Universal Orlando recently announced plans to add a new section to Islands of Adventure theme park based on the popular Harry Potter book franchise.

The new area, called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will be based on landscapes and buildings from the books that will include the village of Hogsmeade, the scary Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts School for Witchcraft & Wizardry. Set to open in 2009, the section will feature immersive rides, interactive attractions, themed merchandise shops and restaurants.

Based on the fact that literally everyone I know has read at least one Harry Potter book, this ought to be a huge win for Universal, especially since Potter fans range in age from kids to grandparents. I can only imagine how crowded (with Muggles) this new section of the theme park will be when it opens. I’ll definitely be in line!

I think it’s a great step on Universal’s part to recruit some of the people who created the sets for the film to work on the area’s designs. If they’re really going to turn this imaginary wizarding world into reality, they’re spending the bucks to do it right.

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