It's beginning to look a lot like Hogwarts.
Universal Orlando announced new details last week about its newest themed area in Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The section's official opening will be June 18, it was announced, and with it came news of a new ride at the park: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
In the ride, muggles (or non-wizarding people) will be able to step into Hogwarts for the first time. The queue before the ride is said to be as visually intricate as the ride itself; visitors will walk around sets modeled after scenes from the Harry Potter movies and books, including, but not limited to, a room of talking portraits, the Hogwarts greenhouses, the Gryffindor common room, and eventually Dumbledore's office.
Kati Tedder, freshman applied mathematics major, said that she will be there the day it opens. While she is a little disappointed that it is taking longer than originally planned, Tedder said that it is worth the wait.
"I'd rather wait [longer] for it to open so it will be complete, rather than some half-done thing they will try to do at the last minute," Tedder said.
As for the first thing she'll do when the park opens?
"Scream loudly, then take the time to take it all in. I want to go to the Owlrey and send my sister a letter from the park."
The Wizarding World will be located between the already open Jurassic Park and the Lost Continent. Visitors to the park will be able to walk through the village of Hogsmeade, where they can visit shops inspired by the books and movies such as the Three Broomsticks, Ollivander's Wand Shop and Honeydukes.
Rides in the section include Flight of the Hippogriff and the Dragon's Challenge roller coasters, which are updated versions of the Flying Unicorn and Dueling Dragons.
According to a sneak peek report by Eric Scull posted on the Harry Potter fan site Mugglenet.com, riders will then meet up with Harry, Ron and Hermione, who will convince the park-goers to skip a particularly boring class in favor of a Quidditch match. The ride itself, however, is still kept under wraps.
Scull got an opportunity to taste some of the food that will be featured in the Wizarding World. The main restaurant, Three Broomsticks, will feature a variety of British and European dishes including shepherd's pie, fish and chips, Cornish pasties and leek soup, as well as chicken, ribs and corn. Large parties will have the opportunity to order "The Big Feast," a family-style platter that will include half chickens, ribs, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob and salad.
For drinks, Potter-inspired beverages like the non-alcoholic butterbeer and pumpkin juice will be available. The butterbeer will also come in a slushy form and has been taste approved by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.
Katie Land, sophomore film student, is excited for the new addition, and said she wants to try to work in the park when it opens.
"It's a great idea because Harry Potter is the new cult film of this century," Land said. "I think the park will make a lot of money when it opens."
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