks for itself, as the enthusiasm of our dedicated fans around the world continues to grow even stronger as we move into the future.”

There is more to the press release (much more) if you want to head over to Coming Soon.

Is there any way these guys AREN’T gonna make a bajillion dollars off of this? Will you (and your family) be visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter next year?

So Fans of Amusement Parks what is your take on this?

For me I will be there with my family on opening day 100% and can't wait to check it out.

Enjoy.

[Lord_Stewie]

Also discuss anything regarding Amusement parks here.

The is the record 10 coasters. Of the 10 I rode 7 of them. all are awesome.

[Forrestandjen07]

Not a fan of HP , but that looks pretty cool

[BStecke]

Looks awesome, I'm a big Harry Potter nerd and I'll definitely check it out. Haven't been to IOA in a couple of years, even though it's a short drive.

I really miss Cedar Point. Growing up in Columbus and having relatives about 30 minutes from CP got me spoiled Then with Kings Island about the same distance in the other direction, I really didn't understand what I had. Disney and Universal (although Universal has its charm) just don't cut it compared to those two. I've ridden a couple on that list, including the Beast at Kings Island . . . I loved that ride. Everybody always talked up Mean Streak at Cedar Point, but I always preferred The Beast. Most of those Cedar Point coasters have opened since I moved. I need to go back before my bones are too old to take the rides

[assydingo]

I now have a reason to go back to Florida.

[mikejet]

I'll go in 2013 after the initial insane mass of people die down.

[Chordata]

Pretty big deal. It's been "front page" stuff on the Orlando Sentinel here for the last several days.

Universal needs a big boost (as does the entire area, really).

Hopefully it'll be a big enough draw.

[Deadset]

One ride I heard they closed down at Universal studios Islands of Adventure was the Dueling Dragons. I was there in 2008, it's a great park if anyone gets a chance to go.

As for the HP theme park, I've never seen the movies, but I'm sure it'll do well.

[Chordata]

Here's some more info, including more drawings and a map:

http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/

[HomeTheaterVirgin]

Originally Posted by assydingo

I now have a reason to go back to Florida.

Same here we went for our 1st vacation to Disney world and loved Soaring

[Lord_Stewie]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

One ride I heard they closed down at Universal studios Islands of Adventure was the Dueling Dragons. I was there in 2008, it's a great park if anyone gets a chance to go.

As for the HP theme park, I've never seen the movies, but I'm sure it'll do well.

They closed that down.

that ride was great. I was in Universal Studios on the last day for the King Kong ride, don't know what replaced it though.

[Lord_Stewie]

Originally Posted by BStecke

Looks awesome, I'm a big Harry Potter nerd and I'll definitely check it out. Haven't been to IOA in a couple of years, even though it's a short drive.

I really miss Cedar Point. Growing up in Columbus and having relatives about 30 minutes from CP got me spoiled Then with Kings Island about the same distance in the other direction, I really didn't understand what I had. Disney and Universal (although Universal has its charm) just don't cut it compared to those two. I've ridden a couple on that list, including the Beast at Kings Island . . . I loved that ride. Everybody always talked up Mean Streak at Cedar Point, but I always preferred The Beast. Most of those Cedar Point coasters have opened since I moved. I need to go back before my bones are too old to take the rides

lol I was just in Cedar Point, great park. I hate the waiting though. The next time you go there check out the Maverick ride.

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by shadblz

They closed that down.

that ride was great. I was in Universal Studios on the last day for the King Kong ride, don't know what replaced it though.

Pretty sure the Mummy ride replaced it.

No more BTTF ride, either.

[Lord_Stewie]

Originally Posted by O_V_N

Pretty sure the Mummy ride replaced it.

No more BTTF ride, either.

I found out about the BTTF ride just recently this summer. I enjoyed it, i thought it was awesome. I will be going there this coming summer so I am looking forward to the fun.

Any idea what they replaced the BTTF with?

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by shadblz

I found out about the BTTF ride just recently this summer. I enjoyed it, i thought it was awesome. I will be going there this coming summer so I am looking forward to the fun.

"This coming summer"? Dude summer just ended! LOL

[Lord_Stewie]

Originally Posted by mikejet

I'll go in 2013 after the initial insane mass of people die down.

you have to be one patient person.

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by mikejet

I'll go in 2013 after the initial insane mass of people die down.

In this economy, in Orlando, and at Universal in particular, I can guarantee you that a few months after opening will be good enough.

Going to the parks off-season here is key. Virtually no lines.

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by shadblz

They closed that down.

that ride was great. I was in Universal Studios on the last day for the King Kong ride, don't know what replaced it though.

I believe so, I don't live there, but I was talking to some people at the park and they already knew / heard rumors about it. We did the re-ride line to hit both fire and then ice.

Last year I spent 5 days hitting disney/universal. You guys got it pretty good down there! I'm heading back to orlando (for business) in May of next year, this time my wife will get to go and we are going back to disney. Staying at the Caribe Royale Orlando. can't wait!

[LeAnn]

YAY!!! Now I must plan a trip! Good thing it is only a couple of hours away.

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

I believe so, I don't live there, but I was talking to some people at the park and they already knew / heard rumors about it. We did the re-ride line to hit both fire and then ice.

Last year I spent 5 days hitting disney/universal. You guys got it pretty good down there! I'm heading back to orlando (for business) in May of next year, this time my wife will get to go and we are going back to disney. Staying at the Caribe Royale Orlando. can't wait!

It's a nice perk living here with the parks. For example, I can buy a ticket to Sea World on January 1, and then go for free the rest of the year.

We're going in a few weeks again, which will be the third time this year. (My kids love it).