The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Now Open at Universal's Islands of Adventure

[Chris]

Screamscape:

It is true that there is a real snow effect in Potterville, USA. Dale Mason (President of Universal Creative) was warned that it's quite slippery, disregarded that warning, climbed on a pile of it, slipped, broke his arm. Do you even say "Whoops" in a situation like that?

[Tomas]

Screamscape:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - (1/7/10) I’d be surprised if this date holds true, but we’ve heard March 1st mentioned as a possible date to open the new Harry Potter ride. Considers that this is less than 2 months away… I just don’t see it happening until closer to April. That said… we have heard that the ride system inside Hogwarts Castle is installed and functional, however all of the scenery and special effects still need to be installed, programmed and tested extensively before we’ll see the ride open.
While we’re talking about the ride itself… I think it’s time we start to find out a bit more about just what we can expect to take place inside. For starters… I’ve heard that your ride experience will begin and end with an interesting little effect that will transport you through the use of the Floo Network, a giant fireplace and green flames.

[Chris]

Screamscape:

March 1 is not the internal date they are shooting for. My understanding is there is also question as to whether or not they can reach the actual date they have in mind.

[Figment1986]

March 1 is not the internal date they are shooting for. My understanding is there is also question as to whether or not they can reach the actual date they have in mind.

is this date just for hogsmead or everything... as it appears if they push like they have been hogsmead could be ready late winter early spring...

[Chris]

is this date just for hogsmead or everything... as it appears if they push like they have been hogsmead could be ready late winter early spring...

Some people think everything. Those people are not the ones working on the ride, naturally.

[Chris]

AI was on site to take some photos of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's construction progress yesterday afternoon. Here's a few preview shots-






Most concerning is that the above image is what is clearly visible from within Jurassic Park.


Madam Pomfrey's greenhouse is beginning to take shape at the base of the mountain. This will be part of the attraction's queue.




The full gallery of more than twenty new photos can be found here.

[Tomas]

Nice pictures...It is troubling that you can see that much from JP.

[Chris]

Nice pictures...It is troubling that you can see that much from JP.

I had intended to ride River Adventure to snap a photo of how Hogwarts intrudes on the ride's site lines, but being in the 40's at the time, I didn't think it a good idea. I'll try to do that soon though. I'm personally interested in seeing it beyond just for a site update.

[Tomas]

I had intended to ride River Adventure to snap a photo of how Hogwarts intrudes on the ride's site lines, but being in the 40's at the time, I didn't think it a good idea. I'll try to do that soon though. I'm personally interested in seeing it beyond just for a site update.

I rode it in december, I couldn't see it from the boat, but maybe because I was not looking for it.

[Chris]

I rode it in december, I couldn't see it from the boat, but maybe because I was not looking for it.

Given it's placement, you wouldn't have to look for it. It will be deadcenter in your sightline going up the first lift. Hopefully they took care of it with plants and tree cover.