Harry Potter - The Theme Park

Multiple news sources are reporting today that Warner Brothers and Universal Orlando Resort are teaming up to create the world’s first Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. The park, scheduled to open in 2009, will concentrate on the three biggest locales in Harry’s world; Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade Village, and the Forbidden Forest. Among the attractions will of course be rides, but also restaurants and shops where things like Butter Beer, Pumpkin Juice and Fizzing Whizbees will be available for fans to try and enjoy. I have to admit, I’d probably be more likely to take my kids (should I have them someday) to Hogwarts than Disney.

In other Harry Potter news, Warner Brothers also announced today that the release date for “Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix” has been moved up from Friday, July 13, to Wednesday, July 11. No reason was given for the move, but one could surmise that Warner Bros. took one look at the four day numbers for “Spider-Man III” and “Pirates Of The Caribbean III” and were sold.

(Thanks to Stephanie H, and everyone else who sent me this news.)